Explores the most common male and female archetypes, then provides instructions for using them as a foundation to create original and exciting char...
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reviews
Apr 29, 2008
Karey
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Great books are what they are, largely due to strong character archetypes. This book is a phenomenal classroom in your lap for learning all about archetypes and what kinds of character archetypes they need to be put with in order for the main character to grow.
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Jan 09, 2010
Tez
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In 2008 or earlier, I learned that character arcs were troublesome for me. In 2009, I requested titles of craft books that might help me, and Victoria Lynn Schmidt's 45 Master Characters is a gem. It explains the difference between stereotypes (cardboard cut-outs) and archetypes (realistic characters), going into detail about the traits and flaws of each of the 45 archetypes, as well as examples. However, I don't read classics, I watch only a few movies a year (if that), and my TV tastes are mos
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Jan 19, 2010
Julie
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I've been making all sorts of notes from this book before I return it. So it's rather overdue at the library it came from. Whoops. I'm thinking I maybe should buy a copy for myself.
It lists a bunch of archetypes, male and female, that characters can fall into. I think it may prove helpful in thinking about characters. Do my characters fall into these archetypes? Sometimes. Usually not completely. Do I fall into one of the archetypes? No. Thankfully not. I see myself in several of the More...
It lists a bunch of archetypes, male and female, that characters can fall into. I think it may prove helpful in thinking about characters. Do my characters fall into these archetypes? Sometimes. Usually not completely. Do I fall into one of the archetypes? No. Thankfully not. I see myself in several of the More...
Nov 29, 2010
earthy
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Some definite editing problems, but since the idea of crafting stories based on mythology/archetypes has been my obsession lately, I found this book really interesting and useful. I imagine you'd have to take these structure and character suggestions with a grain of salt--after all, each story has its own needs, so you can't just plug into any old formula and magically come up with a novel--but the guidance here is definitely intriguing. The weirdest thing was realizing that I use a lot of the
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Jul 06, 2008
Kathrynn
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Great ideas to help create well rounded, 3-dimensional characters. The author begins by telling the story of the writer who starts out gung-ho on a story, until page 30, when the plot seems to go astray. She explains, with examples, how it may not be the plot, per se, but the character(s). I enjoyed reading examples of how to first DRAW a character, then color them in. Nice ideas.
The book talks a lot about "archetype" which (to paraphrase the author) is the blueprint f More...
The book talks a lot about "archetype" which (to paraphrase the author) is the blueprint f More...
Dec 13, 2011
CarrieMae
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Checked this out during NaNoWriMo and now I want a personal copy. Interesting but straightforward look at character archetypes, both feminine and masculine. I particularly liked the comparisons of the feminine and masculine "journey."
This book has made discussions of books and movies between my husband and me a little more interesting lately, as we are enjoying breaking down story strengths and weakness by delving into the points covered in this book.
This book has made discussions of books and movies between my husband and me a little more interesting lately, as we are enjoying breaking down story strengths and weakness by delving into the points covered in this book.
Jan 29, 2012
Katrina
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This was a great reference for anyone interested in writing or archetypes. It was simple and relevant. I didn't love Schmidt's writing style. There were lots of run-on sentences and redundant wording. It threw me off a little bit. However, the ideas were clear and interesting. I could make clear parallels between the archetypes she explored and other characters I already know and love. I thought it was pretty good.
Aug 05, 2011
C. Teresina
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A great book to use as a starting point for various types of characters. It uses lots of examples from popular works including movies and other books to help you understand. It's worth buying to use as a launching pad for creating characters and developing them. It's full of archetypes that have endured for decades.
Jun 14, 2009
April
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This is an interesting book, and I have gone back to it quite a few times as reference material, to help me build my own characters and understand my characters in my own writing. It also helps you to understand the people in your life. You will find that everyone, just about, fits into these 45 master characters.
May 06, 2011
Joanne
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This book was recommended and I'm so glad I bought it. I've been wanting to add some depth to my characters and this "how-to" book was exactly what I needed. It's easy to read and soooo helpful. I'd recommend it to aspiring writers but perhaps not for newies.
Sep 19, 2011
Philip
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Clear and complete descriptions of various archetypes (psychological, story, etc) that I continue to use with almost every project. Also, a concise outline of both feminine and masculine heroic journeys -- not to be sniffed at.
Dec 03, 2010
Lyra
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I think this is an excellent book once a rough draft is written. It would definitely help a new writer from having all their characters seem the same and give veteran writers ideas for new twists on characters
Jun 23, 2010
Gwen
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Helpful, but if Schmidt were a Christian, it would add huge depth to her analysis of story and character.
Dec 17, 2009
Erinina Marie
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I read the first chapter of this book of character profiles (the seductive muse) and started having panic attacks about what it said about my own character...once I realized that we, as actual human beings, can change/adapt and even carry elements of more than one archetype; I found the book incredibly enlightening as a writer and a director. This is a great tool, paired with a good book about plot. This books basic summary of the two character journeys is not as complete as it could be.
Apr 24, 2011
Candese
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Very helpful easy to read book on different arch types. I found the definition of the male versus female heroic journey very useful.
Jan 04, 2008
Ron
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I really enjoyed how the character types were explained and it was great to have female and male types to consider. It was written in rather engaging prose which is always nice. The numerous examples of each type of character really helped me visual the characters as well. Well done.
Jan 21, 2008
Sarai
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This book is very helpful when attempting to find motivations for your characters. I am kicking my self in the arse for not buying it sooner. It would have saved a lot of headaches for me. I highly suggest this book for people interested in writing 3D characters.
Apr 28, 2008
Bayu
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Useful book for creating character in stories, taken from famous mythical person / entities to create an original character. Included also famous traits, like and dislikes, etc. to help construct a consistent and solid character.
Aug 16, 2007
Ensley
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Not bad, good stuff for understanding standard story arcs in books and films with examples
May 03, 2008
I ordered this book as it came Highly recommended By K. R. Kingsworthy.
Feb 12, 2012
