Continuing on from the previous post on characters, now we’ll look at character archetypes. So if you’ve ever struggled with creating compelling characters or felt like your cast was lacking depth and variety, this is the topic for you. By understanding and effectively utilising character archetypes, you can breathe life into your story and bring multiple perspectives to your storytelling.
First things first: what are character archetypes? In simple terms, they’re universal patterns or roles that recur in literature, myths, and folklore. They represent a particular type of person who embodies certain traits and behaviours associated with their role. By identifying these core traits and motivations, you can align them with an archetype to add depth and nuance to your characters.
Now let’s take a look at some common character archetypes:
- The Hero – Protagonist of the story who faces challenges and overcomes adversity through courage and determination. Examples include Harry Potter, Frodo Baggins, and Katniss Everdeen.
- The Mentor – A wise guide or teacher who helps the hero on their journey. Examples include Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings and Morpheus from The Matrix.
- The Rebel – Often defies authority and societal norms, fighting for what they believe in. Examples include Han Solo from Star Wars and Tris Prior from Divergent.
- The Lover – A character driven by passion and desire, often involved in romantic relationships or pursuits. Examples include Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice and Edward Cullen from Twilight.
- The Fool – Often impulsive and carefree, they can bring a sense of humour to the story but may also face consequences for their actions. Examples include Bottom from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Forrest Gump.
- The Magician – Possesses mysterious powers or knowledge that sets them apart from others. Examples include Dumbledore from Harry Potter and Merlin from Arthurian legend.
- The Caregiver – Nurturing, compassionate characters who put the needs of others before their own. Examples include Mary Poppins and Mother Teresa.
- The Jester – A character who brings humour to a story through wit or practical jokes. Examples include Puck from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones.
- The Sage – Wise, knowledgeable characters who often serve as advisers or experts in their field. Examples include Sherlock Holmes and Professor Xavier from the X-Men series.
- The Innocent – A character who embodies purity and goodness, often naive to the harsh realities of the world. Examples include Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz and Alice from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
- The Explorer – Curious, adventurous characters driven by a desire for discovery or knowledge. Examples include Indiana Jones and Christopher Columbus.
- The Creator – Artistic, imaginative characters who are often deeply connected to their creative pursuits. Examples include Vincent van Gogh in Loving Vincent and Jo March from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.
So lets look at some of them in greater detail.
The archetypes in greater detail
1. The Hero or Protagonist archetype
You know how sometimes when you’re watching a film or reading a book, there’s that one character who just stands out? They’re the ones who are usually trying to achieve something big, overcoming challenges and learning along the way. That’s our Hero/Protagonist archetype!
The Hero is often the main character in a story, driving the plot forward with their actions and decisions. They have a clear goal or objective that they need to accomplish, which usually involves some kind of journey – both literal and metaphorical. This journey can be physical (like travelling across a land) or emotional (overcoming personal fears or flaws).
Heroes are typically seen as noble characters who fight for what’s right, even if it means making difficult choices or sacrificing themselves. They often have to confront their own weaknesses and flaws in order to grow and become the person needed to achieve their goal. This growth is important because it makes them relatable to readers/viewers – we all face our struggles and can learn from how they handle theirs.
In many stories, the Hero’s success or failure determines the outcome of the story. Their decisions can lead to a happy ending or tragic results, making us invest emotionally in their journey.
Remember though, every hero is different! They don’t all have to be brave and selfless like Superman. Some heroes are flawed and make mistakes (think Harry Potter or Katniss Everdeen), but they still learn from these experiences and grow as characters. The key with the Hero archetype is that they must undergo a transformative journey, learning and growing throughout their story.
2. The Mentor archetype
The Mentor archetype is a character who guides and teaches the hero throughout their journey. They come in various forms but serve a crucial purpose by equipping the hero with knowledge, skills, and encouragement to overcome future conflicts or make wise decisions about their flaws. Mentors can be found across different genres, not just fantasy or sci-fi novels – they’re often older characters with some mystical quality that gives them transcendental wisdom.
