Writing Lessons: Hero and Heroine Archetypes

What is an archetype:

n.
1. An original model or type after which other similar things are patterned; a prototype: “‘Frankenstein’ . . . ‘Dracula’ . . . ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ . . . the archetypes that have influenced all subsequent horror stories” (New York Times).
2. An ideal example of a type; quintessence: an archetype of the successful entrepreneur.
3. In Jungian psychology, an inherited pattern of thought or symbolic imagery derived from the past collective experience and present in the individual unconscious.

[Latin archetypum, from Greek arkhetupon, from neuter of arkhetupos, original : arkhe-, arkhi-, archi- + tupos, model, stamp.]archetypal ar'che·typ'al (-tī'pəl) or ar'che·typ'ic (-tĭp'ĭk) or ar'che·typ'i·cal adj.archetypically ar'che·typ'i·cal·ly adv.

USAGE NOTE The ch in archetype, and in other English words of Greek origin such as architect and chorus, represents a transliteration of Greek X (chi), and is usually pronounced like (k). In a recent survey, 94 percent of the Usage Panel indicated that they pronounce archetype (är'kĭ-tīp'), with a (k) sound, while 6 percent preferred the pronunciation (är'chĭ-tīp'), with a (ch) sound. Of those who preferred the traditional (k) pronunciation, 10 percent noted that the (ch) pronunciation was also acceptable. Only the traditional pronunciation is widely accepted as standard, however.

Obviously, we use definition #1. Characters often fall into patterns of behavior based on certain archetypes. By consciously choosing an archetype, you can not only create a character that is recognizable to the reader's psyche, you can also choose how his or her conflict epiphany will change them to fit your story.

HERO

THE CHIEF
Virtues: Goal Oriented, Decisive, and Responsible
Flaws: Stubborn, Unsympathetic, and Dominating

THE BAD BOY
Virtues: Charismatic, Street smart and Intuitive
Flaws: Pessimistic, Bitter and Volatile

THE BEST FRIEND
Virtues: Stable, Supportive, and Tolerant
Flaws: Complacent, Myopic and Unassertive

THE CHARMER
Virtues: Creative, Witty, and Smooth
Flaws: Manipulative, Irresponsible and Elusive

THE LOST SOUL
Virtues: Devoted, Vulnerable, and Discerning
Flaws: Brooding, Unforgiving and Fatalistic

THE PROFESSOR
Virtues: Expert, Analytical, and Genuine
Flaws: Insular, Inhibited, and Inflexible

THE SWASHBUCKLER
Virtues: Fearless, Exciting and Capable
Flaws: Unreliable, Foolhardy, and Selfish

THE WARRIOR
Virtues: Tenacious, Principled, and Noble
Flaws: Self-righteous, Relentless, and Merciless










HEROINE

THE BOSS
Virtues: Confident, Dynamic, and Competitive
Flaws: Blunt, Workaholic, and Arrogant

THE SEDUCTRESS
Virtues: Assertive, Strong and Clever
Flaws: Cynical, Driven, and Manipulative

THE SPUNKY KID
Virtues: Sense of Humor, Reliable, and Supportive
Flaws: Sarcastic, Unassuming and Skeptical

THE FREE SPIRIT
Virtues: Sincere, Upbeat, and Imaginative
Flaws: Impulsive, Meddling and Undisciplined

THE WAIF
Virtues: Pure, Trusting, and Kind
Flaws: Impressionable, Passive, and Insecure

THE LIBRARIAN
Virtues: Efficient, Serious, and Dependable
Flaws: Rigid, Repressed, and Perfectionist


THE CRUSADER
Virtues: Courageous, Resolute, and Persuasive
Flaws: Obstinate, Rash and Opinionated

THE NURTURER
Virtues: Altruistic, Optimistic and Capable
Flaws: Idealistic, Self-sacrificing, and Compromising

We'll go into each of these in the coming posts. If you wish to read more about archetypes in writing, I highly suggest going to www.tamicowden.com and purchasing her book, "The Writer's Guide to Sixteen Master Archetypes." Her thorough explanation will give greater depth to all your characters.