Archetypal Character

Description

Examples

The Hero

A larger-than-life character that often goes on some kind of journey or quest. In the course of his journey, the hero demonstrates the qualities and abilities valued by his culture.

King Arthur, Odysseus, Luke Skywalker, Frodo

The Father Figure

The protector and leader

Mufasa from The Lion King

The Mother Figure

The protective nurturer and gentle provider

Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath

The Fatal Woman or Temptress

A woman who uses her power (intellect, magic, or most of all, beauty) to make men, especially the Hero, weak

Circe and the Sirens in The Odyssey, Lady Macbeth, Morgan le Fey

The Witch

A woman, often a hag (though she may be disguised as a beautiful young woman), who attempts to trap and destroy the protagonist

The Wicked Stepmother in fairy tales

Monster/Villain

The antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero.

The Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood, The Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk

The Innocent

An inexperienced male or female character that is exposed to the evils in the world

Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood

The Alter Ego or Double

Reveals the dual nature of man

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Helpers                                                   ~ Wise Old Woman or Man                ~ Wise Animal

Characters that assist or guide the protagonist

Merlin, Yoda and Obi Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, Grandmother Willow in Pocahontas

The Trickster/The Fool

Characters who trick others to get them to do what s/he wants – they can be both virtuous and nefarious.           

Puss-in-Boots, Road Runner, Fred & George Weasley           


 

The Underdog

Characters who are always in the wrong place at the wrong time, but who usually win something of value in the end.    

 The Ugly Duckling, The Frog Prince, Neville Longbottom