Here is a list of seventy-seven different character archetypes.

  • The Rogue With a Heart of Gold: Seemingly selfish or aloof, this character eventually reveals a deep sense of honor and willingness to risk all for the right cause. Example: Han Solo from Star Wars.

  • The Rebellious Hero: Rejects societal norms and bravely defies authority, driven by a deeper understanding or morality that others might not see. Example: Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games.

  • The Disguised Stranger: Someone who hides their true identity, often revealing themselves in a pivotal moment, providing a dramatic twist to the story. Example: Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings.

  • The Wandering Bard: Roaming from place to place, this character is both a teller of tales and a player in them, often influencing events subtly. Example: Kvothe from The Name of the Wind.

  • The Broken Optimist: Once believed in the best outcomes, but life events have jaded them, setting them on a path to regain their optimism. Example: Ted Lasso from Ted Lasso.

  • The Gentle Giant: Imposing in stature but soft at heart, their physical strength is in contrast with their gentle nature. Example: Hodor from Game of Thrones.

  • The Reluctant Warrior: Prefers peace and avoids conflict, but when pushed, displays unmatched skill and determination in combat. Example: Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings.

  • The Seeker of Vengeance: Motivated primarily by revenge, their journey often questions the costs and morality of their quest. Example: Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride.

  • The Cursed Wanderer: A character doomed to roam, often bearing a curse or a tragic past that denies them rest or respite. Example: The Flying Dutchman.

  • The Melancholic Dreamer: Often lost in thought, this archetype is more in tune with the ethereal and the artistic, sometimes to their detriment. Example: Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby.

  • The Enigmatic Scholar: Holds vast knowledge and is often reserved, revealing depths in carefully chosen moments. Example: Trelawney from Harry Potter.

  • The Fallen Hero: Once revered but brought down by a flaw or twist of fate, their journey is one of redemption or tragedy. Example: Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars.

  • The Scheming Artisan: Talented in their craft but uses it for dubious or malicious ends, weaving complex plots. Example: Iago from Othello.

  • The Leader with a Dark Secret: Exudes confidence and gathers followers, but hides a crucial aspect of their past or intentions. Example: President Snow from The Hunger Games.

  • The Outlaw Out for Justice: Operates outside the law, but for noble or just causes, often challenging what’s deemed “legal” and “moral.” Example: Robin Hood.

  • The Silent Observer: Speaks little, but their actions or the few words they do utter hold significant weight or insight. Example: Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird.

  • The Ethereal Mystic: Connected deeply with the spiritual or supernatural, their knowledge often guides or warns the main characters. Example: The Ancient One from Doctor Strange.

  • The Enigmatic Stranger: Appears unexpectedly, offering assistance or posing challenges, their true intentions and identity a mystery. Example: The Continental Op from Dashiell Hammett’s detective stories.

  • The Puppet Master: Operates from the shadows, manipulating events and characters to achieve their goals. Example: Varys from Game of Thrones.

  • The Defiant Artist: Uses their art to challenge norms, make political statements, or rebel against established order. Example: Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo.

  • The Nurturing Guardian: Offers emotional, spiritual, or physical protection and guidance, often at the risk of their own well-being. Example: Molly Weasley from Harry Potter.

  • The Dreamer Awakened: Once lived in their own world or fantasies, but a pivotal event forces them to confront reality. Example: Walter Mitty from… The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

  • The Fallen Noble: Was once in a position of power or prestige but lost it, now seeks redemption or a return to former glory. Example: Prince Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

  • The Merchant with a Code: Engages in commerce (sometimes illicit), but operates based on a set of unbreakable personal ethics. Example: Han Solo from Star Wars before he joins the Rebellion.

  • The Silent Observer: Watches events unfold, rarely taking direct action, but their understanding or revelation becomes key to the story’s resolution. Example: Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird.

  • The Charming Scoundrel: Engages in morally ambiguous or outright criminal activities but does so with charm and wit. Example: Neal Caffrey from White Collar.

