Character Archetypes

The Hero

A protagonist whose life is a series of adventures, often with unusual birth, raised by a guardian, leaves kingdom, returns at manhood, shows courage/strength/honor, risks life for others.

Young Man from the Provinces

The hero returns home as a stranger who can see new problems and solutions.

The Initiates

Young heroes/heroines who must undergo training or ceremony before quest.

Mentor

Older, wiser teacher who gives hero gifts (weapons, food, magic, info), serves as role model.

Mentor–Pupil Relationship

Mentor teaches hero/pupil skills needed for the quest.

The Threshold Guardian

Tests hero’s courage and worthiness to begin the journey.

Father–Son Conflict

Tension built from separation or other sources when father and son meet as men.

Hunting Group of Companions

Loyal companions who face hardship and ordeal together.

Loyal Retainers

Reflect nobility and power of the hero.

Friendly Beast

An animal companion showing that nature is on the hero’s side.

The Shadow

A worthy opponent hero must fight to the end; can represent darker side of hero’s psyche.

The Devil Figure

Evil incarnate.

The Evil Figure with Ultimately Good Heart

A devil figure with potential for good, usually saved by love of the hero.

Hero as warrior (Odysseus)

A near god-like hero faces physical challenges and external enemies

Hero as lover (Prince Charming)

A pure love motivate hero to complete his quest

Hero as Scapegoat (Jesus)

Hero suffers for the sake of others

Transcendent Hero

The hero of tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but not without achieving some kind of transforming realization or wisdom (Greek and Shakespearean tragedies Oedipus, Hamlet, Macbeth, etc.)

Romantic/Gothic Hero

Hero/lover with a decidedly dark side (Mr. Rochester in June Eyre)

Proto-Feminist Hero

Female heroes (The Awakening by Kate Chopin)

Apocalyptic Hero

Hero who faces the possible destruction of society

Anti-Hero

A no-hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous (Homer Simpson)

Defiant Anti-hero

Opposer of society's definition of heroism/goodness. (Heart of Darkness)

Unbalanced Hero

The Protagonist who has (or must pretend to have) mental or emotional deficiencies (Hamlet, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest)

The Other the Denied Hero

The protagonist whose status or essential otherness makes heroism possible (Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan)

The Superheroic

Exaggerates the normal proportions of humanity; frequently has divine or supernatural origins. In some sense, the superhero is one apart, someone who does not quite belong, but who is nonetheless needed by society. (Mythological heroes, Superman)

The TYRANT

the bullying despot, he wants power at any price. He ruthlessly conquers all he surveys, crushing his enemies beneath his feet. People are but pawns to him, and he holds all the power pieces. Hesitate before getting in this man's way - he'lI think nothing of destroying you.

The BASTARD

the dispossessed son, he burns with resentment. He can't have what he wants, he lashes out to hurt those around him. His deeds are often for effect - he wants to provoke action in others. He proudly announces his rebellious dealings. Don't be fooled by his boyish demeanor— he's a bundle of hate

The DEVIL

the charming fiend, he gives people what he thinks they deserve. Charisma allows him to lure his victims to their own destruction. His ability to discover the moral weaknesses in others serve him well. Close your ears to his cajolery - he'll tempt you to disaster.

The TRAITOR

the double agent, he betrays those who trust him most. No one suspects the evil that lurks in his heart Despite supportive smiles and sympathetic ears, he plots the destruction of his friends. Never turn your back on him - he means you harm.

The OUTCAST

the lonely outsider, he wants desperately to belong. Tortured and unforgiving, he has been set off from others, and usually for good cause. He craves redemption, but is willing to gain it by sacrificing others. Waste no sympathy on him - he'll have none for you.

The EVIL GENIUS

the malevolent mastermind, he loves to show off his superior intelligence.Intellectual inferiors are contemptible to him and that includes just about everyone. Elaborate puzzles and experiments are his trademark. Don't let him pull your strings — the game is always rigged in his favor.

The SADIST

the savage predator, he enjoys cruelty for its own sake. Violence and psychological brutality are games to this man; and he plays those games with daring and skill.Run, don't walk away from this man — he'll tear out your heart; and laugh while doing it

The TERRORIST

the dark knight, he serves a warped code of honor. Self-righteous, he believes in his own virtue, and judges all around him-by a strict set of laws. The end will always justify his nefarious means, and no conventional morality will give hint pause. Don't try to appeal to his sense of justice - his does not resemble yours.

