Writing Characters: Character Archetype

This might seem impossible. After all, humans in real life are quite similar at times. I’ve met complete strangers who had identical mannerisms and beliefs as my family members and friends. And over time, I have adopted behaviours from the people around me.

Humans are similar. But we are also unique.

No two people are completely alike. No two characters are completely alike. They just have similar archetypes.

What are archetypes? Archetypes are recurring traits that embody specific qualities. In simpler words, archetypes are the maps each individual uses to navigate the world; to make decisions, set goals and pursue motivations. A window through which a person sees the world.

In fact, the word “archetype” comes from the Greek word “archetypos” meaning “original pattern.”

To write a successful novel, writers need to understand archetypes and how to manipulate them.

How to use archetypes when giving your characters personality

Now, if you type the word “archetypes” into the Google search bar, things like “the 12 archetypes” and “Jungian archetypes” will definitely pop up. Do you need to dive into research mode and get an unofficial degree in psychology before you can apply archetypes to your writing?

No.

Here’s what you need to do.

Decide if your main character is the hero or the villain.

List the traits readers expect to see when they think of your protagonist. For example, if your protagonist is a hero, your readers might expect to see an extroverted, bold, and optimistic individual. If your main character is the villain, readers might expect to see a broody, selfish, criminal mastermind.

Think of ways you can subvert these stereotypes.

We all know the Joker to be evil and violently ruthless. Yet, we can’t help feeling…sad when we think of Arthur Fleck because, at the end of the movie, we begin to see them as two very different personas. At the end of the movie, you can’t help but wonder: what if?

What if his adopted mother wasn’t an abusive narcissist?

What if he wasn’t given that gun?

What if the budget cuts never happened and he got the medication he so desperately needed?

What if his relationship with Sophie was real?

The Joker excellently subverts the villain archetype. The evil for evil’s sake narrative.

What if your main character is a hero?

Well, consider Yoshiki Tanaka’s Legend of the Galactic Heroes. This ten-book series focuses on a period in the far future when humans have colonised and terraformed the galaxies. Despite the advances in technology, however, some things remain the same.

War, for example, is the predominant theme of this story. In the very first chapter, we are quickly introduced to a century-long intergalactic conflict. Our main characters are on opposing sides of the war and from the onset, it is impossible to pick a side.

Our “hero”, Yang Wen-li is an admiral of the Free Planets Alliance and despite his great achievements in the war, Yang’s greatest desire is to retire. Yang, a man of superior intellect and intuition, wants only to study history and watch it pass him by. Not make it.

This is an excellent subversion of the hero archetype. Yang is motivated by a desire to do good. He repeatedly protects his subordinates and encourages them. Still, he is introverted, and lazy and submits a resignation letter as often as possible.

My dear reluctant hero.

What not to do when using character archetypes

Clichés.

Archetypes are nothing more than a framework. A useful one, yes, but still a framework. Relying too heavily on them without adding unique elements can result in run-of-the-mill characters.

Use archetypes as a starting point, then add layers of complexity to make characters more interesting and unpredictable. Set your character apart and make them unique.

Summary

Get the archetype (the broad classification your character falls into). Get the stereotype. Subvert the stereotype. Make your character unique.