In any given work of fiction there are specific character types that appear time and time again, aspiring writers and avid audiences of fictional works should familiarize themselves with the most outstanding character archetypes in order to better create fully fleshed out characters of their own.
The team of character types put together in any particular work usually depends on genre and depth of the work as well as the author’s style. This set-up allows writers to be able utilize these character archetypes and the way they fit together with other members of the character team in order to create a believable and fulfilling fictional environment.
Authors who shy away from the use of archetypal characters usually have the intention of setting their works completely apart from the works of others who have gone before. However, as explained by Strathy (2008), archetypal characters are vital almost all stories as they can be used to carry out dramatic functions. Additionally, it is important to note that though the core principles of “copy” archetypal characters remain the same as the original, talented authors should still be able to create a unique vision of what their finished character will be like.
This particular article will focus on the many types of heroes and how they are used in their own particular genres.
Hero of Chivalry : The Knight
The first hero to be discussed belongs in tales of legend. The Knight is traditionally seen taking on dangerous quests to fulfill his goals. These usually include but are not limited to bringing glory to his King, saving the Kingdom, protecting the Princess or slaying a monster.
His goal is to fulfill whatever quest has been laid in front of him and his responses to problems usually involve confrontation. The Knight fears nothing but weakness in himself and will always put himself in the line of fire with the belief that he must destroy anything that threatens those important to him.
Hero of Destiny : The Chosen One
This particular usually has his destiny explained to him after a prolonged and surprisingly sudden battle with the Villain. He will often have little to no training at first, needing a guardian or protector to teach him the ways of battle.
Examples of Hero’s who fit under this archetype are Neo from The Matrix, the title character of Harry Potter and John Connor from the Terminator franchise.
Hero of Luck : The Comedic Hero
This type of hero usually achieves his goals through blind luck or coincidences. Although well meaning, this archetypal character is usually less than dependable at the best of times and often needs to rely on a competent team, partner or even more incompetent villain to help him achieve his goals.
The comedic hero will usually begin the work in ‘trainee’ status when an unavoidable situation will arise leaving him the only actually available to combat the villain.
Examples of Comedic heroes include the title character of Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Maxwell Smart from Get Smart and the team of Reno Sherriff’s Department officers from Reno 911.
Hero of the New World : The Anti Hero
Changes in audience mindsets have facilitated a change in the way heroes are portrayed in fictional works. The old type of heroes who are sincerely good in every sense of the world no longer survived easily at the mercy of increasingly cynical audiences.
The answer was the creation of the anti hero. He exists with the similar goal of defeating the villain, but he is prone to being a little dark and is likely to have questionable morals. This type of hero has an honourable goal but he is usually prepared to perform dishonourable deeds to achieve it.
An example of an anti hero who is light on the ‘sliding scale’ is Han Solo from Star Wars. On the opposite end of the scale is Clyde Shelton, Gerard Butler’s character from Law Abiding Citizen.
Sources:
Strathy G.C. (2008). Creating Archetypal Characters to Fill the Dramatic Functions in Your Novel.
Heroic Archetypes
Understanding Literary Archetypes
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Altair Roxas - Altair Roxas is a graduate of The University of Auckland with a degree in English and Film, Television and Media Studies currently living ...
