Character Archetypes

Archetypes are a set of universal traits that act as blueprints – passed down through generations of storytellers – for the characters we know and love. They differ from stereotypes (oversimplified and usually negative ideas of a person or thing that is widely believed) and clichés (an event or idea that has been overused to the point where it is considered predictable and stale) as they are patterns of the human experience intended to evoke an immediate sense of familiarity with audiences. 

In other words, they are the bones on which writers can add flesh – substance. 

The 12 Main Archetypes

Despite the significance of archetypes in storytelling, they weren’t identified until 1947 when a psychiatrist called Carl Jung presented his theory on the collective unconscious. He suggested that each person fits into 1 of 12 behavioural patterns present throughout human history. Eventually, this theory would be adapted to become – as mentioned previously –  a starting point for writers and their characters. 

The Hero

A character of strength and courage, armed with an overwhelming amount of willpower, who is prepared to face any foe or challenge; brought down only by their own overconfidence and swollen ego. 

Example: Achilles (The Iliad) – A renowned warrior compromised by wrath and his own sense of pride. His achilles heel, if you will.  

The Innocent

A kind, sincere character of moral integrity made vulnerable by their sheer lack of power or their naive outlook on the world around them. Their story is usually one of entropy, change and growth. 

Example Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz) –  Dorothy’s fundamental sense of innocence and trust are traits that drive her to befriend those that she meets on her journey down the yellow brick road. 

The Magician

Magicians are masters of the universe. Intelligent and powerful characters that easily impress with their masterful skill. Even if they aren’t a real wizard or some celestial entity, their abilities seem god-like compared to that of average people. 

Example: Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes) – An incredible detective, capable of stringing together crime scenes with impossible mental gymnastics. 

The Outlaw

A fiery rebel that abides by no one’s rules. They fight in the face of oppression and never conform. Though they are self involved and, more often than not, lacking in power, they uphold virtue and persevere in the most trying situations. 

Example: Han Solo (Star Wars) – Roughish, charismatic and ready to break the rules. Han Solo made for an essential ally to Luke’s cause.

The Lover

A character driven by the heart and willing to do anything in the name of love. They are fiercely passionate and devoted, which comes at the cost of rationality and clarity. 

Example: Romeo and Juliet (Romeo and Juliet) – A classic example, these star crossed lovers were so driven by their passion that it tragically cost them their lives. 

The Explorer

Eager and curious, with a desire to explore the unknown, this character is naturally driven to push the boundaries of their abilities and the status quo. Their restless nature can lead them to become unreliable and difficult to satisfy. 

Example: Odysseus (The Odyssey) – Odysseus’ insatiable appetite for adventure cost him life with his loved ones and the lives of the men who followed him. 

The Sage

A wise, knowledgeable figure who is often there to guide or mentor the protagonist; but usually never enters the fray themselves. They often take the form of a parent or a greyed, old figure with a lifetime of experience. 

Example: Vesemir (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt) – Throughout the course of the story, Vesemir acted as both a father figure and mentor to the other Witchers and provided wisdom to Geralt and Ciri when he could. 

The Creator

This type of character is motivated by one simple desire, to create something. Their single-minded pursuit for perfection in their vision often comes at a great personal cost, sometimes leaving them self-absorbed and egotistical. 

Example: The Painter (Layers of Fear) – The Painter’s pursuit of perfection shatters his family and fractures his very mind, reducing him to a mad echo of his former self and leaving him with nothing but the task of finishing his magnum opus. 

The Caregiver

This character could take many forms. Spouse, friend or – like the Sage – a parent figure. Regardless of who they are, the Caregiver is loyal to a fault and will do anything to protect those that they love. Their selflessness however, can leave them vulnerable to exploitation. 

Example: Samwise (The Lord of the Rings) – The unrecognised and true hero of the story, Samwise is Frodo’s rock on their journey across middle-earth. Willing to do anything aid his friend in destroying the One Ring. 

The Ruler

Granted legal authority and absolute power, The Ruler is tasked with deciding how to  control and maintain a society. They are almost always faced with opposition and disliked by some, even if they choose the path of benevolence. Thus they are often forced to become aloof and develop a thick hide. 

Example: Mufasa (Lion King) – Kind and compassionate, Mufasa enacted order in Pride Rock and maintained the circle of life until he was inevitably betrayed by his brother, Scar.  

The Everyman

This character is grounded, often lacking in special abilities and designed to be relatable. They are usually unprepared for their journey and by extension act as the hand that guides audience members through a story. 

Example: Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit) – Back in the world of Middle-earth, Bilbo is the O.G. hobbit and readers’ guide during their first dive into Tolkien’s wonderous world. 

The Jester

A funny, disarming character who provides the story with comic relief while also having moments of meaningful insight. Their superficial nature can often seem obnoxious and cause them to become others characters’ object of disdain. 

Example: Genie (Aladdin 1992) – One of Disney’s most memorable jesters – and characters in general – Genie elevates Aladdin with his comic relief, charming nature and all-round stellar performance by, of course, the late Robin Williams.

Other Archetypes?

Other authors would later expand on Jung’s theory, adding more archetypes and suggesting the ones listed here are instead a family of archetypes. For example, The Villain – characters intended to act as an adversary to a story’s protagonist – is widely considered as not only an archetype of its own, but a family of them. However, as more archetypes are brought forward, the line between them and stock characters begins to blur. Stock characters are flat and static, intended to fulfil a singular role. Whereas archetypes, once again, are just the starting points for what will eventually become a fully fledged and three-dimensional character.