50 Common Character Archetypes

50 Common Character Archetypes

These 50 Common Character Archetypes can help you better understand how to round out your characters. One of the most essential steps when crafting a story is developing dynamic, engaging characters. While truly original characters take skill and imagination to create, writers can often draw inspiration from common archetypes that follow classic patterns. These archetypes represent universal human experiences and provide tried-and-true blueprints to get your creative juices flowing. From the courageous hero to the manipulative villain, this comprehensive guide outlines 50 of the most popular character archetypes in fiction, drama, and myth. With classic examples and key attributes provided for each archetype, this article can serve as a toolbox to help any writer build a vivid cast that captures readers’ imaginations. Whether crafting a protagonist to root for, an antagonist to loathe, or compelling supporting characters, these archetypes supply the fundamental elements to shape believable personalities your audience will never forget.

1. The Hero – Courageous, noble. On a journey for justice or vengeance. Examples: Katniss (The Hunger Games), Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker.
2. The Anti-Hero – Morally questionable but sympathetic. Often selfish goals. Examples: Deadpool, Walter White (Breaking Bad).
3. The Chosen One – Unwillingly anointed to defeat evil. Examples: Neo (The Matrix), Percy Jackson.
4. The Underdog – Underestimated, but triumphs through perseverance. Examples: Rudy Ruettiger, Frodo Baggins.
5. The Detective – Doggedly follows clues and brings truth to light. Examples: Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew.
6. The Rebel – Fights back against injustice or oppression. Examples: Katniss, Robin Hood, Han Solo.
7. The Lover – Motivated by passion, desire. Often tragic or forbidden love. Examples: Romeo and Juliet, Gatsby and Daisy (Great Gatsby).
8. The Caregiver – Compassionate, driven to help others. Examples: Mother Teresa, Gandhi, many nurses.
9. The Jester – Provides comic relief through jokes, antics. Examples: Donkey (Shrek), Mercutio (Romeo & Juliet).
10. The Everyman – Average person thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Examples: Arthur Dent (Hitchhiker’s Guide), Bilbo Baggins.
11. The Innocent – Naive, symbolic of purity. Examples: Forrest Gump, Snow White, Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables).
12. The Sage – Wise mentor who guides the hero. Examples: Gandalf, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Dumbledore.
13. The Explorer – Curious, seeking adventure and insight. Examples: Alice (Alice in Wonderland), Professor Indiana Jones.
14. The Outlaw – Defies rules and social order. Examples: Robin Hood, Han Solo, Malcom Reynolds (Firefly).
15. The Magician – Knowledgeable, visionary powers. Examples: Prospero (The Tempest), Doctor Strange.
16. The Ruler – In a position of leadership and authority. Examples: Aragorn (Lord of the Rings), Queen Elizabeth I.
17. The Creator – Innovative, imaginative. Examples: Willy Wonka, artists and inventors.
18. The Shadow – Represents darkness, repressed desires. Examples: Darth Vader, Mr. Hyde (Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde).
19. The Trickster – Deceptive, mischievous. Examples: Loki, Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), The Joker.
20. The Protector – Shields, defends others. Willing to self-sacrifice. Examples: Superman, Harry Potter, Jack (Titanic).
21. The Devil – Evil incarnate. Examples: Voldemort, Sauron (Lord of the Rings), Darth Vader.
22. The Femme Fatale – Seductive, manipulative, dangerous. Examples: Mystique (X-Men), Poison Ivy (Batman).
23. The Damsel In Distress – Helpless, needing rescue. Examples: Princess Peach, damsels tied to railroad tracks.
24. The Monster – Hideous, monstrous appearance. Examples: The Creature (Frankenstein), King Kong, Shrek.
25. The Gangster – Criminal, immoral. Examples: Michael Corleone (The Godfather), Tony Soprano.
26. The Misfit – Outcast, lacks mainstream social skills. Examples: Lenny (Of Mice and Men), Boo Radley (To Kill A Mockingbird).
27. The Bully – Intimidating, dominating. Examples: Scut Farkus (A Christmas Story), Biff Tannen (Back to the Future).
28. The Nerd – Socially awkward, intelligent. Examples: Peter Parker (Spiderman), Hermione Granger.
29. The Temptress – Seductive, tempting but dangerous. Examples: Eve (Genesis story), The Sirens (Greek myths).
30. The Child – Symbol of innocence. Examples: Tiny Tim (A Christmas Carol), Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird).
31. The Martyr – Suffers for an important cause. Examples: Jesus Christ, Gandhi.
32. The Sidekick – Loyal supporter and friend of the hero. Examples: Samwise (Lord of the Rings), Robin (Batman).
33. The Knight – Bound by oaths of chivalry and service. Examples: Sir Lancelot, Don Quixote.
34. The Everyman – Average person the audience relates to. Examples: Luke Skywalker, Bilbo.
35. The Scapegoat – Blamed unfairly for others’ misdeeds. Examples: Piggy (Lord of the Flies).
36. The Villain – Evilly opposes the hero. Examples: Voldemort, The Joker, Darth Vader.
37. The Star-Crossed Lovers – Forbidden, tragic love. Examples: Romeo and Juliet.
38. The Caregiver – Selflessly caring for others. Examples: Mother Teresa.
39. The Orphan – No parents, lacks guidance and support. Examples: Harry Potter, Frodo.
40. The Survivor – Endures adversity and outlasts others. Examples: Katniss (The Hunger Games).
41. The Romantic – Seeks passion, love, beauty. Examples: Gatsby (Great Gatsby).
42. The BFFs – Comic pair or trio of friends. Examples: Harry, Ron, Hermione.
43. The Manipulator – Deceitful, influencing others. Examples: Iago (Othello).
44. The Ancient Soul – Wise beyond their years. Examples: Gandalf, Dumbledore.
45. The Renaissance Person – Skilled and talented in many ways. Examples: Queen Elizabeth I, Leonardo da Vinci.
46. The Wallflower – Shy, introverted, and often overlooked. Example: Cinderella.
47. The Buzzkill – Pessimistic, gloomy, and often discourages others. Example: Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh).
48. The Basket Case – Emotionally damaged, unstable. Example: Ophelia (Hamlet).
49. The Zealot – Passionate, inflexible devotion to a cause. Examples: Religious extremists.
50. The Traitor – Betrays friends, community. Examples: Brutus (Julius Caesar), Judas Iscariot.

We hope these are helpful. There are many others of course, but these are pretty common. Did your MC match any of these? Can you use some of these to round out your story? Do you think these will help your story? Were there any that surprised you? Let us know in the comments.

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Richard Everywriter (pen name), founder of EveryWriter, is a publishing industry veteran with 25 years of experience. He holds degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, and has taught writing and literature for 20 years.

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