Introduction Character Archetypes
Character archetypes refer to common character types that appear regularly in stories, mythology, and psychological theories. Understanding these universal patterns can provide a helpful framework when developing compelling characters for your own creative writing or production projects.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore:
- The origins and key theorists behind character archetype theory
- 12 primary archetypes and their attributes
- Strengths and limitations of relying on archetypes
- “Mash-ups” and transformations between archetypes
- Practical lessons for implementing archetypes
- Mistakes to avoid when using archetypes
We will provide detailed examples of archetypes from films, literature, and television that you can draw inspiration from. By the end, you will have a solid grasp of each archetype and how to leverage them while avoiding potential creative pitfalls.
Where Do Character Archetypes Come From?
The concept of archetypes originally derives from the psychoanalytic theories of Carl Jung, who proposed that humans share certain universal, mythic characters and themes tied to the “collective unconscious.” This foundations of the human psyche shape our behaviors, relationships and developmental journeys without us necessarily being aware of it consciously.
Jung and followers like Joseph Campbell broke down the “hero’s journey” story structure and common mythical roles into archetypal patterns like the Mother, the Mentor, the Hero, the Trickster and more. Screenwriters and authors have been relying on these frameworks for developing plot lines and well-rounded characters ever since.
So in essence, character archetypes refer to the generalized versions of roles that we intuitively expect to show up in stories and life.
Key Theorists Behind Archetypes
While many thinkers have expanded on Jung’s ideas over decades, two philosophers stand out most for their direct impact on character archetypes used in writing today:
Carl Jung’s “Psychological Types”
As the founder of analytical psychology, Carl Jung put forth the idea that archetypes are models for people, behaviors or personalities that exist in potential in everyone’s collective unconscious across cultures. In his highly influential work Psychological Types (1921), Jung defined archetypes like:
- The Persona – How we present ourselves to others
- The Self – The union of consciousness and unconsciousness to fulfill one’s potential
- The Shadow – The rejected, irrational parts of oneself
These blueprints for the human psyche manifest themselves through symbolic archetypal characters, imagery or situations in our myths, literature and creative arts. Writers still use Jung’s frameworks like extrovert/introvert types and the overarching hero’s internal quest for greater self-realization.
Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero With a Thousand Faces”
Author Joseph Campbell built extensively on Jung’s groundwork in his seminal 1949 book The Hero With a Thousand Faces. He closely studied myths and sacred texts from around the world to break down their shared fundamental structures.
Campbell’s “monomyth” or hero’s journey codified narrative elements that have resonated through nearly all storytelling since:
- The “call to adventure” drawing the hero out of their ordinary world
- Meeting mentors and allies who provide supernatural aid
- Facing trials that push the hero to their limits
- Achieving victory and bringing back “elixir” to transform society
The Hero’s Journey continues to influence screenwriting guides and popular story-driven works like the Star Wars or Harry Potter franchises. Writers utilize Campbell’s archetypes to tap into unconscious desires and expectations hardwired in us all through mythology.
12 Character Archetypes
Building from Jung and Campbell’s themes, we arrive at 12 primary character archetypes frequently used across all genres of storytelling:
1. The Hero
The hero archetype is arguably the most common – virtually all stories have one. They charge into central action and take on quests to defeat villains, save worlds or obtain treasured goals against all odds. Heroes are most appealing when they are relatable and flawed behind their bravery.
Attributes: Courageous, seeks out adventure, lives by a moral code, natural leader
Motivations: Restore harmony to their world, obtain vengeance or justice
Weaknesses: Hubris, tendency for lone-wolf attitude
Examples: Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games), Harry Potter, Frodo Baggins (Lord of the Rings)
2. The Mentor
Mentors provide wisdom and guidance to less experienced protagonists. They share knowledge, powers or resources and set heroes on the path toward their destinies. Mentors elucidate backstory and often reveal secret histories.
