Character Archetypes

Front

Which archetype is defined by their power of will? They face adversity and overcome challenges. This obstacle in many cases is the villain.

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hero

Front

Which archetype wants to stop the hero archetype from achieving his or her goal? This archetype is often evil, though there is often a reason—however warped that reason may be—why they are so bad. They often want nothing more than to control and have power over everyone and everything around them, probably because most of them are secretly strongly motivated by fear.

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villain

Front

What archetype is usually old, and this person often has some kind of magical abilities or a much greater breadth of knowledge than others possess? This archetype helps heroes along their journeys, usually by teaching them how to help themselves (though they sometimes directly intervene in extreme situations). This archetype often ends up dying but is sometimes resurrected or revisited even after death?

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mentor

Front

What archetype uses humor to illuminate hypocrisy, and also level the playing field between those of power and those without? This archetype is a fun-loving character who seeks the now, inviting others to partake in creating a self-depreciating form of satire.

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jester

Front

What archetype is solely focused on examining the boundaries of our reality and perception, often portrayed as a well-meaning scientist or savant artist, with an inexhaustible imagination and often excelling at their vocation, typically depicted as a man ahead of his time?

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creator

Front

Which character seeks to escape the confines of their average life by traveling the world or exploring its many mysteries, motivated by the possibility of a more fulfilling and authentic life without needing an inciting incident?

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explorer

Front

This archetype believes that rules are made to be broken. They take it to "the man" and go against the powers that be to fix what they believe is broken.

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rebel

Front

This archetype's goal is being in a relationship with the people, work and surroundings they love. Their greatest fear is being alone or unnoticed.

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Lover