3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

Character Archetypes: 14 That

Matter for Writing (+ Tips)
Posted on September 23rd, 2021 | by Bella Rose Pope

Using character archetypes in your book is a great way to ensure you have a
diverse cast with specific roles.

Because without good characters…your readers won’t find a good reason to keep
reading…

The character development of your story can make the biggest

difference in hooking real fans for life…and losing readers for good.
A bad plot can be saved by good characters, but even the best plot
will fail if the characters are bad.

We’ll help you discover some character archetypes you can use to ensure your
readers are ensnared in the grasp of your story from start to finish.

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 1/15
▮
3/20/22, 11:58 AM

1. The Leader

2. The Outsider

3. The Caregiver

4. The Rebel

5. The Mentor

6. The Professor

7. The Warrior

8. The Hunk

9. The Wise

10. The Orphan

11. The Hero

12. The Jester

13. The Seducer

14. The Bully

Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

Here’s a list of 14 character archetypes:

Character Development Cheat Sheet [also printable!]

Fast track your character development in
HALF the time.
Keep your characters feeling REAL and organized at the same time with a fully customizable and printable
character development worksheet designed to make your characters shine!

FIRST NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

What is a character archetype?

PHONE NUMBER

SEND ME THE CHEAT SHEET!

I'M WRITING MY BOOK TO...

A character archetype is a typical character that represents specific actions,

nuances, and characteristics, and can also be known as “character tropes.” These
characters have well-known qualities that shape their narrative and the story.

There are many characters that have similar and recurring qualities that are
easy to recognize in stories.
https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 2/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

Take mentors or professors for example. This can include any “wise one” that is
a resource for support and knowledge for the main character.

We’ll cover more of this in that section below, but Albus Dumbledore is a great
example of this character archetype.

Examples of Character
Archetypes
We’ll go over multiple examples for all of the 14 character archetypes below, but
here are a few to get you started:

1. Harry Potter – Harry Potter Series – The Hero

2. Haymitch Abernathy – Hunger Games Series – The Mentor

3. John Keating – Dead Poet’s Society – The Professor

4. Yoda – Star Wars – The Wise

5. Tony Stark – Marvel Univeruse – The Orphan

You can look in every movie and book and pick out at least three archetypes
used by the author/s. The key is knowing which go together, which clash, and
how to shape them to create your own unique character in your novel.

Character Archetypes: 14 That

Matter for Writing (+ Tips)
Not every story needs a character archetype, and having a few doesn’t mean
your characters aren’t well-rounded or unique. At the same time, your characters
can also have multiple qualities of these archetypes, which adds to their
complexity.

Character archetypes are used in order to ensure your character cast is diverse,
while also fulfilling plot and story structure needs.

There are certain elements every good story needs in order to satisfy readers and
character archetypes are a big part of what does that.

That’s why we’re covering 14 character archetypes to think about when writing a
novel.

#1 – Character Archetype: The

Leader
The leader is a well-known and widely used character archetype for a number of
reasons.

Firstly, this archetype is always active, meaning they don’t allow things to happen
to them but rather, they move the plot forward through decisions and their own
actions.

You’ll often find that main characters often possess the qualities of a leader,
which makes for an alluring book.

Qualities of a The Leader character archetype:

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 3/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

Active and not a passive character

Makes decisions for other characters

Leads the “charge” in almost all scenarios

Is the go-to character for advice

Can grow into the leadership role if they’re not there right away

They are typically a key-player in the plot and overall story

Examples: The Leader Archetype

For more clarity, here are some recognizable examples of this character
archetype where you can easily identify these traits.

Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – Throughout the series,
Rowling paint Harry as a leader in several ways. We first see him as less than a
leader, living under the stairs but as the story progresses, his leadership shines in
several ways. Firstly, he decides to forgo friendship with Draco Malfoy because,
well, he doesn’t believe him to be a good person. This sets the stage for even
more leadership characteristics as he stands up to Snape, and ultimately takes
on Voldemort in the end. His leadership continues to grow as he leads his friends
and classmates through difficult times in the series.

Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins – The first
act of leadership we see from Katniss is the very beginning of the story. She is
hunting for her family…so they can eat. It’s a very basic form of leadership that’s
necessary due to her mom’s state after her father passes away. We continue to
see her leadership flourish as she volunteers as tribute, sets a precedent of
distaste for the games, and ultimately saves both her own and Peeta’s life by the
end of the first book.

Tobias Kaya in The Savior’s Champion by Jenna Moreci – Tobias begins the
book as a provider for his family. This leadership role is necessary due to his
sister’s disability. As the book progresses and Tobias enters the deadly
tournament, allies seem to be his only means of survival. He bands together
(somewhat reluctantly) with a few key competitors and soon finds himself as the
voice of their group, making decisions out of instinct without even realizing the
position he’s in.

#2 – Character Archetype: The

Outsider/Wildcard

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 4/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

This character archetype serves a very distinct purpose. Oftentimes, this is a

character that adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the story.

For example, this character won’t be “close” to your main character or even other
secondary characters. They often come into the story to aid or solve a specific
issue, but can also be seen as untrustworthy.

Examples: The Outsider Archetype

Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games trilogy – Johannah Mason meets
Katniss and Peeta during the opening of the 75th Hunger Games. Wild,
unpredictable, and untrustworthy is our first reactions to her, solidifying her
character archetype as the outsider or wildcard. Because her character is so
unpredictable, we’re both worried and interested in what she’ll do next, which
increases the tension when she appears on the page.

Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series – Luna Lovegood is a very important
character in the Harry Potter series but is often seen as an outsider not only from
her own perspective but from others. We don’t really know what she’ll do next
and this adds to the intrigue of any scene she’s in.

#3 – Character Archetype: The

Caregiver
This character archetype speaks for itself. The caregiver is essentially the
character who serves to take care of others.

They often have qualities that are “parently” and can be the voice of reason when
the plot thickens. This character is one others often turn to for help, reassurance,
and even encouragement. A character archetype like this in a story can be a
place of calm, soothing, and can also serve as great juxtaposition to heavier and
more tense moments.

Characters may also wonder how they’d get through what they have without this
one character ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

Examples: The Caregiver Archetype

Louisa Clark in Me Before You – The main purpose of this character’s role is to
be a caretaker. Her job in the story is to care for a disabled man. The
characteristics she possesses in the story are directly in line with this character
archetype of being a voice of reason, encouragement, and caring for others in the
story.

Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series – While Hermione’s character

serves several purposes throughout the story, a major contributing factor to her
narrative is the care she takes of both Ron and Harry. How many times
throughout the series do the two of them even say, “What would I do without
you?” This is a common reaction to the caretaker character archetype.

#4 – Character Archetype: The

Rebel
Many main characters can fall under The Rebel character archetype because this
trait often leads to interesting and intriguing conflict readers latch onto.

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 5/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

Keep in mind, however, that this is also a great archetype to use for villains or
antagonists.

The qualities that make up The Rebel archetype are exactly what you’d expect;
the characters often go against the grain, resist rules, regulations, and orders, as
well as follow their own paths.

Examples: The Rebel Archetype

Fred and George from the Harry Potter series – While Fred and George, twin
brother of Ron Weasley in the series, are also known as The Jester character
archetypes (which we’ll cover below), they’re primarily rebels as well. The most
infamous instance that showcases this is in book 5 when Delores Umbridge
takes over. They drive her out with their own invented pranks, “sticking it to the
man” in the way they know how best.

Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games trilogy – Katniss may not have thought
herself a rebel at first, but her actions quickly showcase her natural rebel side.
From threatening to eat Nightlock berries at the end of the first book to actually
leading the rebellion as a whole, she’s The Rebel through and through.

#5 – Character Archetype: The

Mentor
One of the most iconic (and sometimes clichéd) characters in stories is The
Mentor.

I’m sure many examples are already popping up in your mind for this one. A
classic example of this is Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series.

The Mentor character archetype is someone who serves as a source of

information, motivation, support, and encouragement usually for the protagonist
or that group in a novel.

This character is also commonly used as an exposition element in the sense that
they can provide information to the protagonist that the audience also needs to
know, but in a natural way that doesn’t feel like “info-dumping.”

