Everyman

Everyman is a stock character and archetype used in literature, drama, and film to represent the ordinary, average person. The term denotes a relatable, non-heroic figure through whom audiences can see themselves and reflect on ordinary concerns such as work, family, morality, and mortality. Unlike specialized or exceptional characters, the everyman is defined by common humanity rather than extraordinary talents or status.

In medieval drama, the character Everyman is the central figure in a late 15th-century English morality play of the same name. The play follows Everyman as he is summoned by Death and must account for his life before God. Along the way he is joined by allegorical figures such as Goods, Fellowship, Kindred, Beauty, Strength, and Knowledge. Most abandon him, but Good Deeds remains and ultimately helps ensure his salvation. The play uses this journey to explore universal moral themes and the accountability of all people, regardless of social rank.

As a literary and theatrical device, the everyman serves to ground complex situations in familiar human experience. In modern works, the character is often employed to examine social realities, everyday ethics, and the pressures of contemporary life. The concept also expands into gendered forms like everywoman, acknowledging that ordinary experiences are shared across genders and cultures.

Critics note that the everyman can risk flattening individuality or reinforcing stereotypes of homogeneity. When used thoughtfully, however, it can illuminate common human questions and foster empathy by highlighting ordinary lives and common challenges.