Character Archetypes:
Def: A character archetype is a typical character that represents specific actions, nuances, and characteristics, and can also be known as “character tropes.”
Character archetypes are a common literary device used when writing a novel or screenplay. With archetypes, the characters created follow certain traits and beliefs that are familiar. Many people use this literary device because most readers are familiar with the different archetypes. Today we will cover: the warrior, the child/innocent, the orphan, the creator, the caregiver, the mentor/sage, the joker/jester, the magician, the ruler, the rebel/outlaw, the lover, the seductress, the hero, and the everyman.
01. The Hero
The hero archetype represents the character who steps up to the challenge and eventually saves the day. This character can be reluctant to step up or someone who has an innate desire to fight evil.
Strengths: Courage, perseverance, honor
Weaknesses: Overconfidence
Desires: To rise up, meet the challenge, and save the day from some evil.
Examples: Luke Skywalker (Star Wars), Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman), Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
02. The Warrior
The warrior archetype is similar to the hero archetype. This archetype is often used in books and movies about war where someone has to step up and lead with military-like tactics. The warrior archetype can be represented by both good and evil characters (this is the main difference between the hero archetype).
Strengths: Courage, strength, tough, confidence
Weaknesses: Overconfidence, ego
Desires: To save the day all while proving their worth.
Examples: Odysseus (The Odyssey), Achilles (The Iliad)
03. The Everyman/Common Person
The everyman archetype is represented by a character that feels recognizable to the reader/viewer. They’re often common characters that you could run into on a daily basis. These people are often referred to as “the salt-of-the-earth” type of people.
Strengths: grounded, relatable
Weaknesses: lacking special powers, unprepared
Desires: To seek and find security in their life.
Examples: Bilbo Baggins (Lord of the Rings), Ron Weasley (Harry Potter), Anastasia (Anastasia), Leslie Knope (Parks & Recreation)
04. The Caregiver
The caregiver is the character that gives care to others. They’re typically a parent, husband, wife, best friend, etc. They’ll do whatever they have to to make sure the ones they love are well cared for and safe.
Strengths: Generosity, selflessness, compassionate, loyal
Weaknesses: Too selfless, vulnerable, lack personal goals
Desires: To protect and provide for others.
Examples: Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Samwise (Lord of the Rings)
05. The Child/Innocent
The child/innocent archetype is typically represented by a child who has good intentions. They’re usually morally pure and optimistic though naive of the world around them. This character typically has their eyes open to the corruptness of the world around them at some point in the story.
Strengths: Morality, kindness, honest, optimistic
Weaknesses: Vulnerable, naive, too trusting, inexperienced, usually unskilled
Desires: To be happy in life or happier than they already are.
Examples: Tiny Tim (A Christmas Carol), Buddy the Elf (Elf), Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird), Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz)
06. The Orphan
The orphan archetype is typically represented by a impoverish character who is thrown into a world of grandeur. They have to learn how to navigate this new world/way of life and find their place in it.
Strengths: Survival instincts, empathy, perseverance, survivalist, determined
Weaknesses: Willingness to please others, lack of access to resources, unconfident
Desires: To connect with others and thrive in a world where the odds are stacked against them.
Examples: Harry Potter (Harry Potter), Simba (The Lion King)
07. The Rebel/Outlaw
The rebel/outlaw archetype is usually represented by a character who despises the constraints of society and therefore doesn’t abide by the laws and demands of said society. They are usually the characters who lead the charge and start a rebellion, though they sometimes work behind the scenes to change society.
Strengths: Resourcefulness, natural leaders, perseverance, charismatic
Weaknesses: Status, lacking resources, lawbreaker
Desires: To change the world around them.
Examples: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), Robin Hood (Robin Hood), Han Solo (Star Wars), Batman (Batman)
08. The Lover
The lover archetype is represented by characters who let their hearts/emotions influence their actions. These characters are often the hopeless romantics or even playboys and will do anything for love. In many scenarios, they sacrifice themselves when pursuing love or when trying to keep love.
Strengths: Humanism, passion, devotion, caring, protective
Weaknesses: Irrationality, obsessive, fear of loneliness, lack of identity
Desires: To find love and keep that love.
Examples: Romeo & Juliet (Romeo & Juliet), Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Edward Cullen (Twilight)
09. The Seductress
The seductress archetype is one of the few archetypes which leans towards the villainous side of things. They use whatever power they have (intellect, looks, etc.) to get what they want. However, not all characters that fall under this archetype are considered evil (example Black Widow). This character has a knack of tricking others into being vulnerable in order to gain power and influence over that person.
Strengths: Allure, charisma, lack of morals, manipulative
Weaknesses: Empty promises, isolated, unfulfilled
Desires: Control
Examples: Delilah (Samson & Delilah), Cat Woman (The Dark Knight Rises), Black Widow (Marvel), Lucifer (Supernatural)
10. The Mentor/Sage
The mentor/sage character is often represented by a character who offers information and support in a story. These characters are often the ones that others seek for advice and insight. The mentor/sage often obliges the character seeking advice and helps out by either giving them a direct answer or leading them towards the answer.
Strengths: Wisdom, experience, caring, patient, insightful, rational
Weaknesses: Cautious, passive, isolated, arrogant
Desires: To help the hero get past their own limitations and make sense of the world around them.
Examples: Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter), Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars), The Ancient One (Doctor Strange)
11. The Magician
The magician archetype is one of the few archetypes that can be portrayed as a hero or villain in the story. They’re typically represented by the wise old wizard (there are exceptions) who is a mystery to those around them. Their powers are seen as mysterious and inhuman.
Strengths: Knowledge, power, omniscient and/or omnipotent, intuitive
Weaknesses: Hubris, arrogance
Desires: To learn the secrets of the world and gain more power.
Examples: Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes), Doctor Strange (Doctor Strange), Hermione Granger (Harry Potter), Gandalf (Lord of the Rings), Darth Vader (Star Wars)
12. The Creator
The creator archetype is represented by characters who create/build something throughout the story. This character usually isn’t happy/satisfied unless they’re making something or working towards completing their creation. Nothing is more important than what they’re trying to make.
Strengths: Creativity, willpower, strong-willed, non-conforming
Weaknesses: Self-involvement, single-minded, selfish, egotistical, willing to sacrifice themselves or others
Desires: To create/make something and therefore make a legacy for themselves.
Examples: Zeus (The Iliad), Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Frankenstein), Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family), Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
13. The Ruler
The ruler is represented by a character who is a ruler/leader of a society. These characters are usually in charge or a group of people or even a country. This archetype is also one of the few that can be either good or evil.
Strengths: Leadership, power, charisma, stable, access to resources
Weaknesses: Suspicion, controlling, many enemies, fear of losing position/status
Desires: To gain control and hold power.
Examples: Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada), King Arthur (King Arthur), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), The Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland)
14. The Joker/Jester
The joker/jester archetype is represented by a character who provides comic relief. Their humor often time sheds light and insight to specific situations or issues.
Strengths: Funny, disarming, fun-loving, insightful
Weaknesses: Can be obnoxious, superficial, impulsive
Desires: To be happy and live in the moment.
Examples: R2D2 & C-3PO (Star Wars), Fat Amy (Pitch Perfect), Dory (Finding Nemo), Timon & Pumbaa (The Lion King)
In the comments below, let me know which character archetypes you enjoy reading or writing the most! If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy my post, “3 Most Used Tenses in Literature.” If you want to join a community of writers, hop onto my instagram and send me a message! I love connecting with fellow writers.