Attributes: Worldly experience, patience, inspirational capabilities
Motivations: Teach lessons only learned over time the hard way
Weaknesses: Overprotectiveness, reluctance to let the mentee take risks and grow
Examples: Gandalf (Lord of the Rings), Haymitch (Hunger Games), Prof. Dumbledore (Harry Potter)
3. The Shadow
The dark, chaotic and sometimes embittered opposite of the Hero. Shadows represent inner demons, moral failings and weaknesses capable of overtaking the psyches of struggling protagonists. They create substantial conflict and high stakes against achieving heroic potential.
Attributes: Ruthless, deceptive, menacing
Motivations: Obtain vengeance against real or perceived wrongs through destruction
Weaknesses: Often betrayed by own repressed vulnerabilities
Examples: Darth Vader (Star Wars), Sauron (Lord of the Rings), Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter)
4. The Ally
Heroic journeys require strength in numbers. Allies band together with central heroes through dangerous obstacles, providing complementary skills, comic relief and moral support. Ally stems from its connotations of alignment to the same cause.
Attributes: Loyal, pulls more reluctant teammates into action
Motivations: Share the beliefs and goals of heroic causes to defeat common enemies
Weaknesses: Prone to group-think, hesitant to question flawed plans
Examples: Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley (Harry Potter), Donkey (Shrek), Dr. Watson (Sherlock Holmes)
5. The Trickster
These whimsical archetypes inject humor and cunning into situations. Tricksters expose heroes’ vulnerabilities indirectly through mischief and questioning of norms. Their antics can guide protagonists toward new planes of thought – though not always comfortably.
Attributes: Chaotic, questions status quo, colorful vitriol
Motivations: Stir the pot, challenge assumptions, pull rugs out from under the complacent
Weaknesses: Inconsiderate, unreliable
Examples: The Joker (Batman), Bugs Bunny, Pumbaa (Lion King)
6. The Caregiver
Compassionate supporters who place others’ interests before their own. Caregiver archetypes nurture developing heroes, heal physical or emotional wounds, and provide refuge. Their unconditional generosity masks trial and burdens.
Attributes: Empathetic, generous, reliable, overlooked valor
Motivations: Helping friends, family and often strangers through adversity
Weaknesses: Give too much at their own expense, enable flaws in others
Examples: Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings), Hattie McDaniel roles (Gone With the Wind, Alice Adams)
7. The Explorer
Bold trailblazers driven into uncharted terrain by wonder and self-discovery. Explorers confront inner and outer unknowns to expand horizons. They model courage and perseverance against uncertainty that leads them toward wisdom.
Attributes: Autonomous, groundbreaking, unquenchably curious
Motivations: Discover new frontiers and facets of one’s identity
Weaknesses: Reckless behaviors, difficulty integrating discoveries
Examples: Ellen Ripley (Alien), Star Trek captains, Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
8. The Rebel
Rebels buck oppressive systems through disruptive nonconformity. They expose injustice against alleged underdogs and reflect masses weary of the status quo. Rebels can inspire revolutionary action – or deterioration into mindless defiance.
Attributes: Subversive, counter-culture flair, righteous indignation
Motivations: Tear down corrosive establishments
Weaknesses: Tend toward chaos, underestimate threats
Examples: Malcolm Reynolds (Firefly), Han Solo (Star Wars), Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
9. The Lover
Motivated by passion, devotion and desire, lovers prioritize intimacy and relationships above all else. Main protagonist lovers mete out empathy and see redeeming qualities in even damaged partners.
Attributes: Passionate, receptive to others’ feelings, forms intense bonds
Motivations: Share hopes, affection and physical intimacy
Weaknesses: Jealousy, willingness to stay despite red flags
Examples: Rick Blaine & Ilsa Lund (Casablanca), Romeo & Juliet, Rose DeWitt Bukater & Jack Dawson (Titanic)
10. The Creator
Driven to craft works that reflect inner visions, Creators tap into prolific imaginations (think Geppetto sculpting Pinocchio to life). They demonstrate artistic greatness – or obsession – through masterpieces that advance culture.
