In literary terms, if a character is depicted as a clever rogue, what term best describes their archetype?

The term that best describes a character depicted as a clever rogue is "picaresque." This archetype originates from a genre of fiction that features a protagonist who is usually of low social class and engages in a series of adventures that often involve trickery, wit, and a morally ambiguous outlook on life. Picaresque characters are often charming and able to navigate through various challenges using their cleverness, which perfectly aligns with the notion of a rogue.

In contrast, the other terms do not encapsulate the essence of a clever rogue. "Phlegmatic" refers to a temperament that is calm or lethargic, which does not match the vivacity typically associated with a rogue. "Peremptory" describes someone who is commanding or imperious, lacking the playful cunning of a rogue. "Philistine" generally refers to someone who is indifferent to culture and the arts, which again does not resonate with the characteristics of cleverness and roguish charm. Thus, "picaresque" is the term that accurately captures the archetype in question.