Various Character Archetypes to Consider for Your Literary Work

=====================================================================================================

In the realm of storytelling, characters are the lifeblood that breathes life into narratives, making them relatable, engaging, and memorable. One of the most comprehensive systems for understanding character archetypes is Dramatica, which identifies eight distinct character roles. This article will delve into these archetypes, providing examples from various works of literature and film.

The Protagonist, the main actor, is the person with whom readers will identify most strongly. This character drives the majority of the plot and is the one most greatly affected by the antagonist. Examples include Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Lightning McQueen in Cars, Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins, and Mattie Ross in True Grit.

The Antagonist, the main obstacle to the Protagonist's achievement of the main plot goal, shares important similarities with the Protagonist to highlight areas of Protagonist growth. Examples include The Joker in The Dark Knight, President Snow in The Hunger Games, Tai Lung in Kung-Fu Panda, and Old Man Potter in It's a Wonderful Life.

The Contagonist, unique to Dramatica's archetypes, hinders and deludes the Protagonist, tempting them to take the wrong course or approach. The Contagonist is contrasted with the Guardian because the Contagonist, wittingly or unwittingly, seeks to ultimately hinder rather than help the Protagonist. Examples include Doc Hudson in Cars, Blanche Ingram in Jane Eyre, Jack Favell in Rebecca, and Col. Phillips in Captain America: The First Avenger.

The Guardian is a teacher or helper who guards the Protagonist during his quest, guides the Protagonist, and serves as a moral standard against which the Protagonist will be measured. Examples include Col. Ramsey in The Great Escape, Shifu in Kung Fu Panda, Garth McCann in Secondhand Lions, and Alfred Pennyworth in Batman Begins.

The Love Interest is someone with whom the Protagonist falls in love-and who probably falls in love back. The Love Interest is often a catalyst (or Impact Character) in either the Protagonist's inner or outer journey-or both. Examples include Miss Sally in Cars, Rachel Dawes in Batman Begins, Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind, and Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre.

The Reason Character acts in logical ways independent of the Protagonist. This character's logic influences the Protagonist's choices, for better or worse. Examples include Hamm in Toy Story, Inspector Gordon in Batman Begins, Herod in Claudius the God, and C-3PO in Star Wars.

The Emotion Character is someone who is fundamentally emotional. This character acts in emotional ways independent of the Protagonist, and their emotion influences the Protagonist's choices, for better or worse. Examples include Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda, Cathy in Wuthering Heights, Amelia Sedley in Vanity Fair, and Melanie in Gone With the Wind.

The Skeptic is skeptical and doubts everything, particularly the Protagonist's choices, and is a voice of caution. Examples include Sarge in Cars, LaBoeuf in True Grit, Estella in Great Expectations, and Hub McCann in Secondhand Lions.

Sidekicks, according to Michael Hauge, come in many different forms, from a best friend or accomplice to an employee or family member. The Sidekick is loyal to and supportive of the Protagonist, aligned with the Protagonist's goals, and differs from the Protagonist in important ways to highlight areas of Protagonist growth. Examples include Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show, Burt the Cop in It's a Wonderful Life, Nadine Groot in Red River, and Mater in Cars.

Christopher Booker, the author who did not include the Love Interest character in his list of eight character types, despite its frequent occurrence and important differences from other roles, is an exception to this comprehensive system.

By understanding and employing these archetypes, authors can draw important contrasts and plumb the depths of the theme, making their stories more engaging and impactful.