Attributes: Artistic talent, originality, dedication to aesthetic and expressions
Motivations: Challenge creative limits, produce timeless classics
Weaknesses: Perfectionism, alienates non-Creators, struggles with completion
Examples: Jo March (Little Women), Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood), Jackson Pollock
11. The Jester
Jesters use comedy and light-hearted whimsy to lift spirits and reveal light even in darkness. While often employed strictly for comedic relief, Jesters can usar wit and outrageous acts to confront harsh realities in irreverent fashion.
Attributes: Comedic timing, Levity even in drama
Motivations: Break tension, draw out smiles and uncomfortable truths alike
Weaknesses: Inappropriate humor, glosses over serious issues
Examples: The Fool (King Lear), Brad Williams stand-up routines, Fat Amy (Pitch Perfect)
12. The Sage
Sages possess deep understandings of the world relative to their communities. They contemplate big questions, provide wise counsel, connect scenarios to recurring lessons and objective truths. Age signifies cerebral prowess.
Attributes: Mental acuity, contextual insights, adept decision-making
Motivations: Guide choices toward purer meanings beyond superficial factors
Weaknesses: Overly cerebral, dismissive of new ideas or emotions
Examples: Rafiki (The Lion King), Mr. Miyagi (Karate Kid), John Keating (Dead Poets Society)
How To Use Character Archetypes
These 12 models only skim the surface of all potential character depths. But they present strong starting points to then mold into richer, more specific personas based on your story needs.
Start With “Pure” Archetypal Cores
Begin conceptualizing each character by choosing 1-3 archetypes that align with their central roles and personalities within the overarching narrative. This establishes an elementary psychological “core” you can then expand.
For example, in the Harry Potter series:
- Harry Potter: The Hero, The Orphan
- Hagrid: The Ally, The Caregiver
- Draco Malfoy: The Shadow, The Rebel
These foundational paradigms broadly convey motivations and behaviors fundamental to how the characters dynamically interact. Additional layers build on top…
Blend Multiple Archetypes
Dimensional literary characters fuse multiple archetypes, evolving through new hybrids during their hero’s journey to mirror complex human psyches.
Consider ways heroes, villains and supporting players in your world might layer archetypes to increase tensions and unpredictability:
- The Rebel who leads groups towards vengeance as The Shadow
- The Caregiver who learns to set boundaries and embrace exploring as The Explorer
- The Hero who creates artistic Works channeling innovation of The Creator
Reconciling dueling archetypes within one persona results in engaging inner conflicts and moral dilemmas. How do they play out?
Transform Between Archetypes
Essential character growth in film, shows or books often tracks core cast members transforming into radically different archetypes that better suit their maturation:
- The Hero may fail and revert back to a cowardly Child until they overcome tests to reclaim courage
- A wild Rebel brought into a group as an Ally could regain distrust and independence
- Explorers expand global perspectives, returning home as empowered Heroes
Chart how protagonists and those they influence might transcend their current archetypes identities. Necessary to complete their quests? How will assumptions flip for them and audiences?
Flip Gender Norms
Women can easily assume “masculine” heroism, brutality or compartmentalization often associated with Shadows, Warriors and lone Creators. Similarly, men can exhibit compassionate Caregiver qualities traditionally coded “feminine.” Expand boundaries.
Consider Diana Prince in DC’s Wonder Woman dismantling the idea that women cannot be powerful Warriors and Superheroes. Or Katniss Everdeen leading with fiery Revolutionary traits but later developing Survivor Caregiver sensibilities.
The point? All archetypes ultimately exist inside everyone. Cast against type to challenge assumptions.
Ask: Why This Archetype?
Continually question each archetypal choice for characters: What specific facets of this model truly serve the character’s emotional and story arc? Do they necessity warrant associated tropes? For instance:
- Could this Rebel also strategically cooperate at key moments to gain validity rather than constantly provoking?
- What if this Femme Fatale Seducer educates victims to prevent future abuse?
- Might this Evil Shadow have reasonable motives for their vengeance, even if their means are unacceptable?
Mine archetypes for symbolic meaning while allowing for unpredictable humanity outside rigid formulas.
