i'm not positive that basing a circle of friends on particular archetypes is a helpful approach, to be entire honest. being a good friend is less about whatever archetype a person fits and more about the person's values, how they treat other people, the shared bond and shared experiences.
sociology does seem to feel there are certain archetypes likely to be present in any group, however, so a more helpful exercise might be to figure out which of these might exist in your group and how that particular function translates. some of the common ones are:
the cosmopolitan - this is the "worldly experience smart" person in the group. they have a lot of functional knowledge regarding people and places. they've been all over the place and have done a lot of things in their young lives, so they've earned the perspective to match. this is the friend who knows how to get anywhere in the city via public transportation and knows all the best and worst parts of town. they have the inside scoop on who and where to go to for what. they know all hidden gems among restaurants, shops, and hang out spots. if you wanted to plan a post-graduation backpacking trip across europe, they would have loads of recommendations on where to go and what to see.
the smarty pants - this is the academically smart one, the one you go to for help with your calculus homework, or ask to read your essay on the problematic aspects of mark twain. this is the friend with perfect grades/marks, probably the valedictorian or other honorary title, who has (or will have) scholarships to anywhere they want to go.
the oracle sage - this the really mature friend who has lived a life full of diverse personal experiences. they've been in a lot of relationships, maybe even a few with older people, they were probably the first in the group to lose their virginity and try alcohol. they've endured break-ups, parental divorce, sibling rivalry, friend fights, one-sided crushes, pregnancy scares, helped friends through depression and other situations–they're wise in experience and they're the best person to go to for advice.
the goof-off - this is the fun friend, the class clown, the one always trying to make everyone laugh. you're 100% sure they'll either become a famous stand-up comedian or end up on the cast of saturday night love.
the best bestie - of all your friends, this is the one you're closest to. you've been friends a long time–or if not, it seems like you have–and you've been through a lot together. you're each others greatest confidant and biggest supporter and motivator. you tell each other everything and know each other's deepest secrets.
the troublemaker - this is the friend who's going to get you arrested if you're not careful. they're the poster child for "peer pressure," they use lies and subterfuge to get you to show up at parties where the cops will definitely show up, you've seen them shoplift, and when they have cash you know they stole it out of their mom's wallet. sometimes you wonder why you stay friends with this person, but there's always a reason you can't shake them loose.
the negative nelly - this friend is the complainer of the group. they're always mad or unhappy about something. nothing's ever good enough for them. they're always getting into arguments with others, stomping off in a tizzy, and composing angry letters to corporate customer service departments. again, you're not always sure why you stay friends with this person, but you do.
the mother hen - this one's the "mom" of the group (and can apply to anyone, not just females), thus illustrated by their constant concern for everyone's health and well-being. if you didn't eat all of your lunch, they notice. if you've gained or lost weight, they notice. if you're looking a little sickly, they offer to walk you to the nurse's office. if you forgot your lunch money, they're the first to hand you five dollars or offer to share their own lunch.
these are just random ones i've seen and experienced.
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