The BITCH

the abusive autocrat, she lies, cheats, and steals her way to the top. Her climb to success has left many a heel mark on the backs of others. She doesn't care about the peons around her - only the achievement of her dreams matters. Forget expecting a helping hand from her - she doesn't help anyone but herself.

The BLACK WIDOW

the beguiling siren, she lures victims into her web. She goes after anyone who has something she wants, and she wants a lot. But she does her best to make the victim want to be deceived. An expert at seduction of every variety, she uses her charms to get her way. Don't be fooled by her claims of love - it's all a lie.

The BACKSTABBER

the two-faced friend, she delights in duping the unsuspecting. Her sympathetic smiles enable her to leak her victims' secrets, which she then uses to feather her nest. Her seemingly helpful advice is just the thing to hinder. Put no faith in her - she'll betray you every time.

The LUNATIC

the unbalanced madwoman, she draws others into her crazy environment. The drum to which she marches misses many a beat, but to her, it is the rest of the world that is out of step. Don't even try to understand her logic - she is unfathomable.

The PARASITE

the poisonous vine, she collaborates for her own comfort. She goes along with any atrocity, so long as her own security is assured. She sees herself as a victim who had no choice, and blames others for her crimes. Expect no mercy from her - she won't lift a finger to save anyone but herself

The SCHEMER

the lethal plotter, she devises the ruin of others. Like a cat with a mouse, she plays with lives. Elaborate plans, intricate schemes; nothing pleases her more than to trap the unwary. Watch out for her complex designs - she means you no good.

The FANATIC

the uncompromising extremist, she does wrong in the name of good. She justifies her action by her intent, and merely shrugs her shoulders at collateral damage. Anyone not an ally is an enemy, and therefore, fair game. Give up any hope of showing her the error of her ways - she firmly believes you are wrong, wrong, wrong.

The MATRIARCH

the motherly oppressor, she smothers her loved ones. She knows what's best and will do all in her power to control the lives of those who surround her — all for their own good. A classic enabler, she sees no fault with her darlings, unless they don't follow her dictates. Don't be lured into her family nest - you'll never get out alive.

The BOSS

a real go-getter, she climbs the ladder of success. This is a "take charge" female, who accepts nothing but respect. Reaching her goal post, the most important thing in life to her, she isn't bothered by a few ruffled feathers along the way.

The Seductress

an enchantress, she gets her way. This is a lady who is long accustomed to sizing up everyone in a room the minute she enters. Mysterious and manipulative, she hides a streak of distrust a mile wide and ten miles deep. Cynicism guides her every action, and her tough sense of survival gives her the means to do whatever is necessary to come out ahead.

The SPUNKY KID

gutsy and true, she is loyal to the end. She is a favorite of many writers, and for good reason. You can't help but root for her. She's the girl with moxie, She's not looking to be at the top of the heap; she just wants to be in her own little niche. She's the team player, the one who is always ready to lend a hand.

The FREE SPIRIT

eternal optimist, she dances to unheard tunes. Playful and fun-loving, she travels through life with a hop, skip and a jump, always stopping to smell the flowers and admire the pretty colors. She acts on a whim and follows her heart, not her head.

The WAIF

a distressed damsel, she bends with the wind. She's the original damsel in distress.Her child-like innocence evokes a protective urge in the beastliest of heroes. But don't be fooled, because she has tremendous strength of will. She won't fight back, she'll endure.

The LIBRARIAN

controlled and clever, she holds back. She's prim and proper, but underneath that tight bun lurks a passionate woman. Dressed to repress, she might be the know-it-all whose hand is always up in class, or maybe she is the shy mouse hiding in the library

The CRUSADER

a dedicated fighter, she meets her commitments. No shrinking violet, no distressed damsel, here. This lady is on a mission, and she marches right over anyone in her way. Tenacious and headstrong, she brushes off any opposition to her goal.

The NURTURER

serene and capable, she nourishes the spirit. Not always Suzy Homemaker, this lady takes care of everyone. She is a wonderful listener, and a joy to have around, this heroine takes care of everyone. She's serene, capable and optimistic.