Understanding character archetypes

The magic of storytelling often hinges on character archetypes, those molds that shape characters into figures we immediately recognise, relate to, and cheer for.

The power of archetypes in storytelling

When you think about it, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, or even James Bond have something in common – they're cut from the same character archetype. Archetypes add that unmistakable zest to characters, making them icons who live beyond their stories.

The beauty of archetypes lies in their universality. They're tried-and-tested guidelines that give your characters a recognisable, relatable core.

The 14 character archetypes and their meanings

There are fourteen core character archetypes (though you can also mix them to create unique combinations, like an everyman hero, or a sage caregiver):

1. The Hero: A courageous and selfless character who embarks on a quest or mission to achieve a goal or defeat an enemy. Picture a valiant knight charging headfirst into battle, unfazed by the looming dragon.
2. The Magician: A wise and powerful character who possesses mystical or supernatural abilities and guides or mentors other characters. Ever met someone whose wit and wisdom were so enchanting, it felt almost... magical?
3. The Innocent: A pure and naive character who views the world with wonder and optimism and seeks to preserve goodness and beauty. Envision a child, eyes wide with wonder, heart brimming with purity.
4. The Explorer: A restless and adventurous character who seeks to discover new lands or experiences and values freedom and self-discovery.
5. The Sage: A knowledgeable and wise character who imparts wisdom and guidance to others and seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe. Consider Yoda from Star Wars or Tenzin from Korra, The Last Avatar, the guides on our hero's journey.
6. The Joker: A witty and irreverent character who uses humour and satire to comment on life's absurdities and challenges authority and convention. Remember Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream or Deadpool from the Marvel Universe?
7. The Lover: A passionate and sensual character who values connection and intimacy and seeks to experience love and desire. Visualise Romeo or Juliet.
8. The Creator: An imaginative and inventive character who uses their talents to create art, technology, or other forms of expression and seeks to bring something new and beautiful into the world. Picture Da Vinci or Tesla, minds ablaze with the desire to craft something extraordinary.
9. The Ruler: A powerful and authoritative character who seeks to control and organise the world around them and values order and stability.
10. The Caregiver: A nurturing and empathetic character who supports and cares for others, and values compassion and selflessness.
11. The Outlaw: A rebellious and nonconformist character who challenges the status quo and values personal freedom and individuality. Envision Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, revolutionaries at heart.
12. The Seductress: A charming and alluring character who uses their sexuality and charisma to manipulate or seduce others and values pleasure and desire. Picture the mythical Sirens, masters of allure.
13. The Orphan: A vulnerable and resilient character who has experienced loss or abandonment and seeks a sense of belonging and connection. Think Oliver, Cinderella or Harry Potter, seeking love and belonging amidst trials and tribulations.
14. The Everyman: A relatable and average character who represents the common person who faces everyday challenges and struggles. Imagine Bilbo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings or Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, grappling with the mundanities of life.

The benefits and limitations of using archetypes in character development

Archetypes are easy to mold, yet sturdy. They offer a springboard for character creation and can be tailored, combined, or even completely subverted to add depth to your characters.

However, relying excessively on archetypes may result in characters appearing stereotypical or one-dimensional, so the challenge lies in breaking the mold, even as we use it.

Here are a few tips to make the most of archetypes:

• Mix and match: Who said you can't have a hero who's also a joker? Blend archetypes to create characters that are as multifaceted as real people.
• Defy expectations: The innocent doesn't always have to remain naïve. Characters can evolve, subverting their initial archetypes.
• Add a personal touch: Remember to infuse your characters with individual quirks, habits, or secrets that transcend their archetypes.