12 Common Archetypal Characters & How to Use Them in Storytelling

If yous've e'er sat through a high school literature class, you know about archetypes. Possibly your 9th class English teacher asked y'all what archetypal character Jim Stark was in Rebel Without a Cause. Perchance your 11th course English instructor asked yous what archetype Gatsby fit into. Regardless of what character, book, or movie it was for, knowing the 12 most common archetypal characters and how to utilize them is essential to you as an author.

Archetypes can experience flat, fake, or but plainly boring. But, if you know how to apply an archetypal character to your advantage, they tin bring new meaning to that ballsy fantasy novel you've been writing. Whether information technology'south through plot, dialogue, or overall graphic symbol development, these archetypal characters can propel your plot to new heights.

What is an Archetype?

Permit's get back to basics. An archetype is defined every bit "a very typical instance of a certain person or matter" or "a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology."

Dorsum in the early 20th century, a psychiatrist named Carl Jung developed all of these "Jungian" archetypes that seemed to be in humanity's commonage unconscious. What that really means is at that place are major events and characters that announced in all of humanity's unlike origin stories, mythology, etc. If y'all really desire to autumn down the Internet rabbit hole, I suggested Googling Carl Jung or Jungian Archetypes; it's some seriously fascinating stuff.

Of course, archetypes weren't invented by Carl Jung, and they've been permeating every civilization to ever exist since the showtime of recorded history. He simply wrote them downward and theorized a bunch of stuff about them. [I'd become into the whole history of archetypes, simply that'south not what this post is really about.]

If you lot enquiry "mutual archetypes" or something like on Google, y'all'll run across a standard list of things. An archetypal issue might exist nascency, decease, separation (from home), initiation, marriage, or the union of opposites. Archetypal characters include the mother, male parent, child, god, wise old homo/woman, trickster, and of course, the hero. Archetypal motifs are the apocalypse, the deluge, or the creation.

Creating an Archetypal Character

Characters tin can be a combination of flat, round, static, and dynamic.

Aflat character is a one-dimensional character who isn't fully developed.

Around character is a multi-dimensional graphic symbol with different (and sometimes contradictory) features, just similar real humans.

Astatic character is a graphic symbol who doesn't change.

Adynamic character is a graphic symbol who undergoes a major change(southward) after they larn or experience something that alters them in a pregnant way.

Whatsoever characters who serve as filler or don't have a major role in the plot (similar a supporting character) are always apartment and static. That isn't necessarily bad writing, information technology merely means they aren't of import.

Even so, if you want to use an archetypal character to your advantage, they need to have a sense of depth and thus must, at a minimum, exist round characters. To make a character round, introduce different elements of characterization including, but not limited to, thoughts, actions, concrete description, reactions, and dialogue. This will help readers empathise the ins and outs of that archetypal character.

The 12 Common Archetypal Characters
The Caregiver

The Caregiver is typically a "parent" grapheme who cares for the protagonist in some style. They desire to protect and care for others and are compassionate and generous. Nevertheless, they're ofttimes a martyr whose sacrifice aids the protagonist's quest in some way.

The Creator

The Creator is some kind of creative and imaginative character. They can be an artist, inventor, writer, or musician, and are generally innovative and visionary. They seek to express themselves, their visions, and contribute to the overall culture through valuable creations.

The Explorer

The Explorer wants to experience new things and be gratis. They oftentimes seek self discovery through a physical journeying. They seek a better, authentic life and fear befitting to the status quo, and believe risk is effectually every corner. They can also be seen as pilgrims, individualists, or wanderers.

The Hero

The Hero is a graphic symbol who seeks to prove their worth through courageous and heroic acts. They might be arrogant and fright existence seen as weak or scared. They want to brand the world a better place and never surrender, regardless of the odds. They are a warrior, rescuer, soldier, and squad role player.

The Innocent

The Innocent is an optimistic graphic symbol whose worst fear is doing something bad. They seek to e'er do the correct things and accept a certain naive innocence nearly them. They don't seem to understand the harshness of the earth and are continually stuck in a romantic, dreamy place.

The Jester

The Jester is a character who wants to enjoy their life and accept a skilful time. They like to joke around and brand other people laugh, and genuinely want to make the world a happier place. They might as well be portrayed as a fool, a trickster, or a comedian.

The Lover

The Lover is a loyal companion who fears being unwanted or unloved. They're passionate and committed, only they also want to be more attractive to others and delight everyone at the chance of losing their own identity. They might be portrayed as a partner, friend, or spouse.

The Magician

The Magician is a visionary who understands the way the world works. They fright accidental negative consequences and love finding win-win solutions to problems. However, in their search for knowledge and solutions, they frequently get manipulative. They might exist portrayed every bit a shaman, a healer, or a charismatic leader.

The Orphan

The Orphan is the character who wants to belong more than than annihilation. They fear being left out and being alone. They're often downwardly to earth and compassionate, but lose their own identity when trying to fit in. They are portrayed every bit the everyman, the guy/girl next door, or the silent majority.

The Rebel

The Insubordinate believes the rules are meant to exist cleaved and wants to change something that isn't working. While they might starting time out with a good goal in heed, they easily cantankerous the line from rebellion to crime. They're portrayed every bit revolutionaries or misfits.

The Ruler

The Ruler wants control and wants to create a successful community/society. They fear being overthrown and as a result, tin can get authoritarian or non delegate whatever roles to the people closest to them. They are the boss, the king/queen, politician, or role model.

The Sage

The Sage is a truth seeker who uses their intelligence to analyze the world. They fear ignorance and spend lots of time studying and self-reflecting. Because they fear ignorance, they may but study and never deed on what they detect. They're the scholar, philosopher, bookish, and teacher.

Merging Archetypes

An archetypal character doesn't have to fit neatly into one category. A Creator tin can besides exist a Sage; a Ruler can also exist a Sage. Creating compelling, complex characters–fifty-fifty archetypal characters–requires you to cadet the status quo and create new combinations of characteristics, habits, and backstory. By combining major archetypes, you tin can create round, dynamic characters who propel the plot forward.

Humans have used the same major archetypal characters in their mythology, origin stories, and creative works since the beginning of recorded history. These archetypes are pop considering they reflect the human condition. Utilize them carefully and thoughtfully, and make sure they're dynamic to avert cliche, boring filler. If y'all go on those things in mind, y'all'll create awesome new characters who can truly impact and drive your plot.