12 Archetypes, Simplified

I tend to overthink things. So when I attended a talk on character archetypes at the Young Writer Retreat, I was extremely grateful for how simply and concisely Valari Westeren presented them. The archetypes themselves are from a book called "The Hero and the Outlaw" by Margaret Mark and S. Pearson.

Almost right after the talk, I went through several projects and typed my characters, which has made planning and writing them a lot easier. I hope my notes will help you find your characters' archetypes as much as they have helped me.

I highly recommend checking out Valari's website, looking into Mark and Pearson's book, and exploring your characters' archetypes (but not overthinking them).

Sage

Desire: Understanding + Trust

Traits: Curious, intelligent

End: Outsmarts opponent

Innocent

Desire: Goodness + Joy

Traits: Childish, virtuous

End: Holding on to ideals

Explorer

Desire: Freedom + Fulfillment

Traits: Ambitious, bold, true

End: Discover what they seek

Hero

Desire: Fortitude + Strength

Traits: Courage, Discipline

End: Defeat enemy

Outlaw

Desire: Liberation + Justice

End: Overthrow oppressive system

Magician

Desire: Secret knowledge + Transformation

Traits: Talented, Visionary

End: Achieve the impossible

Creator

Desire: Beauty + Artistic Freedom

Traits: Imaginative, Innovative

End: Create something of value

Caregiver

Desire: Care + Support for Weak

Traits: Compassionate, sacrificial

End: helping the needy

Ruler

Desire: Control + Peace for Government

Traits: Responsible, wise

End: Proving ability + worthiness

Lover

Desire: Emotional connection

Traits: Passionate, loyal

End: Entering a relationship of mutual love

Jester

Desire: Laughter + to live in the moment

Traits: Boisterous, unapologetic

End: Overcoming negativity

Average Man

Desire: Community + Connection

Traits: Accepting, authentic

End: Being welcomed into a community