archetypes princess bride

willing hero

doesn’t hesitate to complete the quest, eager to help

unwilling hero

would rather someone else does it but does it anyway, complains

cynical antihero

believes everyone is in it for themselves, has a mortal weakness such as addiction, abuse, etc

tragic antihero

the only way to save the world is by committing an atrocious crime, realizes later that the crime was horrible and self-sacrifices

group oriented hero

known for the team, work well together

loner hero

prefers to work alone, keeps others safe by doing so

catalyst hero

any mentor that initiates the quest but was once a hero or a hero in their own story

mentor

gives gifts and advice, connected to the supernatural or old and wise

herald/harbinger

initiates the quest through fate or meeting, creates change, serve as a motivation for change and not always physical

threshold guardian

portal between two places, tests the hero, presents a menacing face, not always a character, can be pyschological

shapeshifter

motive is to lure the hero into doom, sometimes leads them to an award with a catch, can be whatever they want, gives the hero what they deserve, serves personal interests

trickster/fool

personification of chaos or comedy, no ulterior motives, close to the heart of the world, serves the interests of others

scapegoat

animal or person whose death (real or proverbial) in public ceremony removes a sin, alien to everyone else

outcast/wanderer

banished from society for a real or imagined crime, destined to wander

tyrant

controlling, wants power above all, won’t share their power

bastard

dispossessed child, believes they should have a birthright to something, lashes out and hates all

devil

charming, gives you what they think you deserve, preys on moral weakness

traitor

double agent, betrays the hero and those who trust them, no one suspects them

outsider

cast away from society for a good reason, wants redemption and attention

evil genius

mastermind, wants to show off their superior intellect, puzzles are always rigged

sadist

savage predator, is cruel to be cruel, psychologically not okay

terrorist

serves a warped code of honor, self-righteous, ends always justify the means

loyal retainer

sidekick, reflects nobility of the hero, can be a previous threshold guardian

damsel in distress

vulnerable, needs rescuing, used as bait by the shadow

platonic ideal

source of inspiration to the hero, intelligent, no romantic attraction

earth mother

fruition, abundance, fertility, offers advice and nourishment to those around her, wise

temptress

sensual beauty, hero is attracted to but will bring about his downfall

unfaithful wife

dull husband, attracted to the hero

goddess

perfect partner, beautiful and good, happily ever after

star crossed lovers

love affair that is fated to end tragically for 1 or both due to society

step 1 of the heroes quest

unusual birth, danger/royalty, destined for greatness

step 2 of heroes quest

leaves family and lives with others

step 3 of heroes quest

an event that leads to the quest - traumatic or coincidental

step 4 of heroes quest

hero has a special weapon

step 5 of heroes quest

has supernatural help

step 6 of heroes quest

proving themselves

step 7 of the heroes quest

the journey and the unhealable wound - lowest low

step 8 of the heroes quest

atonement with parents or mentor

step 9 of the heroes quest

post death they are rewarded spirtually