Archetypes

Who Am I:

"A sidekick, friend, or supporter is the role I play. I’m ready to help the hero with whatever they need. I may know the hero before the quest, or we might meet on the journey. We might even start out as rivals but eventually join forces! The hero and I may have our disagreements, but ultimately I’m on their team."

• Shadow

• Ally

• Mentor

• Hero

Who Am I:

"I challenge you to a duel! I’m the hero’s first challenge. I “guard” the threshold into the Unknown World. Maybe I’m a monster, or perhaps I’m a more important character – one that may even become an ally. I spur the hero to their first act of bravery."

• Temptress

• Shadow

• Trickster

• Threshold Guardian

Who Am I:

"I’m a character who has a platonic relationship with the hero. I might be in love with the hero or vise versa, but nothing will ever come of it. I’m often independent and strong-willed, sometimes knocking some sense into the hero. Other times, the hero ignores my wisdom. This can make me a character with more depth."

• Platonic Ideal

• Damsel in Distress

• Trickster

• Ally

Who Am I:

"I’m here to save the day! I was called out of my boring life and led on an incredible quest. At first, I may not have been so sure about this quest, but now I know that it’s up to me to right the wrongs. I may have a flaw or two, weaknesses that my enemies try to take advantage of. I must overcome these weaknesses to complete my mission."

• Herald

• Ally

• Shadow

• Hero

Who Am I:

"I can change at will. Perhaps it is my appearance that changes, or more metaphorically, my motives. I represent trust – and mistrust. After all, you never know what to expect with me!"

• Herald

• Ally

• Shapeshifter

• Trickster

Who Am I:

"I look out for me, myself, and I! If I help the hero, there is likely something in it for me. I may also help the hero’s enemy if it is to my benefit. I represent chaos and sometimes have an eccentric personality. Some may think I’m a little off my hinges. I can also be quite the troublemaker! I enjoy speaking in riddles and toying with whoever seeks my help."

• Trickster

• Hero

• Shadow

• Herald

Who Am I:

"You’re invited! What: a quest Where: Unknown World I bring the hero news of a mission or journey. Sometimes I come in the form of a character, maybe even someone who has been watching over the hero from afar. Other times, I might be an event or tragedy, moving the hero to action."

• Herald

• Trickster

• Star-Crossed Lovers

• Shapeshifter

Who Am I:

"Oh poor me. I’m the gag-worthy trope in many an adventure movie. In older more traditional adventures, I’m portrayed as a helpless, fainting maiden (usually with animal friends). A shift in culture has allowed me to appear as a Dude in Distress in some stories. Either way, I pretty much rely on a hero to save me."

• Loyal Retainer

• Ally

• Damsel in Distress

• Shadow

Who Am I:

"You may hear my menacing breathing through my black helmet. I’m the opposition to the hero, the antagonist if you will. I reflect the hero’s darkest qualities. In fact, I may even be connected to or related to the hero. This connection is what makes our rivalry so intense. The hero will have to face or defeat me to restore balance."

• Trickster

• Shapeshifter

• Herald

• Shadow

Who Am I:

"You won’t find a more loyal individual than me. I’ve got the hero’s back. I may be a servant, body guard, or protector. I’m always ready to keep the hero safe and provide them with whatever they might need – from wisdom to weaponry! I may even sacrifice myself so that my hero can succeed."

• Loyal Retainer

• Ally

• Star-Crossed Lovers

• Herald