  • The Ethical Adversary: Opposes the protagonist but does so out of personal honor or a conflicting sense of what’s right. Example: Killmonger from Black Panther.

  • The Reviled Martyr: Sacrifices for the greater good but receives scorn or indifference rather than praise from the masses. Example: John Proctor from The Crucible.

  • The Mirror Twin: Bears an uncanny resemblance in appearance or character to another, often revealing suppressed traits or desires of the counterpart. Example: Tyler Durden from Fight Club.

  • The Hopeful Outlander: From a different culture or world, they bring fresh perspectives and optimism, often challenging the status quo. Example: Wonder Woman in… Wonder Woman.

  • The Mournful Avenger: Seeks vengeance for a personal loss, driven by sorrow and rage, often questioning their own motives along the way. Example: The Bride from Kill Bill.

  • The Lighthearted Sage: Imparts wisdom or guidance, but does so with humor and a carefree demeanor. Example: Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

  • The Reclusive Genius: Exceptionally skilled or knowledgeable, but shuns society, often due to trauma or disdain for societal norms. Example: Dr. Robert Ford from Westworld.

  • The Sentinel at the End: Guards the last barrier or threshold the protagonist must face, often providing the final challenge. Example: The Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

  • The Orphan Seeking Kin: Driven by a desire to find their true origins or family, their journey intertwines with larger events. Example: Elsa from Frozen.

  • The Masked Avenger: Works in the shadows, hiding their identity as they seek justice or vengeance. Example: V from… V for Vendetta.

  • The Wild Card: Unpredictable, with shifting loyalties or unclear motives, they add an element of uncertainty to the story. Example: Tactus from Red Rising.

  • The Naive Idealist: Often young or inexperienced, they believe in the inherent good of the world, which might lead to both triumphs and tragedies. Example: Pip from Great Expectations.

  • The Brooding Loner: Haunted by their past, they prefer solitude but are often pulled into societal affairs against their will. Example: Jessica Jones from… the Jessica Jones series.

  • The Resilient Survivor: Has undergone significant trauma, yet their journey is one of healing and overcoming. Example: Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

  • The Curious Explorer: Driven by a thirst for knowledge or the unknown, they often embark on adventures into uncharted territories. Example: Sir John Huxley from The Lost World.

  • The Playful Trickster: Relies on wit and cunning, often playing pranks or deceiving others, but not necessarily with malicious intent. Example: Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

  • The Aging Warrior: Past their prime but with a wealth of experience, they often play mentor roles or seek one final grand adventure. Example: Master Roshi from Dragon Ball.

  • The Benevolent Guide: Often has mystical or otherworldly knowledge, guiding the protagonist on their journey. Example: Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid.

  • The Outcast with a Secret: Shunned or misunderstood by society, they possess knowledge or abilities that become crucial to the plot. Example: Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

  • The Determined Inventor: Driven by innovation, they’re constantly creating, sometimes leading to beneficial discoveries or unintended consequences. Example: Doc Brown from Back to the Future.

  • The Cynic with a Hidden Heart: Appears jaded or sarcastic but eventually reveals deep-seated passion or kindness. Example: Dr. Gregory House from… House.

  • The Guardian at the Crossroads: Protects a certain territory or object, determining who can pass or obtain it, often testing the protagonist’s worthiness. Example: The Sphinx from Greek mythology.

  • The Time-Tested Friend: Has been friends with another character for ages, providing a bridge to the past and unconditional support. Example: Sevro in Red Rising.

  • The Wanderer with No Past: Arrives from nowhere, with no past that they’re willing to discuss, but plays a crucial role in events. Example: The Man With No Name from A Fistful of Dollars.

  • The Prophet of Doom: Predicts dire events or outcomes, often dismissed or misunderstood until their prophecies begin to come true. Example: Cassandra from Greek mythology.

