Varjohahmo

Varjohahmo is a Finnish term used in literary and media criticism to describe a character who embodies the protagonist's shadow—hidden aspects such as fears, desires, or moral conflicts. The term comes from varjo (shadow) and hahmo (character). It is commonly used in Finnish-language discussions of narrative structure and character development.

A varjohahmo may appear as a distinct figure within the story, sometimes as a mysterious stranger, a mirror-image antagonist, or a mentor with ambiguous motives. It can also manifest as an inner voice, dream, or apparition that externalizes internal conflict.

Functions: It externalizes internal processes, creates tension, and foreshadows decisions; it can challenge the protagonist's self-image or catalyze growth by forcing confrontations with unacceptable truths.

Relation to psychology: The concept parallels the Jungian shadow archetype, but in literary criticism it is treated as a narrative device rather than a formal psychological category.

Usage: The label is used by scholars and reviewers to discuss how characters reflect each other, how power dynamics shift, and how themes such as identity, guilt, and responsibility are explored. While not a formal genre term, varjohahmo is a helpful descriptive tool in Finnish criticism for analyzing character dynamics.