Mix-and-Match Character Archetypes
Layering various archetypes and evolutions creates dynamic characters who subvert expectations. Some examples:
The Bad Boy With a Heart of Gold
Core Archetypes: The Rebel, The Lover, The Ally
This staple uses swagger and rugged bravado to hold friends at arm’s length until he drops walls for The One. Under confident detachment lies intense devotion.
Examples: Han Solo (Star Wars), Sawyer (Lost)
The Underdog Hero
Core Archetypes: The Hero, The Innocent, The Everyman
They seem the least likely to succeed according to superficial attributes but exhibit unexpected resilience and morality to generate goodwill.
Examples: Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker (Star Wars), Rudy (Rudy)
The Femme Fatale
Core Archetypes: The Seducer, The Rebel, The Creator
Using allure and cunning, these vamps lull male victims into false senses of security only to manipulate and exploit them. They break molds regarding gender power roles.
Examples: Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), Kathleen Turner roles (Body Heat), Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct)
The Disillusioned Mentor
Core Archetypes: The Mentor, The Explorer, The Rebel
Wise advisors who go against worsening establishments after their guidance fails the system. They liberate proteges toward radical rebellion.
Examples: Morpheus (The Matrix), Gandalf against Sauron (Lord of the Rings), Oogway passing the torch to rogue Po (Kung Fu Panda)
The Self-Discovery Heroine
Core Archetypes: The Explorer, The Innocent, The Lover
Leads unaware of great power within buck conventions to retrieve mystical insights. They return home transformed with new vision to bestow.
Examples: Dorothy Gale (The Wizard of Oz), Alice (Alice in Wonderland), Jake Sully (Avatar)
The Crafty Collaborator
Core Archetypes: The Jester, The Ally, The Rebel
Fools and clowns use humor, unconventional cunning and occasional subversions to achieve heroic ends or topple those who underestimate them.
Examples: Nick and Nora Charles (The Thin Man), Bagheera & Baloo (The Jungle Book), Donkey & Puss In Boots (Shrek)
Playing with archetype combinations like these prevents predictable stock heroes and villains by intermixing traits that color and complicate relationships. Audiences stay on their toes when unable to pin characters into narrow boxes.
Subverting Archetypes
While relying too much on pure archetypal convention can create flat cliches, you alternatively risk expectations subversions that alienate audiences. Strategically consider which norms to turn on their heads.
Challenge Archetypes Gradually
Radical reinventions of classic templates work best when seeded over time rather than abruptly violating preconceived identifications. Setup hints that the Wizard mentor might harbor disturbing secrets before revealing occult obsession. Gradually humanizing sociopathic rebels elicits intrigue rather than immediately demanding sympathy for the “misunderstood rogue.”
Twists too far outside resonant tradition without sufficient context and precursor at least risk confusion if not complete dismissal.
Make Subversions Purposeful
Subverted archetypes functioning as commentary on societal issues penetrating rationales behind conditions most take for granted. The Jester who uses humor to cope with depression both plays for laughs and makes audiences contemplate mental health stigmas.
The genius scientist losing grip on reality and human connections in pursuit of innovation provokes discussion on noble causes outweighing quality of life.
Set narrative priorities before reshaping types. What debates do you want characters transcending rote assumptions to stir? Build defiant traits around desired themes.
Avoid Glorifying Negative Archetypes
Avoid whitewashing the “glam” of habitually disastrous mentors perpetually enabling dysfunctional Rebel progenies. Don’t let admiration of antisocial geniuses overshadow consequences from unhinged god complexes.
Establish complexity – yet also red lines that demand accountability once crossed by those embracing societally detrimental roles. Even enigmatic Rogues should display reasons why anyone benefits from their presence.
What makes their outlooks ultimately more constructive than destructive according to the story’s moral message?
Keep Core Desires Relatable
However subversive, counterintuitive and even unlikable character decisions might seem, their fundamental FEARS and WANTS should resonate universally.
The wife and mother viciously fighting to seize power resembles ruthless profiteers…until we learn she endured years of domestic abuse and merely seeks security for her children. Relatable motivation placed in an unfamiliar vessel.