Examples: The Mentor Archetype

Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series – As mentioned above Albus
Dumbledore is a prime example of a mentor in this series. He guides, teaches,
supports, and encourages not only Harry, but several students he grew close to
throughout the series.

Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games trilogy – This may be unclear at first,
but Haymitch is literally and figuratively The Mentor in this trilogy. His character
literally mentors Katniss and Peeta in the games as his duty but later mentors
them in ways unrelated to the games by offering advice and taking on their
personal conflicts.

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 6/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

#6 – Character Archetype: The

Professor
The Professor and The Mentor are very similar character archetypes. However,
with The Professor the emphasis is on their role as an educator and teacher
instead of just a mentor.

Therefore, Dumbledore can be seen as The Professor, though another character

occupies that role in this series.

This character archetype is usually a teacher or educator the main character

grows close to. The key defining factor is that The Professor both teaches in a
formal way, but also takes an interest in aiding your character’s personal life and
journey. They offer guidance and help when the characters need it most and can
be a go-to for information for your characters.

Examples: The Professor Archetype

John Keating in Dead Poet’s Society – In this iconic story, Professor Keating
guides his students on a journey through poetry…and adolescence. Not only does
he teach his students poetry in a way they can understand and appreciate, he’s
also instrumental in developing Todd Anderson, the main character and student.

Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series – This archetype is evident in

Professor McGonagall as well. Her role is to be an educator and to hold students
to the highest standard, pushing them and even creating conflict within the story.

Mr. Bruner in The Edge of 17 – Mr. Bruner is Nadine’s teacher and also someone
she goes to for guidance in her personal life. He not only serves as her educator
in school, but he’s a confidant for Nadine’s personal problems and helps her get
through them.

#7 – Character Archetype: The

Warrior
When you think of this character archetype, it’s very evident which characters fall
under this category.

Think of the best warriors in any movie where they appear. Those characters are
often tough, confident, and skilled in combat. Many army officers, commanders,
and persons in charge of armies will occupy this archetype.

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 7/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

But a character doesn’t need to be in a role of combat or military in order to be

The Warrior. They can possess qualities of a warrior without the title.

The Warrior can also be both a good or bad character.

Examples: The Warrior Archetype

Gray Worm in the Game of Thrones series – Chosen to lead the Unsullied under
command of Daenarys Stormborn in this series because he “has no fear,” his
character is the epitome of The Warrior. He is fierce, skilled, battle-ready, and
willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish what he wants and needs to.

Cinna in The Hunger Games series – This might be a very underrated quality of
Cinna’s in this series with The Warrior traits not evident upon first glance. But we
later learn how instrumental this character’s role is to rebelling against the
Capitol, marking him just as deserving of the title “warrior” as anyone on the
battlegrounds.

#8 – Character Archetype: The Hunk

Also known as “The Adonis,” this character is the stereotypical “hot guy” in
stories.

While he may also serve other roles, this character is a distraction (often to the
main character) and is usually the love interest in stories.

This character can go one of two ways. You can have the stereotypical hunk who
is unintelligent and only gets by on their looks, or he can be the hot guy who is
misunderstood and has more going for him than people believe.

Either way, the main factor is that he’s very handsome to the point of distraction.

Examples: The Hunk Archetype

The Adonis in The Savior’s Champion by Jenna Moreci – In the Sovereign’s
Tournament, a competition to the death to win the hand of The Savior, there are
several competitors, one of which is nicknamed The Adonis. This character is
very much the stereotypical hunk with no brains, and it serves a very distinct
purpose in this novel. He’s a fan-favorite of the spectators and stirs up jealousy
amongst the competitors.

Christian Gray in 50 Shades of Gray – On the other hand, this character is more
in line with the second version of The Hunk, a hot guy with more to him than
meets the eye. Christian Gray is written as being so attractive, it turns heads
when he walks by. But he’s also a billionaire businessman with a lot more than
meets the eyes. He’s very smart while being a hunk, and then some.

Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter series – This character serves as a mix of
both types of The Hunk. He is a competitor in the Triwizard Tournament, and the
ladies love him. He’s handsome, charismatic, and also a highly intelligent and
skilled wizard. All of these add to the conflict of Harry competing because others
root for Cedric and not him, creating issues at school and in his personal life. Not
to mention the fact that Harry’s crush ends up dating Cedric.

