k-frances:
Character Archetypes
Here is the first post I did on archetypes in which I explain what...
Character Archetypes
Here is the first post I did on archetypes in which I explain what they are and how to best use them in your own writing. Following is a list of common character archetypes for your perusal.
The Hero: This is probably exactly what you think. This character is always the protagonist. They are ‘the chosen one’ who is born special, or cursed, or just different. They are destined for greatness, but they will face endless hardships. They are brave, courageous, and valiant. They are the typical good guy who saves the kingdom and lives happily ever after.
The Initiate: Often found in a set of ‘Initiates’ this character has to undergo some kind of induction before they can face their quest. Think training, ceremony, or some formal bench marker that states ‘you are ready for X challenge’ where X challenge is the large or main plot to the story
The Mentor: They are a teacher to the main character. The Mentor is usually older, and is wiser in some way that is relevant to the protagonists quest. They are also a moral guidance for the protagonist and attempts to point them in the right direction both literally and in a ‘good vs. evil’ sort of way.
Hunting Group of Companions: The origin of this is obvious, but the point is they are a group of hardy-type characters that always have each others backs. They have been through many hardships and will gladly face more together because that is just their way of life. The archetype is obviously based on the ‘hunting party’ but could be a band of pirates, mercenaries, traveling merchants, you name it.
Friendly Beast: Think animal companion to the protagonist for this archetype. The Friendly Beast serves a duel purpose of being a side kick as well as a way to show that the protagonist (the goodest of good guys) is on the side of nature/nature is on his side because evil is unnatural.
The Devil Figure: Usually the antagonist, this is a pure evil bad guy that dons’t need motivation or reason for the things they are doing, they are just pure evil.
The Devil Figure with a Good Heart: Usually the antagonist, this bad guy isn’t actually evil or isn’t all evil. They are swayed away from evil by love for the protagonist.
The Creature Of Nightmare: This is an evil creature that comes from the darkest, evilest parts of the human psyche. It is literally a thing of nightmares and has the shape of human but in some way perverted.
The Outcast: This character is cast out for some reason that could be their fault or not their fault. They are destined to wander, an outcast-literally.
Damsel in Distress: You know what this is. Please don’t write one of these unless you have a damn good reason
The Earth Mother: A woman who provides psychological and physical nourishment to other characters. There is spirituality/magic implied here. She appears healthy in figure (for child bearing) and his motherly to all.
Block Goddess [Temptress]: This is traditionally a woman but could easily be male. This character is very sexually appealing in a dangerous [bad boy- hello] sort of way. This character leads the protagonist to their down fall and is often some evil form of human like a vampire or a god.
The Unfaithful Wife: A woman bored of her husband so she cheats on him with more interesting men.
No comments have been added yet.
