Written by: The Steps to Getting Published Team
Most writers are familiar with the hero archetype in fiction writing, but there are other archetypes as well, ones that might come in handy while constructing characters for your writing. The Steps to Getting Published is proud to present a list of common character archetypes, and we hope you will use these in your own creative projects. This is not a full list, but we encourage you to explore these archetypes and research more at your leisure. There are links provided at the end of the article to get you started, and as always, please feel free to share your experience or knowledge in this subject in the comments below.
What is an archetype?
An archetype is a symbol, person, setting, or motif common in literature. The archetype is often recurring in stories, and in looking at character archetypes specifically, you’ll spot some familiar types—such as The Hero archetype—in many movies and books.
How can learning about archetypes help with my writing?
In studying archetypes and applying them to your own work, you can construct well-rounded characters with identifiable traits, hopes, and fears. Your readers will instinctively know your characters, based on similar characters with similar personalities. You might also gather ideas based on archetype descriptions.
In examining character archetypes in this article, you’ll find some of our favorites, such as The Artist, The Caregiver, The Spiritual Seeker, The Innocent, and more. We’ll start off with The Hero archetype, including some examples of popular characters and some facts about the Hero’s Journey.
The Hero
The Hero archetype is one we are all familiar with. These are the characters who are fighting to achieve an ultimate goal despite the often dangerous situations they face. The hero is considered morally "good," and while facing great dangers and obstacles that block their path, they often struggle with their "goodness." Staying true to themselves and their goal despite any calls to "the dark side" is what makes this archetype a popular, heroic figure in literature. Some examples of heroes were know and love are Luke Skywalker, Katniss Everdeen, Harry Potter, Sir Gawain, and Frodo Baggins. These heroes embark on their Hero's Journey. The Hero's Journey itself is an archetype in which a hero plays out their story. It follows a 12-step pattern deconstructed by Joseph Campbell:
1. Ordinary World - Introduces the character, oblivious to the adventure ahead
2. Call to Adventure - The threat or call to attention that prompts the adventure
3. Refusal to the Call - Reveals fears and doubts they must overcome
4. Meeting the Mentor - Finds guidance and or training through a Mentor archetype
5. Crossing the Threshold - Truly begins the quest and adventure
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies - Out of their comfort zone, the hero faces a series of challenges
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave - Preparation to face great danger or inner conflict
8. Ordeal - Where the hero uses all skills learned to overcome their greatest challenge
9. Reward (Seizing the Sword) - After defeating the enemy, the hero receives a reward (either a physical object and/or traits that make them stronger than before)
10. The Road Back - The journey home, reflecting on personal objectives and a higher cause
11. Resurrection - One final battle where failure is not an option
12. Return with the Elixir - The hero returns home a changed person, for better or worse
The Rebel
The Rebel archetype challenges authority and answers to no one. He or she is a revolutionary, breaks the status quo, and is a firm nonconformist. As such, this type of character will normally leap off the page, as his or her actions will be outside of the norm and will shock readers. There are a few different types of rebels, including those who go against government to prove a point, those who face off against all authority (parents, teachers, police), and those who push the limits of society. On a psychological level, this archetype is usually suffering. At best, they are lost. It’s possible they have a bad family structure or they are having difficulty functioning on a social level. On the positive side, they are usually the ones who bring in change when needed, assuming they beat their own demons. In writing this character, it might be a good idea to explore childhood patterns and social issues. It might also be interesting to write a rebel who does not physically “look” the part of the rebel. A rebel librarian, perhaps?
The Caregiver
Originally known as the Mother, the Caregiver is the character whose goal is to help others. They willingly protect and care for other characters, aiding heroes on their quest through companionship, emotional support, and or medicinal support. Although this archetype is prone to martyrdom and becoming the victim of exploitation, their compassion and generosity is unmatched by other archetypes. They fear selfishness and ingratitude and do their best to keep the ones they love—as well as themselves—from harm. This archetype is shown through characters like Mary Poppins, Miss. Honey from Matilda, and Hagrid from Harry Potter.
The Intellectual
The Intellectual archetype is intuitive, is constantly seeking education, and is able to keep up a conversation with almost anybody. They can be stubborn and combative, always think they know the answer, and they can even be narrow-minded at times. On the positive side, they are perpetually trying to find answers, so they are a good character for any novel—the Hermione Granger figure—who always knows the best way to do things. They are highly logical, so be aware that they might lack depth of thought (an opposition to The Artist archetype), and they might take failing harder than other archetypes.
The Lover
We see The Lover archetype in many stories. These are the characters who revolve around the creation of meaningful, lasting relationships. They advocate for strength in intimacy and are also known as the friend, partner, intimate, enthusiast, sensualist, or team-builder characters. They fear being alone or being rejected, rarely recovering from the loss associated with heartbreak. It is their goal to be around the people they love, thriving in situations that bring them closer to their companions, loved ones, or friends. It is often that this character shows commitment, appreciation, and gratitude without being prompted to do so. The weakness of this archetype, however, can include the risk of losing their identity as they strive to please others. Examples of the Lover are characters like Samwise from Lord of the Rings, Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, and Anna from Frozen. They are passionate people that thrive amongst the people they love.
The Artist
The Artist archetype does not necessarily need to be defined as a creative who masters art, music, culinary arts, literature, or dance. The Artist might also be seen as someone who appreciates beauty, might be known as a “dreamer,” and perhaps sees the world in different, unique ways. If writing a character using The Artist archetype, it might be useful to explore the inner thoughts of this type of person, including some of the quirkiness and abstract thinking so common with The Artist. For example, an artist sees things like color, light, words, tastes, and textures differently. Basically, you’ll want to avoid setting this character up as merely a man or woman who produces art. Why is this lifestyle so important to them? Why do they produce art and why does it make them happy? What drives them? What happens if they fail?
The Everyman
This archetype is a fun one. The Everyman is a character often depicted as a stand-in for the audience. Although they are not a hero (they do not feel the moral obligations that heroes do), they can be protagonists or supporting characters that are thrown into an adventure. These kinds of characters do not have much control over the situations they find themselves in. They are normal people in the wrong place at the wrong time—or the right place at the right time, depending on the adventure. Rather than trying to overcome great obstacles for a higher purpose or for the common good, as a hero does, The Everyman simply tries to escape difficult situations alive. A great example of an Everyman is John Watson from the Sherlock Holmes novels or Arthur Dent from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Watson is considered a normal person who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances, being eccentric Sherlock's right-hand man as he solves crimes, just as Arthur Dent is a normal businessman who finds himself saved from the destruction of his planet. These characters reflect the normal lives of ordinary people, like readers, yet are swept into a grand adventure.
The Spiritual Seeker
This archetype follows a specific path, one they hope will lead to life purpose and a higher level of spiritual understanding. The Spiritual Seeker is often searching for truth and purpose, and they are not necessarily happy, nor will they necessarily be happy when they attain higher levels of truth and purpose. To that end, we might write this type of character as constantly searching but not finding, unfulfilled, or facing an existential crisis. On the positive side, this archetype normally sees the good in most situations, and they normally believe they are happy as they are tossing aside the material world in exchange for something better. To begin a story, consider sending them off to find what they are seeking.
The Innocent
Many characters we adore or are inspired by are part of The Innocent archetype. These characters are ones that—as the name suggests—are innocent bystanders or supporting characters in a plot. They are typically children or women who are pure and unfazed by any dark, evil situations they become entangled in. Their goal is to be happy, do the right things, and they fear being punished for doing something bad or wrong. Some may see these characters as "stupid," though they are truthfully so morally pure that any evil surrounding them does not corrupt or impede them. Prim from The Hunger Games is a good example of this archetype. She is a young girl who is concerned with the wellness of others and is hopeful despite great odds against the ones she cares for. These innocent characters are a beacon for hope, purity, and righteousness in a plot.
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