Common Character Archetypes

By georgelthomas on 4 Feb 2025 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well! Today, I’m exploring character archetypes! Let’s get to it!

Common Character Archetypes

I have said it many times before, but it is true: writing and creating believable and relatable characters is essential for great storytelling. To do this, many writers rely on character archetypes. These are tried-and-true character types that readers will instantly recognise and connect with and are great for using as a template to add your own descriptions and personalities.

Some of the more common character archetypes in storytelling include the hero, the villain, the love interest, the mentor, the comic relief, and the sidekick, so let’s have a quick look at each!

The Hero
The hero is the story’s main character and is typically brave and noble. They are on a quest to save others or themselves from a great evil.

The Villain
The villain is the opposite of the hero. They are often selfish and cruel, and their goal is to stop the hero from achieving their quest.

The Love Interest
The love interest is one or more (though usually one) characters with whom the hero falls in love. They often help the hero on their quest and may even have their own goals and arc within the story.

The Mentor
The mentor character is a wise, often skilled and experienced character who helps to guide the hero on their journey. They can provide crucial advice or information that the hero needs so they can succeed.

The Comic Relief
The comic relief character provides some lightheartedness in an otherwise heavy story, often making jokes or saying things that lift the mood and give a break from the tension of the plot.

The Sidekick
The sidekick character is, more often than not, a close friend or companion of the hero who helps them on their quest. A sidekick may not be as powerful or skilled as the hero, but they are, regardless, a loyal ally.

Character archetypes are a fantastic starting point for crafting memorable characters that your readers will love. So next time you sit down at your desk (or wherever) to write, consider which archetypes might fit into your story.

Thank you, as ever, for stopping by! Your time means a lot!

Until next time,

George