To innovate the Mentor archetype, consider having multiple mentors with diverse areas of expertise, or even have your hero take on a mentoring role for another character later in the story. Ensure you incorporate key scenes and moments that showcase the guidance and impact of the mentor on the hero’s journey – offering crucial insights during times of crisis or providing emotional support when needed.
Remember to avoid falling into tropes like the “wise old bearded man” by making your Mentor questionable in judgement, transforming them into a Shadow figure, or giving them a symbolic balance between physical frailty and spiritual maturity. This can create depth and unique perspectives for your story’s mentoring role.
3. The Rebel or Outlaw archetype
The Rebel, also known as the Outlaw or Revolutionary, is a character who challenges authority and defies the status quo. They are independent thinkers with strong convictions, striving for change through their unique skills and persistence. Strengths include being self-reliant and determined to achieve their goals, often at great personal risk. However, this can also make them self-involved and may push them towards criminal activity if they lack the resources or support needed to succeed in their endeavours. Examples of Rebel characters include Katniss from The Hunger Games, Robin Hood, Sirius Black from Harry Potter, and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde as she takes on the legal system. In stories, these characters often create conflict with other archetypes like the Ruler or the Hero, leading to dramatic situations that showcase their determination and resolve.
4. The Lover archetype
The Lover archetype is all about love, romance, and emotional connections. They’re driven by their feelings and the desire to find and maintain meaningful relationships with others. The strengths of a Lover character include kindness, empathy, and being deeply in touch with their emotions. However, they can also have flaws such as putting others’ needs above their own or being vulnerable to deceit or betrayal due to their trusting nature. Think of characters like Romeo from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet or Anastasia Steele from the Fifty Shades series, who are deeply invested in their romantic relationships and let their emotions guide them through various situations.
5. The Fool or Simpleton archetype
The Fool or Simpleton archetype is a light-hearted, humorous character who often serves as the sidekick or companion to the main protagonist. They possess qualities of both a jokester and wise old soul, providing entertainment and insight in their own unique way. The fool can diffuse conflicts by replacing anger with laughter, entertain others with satisfying or distracting company, and offer truths through humour that kings and paupers alike might overlook.
In stories like Shakespeare’s plays, the Fool is a character who sees the truth of situations and communicates it to various characters due to their light approach. They can help diffuse tension and conflict by replacing anger with laughter, providing comic relief in serious moments. The fool archetype often has no consistent traits as they are a shadow version of the hero, adapting based on the strengths and weaknesses of the main character.
The Fool is usually male but not always; there are exceptions like female characters who play this role. They invite others to discover their own inner fool, reminding them to be truly themselves instead of conforming to societal expectations or false personas they’ve become. The fool can help the protagonist find balance and harmony in a world filled with conflict and strife by offering wisdom through humour and laughter.
In summary, the Fool archetype is an essential character who provides comic relief, insightful truths, and a light-hearted perspective to stories. They serve as sidekicks or companions to main characters, helping them find balance and harmony amidst conflict and chaos. Their unique blend of humour and wisdom makes them a beloved character in many tales throughout history.
6. The Magician or Wizard archetype
The Magician or Wizard archetype is a character who possesses significant knowledge or wields ancient power. They’re often crucial to achieving difficult goals in a story and their main strength lies in having access to the “secrets of the universe” while being disciplined enough to harness that power effectively. However, they can sometimes be arrogant which may lead to unintended consequences or even corruption due to their power. Characters like Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings and Prospero from The Tempest are examples of this archetype. Sherlock Holmes could also fit into this category although his skills are more cerebral than supernatural. This archetype can also be referred to as the Wizard or Sage, among other names.
7. The Caregiver or Nurturer archetype
The Caregiver, also known as the Nurturer or Mother Figure, is a character archetype that plays an essential role in supporting and caring for others. They are often found in roles such as spouses, best friends, parents, or guardians but can be of any gender. The main strength of this archetype lies in their selflessness, putting the needs of others before their own while expecting little in return. Caregivers exhibit loyalty and a strong focus on honour.