#9 – Character Archetype: The Wise

This character archetype is someone who often serves as a destination for
characters in adventure or epic novels.
https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 8/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

You may recall stories of characters needing to travel to meet this “Wiseman”
who could tell them what to do or where to go next.

With a character like this, their role in their personal life is also in line with being
The Wise in the sense that they also serve as aid, advice, and intellect outside of
your main character’s needs.

Examples: The Wise Archetype

Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings Series – While this character also serves as The
Mentor, it’s important to note that he’s a very wise, all-knowing character as well.
Throughout the series, he proves himself a source of information for several
characters.

Yoda in the Star Wars franchise – We can’t talk about The Wise without
mentioning Yoda, one of the “wise man most in books.” He knows the most, aids
anyone he comes by in their efforts, and is a classic example of The Wise
character archetype.

#10 – Character Archetype: The

Orphan
While many authors aren’t bad people, we do tend to put our main characters
through the wringer and orphaning them is one of the top ways to create
sympathy for the character…and we all know that doing that makes readers love
them more.

There are so many examples of characters whose parents passed away shortly
after they were born or even later, into their teen years.

The most distinguishing factor for this character archetype is that the loss of
their parents, whether it when they’re a baby or adult, has to add to the conflict of
the story, including internal problems. If the story can exist as-is without their
deaths, it’s not useful for the parents to be dead.

Examples: The Orphan Archetype

Tony Stark from The Marvel comics – Although Stark loses his parents at the
age of 21, this plays a big role in who he is in the franchise. After they pass, he
has to take over his father’s company, where he grows into the person we really
know him as: Ironman. Their death also plays a pivotal plot point in storylines
later as well.

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 9/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series – Harry’s parents died when he was a
baby but they left before something so important, the series could not have been
written as-is without it: Harry’s scar and connection to Lord Voldemort. Their
deaths catapulted the entire conflict of the story, and it also causes him internal
conflict in that he struggles with his identity due to their absence.

Snow White – We all know this story. Because her mom dies, her father has to
remarry, which puts her in the path of Maleficent, the villain of this story.

#11 -Character Archetype: The Hero

The Hero is one of the most common character archetypes there is in stories,
and this is because good stories often have a “triumphant” character who
prevails over evil and save others.

Many heroes also embody other character archetypes as well.

The best defining factor for The Hero is that they save others through their
actions against the antagonist.

Examples: The Hero Archetype

Here’s a long list of The Hero character archetypes:

Harry Potter

Katniss Everdeen

Marvel Superheroes

Matilda Wormwood in Matilda

Huckleberry Finn

Beowulf
Atticus Finch

Neville Longbottom

Hermione Granger

Ron Weasley

The entire Order of the Phoenix

Peeta Mellark

#12 – Character Archetype: The

Jester
If your favorite character in stories is ever the goofball who’s really funny, they’re
likely The Jester character archetype.

This type of character has a few jobs, the main one being comedic relief. They
can serve as a strong literary device to cut the tension in order to give characters
a relief, or to distract from something worse coming up.

A couple of key identifiers of The Jester in stories is that they cut tension either
with what they say or do, are the butt of every joke, or make others the butt of
every joke. The Jester’s job is to elicit laughs and keep the scene and mood light.

Examples: The Jester Archetype

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 10/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter series – We’ve already talked
about these rebels but they’re also very much Jesters for this series. They make
jokes and even pull pranks, both of which lighten the mood of a story that’s very
dark.

Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect – The story of Pitch Perfect is made hilarious by Fat
Amy, one of the main characters. She adds jokes, comedy by the way her
character acts, and generally brings the story to a new level of funny.

Dory in Finding Nemo – We’ve all laughed at Dory in this story. Because of her
short memory, there are plenty of moments for jokes and laughter, not to
mention her character’s general demeanor.

#13 – Character Archetype: The

Seductress/Seducer
With this character archetype, there’s a very specific goal of the seducing
behavior.

Most often, this character is someone who’s attractive and can seduce someone
in order to get something they want, or even to subdue them in order to do this.

