Exploring Character Archetypes: 12 Character Archetypes for Writers

Katniss Everdeen, Gandalf, Darth Vader, and the Joker: they’re all characters we love to love—or love to hate—in fiction.

Each of these characters represents a recognizable character archetype. But what is a character archetype, and why does it matter to fiction writers?

In this post, we’ll break down what a character archetype is, explore the 12 character archetypes most commonly used, and discuss why understanding character archetypes can help you write deeper, more compelling stories.

What are character archetypes?

A character archetype represents a type of character that readers recognize and often relate to across genres and cultures. According to psychiatrist Carl Jung, archetypes are universal in the collective unconscious of all humans: patterns that all humans recognize and respond to similarly.

In fiction, character archetypes embody specific traits or roles that help writers develop their stories, creating a sense of familiarity for readers. Writing about familiar character archetypes offers the reader characters they want to follow, root for, and even defeat. As a writer, becoming familiar with the most common character archetypes can help you be a better storyteller. Let’s start with the hero, because every story needs a hero.

12 character archetypes in fiction

The Hero

The hero is the central protagonist who embarks on a journey, faces challenges, and grows through adversity. They are defined by courage, sacrifice, and a willingness to step up when the world needs them.

In The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins begins as an ordinary homebody but rises to the occasion when he’s swept into an adventure that tests his bravery and resourcefulness. He’s relatable because of his reluctance, and inspiring because of how he overcomes it.

In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker answers the call to adventure when he joins the Rebel Alliance. His journey from farm boy to Jedi exemplifies the classic heroic arc: growth, courage, and the triumph of good over evil.

Both Bilbo and Luke represent the “ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances,” making them timeless hero archetypes.

The Villain

Every hero needs an opposing force. A villain creates conflict, raises the stakes, and forces the hero to evolve. They often seek power, control, or revenge, and their worldview clashes with the protagonist's view of the world.

In The Lord of the Rings, Sauron is the embodiment of darkness and domination, threatening to plunge Middle-earth into eternal shadow. His oppressive presence drives the entire story’s conflict.

In The Hunger Games, President Snow exerts ruthless control over Panem. Through manipulation, fear, and cruelty, he becomes the ultimate symbol of tyranny that Katniss must fight against.

Both Sauron and President Snow push the heroes to their limits, making the story’s stakes feel urgent and compelling.

The Mentor, or Sage

The mentor serves as a wise, experienced guide who helps the hero on their journey. Mentors provide advice and valuable insight as the hero navigates their trials and quests.

In Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series*,* Gandalf is a wise wizard who guides Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring on their quest to defeat the villainous Sauron. Gandalf, like other characters of this archetype (such as Albus Dumbledore), gives the hero the wisdom needed to defeat the villain.

A similar character archetype is the magician, who is a character archetype that brings great knowledge or power to the story. Many mentors or sages are also magicians, with great power and wisdom to share with the hero.

The Sidekick

The sidekick is the loyal companion who supports the hero emotionally and physically, and sometimes provides comic relief.

Samwise Gamgee, in The Lord of the Rings, is a quintessential example: He's steadfast, loyal, and unwavering in his belief in Frodo.

Likewise, Dr. John Watson in Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories provides emotional grounding, friendship, and practical assistance to the brilliant but aloof detective.

Sidekicks strengthen the hero's journey, often providing heart and humanity.

The Fool, or the Jester

The fool adds humor to a novel, and sometimes even dishes up a little bit of wisdom despite their foolish behavior. They add quirky fun, humor, and even a little bit of wisdom along your hero’s journey, making for a more colorful and magical story.

In Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter is the quintessential fool, epitomizing the foolish and nonsensical behavior of an archetypal jester while offering Alice guidance and some wisdom on her journey through Wonderland.

The Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin, popularized worldwide by the HBO television series, features Tyrion Lannister, known as "The Imp," who often uses wit and humor to navigate the political intrigues and dangers of Westeros. Despite his stature, he possesses a sharp mind and provides both comedic relief and insightful commentary.

The Damsel in Distress

Traditionally, the damsel in distress is a vulnerable character in need of rescue, often portrayed in classic fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, or Cinderella.

Though less common in modern fiction, the archetype still exists, but is often subverted. Contemporary writers tend to favor agency, strength, and independence in female characters. For example, in Disney's Frozen, Anna initially fits the damsel-in-distress archetype but ultimately saves herself and others, challenging the trope.

The Everyman

The everyman (or everywoman) is the relatable, ordinary character thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

In Stephen King’s The Green Mile, Paul Edgecombe is an average prison guard whose life changes when he encounters a prisoner with supernatural abilities. His simple humanity grounds the story.

In Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You, Louisa Clark is an ordinary woman who embarks on an emotional journey after taking a job as a caregiver. Her everyday struggles and heartfelt growth make her compelling.

The everyman connects deeply with readers by reflecting our own imperfections, hopes, and fears.

The Antihero

The antihero lacks traditional heroic qualities— being sometimes selfish, flawed, or morally gray—but still pursues a meaningful goal.

A powerful example is Walter White from Breaking Bad. His descent into darkness complicates his motivations, forcing viewers to question their sympathies.

Another compelling example of this character type is Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Fierce, damaged, and morally complex, she challenges conventional expectations of “goodness.”

Antiheroes fascinate readers by blurring the lines between heroism and villainy.

The Trickster

The trickster disrupts the status quo and delights in bending rules.

Loki, in both Norse mythology and the Marvel universe, is a classic example of this archetypal character: chaotic, clever, and unpredictable.

Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat also embodies trickster energy, guiding Alice through Wonderland with riddles and mischief.

And of course, the Joker from DC Comics' Batman is one of the most iconic tricksters ever created—an anarchic force who revels in disorder and psychological chaos.

The Rebel, or Outlaw

The rebel archetype, also known as the outlaw, is the character who opposes society, government, school norms, or expectations. They are fighters who push back.

A classic example of the outlaw is the legendary Robin Hood, who rebels against the corruption of authorities, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. His rebellious actions make this unique character a hero despite his outlaw nature.

The Innocent

The innocent character is pure, hopeful, and untouched by the world’s corruption.

Forrest Gump, in Winston Groom’s novel, epitomizes this archetype. His simple goodness offers a contrast to the chaos and cruelty around him. Prim Everdeen in The Hunger Games also represents innocence. Her kindness and vulnerability drive much of Katniss’s motivation. Innocent characters highlight what is worth protecting in a story.

The Shadow

The shadow represents the darker side of a character or society. They're often the “what could have been” version of the hero.

In Star Wars, Darth Vader is the shadow of what Luke might have become had he embraced fear and hatred.

In Marvel's Black Panther, Killmonger acts as T’Challa’s shadow, both wanting justice for their people, but taking radically different moral paths. Killmonger reveals what T’Challa could become if he succumbed to vengeance.

The shadow archetype deepens emotional stakes by reflecting the protagonist’s inner conflict.

Ready to use character archetypes in your story?

This list scratches the surface of character archetypes, but these twelve are some of the most recognizable and valuable stock characters for fiction writers. As you craft your story, think about how each archetype can enrich your cast. Will your hero face a shadow? Will they need a mentor or a sidekick? Will your narrative include a rebel, an outlaw, or an innocent worth protecting?

It's important to note that archetypes are a starting point, not a limitation. Use them as scaffolding to create complex, compelling, unforgettable characters who leap off the page!