While they may lack leadership skills or personal ambition, characters like Samwise from The Lord of the Rings, Mary Poppins, and Miss Honey from Matilda showcase the essence of The Caregiver archetype. They can also be described as saints, helpers, or supporters in a story. Understanding these character types helps create more believable and relatable characters that readers will connect with on an emotional level. Remember, not all characters fit neatly into boxes; they may combine traits from various archetypes to make them unique and compelling within your narrative.
8. The Jester or Clown archetype
The Jester or Clown archetype is all about humour, wit, and lightheartedness. They bring laughter and levity to the story, often providing comic relief during intense moments. Think of characters like Puck from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, George Weasley from Harry Potter, or Joey from Friends. Strengths of a Jester character include their ability to make people laugh and lighten the mood, as well as offering important truths in an accessible way. They are often loved by readers but can also be seen as superficial due to their humorous nature. The main weakness of this archetype comes from this potential for superficiality or becoming a time-waster. Jesters can also have the unique ability to diffuse conflict and tension with humour, making them valuable characters in any story.
9. The Sage or Wise One archetype
The Sage or Wise One archetype is a character who’s typically wise and knowledgeable. They often serve as mentors to other characters in the story, offering their wisdom and insight to help others succeed. The strength of this archetype lies in their accumulated wisdom, but they can sometimes be overly cautious or hesitant due to excessive study. Examples include Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, Magwitch in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Dumbledore from Harry Potter, and Master Splinter from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The transformation of a character from one archetype to another isn’t necessary but can create dramatic, bold character arcs if desired. In conflict, the sage will do anything to avoid pain, often becoming combative at worst. They are usually a mentor or teacher figure and constantly study to discover truths.
10. The Innocent archetype
The Innocent archetype is all about that pure, good-hearted energy. They’re the characters who remind us of our own inner child and the simplicity we once knew. Think Pippin from Lord of the Rings, Dory in Finding Nemo, or Lyra before her transformation in His Dark Materials. Innocents are often depicted as children, but they can be any age really – it’s more about their mindset than physical appearance.
Innocents are kind and sincere, which makes them well-loved by others. However, this purity also leaves them vulnerable because of their naivety and lack of skills or experience in handling the complexities of life. They might be called ‘The Child,’ ‘Youth,’ ‘Mystic,’ or even ‘Naïve.’
Innocents can bring a sense of compassion to stories, inspiring readers with their uncorrupted view on life. But remember, they’re not immune to hardship. Just think about poor Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. His innocence and vulnerability made his story all the more poignant.
So when you’re crafting your Innocent character, focus on their purity of heart, their kindness, and their sincerity. But don’t forget to give them some weaknesses too – naivety, vulnerability, or lack of skills can make for compelling storylines as they navigate through life’s challenges.
11. The Explorer or Adventurer archetype
The Explorer or Adventurer archetype is a character driven by curiosity and the desire for adventure. They’re often seeking new experiences, opportunities, and freedom. Their main strength lies in their innate curiosity; they demand answers and are driven by a need to discover the unknown. However, their weaknesses include a tendency towards aimlessness or becoming unreliable as friends or allies if they don’t find a sense of belonging. Characters like Indiana Jones from the movie series Indiana Jones or Han Solo from Star Wars can be seen as examples of this archetype. These characters are often motivated by their thirst for adventure and discovery, but may struggle with finding stability in relationships due to their restless nature.
12. The Creator or Artist archetype
The Creator or Artist archetype is all about being a visionary and creating things of enduring value. They can be seen as someone who creates art, music, structures, or even entire worlds depending on their role in the story. Their strengths lie in creativity, drive, and executing their vision. The Creator/Artist often faces challenges when it comes to bringing their ideas into reality due to external obstacles or internal struggles with self-doubt. They can also be seen as a mentor figure who helps guide other characters through the story. While they may not always fit neatly into the hero’s journey, they play an important role in shaping the world and providing depth to the narrative. Think of Leonardo da Vinci or J.K Rowling – both are great examples of Creators/Artists who have left a lasting impact on their respective fields.
