ARCHETYPAL CHARACTERS IN CONTEMPORARY DETECTIVE FICTION: ROBERT GALBRAITH’S THE CUCKOO’S CALLING

Abstract

This article investigates the role of archetypes in contemporary detective fiction through a case study of Robert Galbraith’s The Cuckoo’s Calling. Archetypes are understood as universal models of character, situation, and symbolism that have shaped storytelling across cultures and historical periods. While their persistence has long been recognized in psychology and literary theory, their transformation within specific genres has not been sufficiently explored. The article clarifies theoretical distinctions between archetypes, stock characters, clichés, stereotypes, and tropes in order to avoid conceptual overlap and to provide a clearer framework for literary analysis. The analysis demonstrates how detective fiction relies on recurring figures such as the shrewd detective, the sidekick, the cunning criminal, and the innocent victim, alongside symbolic archetypes. Galbraith’s novel illustrates both continuity with these traditions and subtle innovation. Cormoran Strike adapts the detective archetype by combining professional competence with personal vulnerability, while Robin Ellacott redefines the assistant role as an active and evolving partner. The victim figure of Lula Landry operates on both an individual and symbolic level, exposing systemic pressures within the fashion industry and emphasizing the link between personal tragedy and wider social context. By examining these adaptations, the article highlights how archetypes provide stability and recognition while also enabling renewal. Their use in detective fiction not only maintains reader engagement but also ensures that the genre continues to reflect contemporary concerns, combining the familiarity of tradition with the creativity of innovation.