Adjective for serving as a typical example, validity of exemplative

Question

I want an adjective that describes a noun as something that serves as an example of something.

I viewed this ESE discussion but I feel that exemplary doesn't suffice, because it implies bias approval. Like if I used it in a sentence like:

Joe is an exemplary citizen

It doesn't imply that Joe is a typical or representative citizen, it implies that he's a great one that people should model themselves after.

I think that exemplative is a great word. Especially for the context I wish to use it in, which is something like:

Her work is an exemplative narrative on this particular subject

However my concern is that when I searched for the definition of exemplative, there were open content sources such as Wiktionary definitions for it. So is it a valid and proper word that I can use or should I look to another adjective? If so what?

Thank you all for your help.

Charon · Accepted Answer

I think that archetypal is neutral.

very typical of a certain kind of person or thing. "the archetypal country doctor"

OED
I also think that in some contexts the word canonical would suit your needs. It doesn't exactly carry a connotation of quality or approval, but does mean that the subject is considered standard or orthodox. A canonical example often refers to a standard or classic example in a particular discipline.

Conforming to orthodox or well-established rules or patterns, as of procedure.

TFD

(of an artist or work) belonging to the literary or artistic canon. "canonical writers like Jane Austen"

according to recognized rules or scientific laws. "canonical nucleotide sequences"

OED
There is more discussion about its use here: What does "canonical" mean?

CDM · Answer

Personally, I think standard is as neutral as it gets. The word can mean average, usual or typical, but it can also mean up to standards. So, to me at least, it doesn't carry the same negative connotations as average or typical.

dictionary.com definition
adjective
usual, common, or customary

Her work is a standard narrative on this particular subject.

Adjective for serving as a typical example, validity of exemplative

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