  • The Relentless Pursuer: Single-minded in their mission to hunt someone or something down, stopping at nothing to achieve their goal. Example: Javert from Les Misérables.

  • The Enthusiastic Amateur: Lacks professional skills or knowledge but makes up for it with passion and a can-do attitude. Example: Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.

  • The Enigmatic Stranger: Mysterious and not fully understood, this character brings change, for better or worse. Example: Auri from The Name of the Wind.

  • The Virtuous Outcast: Possesses a moral code but is excluded or shunned by mainstream society. Example: Jean Valjean from Les Misérables.

  • The Silent Observer: Watches and understands more than they let on, often revealing profound insights. Example: Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby.

  • The Disguised Ruler: A leader or royalty in hiding, either for protection or to observe their people unnoticed. Example: King Richard in Robin Hood.

  • The Dreamer Bound by Reality: Aspires for more than their circumstances allow, often leading to bittersweet outcomes. Example: Walter Mitty from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

  • The Fallen Mentor: Once a guide or teacher, they’ve since lost their way, often needing redemption or serving as a warning. Example: Ben Kenobi from Star Wars.

  • The Ambiguous Ally: Their allegiance is unclear, keeping other characters (and the audience) guessing. Example: Severus Snape from Harry Potter.

  • The Pacifist Warrior: Skilled in combat but chooses non-violence, only fighting when absolutely necessary. Example: Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

  • The Altruistic Thief: Steals, but with noble intentions, often redistributing wealth or righting societal wrongs. Example: Robin Hood.

  • The Disillusioned Dreamer: Once held great ideals or dreams but faced setbacks, leading to a more cynical worldview. Example: Don Quixote from… Don Quixote.

  • The Benevolent Conqueror: Seeks to expand their domain, but with the aim of bringing peace, order, or prosperity. Example: Cyrus the Great.

  • The Broken Peacemaker: Strives for peace but has personal traumas or conflicts that they struggle with. Example: Desmond Doss from Hacksaw Ridge.

  • The Seeker of Forbidden Truths: Goes to great lengths to uncover truths that others believe should remain hidden or forgotten. Example: Robert Langdon from Angels & Demons.

  • The Mournful Avenger: Seeks vengeance not out of anger, but out of sorrow for a personal loss. Example: Maximus from Gladiator.

  • The Ethical Mercenary: Works for hire, but has a personal code that dictates who they will and won’t work for or what jobs they’ll accept. Example: Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher.

  • The Tinkerer at the Crossroads: Always inventing or tweaking, their creations might bring about significant change or disaster. Example: Doc Brown from Back to the Future.

  • The Displaced Noble: Born to privilege but finds themselves in humble or challenging circumstances, often learning profound lessons. Example: Prince Edward from The Prince and the Pauper.

  • The Tormented Artist: Creates profound art but is plagued by personal demons or societal misunderstandings. Example: Vincent van Gogh.

  • The Echo from the Past: Returns from a bygone era or brings an old way of thinking into the present, challenging modern perspectives. Example: Captain America in The Avengers.

  • The Defender of the Lost Cause: Continues to fight for a cause that most believe is already lost or futile. Example: Ned Stark from Game of Thrones.

  • The Hidden Mastermind: Operates from the shadows, their influence felt but their identity and intentions concealed. Example: Keyser Söze from The Usual Suspects.

  • The Star-Crossed Lovers: These characters are deeply in love but fated for tragedy, often due to external forces like feuding families, differing backgrounds, or insurmountable circumstances. Example: Romeo and Juliet.

  • The Loyal Retainer: Unwaveringly dedicated to another character, they provide support, often at great personal risk or sacrifice. Example: Alfred from Batman.

  • The Forgotten Chronicler: Records events or truths that others overlook or choose to forget, often providing a different perspective on history. Example: Samwell Tarly from Game of Thrones.

Which archetype fits your protagonist best? Do you know of any additional archetypes that I didn’t list? Drop me a comment down below.