The simple explanation:
An archetype is the typical and traditional characters, plots, settings, themes, and symbols found in 99% of all stories. Character Archetypes are the “blueprints” for characters that we draw on to fill necessary roles within a story.
Who is the story’s Protagonist?
The Hero
Who helps the Protagonist get what they want?
The Sidekick
Who is trying to keep the Protagonist from their goal?
The Villain
Who is connected to the Protagonist’s emotional/physical growth?
The Mentor
Let's Look at the Most Common Types
THE WARRIOR, CRUSADER, RESCUER, DRAGON SLAYER, & WINNER.
▪ Lawful Good
▪ Strength of character is tested at each point of their journey.
▪ Thrive on challenges even when reluctant to tackle them.
▪ Sensitive to injustice.
▪ Protective of weaker characters.
▪ WEAKNESS = Hubris.
Examples: Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, Robin Hood
ANTI-HERO
VIGILANTES EMBRACING NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS.
▪ Chaotic Good
▪ Past trauma shapes their personality
▪ Selfish or self-serving motivations.
▪ Good and/or Evil is treated like a business transaction.
▪ WEAKNESS = Narcissism.
Examples: Wolverine, Maleficent, Deadpool
SIDEKICK
FAITHFUL SUPPORT OF THE HERO OR VILLAIN.
▪ Neutral Good
▪ True Loyalty - There at all times, even when things are tough.
▪ Voice of Reason (often ignored).
▪ Unsung Hero / Similar qualities to their leader but do not rise to the same level.
▪ WEAKNESS = Unwavering Devotion.
Examples: Tinker Bell, Samwise Gamgee, Little John
VILLAIN
THE EVIL HERO – ANTAGONIST
▪ Lawful Evil - Chaotic Evil
▪ Often motivated by fear.
▪ Traumatic past shapes their personality, but do not develop sense of morality to allow them to become an anti-hero.
▪ Moral foil of the hero. Their vice parallels the protagonists’ virtue. They create the need for a hero.
▪ WEAKNESS = Lust for Power/Control.
Examples: Voldemort, Cruella DeVil, Skeletor
MENTOR
GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE TO HELP THE HERO MATURE
▪ Neutral Good / Lawful Good
▪ Provide: motivation, inspiration, guidance, training, and gifts for the journey
▪ Was once in the Hero’s position. Speaks from experience.
▪ Assists when needed, but does not take the hero’s journey to completion.
▪ Moral Compass
Examples: Yoda, Dumbledore, Aslan
BACKGROUND / SECONDARY CHARACTERS
▪ The Innocent
▪ The Caregiver
▪ The Lover
▪ The Comic Relief
▪ The Messenger
▪ The Betrayer
▪ The Trickster
▪ The Ordinary Person
Examples: Merry and Pippin, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood