Character Archetypes

Which archetype is defined by their power of will? They face adversity and overcome challenges. This obstacle in many cases is the villain.

• villain

• mentor

• creator

• hero

Which archetype wants to stop the hero archetype from achieving his or her goal. This archetype is often evil, though there is often a reason—however warped that reason may be—why they are so bad. They often want nothing more than to control and have power over everyone and everything around them, probably because most of them are secretly strongly motivated by fear.

• villain

• jester

• lover

• explorer

What character archetype often acts as the stand-in for the audience?This character archetype is just a normal person, but for some reason, he or she must face extraordinary circumstances. This archetype can be the protagonist or a supporting figure. Unlike the hero, this archetype does not feel a moral obligation to his or her task; instead, these characters often find themselves in the middle of something they have barely any control over. Unlike the hero, this archetype isn't trying to make a great change or work for the common good: these characters are just trying to get through a difficult situation.

• Hero

• mentor

• Regular guy

• explorer

What archetype is usually old, and this person often has some kind of magical abilities or a much greater breadth of knowledge than others possess? This archetype helps heroes along their journeys, usually by teaching them how to help themselves (though they sometimes directly intervene in extreme situations). This archetype often ends up dying but is sometimes resurrected or revisited even after death.

• creator

• mentor

• villain

• rebel

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What archetype uses humor to illuminate hypocrisy, and also level the playing field between those of power and those without?

This archetype is a fun-loving character who seeks the now, inviting others to partake in creating a self-depreciating form of satire.

• jester

• rebel

• mentor

• lover

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What archetype is solely focused on examining the boundaries or our reality and perception. As a character, they often take the position of the well-meaning scientist, or savant artist.

This archetype carries an inexhaustible imagination, often excelling at their chosen vocation. When presenting as a mortal character in a reality-based world, he is often portrayed as a man ahead of his time.

• villain

• lover

• explorer

• creator

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which is a character that, familiarly, seeks to escape the confines of their average life by traveling the world or exploring its many mysteries.

This archetype is moved by the possibility of a more fulfilling and authentic life by being more true to herself, and unlike the Hero, needs no inciting incident to try and find it on her own.

• hero

• mentor

• explorer

• rebel

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

This archetype believes that rules are made to be broken. They take it to "the man" and go against the powers that be to fix what they believe is broken.

• hero

• rebel

• villain

• mentor

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

This archetype's goal is being in a relationship with the people, work and surroundings they love. Their greatest fear is being alone or unnoticed.

• Lover

• rebel

• explorer

• mentor

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3