‘the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.’ (collin dictionary)
In both literature and film, there are many different types of character models that appear. We see characters and often notice how everyone seems to have a role in the story, whether hidden or glaringly obvious. We may even see these roles as being clichés. However, there are differences between cliches, archetypes, and even stereotypes. We can be drawn to different characters and, depending upon how they are written, this is a way to shine a light on why we feel more closely connected to certain characters and even how to understand the roles of those around us.
First, we must address the differences between the common phrases used to describe well-known character types.
Stereotype: A stereotype is a preconceived notion, especially about a group of people. (vocabulary.com)
Think ‘the dumb jock’ and ‘the innocent child’. These are considered oversimplifications and are usually negative. In both film and literature, you may often see side characters not wanting to be referred to as only the ‘smart one’ but one known for other qualities.
Cliche: a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
The idea of the cliche is similar because it is built upon the fact that it’s overused.
An archetype differs because it appeals to a universal truth, whereas a cliche was once original; it is now used to the point where ‘everyone knows it’. For example, one of the most commonly used cliches is the trope of a damsel in distress.
An archetype will simply give the description or role of a character. Many scholars will present different character archetypes, but these are twelve of the most commonly agreed upon within modern film and literature:
The Lover:
This character is drawn to act simply by the will of their heart. Often portrayed as foolish or naive, they are usually one of the most dependable and courageous. Some examples: Romeo and Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Anna (Frozen)
The Hero:
Often called to action by a traumatic or emotional event of some kind. Usually impulsive, they also feel as though they have a sense of honor and responsibility to a specific group of people. Examples: Steve Rogers (Marvel), Mulan (Mulan), Harry Potter (Harry Potter), Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
The Magician:
These characters are often presented with or have to harness the magic they have to achieve a specific goal. Usually, the task is simply for themselves, and they tend to be portrayed as arrogant. Some examples: Darth Vader (Star Wars), Jafar (Aladin), Merlin
The Outlaw:
The one that doesn’t follow the laws but is one of the most loyal and beloved characters. Examples: Han Solo (Star Wars), Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean), Ferris Bueller (Feris Bueller’s Day Off)
The Explorer:
One that has adventure as their sole priority, whether a mystery or a place to be explored. Some examples: Odysseus (The Odesey), Huckleberry Finn (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn), Sherlock Holmes
The Sage:
The most reserved and perhaps wisest of their group. They tend not to act at the most opportune moments because they believe the perfect one is yet to come. Examples of this are: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars), Dumbledore (Harry Potter), Gandalf (Lord of the Rings)
The Innocent:
Usually, this is the youngest and often a child whose motivation is simply to do good and can often show unusual emotional maturity when those around them break. Some examples: Buddy the Elf (Elf), Dorothy (Wizard of Oz), Diana Berry (Anne of Green Gables)
The Creator:
The Creator is the one that is often the orchestrator of a plan to bring a group of people together for a specific purpose. They are usually the ones who tend to be secretly self-centered and often have a hidden agenda, whether good or bad. Examples include: Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Frankenstein), Nick Furry (Marvel), Professor Xavier (X-Men)
The Ruler:
The voice of reason and often the first to take control of a given situation. They can usually be seen as being reasonable but out of touch with the emotions of others. Examples: Peter Pan (Peter Pan), King Leer (King Leer)
The Caregiver:
This character is continually self-sacrificing for the greater good or to take care of others in their party. Often they are shown as being selfless but as one who is never at the front and can lack personal ambition aside from their work for others. Some examples are: Calpurnia (To Kill A Mockingbird), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Mrs. Weasley (Harry Potter)
The Everyman:
Also called The Common Man, this character often seems to be the most normal because they mimic the traits of those around us in an unexaggerated way but is usually caught off guard by change. Examples include: Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit), Alice (Alice in Wonderland), Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)
The Jester:
Finally, this character is the one that simply provides comedic relief in some of the worst times. Similar to the innocent archetype, they often have words of wisdom in the worst of times. Some examples are: R2D2 (Star Wars), Timon and Pumba (Lion King), Donkey (Shrek)
One thing you noticed was the repeat of characters that came from a specific movie or book. Often some characters are directly meant to mimic the exact traits and flaws that their archetype represents, so characters from films such as Star Wars and books like Harry Potter have characters that seem both cut and dry but immediately likable and recognizable. Characters can also be given dimension and depth by falling into more than one of these categories, but their flaw is that if not developed within dialogue, their motives become distorted. However, when done well, these characters often make the worst of decisions but still force us to root for them because of the complexity of what they’ve been through and their end goal.
Overall, many characters are written in different ways, but understanding the roles they fall into can help you understand what type of characters you relate to and those that seem similar to even you.
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