Archetype
A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
Hero Archetype
Wise, revolves around knowledge and truth.
This archetype is defined as the carrier of secret knowledge. They have strong beliefs in their abilities and dreams. They find solutions to problems with science or supernatural means depending on the story.
Magician
Leads the hero to their downfall. Her role, whether intentional or accidental, is to bring down the protagonist.
The Temptress
Seeks to do the right thing, with no need for heroics or adventure (good neighbor, silent majority, good old boy, common man, or the person next door).
Every Person
Often a child, this archetypal character is someone who sees the world as a good and wholesome place.
Innocent
A non-conformist who challenges, and often changes, the rules and the status quo.
Revolutionary
The repressed unconscious side of a personality. Can carry negative or evil qualities.
This archetype is fulfilled by taking care of others. It is also known as the saint, helper, and parent.
Caregiver
This character archetype will do anything for love. This leads them to do outrageous things just so they can continue to follow their hearts.
Lover
Always ready to assist the hero, never the main focus of the story but always key to moving the action along.
The Companion
They mislead the hero and act as a catalyst of change by bringing in doubt and suspense, an unstable character.
The Shapeshifter
Archetype driven by the need to see dreams become reality while providing structure to the world.
Creator
Uses a well-developed sense of humor, is light-hearted, mischievous at times, and often irreverent.
Jester
Their sole purpose is to bring down the hero or present a literary reason for the hero's quest. They are the antagonist in the story.
The Villian
Signifies that something is about to change for the hero.
The Herald
This archetype craves adventure and wants to discover the world for themselves. They are independent, ambitious, and spiritual.
Explorer
Leading is their most defining trait. They like to volunteer and take charge of situations. They are usually the fairest and just in a group of people. They have a constant need to wield power.
Ruler
Exists to be rescued by the Hero.
Damsel In Distress
The person or thing that keeps the hero from entering the new world, an obstacle.
The Threshold Guardian