Can you Find your Archetype? Character Archetypes in Literature

The Hero/ Heroine This is the character who typically fulfills the necessary tasks and will restore harmony and justice to the world or the community. Often he or she will be the one to experience some kind of initiation.

Young Person from the Provinces This character is usually taken away from home as a child. Later he or she returns home and is able to recognize new problems and/or solutions.

The Initiates These are young heroes who, prior to a quest, must endure some kind of training and ritual. They are usually very innocent at this stage.

Mentors These individuals serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates. Sometimes they are role models and often serve as a father or mother figure. They teach by example the skills needed for them to survive.

Hunting Group of Companions These individuals are loyal and willing to face any perils in order to be together.

Loyal Retainers These individuals are the sidekicks to the hero. Their job is to protect the hero. This person reflects the hero's beliefs.

The Devil Figure This character represents pure evil. He or she may offer worldly fame, fortune, knowledge, etc. in exchange for a soul or someone's integrity. This character's main focus is to oppose the hero.

The Evil Figure with a Good Heart This character is often a servant to the Devil figure, but is saved by the hero's nobility or good heart. This character can be redeemed.

The Scapegoat A character whose death, often in a public ceremony, excuses some sin or bad thing that has been placed on the community.

The Outcast This character is banished from society and must live a life of solitude.

Friendly Beast This character helps the hero physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually.

Trickster A wise fool; a rascal; a troublemaker

Earth Mother This character provides life and nourishment (physical, spiritual, and/or emotional) to the hero.

Temptress This character is a beautiful woman who brings destruction to the hero.

Damsel in Distress This character must be rescued by the hero; often is trapped; may be used as a trap by an evil figure to ensnare the hero.

Shaman This character is the protector of rituals and traditions.