The main point of The Seducer archetype is to trick someone into being
vulnerable in order to gain the upper hand in any type of situation, whether that’s
life or death or simply getting out of a speeding ticket.

Examples: The Seductress/Seducer Archetype

Dominika Egorova in Red Sparrow – This character archetype for this movie is
quite unique. While her character, with the alias of Katerina, may not have been
this type to start, she is taught this very specific skill in order to achieve her goals
as a spy.

Black Widow in the Marvel comics – Similar to the previous example, this
character was trained in many art forms, seducing being one of them. Her
character often has to seduce men, playing to their deepest desires, in order to
extract information for the intelligence agency she works with.

#14 – Character Archetype: The Bully

We all know a bully in real life and stories have no exception to their presence. Of
the character archetypes, this one is easy to stop.

It’s is often used to make your main character’s life a lot harder. They can be a
bully physically or even emotionally. As long as they belittle your character to the
point of increasing conflict in the story, they’re The Bully.

Examples: The Bully Archetype

Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series – From the get-go, Draco Malfoy has
bullied Harry Potter and his friends. He puts them down, tries to disrupt them
with their plans, and even tries to have Harry killed (and kill him himself) later in
the series.

Regina George in Mean Girls – This character is the epitome of a bully. She puts
others down and makes them feel like less than, so much so that the climax of
the movie comes to a head with her “burn book,” which consists of a diary of

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 11/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

bullying comments about others.

Patty in Diary of a Whimpy Kid –There are several bullies in this story, the main
character’s own brother being one, but Patty indeed holds this title as well. She
consistently bullies Greg throughout the story.

At the end of the day, character archetypes are meant to be examples you can
use and tailor to fit your story. They work well because they’re familiar; people
know, trust, and like them! This can bode well for you and your journey to write
and publish books and series.

Character Development Cheat Sheet [also printable!]

Fast track your character development in
HALF the time.
Keep your characters feeling REAL and organized at the same time with a fully customizable and printable
character development worksheet designed to make your characters shine!

FIRST NAME PHONE NUMBER

EMAIL ADDRESS I'M WRITING MY BOOK TO...

SEND ME THE CHEAT SHEET!

Disclosure: Some of the links above may contain affiliate partnerships, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Self-
Publishing School may earn a commission if you click through to make a purchase.

SHARE THIS BLOGPOST

Bella Rose Pope

Bella Rose Pope is the Content Marketing Specialist here at Self-Publishing School.
While she's not whipping up content here, she's creating her own life (and teaching
others how to) over at Own Your Ordinary, hanging out with her dog, and eating
something with cheese!
Give her a follow: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 12/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

   

MOST POPULAR BLOG POSTS

creative writing, Fiction Fiction, Writing Book Marketing, Business,

Fiction, Non-Fiction, Publishing,

How To Write Supporting Dynamic Character: 9 Writing

Characters That Readers Love Examples The Best Self Publishing

(10 Examples) Courses: Top 5 Publishing
Courses

What is Self-Publishing School?

We help you save time, money, and headaches through the book, writing, marketing, and publishing
process by giving you the proven, step-by-step process and accountability to publish successfully. All while
allowing you to maintain control of your book–and its royalties.

Learn to publish a book to grow your impact, income, or business!

YE S ! I WA N T TO STA R T TO DAY !

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 13/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

What do you think?

Drop a comment with your own tips, advice, or thoughts on this blog post — we may even update the post with your ideas! Knowledge sharing is
how we all get better.

0 comment

Let us know what you think!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *

Email *

Comment:

Post Comment

COACHING
PUBLISHING
WRITING
PRODUCTION
FREELANCE

WRITING JOBS

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 14/15
3/20/22, 11:58 AM Character Archetypes: 14 That Matter for Writing (+ tips)

FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWERS

CHECK OUT OUR

7600 123K 45K 1350

PODCAST!
N AVIGATE

Home Business Builder Podcast FREE Training

What We Do Career Fiction Success Stories Book Outline Author Help Center

Resources Blog Sitemap Template

FREE Copy of AU T H O R LO G I N
Published

Copyright © 2022 Self Publishing School All Rights Reserved. | Privacy and Legal
| Site Map

https://self-publishingschool.com/character-archetypes/ 15/15