Some guidelines for using character archetypes
- Think of archetypes as a starting point: Archetypes can be incredibly useful when you’re trying to develop characters quickly or if you need to create a diverse cast with different perspectives. However, remember that they should not define the entirety of your character. Use them as a base and then add layers of complexity and uniqueness to make each character stand out.
- Know your archetypes: Familiarise yourself with common archetypes like The Hero, The Mentor, The Rebel, etc., and understand their typical traits and behaviours. This will help you identify which archetype best suits a particular character in your story.
- Mix it up: Don’t limit yourself to just one archetype per character. Combine different archetypes to create more nuanced characters who have multiple dimensions. For example, The Hero can also be The Caregiver or The Sceptic. This will make your characters feel more realistic and relatable.
- Consider how the archetype influences interactions: Archetypes aren’t just about defining a character; they also inform their relationships with other characters in the story. For instance, The Lover might clash with The Hermit or The Fool, while The Sage would complement The Hero. These dynamics can reveal more about each character and drive the plot forward.
- Stay consistent: While you’re free to explore your characters beyond their archetypal traits, make sure that they remain true to their core characteristics. If a character is acting out of character or contradicting their established personality, it could confuse readers and disrupt the narrative flow.
- Let creativity guide you: Don’t feel bound by strict definitions of archetypes. Use them as tools for inspiration but trust your instincts when developing unique characters that resonate with readers. Some characters might not fit neatly into an archetype, which can add another layer of intrigue to your story.
- Analyse and adjust: As you write, keep analysing your characters’ actions, decisions, and reactions to events in the narrative. This will help ensure they remain consistent with their core traits and motivations while also allowing room for growth and change over time.
Remember that using character archetypes is just one way of developing complex, engaging characters. Don’t let it limit your creativity or hinder the development of unique personalities in your story.
5 Common mistakes to avoid
- Over-reliance on stereotypes: Avoid making your characters too predictable by relying solely on the archetype they represent. Give them unique traits and quirks that set them apart from other characters in their category.
- Flat or one-dimensional characters: Ensure that your characters have depth, backstory, and growth throughout the story. While using archetypes can help you create a solid foundation for character development, don’t forget to add layers of complexity to make them more engaging.
- Ignoring contextual relevance: Make sure that the chosen archetype fits well within your narrative setting and genre. For instance, an anti-hero might work in a crime thriller but may not fit as easily into a children’s story or a romantic comedy.
- Inconsistent behaviour: Be careful to ensure that your characters act consistently with their established traits and motivations. If they are acting out of character or contradicting themselves, it could confuse readers and disrupt the narrative flow.
- Over-complication: Don’t feel like you need to force every character into an archetype if it doesn’t fit naturally. Some characters might not neatly fall into a specific category, which can add another layer of intrigue to your story. Trust your instincts and remember that using archetypes is just one way of developing complex, engaging characters.
5 Key Takeaways
- Understanding archetypes: Familiarise yourself with the different types of archetypal characters and their traits, motivations, and behaviours. This will help you to create well-rounded characters that resonate with readers.
- Customisation is key: Don’t be afraid to tweak or combine archetypes to fit your story and make them unique. Each character should have a distinct personality even if they fall into an established category.
- Interactions matter: Archetypal characters become more interesting when their contrasting traits create tension, conflict, or unexpected alliances with other characters. Use these interactions to add depth and complexity to your story.
- Avoid stereotypes: While archetypes can be useful tools for character development, avoid falling into the trap of creating stereotypical or cliched characters that lack originality and feel predictable.
- Balance archetypes with originality: Remember that using archetypes is just one way to develop characters. Trust your instincts and don’t force every character into an established category if it doesn’t fit naturally. The most important thing is to create compelling, engaging characters who resonate with readers while staying true to the overall narrative and tone of your story.
Conclusion
Using character archetypes can be an incredibly powerful tool in your writing arsenal. By understanding these universal patterns and effectively utilising them, you can create compelling characters that bring depth, nuance, and variety to your stories. So go ahead, experiment with different combinations of archetypes, delve into the unique backstories of each character, and watch as they come alive on the page!