Can you think of any more examples of character archetypes? Have a think about it and then do some research to see if you’re on the right lines and to find out more.
Browsing on the web I have found a very engaging study which a gives a definition of character archetypes as well as (that is the most interesting part) how they have been chosen and adapted by various businesses to represent their values. In a way, companies have become characters.
When you’ve identified a list of archetypes, try and come up with an example for each from an exciting story. What function does the archetype play in that story, either psychologically or dramatically?
Star Wars is a great example of character spectrum study: it’s the archetypal struggle between the good and the evil, the Dark Side against the side of the Force.
Characters balance themselves sometimes which path to choose and the whole story is set in space with various planets playing sometimes significant role to the plot, becoming a character or a story within the story.
Main Characters:
Luke Skywalker– The main protagonist of the saga; a farm boy who is taught the ways of the Force. —–>THE HERO.
Emperor Palpatine– The main antagonist; A senator from Naboo, a secret Sith Lord who creates a full galactic empire and becomes the face of absolute evil.—–>THE ANTAGONIST, THE RULER and CREATOR.
Darth Vader– Widely considered to be the most iconic villain in the history of entertainment, and is Palpatine’s apprentice. Also Luke’s father, who eventually turns against his master and puts an end to the galactic empire.—–>THE ANTI-HERO, but RULER and REBEL.
Obi Wan Kenobi– Vader’s former master who is killed by him. Introduces the way of the Force to the audience as well as the characters.—–>THE SAGE.
Leia Organa– Luke’s twin sister, adopted by the Organa family on Alderaan. Brinks a witty female character to the saga.—->THE LOVER and REBEL.
Han Solo– A laid back scoundrel, mercenary and smuggler who is overly confident and shows how people change their morals for a good cause. —–>THE EXPLORER and REBEL.
Chewbacca– A mighty Wookiee from the planet Kashyyk, who was rescued from Imperial slavery by Han Solo. We see a non human protagonist in the saga.—->THE EVERY MAN.
C3 PO– A protocol droid built by Darth Vader when he was a child. He is fluent in over 6 million forms of communication and has a strongly programmed desire to see things run smoothly. As the plot unravels shows how his character becomes a solution to the protagonist’s problems, and even assists them in overcoming obstacles.——>THE INNOCENT.
R2 D2– An astromech droid who was designed as a sophisticated computer repair and information retrieval droid. He is filled with apparatus of all sorts. His journeys throughout the galaxy gave him distinct personality and quirkiness.—–>THE CARE GIVER.
Qui Gon Jinn– Kenobi’s old mentor who has proven his value to the leadership of his people in many important missions and difficult negotiations.—->THE MAGICIAN.
Jar Jar Binks– A clumsy but kind hearted Gungan who lives in the swamps of Naboo, as he was exiled for flooding a building in his town. His simple sense of honour binds to Qui Gon and Obi Wan for life, even though they would much rather do without him at first. However, he quickly proves useful by telling them of his underwater hometown where they can escape an oncoming invasion.—->THE JESTER.
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