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:
- 5 Lessons
- Reading Time
- 19 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
This course is taught by:
Further reading
Some related resources that you might find useful:
