Which of the Following Characters Would Be Considered an Archetype

Which of the Following Characters Would Be Considered an Archetype

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L
ooking to begin new characters? Perhaps, yous desire to flesh out existing characters or pair them against some other character to maximize drama and develop deeper character arcs. Writing a compelling character is easier said than washed. However, information technology’s helpful to consider tried-and-truthful character archetypes to ensure every character behaves in a way that is unique, consistent, and believable. In this post, we’ll place the various character archetypes that you can utilise to enhance your own characters. Plus, we’ll include plenty of iconic character archetype examples from your favorite movies and Idiot box shows. Lastly, we’ll ascertain which graphic symbol archetypes can be paired to maximize either

harmony
…or

conflict.

Allow’due south get started.

  1. What is a Character Archetype?
  2. Graphic symbol Archetypes
  3. Archetype Examples

WHAT IS AN Classic?

Understanding graphic symbol archetypes

Character archetypes are bully edifice blocks for your stories.

You don’t want to make your characters also i dimensional, but understanding why people seem to gravitate to a detail set of graphic symbol traits volition aid you analyze human behavior.

Which leads to crafting better characters in your scripts. Merely what exactly does archetype mean?

Archetype DEFINITION

What is an classic?

An
classic
is a consistent and typical version of a item affair. It tin exist a human, an object, or a particular set of behaviors, but the point is that it fits into a fourth dimension-tested mold that embodies a
pure form.

A
character archetype
is the cadre traits, values, and decision making patterns of a item type of person.

What does a character classic do?

  • Allows for a variety of different characters
  • Solidifies the values for a item character
  • Establishes a unique skill prepare for the grapheme

It’due south of import to sympathise that at that place is a difference betwixt a story classic and a grapheme classic.

You tin can take classic archetypical characters and place them into a narrative chain of events that plays confronting the associated story archetype.

A quarterback who needs to get to the playoffs is onetime hat, but a quarterback who is thrown into a murder investigation and gambling plot is relatively fresh. This is how the filmmakers behindThe Last Male child Sentinel
handled their archetypical characters.

Archetypical Characters in The Terminal Boy Scout

In fact, this is one of the all-time ways to brand sure that your story is a bit more fresh and a fleck less tired and derivative.

Why practise graphic symbol archetypes exist?

Human beings tend to find their place within a grouping dynamic based around their strongest personality traits.

You may take a group of friends with similar interests but oftentimes one will be the “social butterfly” while another will exist the “homebody.”

Your friends will begin to identify each other past these consistent traits.

You lot’ve now defined yourself by a character archetype.

When writing your own scripts, you may have a desire to use a character archetype for your hero, or for your villain.

Other times y’all may want to build an ensemble with many archetypes.

Here is a scene beneath that feature multiple character archetypes:

Archetypical Characters in Inception  •  Read Unabridged Scene

It’s likewise important to note that, not every character fits into a tiny picayune box.

We all accept a certain percentage of different character traits. Which of them dominates the majority of our personality? Which traits manifest less often?

Take Michael Scott from
The Office:

Grapheme Archetype Examples  •  Michael Scott

Michael could be considered a leader, or maybe a wildcard. Almost characters volition show signs of multiple character archetypes, simply there is still a way to make a sound conclusion.

The simplest way is through the procedure of elimination.

Indiana Jones, for case, fits into 3 unlike character archetypes, but when you go through the process of stripping them away one at a fourth dimension, what do y’all get? Would you notwithstanding have Indiana Jones?


Indiana Jones Embodies Multiple Character Archetypes

Eventually, you’ll learn that there is a dominant character archetype that all-time exemplifies each particular character.

There are state of affairs similar
Game of Thrones
where a character may brainstorm a seducer, only and so walks the path of redemption to the warrior, like Jamie Lannister.

These particular archetypical characters can be applied to heroes, but they can besides serve as character archetypes for villains.

Ofttimes, the same character traits can be used for different reasons…

You lot can use your charm for practiced, or far evil.

Also, many characters (especially in comedy) volition
attempt
to fit into a graphic symbol archetype that seems the appropriate for their personality…

But they really but possess the
negative traits
associated with the type.

Often, these characters fall into the unlisted character archetype:


The Fool
.

This is true with shows similarVeep, where the leader is a poor leader, the rebel is a poor rebel, and the caregiver can’t seem to go anything right.

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Season 6 Recap |
Veep

Y’all don’t forfeit the label only considering a character consistently fails to alive up to the positive traits for particular archetypical characters.

ARCHETYPE Examples LIST

Complete character archetypes listing

Another important thing to keep in heed is how the archetypical characters on this listing interact with 1 another. We’ve divided this into categories:

  • Allies
  • Enemies

Now, this doesn’t hateful that you tin’t have incompatible archetypes on the same team or vice versa, because that will oftentimes lead to logical conflict. While this is groovy for storytelling, certain personality types accept a much easier time connecting with others.

Some will have more harmonious interactions while others will have more chaotic interactions.

Like in this scene from
The Avengers
.

The Avengers at their low

They all share anger at the moment, but each of them bear witness it in their own way. Don’t shy away from these interactions in your stories.

Grapheme ARCHETYPES List

1. The Leader

Our first grapheme archetype is
The Leader.

Unremarkably, this character archetype is forceful, a person of activeness. They’re confident, motivated, and brave.

Which is beneficial for staying agile and edifice story momentum only they can often be arrogant and domineering. This is great for generating a lot of natural conflict.

Here’due south a video breaking down how to create a dynamic Leader in your story:

Archetypal Characters — The Leader  •  Subscribe on YouTube

The Leader — Allies
  • The Warrior
  • The Caregiver

Leaders desire to exist surrounded past squad players, and more ofttimes than not the team players are those who intendance virtually rules and standards.

That normally translates into potent, reliable relationships with both the strong will of a warrior, and the responsible approach of the caregiver.

The Leader — Enemies
  • The Rebel
  • The Wildcard

The leader has a plan, and wants to stick to that plan.

Naturally, anyone who seems to throw caution to the wind or rely heavily on improvisation will get under the pare of whatsoever leader.

A true leader knows that they are responsible for more than than their own skin, so anyone who is a cavalier volition inevitably gum upward the works.

The Leader — Mutual Professions
  • King/Queen
  • President
  • CEO
  • Quarterback
  • General
The Leader Classic Examples
  • Gandalf —
    Lord of the Rings
  • Selina Meyer
    — Veep
  • Jack Aubrey —
    Master & Commander

Graphic symbol ARCHETYPES IN MOVIES AND LITERATURE

2. The Caregiver

Our next character archetype is
The Caregiver.

Unremarkably, this graphic symbol archetype prioritizes the needs of others. They want to make the world right. They’re kind, generous, and supportive.

They will often have meaningful conversations with your protagonist.

Only they can often be meek, vulnerable and an easy target for a villain to capture or manipulate.

Archetypal Characters — The Caregiver Archetype  •  Subscribe on YouTube

The Caregiver — Allies
  • The Leader
  • The Professor

The caregiver volition often connect with those who take a lot of responsibility or a lot of weight on their shoulders.

They will connect with a professor ofttimes because they are willing to overlook negative traits and bandage them aside as “necessary evils.”

The Caregiver — Enemies
  • The Seducer
  • The Wildcard

The main thing a caregiver can’t bide is when characters have reward of others. This means the seducer is automatically a problem area.

The caregiver will stomach a rebel under the right circumstances, but if they practise not enjoy the antics of a wildcard.

The Caregiver — Common Professions
  • Therapist
  • Teacher
  • Md/Nurse
  • Nanny
The Caregiver Archetype Examples
  • John Watson —
    Sherlock
  • Sam Wise —
    Lord of the Rings
  • Gary Walsh —
    Veep
  • Dr. Stephen Maturin —
    Master & Commander

Character ARCHETYPE EXAMPLES IN MOVIES

iii. The Seducer

Our next graphic symbol archetype is
The Seducer.

Commonly, this character archetype is mannerly, a person of charisma. They’re confident, persuasive, and sly.

Often debonair, they’re provocative and mysterious but they can oftentimes be manipulative and a bit jaded.

For a quick example, look no further than Han Solo.

Archetypal Characters — The Seducer  •  Han Solo

The Seducer — Allies
  • The Insubordinate
  • The Castaway

Often the seducer will become along with others who wait out for their own neck, just also for those who have a vulnerability to be manipulated.

Seducers need someone impressionable and that is where the castaway can be a powerful unwitting amanuensis on behalf of the seducer.

The Seducer — Enemies
  • The Leader
  • The Professor

Often, a leader and a professor tin can see correct through the seducer. They won’t trust one, and know the seducer will take the shortcut if available.

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The Seducer — Mutual Professions
  • Spy
  • Lawyer
  • Salesman
  • Gambler
  • Detective
  • Thief
The Seducer Archetype Examples
  • Eames —
    Inception
  • Jack Vincennes —
    L.A. Confidential
  • Dan Egan —
    Veep

Graphic symbol ARCHETYPE EXAMPLES

four. The Castaway

Our side by side character classic is
The Castaway.

Ordinarily, this character archetype is observant from a condom distance, a fleck of a loner. They’re devoted, loyal, and introspective. But they tin can often be gullible and emotional.

Consider Brian, the brain, from a film populated with archetypical characters —
The Breakfast Society.

Archetypal Characters — The Castaway  •  Brian the Brain

The Castaway — Allies
  • The Leader
  • The Wildcard

The Castaway is looking to be inspired, and because of this they often find themselves with a headstrong leader or a rather fluid Wildcard.

Annihilation else is simply too “centre of the road,” and will reinforce the idea that things are cemented and have no room for alter on the surface.

The Castaway — Enemies
  • The Professor
  • The Warrior

Both the Professor and the Warrior volition await at the Castaway and see someone who is a bit parasitic. The Castaway is too weak in their eyes.

The Castaway — Mutual Professions
  • Office Worker
  • Driver
  • Gardener
  • Artist
  • Melt
The Castaway Archetype Examples
  • Frodo —
    Lord of the Rings
  • Amy Brookheimer —
    Veep

CHARACTER ARCHETYPE EXAMPLES

5. The Insubordinate

Our next character archetype is
The Rebel.

Normally, these archetypal characters are energetic and individualistic, a thrill seeker. They’re street-smart, capable, and brave.

Merely they tin can often be cynical and quick tempered.

Think of how Tyler Durden in
Fight Lodge
brought an entirely new perspective to the Narrator’due south world.

Tyler Durden — The Archetypical Insubordinate

The Rebel — Allies
  • The Seducer
  • The Castaway

The Rebel is more often than not interested in self-preservation and angle the rules to become what they desire. The Seducer has skills useful to the rebel.

The Castaway is open minded and only cynical enough to attract the proficient will of a Insubordinate, and they share a penchant for questioning the condition quo.

The Rebel — Enemies
  • The Leader
  • The Professor

The Rebel volition run into these ii as old baby-sit, and unwilling to redefine methods and approaches toward goals.

A Insubordinate is often much more guess and check, whereas a Professor is more scientific, and the Leader more than loyal to institutions.

The Rebel — Common Professions
  • Criminal
  • Fighter Pilot
  • Adventurer
  • Spy
  • Cowboy
  • Mercenary
  • Mechanic
The Insubordinate Classic Examples
  • Reiben —
    Saving Private Ryan
  • Maverick —
    Meridian Gun
  • Will Hunting —
    Practiced Will Hunting
  • Jonah Ryan —
    Veep

CHARACTER ARCHETYPE EXAMPLES

6. The Wildcard

Our next character archetype is
The Wildcard.

Commonly, this character classic is unpredictable, a person of improvisation. They’re oftentimes brutally honest, humorous, and creative.

But they can often exist sarcastic, impulsive, and meddlesome.

Despite his loyal friendship, Walter in
The Big Lebowski
could be a Wildcard in any scene at any time.

Writing archetypes like Walter must be a blast

The Wildcard — Allies
  • The Warrior
  • The Castaway

The Wildcard pairs well with a Warrior considering they both are all about the action, and they oft needs i another’s skill fix.

The Castaway and Wildcard have some common traits, 1 of which is their tendency to be more impulsive and fluid.

The Wildcard — Enemies
  • The Leader
  • The Professor

The Wildcard is all about doing what they want when they feel similar it and everything is based effectually instinct. This is tough on a Leader.

It is too tough on a Professor who does and then much research that someone who lives unprepared can seem ludicrous.

The Wildcard — Common Professions
  • Blue neckband
  • Artists
  • Beautician
  • Freelancer
  • Vagabond
  • Gypsy
  • Traveler
The Wildcard Classic Examples
  • Walter —
    The Big Lebowski
  • Mike McLintock —
    Veep
  • Charlie Kelly —
    It’south Ever Sunny in Philadelphia
  • Doc Holliday —
    Tombstone

Character ARCHETYPE EXAMPLES

7. The Professor

Our next character archetype is
The Professor.

Commonly, this graphic symbol classic is literal, droll, and very often a genius. They’re logical, problem solving, and candid.

Merely they tin can oftentimes be socially oblivious and rigid.

Spock from
Star Expedition
just might be the perfect archetype example. He prioritizes logic above all only what makes this graphic symbol even more than interesting is his half human side that is abiding conflict.

Spock  •  Archetype Examples

The Professor — Allies
  • The Caregiver
  • The Leader

The Professor is often a flawed social existence, and that ofttimes translates into a Caregiver beingness the only person with the patience to stand them.

The Leader is often someone who takes their work seriously, which volition earn the respect of a Professor more than virtually anything else.

The Professor — Enemies
  • The Seducer
  • The Wildcard
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The Professor will become tired of the smooth antics of a Seducer, and the unpredictable actions of a Wildcard. Everything a Professor does is idea out, so a Wildcard may arrive their way too much.

The Professor — Mutual Professions
  • Instructor
  • Detective
  • Economist
  • Engineer
  • Pathologist
The Professor Archetype Examples
  • Sherlock Holmes —
    Sherlock
  • Greg House —
    House
  • Kent Davidson —
    Veep

Character Classic EXAMPLES

eight. The Warrior

Our next graphic symbol classic is
The Warrior.

Commonly, this character archetype is courageous, self-sacrificing, a person of honor. They’re stiff willed, involved, and accept a code.

But they can often be stubborn and obsessive — just like Sarah Connor in
The Terminator
franchise.

Sarah Connor — The Archetypical Warrior

The Warrior — Allies
  • The Leader
  • The Professor

A warrior needs something to fight for, and ofttimes that can be a leader rather than a cause. Warriors are driven by accolade and by a code, which means they respect those with a code of their ain like a professor.

The Warrior — Enemies
  • The Caregiver
  • The Castaway

Generally, the warrior will see a nurturing soul or a searching soul and run into their traits as a consummate waste material of fourth dimension. The caregiver is as well worried about consequences while the castaway is too lethargic for a warrior.

The Warrior — Common Professions
  • Soldier
  • Constabulary Officer
  • Fire-eater
  • Lawyer
  • Journalist
  • Missionary
The Warrior Archetype Examples
  • Aragorn —
    Lord of the Rings
  • Ryan —
    Saving Individual Ryan
  • Bud White —
    L.A. Confidential
  • Ben Cafferty —
    Veep

STORY Classic EXAMPLES

Character archetypes in ensembles

While character archetypes are meant to interact with one some other, each and everyone of them tin be used every bit a main protagonist.

Simply considering the Leader has many of the classic traits associated with a main protagonist, that doesn’t mean the Castaway cannot exist the main protagonist for their own story.

All the same, when your story features a group, squad, or team y’all will often build that team based on their unique character traits.

When backside enemy lines, your commando team needs a green beret, marine, commuter, sapper, sniper, and a spy.

These are specialities that brand-up a winning squad, because you need a unlike skill set for each problem you lot encounter.

These skill sets (like professions) will ofttimes connect to certain archetypes.

Let’due south have a wait at a few examples of movies and serial that used the ensemble cast and how they went nearly applying character archetypes.

Graphic symbol Archetypes |


Game of Thrones

Let’southward take a look at the archetype examples in
Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones Season 5 Recap

Cersei/Daenerys — The Leader

Samwell/Jorah — The Caregiver

Jamie/Euron — The Seducer

Tyrion/Sansa — The Castaway

Bronn/Arya — The Rebel

The Hound — The Wildcard

Davos/Varys — The Professor

Jon Snow/Brienne — The Warrior

Character Archetypes |


The Avengers

Permit’s take a await at the archetype examples in Curiosity’s
Avengers: Infinity State of war.


Archetypal Roles in Infinity War  •  Subscribe on YouTube

Captain America/Black Panther — The Leader

Reddish Witch/War Machine — The Caregiver

Ironman — The Seducer

Hulk/Gamora — The Castaway

Thor/Loki — The Rebel

Starlord/Spiderman — The Wildcard

Dr. Strange/Vision — The Professor

Black Widow/Thanos — The Warrior

Grapheme Archetypes |


Inception

Let’s have a look at the archetypical characters in
Inception.


Different Archetypes in Inception

Cobb — The Leader

Ariadne — The Caregiver

Eames — The Seducer

Fischer — The Castaway

Saito — The Rebel

Mal — The Wildcard

Yusuf — The Professor

Arthur — The Warrior

Character Archetypes |

Saving Individual Ryan

Let’s accept a wait at the archetype examples in Spielberg’s
Saving Private Ryan.


Motorcar Gun Nest |
Saving Individual Ryan

Miller — The Leader

Horvath — The Caregiver

Mellish — The Seducer

Upham — The Castaway

Reiben — The Insubordinate

Jackson — The Wildcard

Wade — The Professor

Ryan — The Warrior

Character Archetypes |

Ocean’s Eleven

Let’s take a await at the classic examples in Soderbergh’due south
Ocean’s Xi.


Build a Crew |
Ocean’s Eleven

Danny Body of water — The Leader

Rusty Ryan — The Caregiver

Frank Catton/Saul Bloom — The Seducer

Linus Caldwell — The Castaway

Basher Tarr — The Rebel

Virgil/Turk Malloy — The Wildcard

Reuben Tishkoff/Livingston Dell — The Professor

Yen — The Warrior

Upwards Side by side

How to Write Better Dialogue

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Up Adjacent: Writing better dialogue →

Which of the Following Characters Would Be Considered an Archetype

Source: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/character-archetypes/