Ground types through common dreams and dreads. Which brings us to…
Common Character Archetype Motivations
While Nuanced personalities demand atypical needs, recurring covert objectives nonetheless drive archetypes:
Seeking Justice
Warriors, everymen, revolutionaries, lost souls often aim for redemptive justice – whether or not we agree with their methods or targets. Revenge signifies finishing unfinished business when traditional systems fail the disenfranchised. How they balance scales reveals moral compasses against hypocritical establishments.
Do their cases justify defiance? Consider POVs.
Validation
Misunderstood geeks, anxious artists, squares and thought leaders crave respect from peers, intimidating tribes and idols. Their talents don’t automatically command admiration from those benefiting without awareness. Proving unreasonable critics “wrong” satisfies archetypal psychologies.
Do we take game-changing innovators for granted? Do underdogs merit more patience than afforded?
Security
Incessant threats overwhelm rebels, everymen, caregivers and more just struggling to establish stability from elusive rungs of Maslow Hierarchies. They reject the comforts of predictability to fight seemingly futile fights before those desensitized to suffering. Internal wars wage with clinging to integrity over surrender.
Can we blame domestic violence victims using manipulation to shield families? How far should bullied introverts overcome pacifism when schools ignore bullying?
Autonomy
Nonconformists across categories demand self-determination against cookie-cutter standards of conformity from forceful societal structures. Diamonds polish through defiant identification outside pressure to comply.
But does sovereignty justify rejecting all collective responsibility? Can individualism raise communities rather than abandon them?
Belongingness
Outcasts and black sheep trapped outside villages where shared identity complies traditional mores desire nothing more than celebrations of commonality that cast them as peers. Social species require packs – banished members can’t thrive when branded as Others.
So should the marginalized mimic existing tribes or establish new clans?
Thus similar desires drive characters assuming unfamiliar vessels across contexts.
Avoiding Archetype Pitfalls
While rich repositories, archetypes lose potency when writers become over-reliant on recycled models to substitute depth. Avoid these obstacles:
Dependence On Single Element
Central characteristics only paint limited pictures. The brute Coach inspires teams through unorthodox discipline…and saves sick kids in his spare time. The valorous Warrior also enjoys knitting.
Stack multiple traits that wouldn’t normally occupy adjacent spaces like intense DJs who run animal shelters or mafia princesses turned reformers. Force complexity beyond surface intuitions. Audiences crave surprises.
Sticking To One Archetype
Actual people shift roles as evolving situations demand. The Mentor matures into Matrix rebellion catalysts. Caregivers must defend families when dialog fails.
Embed capacity to toggle between multiple archetypes when common purpose requires individuals adopt uncustomary mindsets. Set these transformations up through layered characterization established early on.
Overused Cliches
Aloof automated stunt drivers subsisting on smoldering glares and guttural utterances might have seemed fascinating in early Rebel days. Yet Stoic Loner stereotypes grow eyeroll-inducing without meaningful reinvention.
How can the grizzled PI archetype increase emotional availability instead of merely solving cases through detached OCD? Go beyond tropes.
Neglecting Intersectionality
Token archetypes scratch inclusion checklist boxes yet avoid truly dimensional identities. Beyond race and gender, how might the Nerd differ between growing up urban versus rural? Do LGBT outlaws adopt distinct survival code compared to straight counterparts?
Narrow representation fails marginalized groups despite “diverse” casts. What rich collisions emerge at crossroads between archetypes and authentic social groups?
Forcing Archetypes
Pigeonholing characters into adjacent templates might service initial convenience introductions yet erode authenticity as personas organically individuate against confining molds. Soon Anakin no longer fits the Hero template.
Let strong characters guide their preferred paths outside predescribed Tracks that inevitably fall short of capturing intricate emergence. People surprise simply because they do.
Set archetypes as general guides worth growing out of rather than straitjackets enforcing rules.
By balancing utility of patterns with risks of stereotypes, archetypes inject symbolic depth without sabotaging fresh perspectives.
Lessons For Applying Character Archetypes
Keep these key lessons in mind to leverage archetypes as helpful kickstarters while avoiding derivative ruts:
Use Archetypes To Ask Questions
Rather than providing rigid character requirements, view archetype frameworks as sets of probing questions that encourage digging deeper into characters’ defining backstories and motivations that subvert surface assumptions.
