Kate
Based in the UK, Kate has been writing since she was young, driven by a burning need to get the vivid tales in her head down on paper… or the computer screen.
Storytelling
Character Archetypes
- Level:
- Beginner
- Lessons:
- 13 Lessons
- Reading Time
- 49 min read
Your characters are the heart of your story. But how do you create characters that feel both fresh and familiar, complex yet relatable? Enter Character Archetypes, a storytelling tool that taps into universal patterns of human experience.
This cookbook covers the 12 Campbell Character Archetypes (the Hero, Mentor, Shadow, Ally, etc) used widely in fiction, followed by lessons on how to combine archetypes to create interesting characters.
Each recipe covers core characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses for the archetypes, and offers troubleshooting guides for common problems. By the end of this course, you will have the tools to build a dynamic cast where characters challenge, support, and reflect one another.
Section 2
Campbell Character Archetypes
1
The Hero
Build a relatable protagonist who faces adversity and drives the story's resolution through personal growth.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
2
The Mentor
Equip your hero with a wise guide who provides necessary tools and wisdom without fighting the battle for them.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
3
The Ally
Build a loyal companion who grounds your hero and supports them without fading into the background.
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
4
The Shadow
Create a mirror image of your Hero that manifests their deepest fears and forces them to confront their flaws.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
5
The Rebel
Fight the system of your story world with the Rebel archetype.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
6
The Herald
The Herald calls the Hero to action, providing the route to your story.
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
7
The Guardian
Block the easy path to your hero's goal with the Guardian archetype
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
8
The Shapeshifter
Exploit the trust your protagonist has in others through the Shapeshifter archetype
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
9
The Trickster
Infuse your story with chaos through the Trickster archetype
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
10
The Ruler
The Ruler wields authority and shapes the world around them. Learn how to create Rulers with motive, pressure, and authority that affects the story.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
11
The Caregiver
The Caregiver protects and nurtures others, often at a personal cost. Learn how to create Caregivers with agency, personal stakes, and pressure points.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
12
The Explorer
The Explorer seeks new experiences, knowledge, and freedom. Learn how to create Explorers who feel purposeful, curious, and alive.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
This course is taught by:
Further reading
Some related resources that you might find useful: