Most used Archetypes

*THE HERO
A larger-than-life character that often goes on some kind of journey or quest. In the course of his journey, the hero demonstrates the qualities and abilities valued by his culture.
Ex.King Arthur, Odysseus, Luke Skywalker, Frodo

*THE FATHER FIGURE
The protector and leader
Ex. Mufasa from The Lion King

*THE MOTHER FIGURE
The protective nurturer and gentle provider
Ex. Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath

*THE FATAL WOMAN or TEMPTRESS
A woman who uses her power (intellect, magic, or most of all, beauty) to make men, especially the Hero, weak
Ex. Circe and the Sirens in The Odyssey, Lady Macbeth, Morgan le Fey

*THE WITCH
A woman, often a hag (though she may be disguised as a beautiful young woman), who attempts to trap and destroy the protagonist
Ex. The Wicked Stepmother in fairy tales

*MONSTER/VILLAIN
The antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero.
Ex. The Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood, The Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk

*THE INNOCENT
An inexperienced male or female character that is exposed to the evils in the world
Ex. Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood

*THE ALTER EGO or DOUBLE
Reveals the dual nature of man
Ex. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

*HELPERS
~ Wise Old Woman or Man ~ Wise Animal
Characters that assist or guide the protagonist
Ex. Merlin, Yoda and Obi Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, Grandmother Willow in Pocahontas

*THE TRICKSTER/THE FOOL
Characters who trick others to get them to do what s/he wants – they can be both virtuous and nefarious.
Ex. Puss-in-Boots, Road Runner, Fred & George Weasley

*THE UNDERDOG
Characters who are always in the wrong place at the wrong time, but who usually win something of value in the end.
Ex. The Ugly Duckling, The Frog Prince, Neville Longbottom