The Caregiver archetype inspires questions like:
- What past trauma motivates their extreme selflessness shielding others now?
- How might caretaking God complexes actually disempower recipients?
- When have role obligations prevented nurturers from addressing personal dreams?
The answers twist types into compelling singular personalities beyond pat tropes.
Map “Hero’s Journeys”
Joseph Campbell’s monomythic framework tracks the “Hero’s” progress through universal narrative milestones:accepting calls to adventure, overcoming ordeals, defeating enemies, returning home transformed and so on.
You can overlay and customize this outline to chart any central character’s progression through your story in multiple acts. Marking archetype transformations at each critical junction illustrates their metamorphosis cinematically.
Sketching these plot rhythms brings structure to script development.
Symbolism Reflects Change
Adjust costuming, props and settings to reflect protagonists externalizing their gradually internal archetypal shifts. The child messily painting 2018! over 2017 on a concrete walls signals their presence despite society’s neglect.
The Mentor adding more earrings when each mentee faces a new crisis represents deepening connectivity bonds despite past violations of trust.
Material symbols are powerful archetypal vehicles.
Establish Audience Alignments…Then Challenge
Spotlight begins with viewers aligning with the Crusader archetype fighting for abuse victims against corrupt city power structures because integrity. But as journalists become drunk on fame and abandon ethics for ambition early audience assumptions reverse.
Effective social commentary emerges from luring audiences into seemingly “right” archetypal spaces before exposing systemic complications below and implicating them in hard questions. Don’t allow smooth character rides – disrupt regularly.
Change Conditions, Not Characteristics
Consider reshaping situational contexts challenging archetypes rather than changing established personalities themselves.
The Warrior reluctant to assume leadership in wartime likely acts differently when family members are captured and depends on their strategic prowess. The Caregiver might retreat inward when trauma triggers overwhelm capacity to save deteriorating communities.
Push characters into unfamiliar spaces testing adaptivity beyond inherent traits. Adversity breeds (or fails) evolution.
Align Symbols And Values
In 2007 moview No Country For Old Men Anton serves Death archetype ubermensch detachedly determining fate with a coin toss for victims. His murder weapon of choice – a pressurized bolt gun used on cattle – dehumanizes targets, reflecting lack of emotion showed in his actions.
Motifs subtly reference archetypal spaces characters occupy. Use imagery intuitively tied to roles assumed within tale’s themes.
Video 12 Character Archetypes
Conclusion Character Archetypes
Character archetypes offer helpful starter packs for building fictional characters and mythic journeys. While risks of cliches exist in relying too heavily on established tropes, archetypes supply initial sketch outlines you then customize to suit unique story needs.
They frame expectations audiences bring into encountering universal human roles. Masterful execution then pivots into unpredictable directions without alienating viewers, but instead challenging them. Seek authentic representation.
Always aspire to capture genuinely multidimensional personalities – our shared humanity demands such nuanced portrayals. Use archetypes as starting points that guide deeper investigation into what makes characters breathe free of formulaic confines.
Tap into these models’ symbolic resonance while forging new paths beyond repetition. Frame protagonists and antagonists as foils highlighting societal tensions regarding conformity versus rebellion, destiny versus self-determination, complacency versus innovation.
Shape quintessential hero’s journeys for a modern era lacking role models worthy of admiration. Create mentors instilling wisdom beyond platitudes, villains bred from injustice rather than evil incarnate, cunning tricksters who expose hard truths rather than escape into punchlines.
Most of all, recognize that even the most common archetypes still only represent fragments that form vast, complex souls like ourselves and audiences. Do not limit characters to one-dimensional functions serving plot mechanics. Let ensemble casts collide in surprising ways that create engaging emotional stakes.
Give shadows and light equal time on stage. Complexity stands the test of time.
At the end of the day, compelling stories need compelling characters that echo universal elements of the human condition. So utilize archetypes as your writing partners while always aiming higher toward paradigm-shifting authenticity.
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