By Ken Miyamoto from ScreenCraft · August 30, 2023
All movie, television, and literary characters come from a general mold of character types called archetypes, which contain familiar character DNA that readers and audiences can instantly identify with. They are familiar and common within stories.
They can be used to begin building your protagonists, antagonists, featured supporting characters, as well as stock characters that serve more minor purposes within your stories.
Regardless of how you use archetypes to shape your characters, they are pivotal to your writing process.
Here we’ve collected a master list of character archetypes that you can use in your stories, complete with a brief definition and some cinematic or literary examples.
Back to the Future (1985)
A highly intelligent academic with a tendency to be forgetful and lost in their thoughts. (Doc Brown from Back to the Future)
A meticulous and gifted financial professional who manages and maintains accurate records of financial transactions. (Itzhak Stern in Schindler’s List)
A person who is compulsively dependent on a substance or behavior, often to their detriment. (Ben Sanderson in Leaving Las Vegas)
A person deeply and destructively infatuated with someone or something. (Curt from American Graffiti)
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
A bold and daring individual who seeks excitement and challenges in their travels. (Indiana Jones from the Indiana Jones franchise)
A practitioner of ancient mystical science, attempting to transform substances and achieve profound knowledge. (Balthazar Blake in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice)
A loyal and supportive companion, often assisting the protagonist in their journey or quest. (Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings)
A skilled diplomat or representative often seeking communication and understanding between different groups or nations. (Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Picard)
A methodical and detail-oriented person who examines and interprets data and information. (Sherlock Holmes from the Arthur Conan Doyle novels and adaptations)
A radical advocate who wants to destroy the system. (Tyler Durden in Fight Club)
A divine being often depicted as a benevolent messenger or protector. (Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life)
A loyal creature that accompanies and aids the protagonist on their adventures. (Dragons Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion in Game of Thrones)
A protagonist who lacks traditional heroic qualities yet may still be the central figure fighting against antagonistic forces. (Deadpool in Deadpool)
A student learning from a skilled mentor to master a craft, skill or magical art. (Luke Skywalker from the original Star Wars movie)
A neutral third party responsible for resolving disputes and making fair judgments. (Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee in A Few Good Men)
A masterful designer and creator of structures and worlds, both physical and conceptual. (Dom Cobb in Inception)
A skilled craftsman or artist who creates with exceptional skill and creativity. (Remy, the talented rat chef, in Ratatouille)
A creative individual who expresses emotions and ideas through various artistic mediums. (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Amadeus)
A mystical protector of the celestial planes or the cosmos. (Heimdall in the MCU Thor movies)
A highly skilled and competitive person specializing in physical sports or activities. (Adonis Creed in the Creed movies)
A legal professional who represents and advocates for clients in legal matters. (Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird)
A person who seeks retribution for perceived wrongdoing or harm inflicted upon them or others. (John Wick in the John Wick franchise)
An overly confident loner and troublemaker who doesn’t care that they are bad. They are actually proud of it and that often attracts others. (Dallas from The Outsiders and Rizzo from Grease)
An impoverished person who relies on the charity and goodwill of others for survival. (Fantine in Les Misérables)
The big, fun, lovable guy or girl. (Fat Amy from Pitch Perfect)
A female character known for her seductive charm and deadly survival and fighting skills. (Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel movies)
Characters with a sacrifice of sight who have greater cosmic knowledge or wisdom. (Chirrut from Star Wars: Rogue One)
A person in a position of authority, often overseeing others in a work or organizational setting. (Michael Scott in The Office)
Someone who maintains an unwavering positive outlook regardless of circumstances. (Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation)
A skilled tracker and pursuer of individuals with bounties or rewards on their heads. (Boba Fett in the Star Wars franchise)
Someone who constructs and creates structures, often with great expertise. (Emmet Brickowski in The Lego Movie)
A person who uses intimidation and aggression to gain power over others. (Biff from Back to the Future)
A stealthy thief who specializes in breaking into buildings to steal valuable items. (Catwoman in The Batman)
A compassionate and nurturing individual who looks after and supports others’ well-being. (Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins)
Someone who commits high stakes crime for a living, and is often smart and highly skilled. (Neil McCauley in Heat)
A charming and seductive man known for his numerous romantic conquests. (James Bond in the James Bond novels and movie adaptations)
An individual who actively seeks out and confronts difficult obstacles or opponents. (Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games)
A person who excels in a particular field and is celebrated for their exceptional achievements. (Rocky Balboa in the Rocky movies)
A charismatic individual who deceives others for personal gain or manipulates situations to their advantage. (Danny Ocean in Ocean’s Eleven and Jess Barrett in Focus)
A charismatic and clever character who uses their wit and charm to play tricks and deceive others for amusement or personal gain. (Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and shows)
A strong and authoritative figure who holds a position of leadership and exercises control over a group or community. (Chief Brody from Jaws)
A character who embodies innocence, naivety, and vulnerability, often representing purity and the potential for growth. (Newt from Aliens)
A special character selected or destined for a significant role or mission, often possessing unique abilities or qualities. (Neo from The Matrix)
A comical and humorous character who provides entertainment through their antics and jokes. (Joey Tribbiani in Friends)
A loyal and supportive character who accompanies and aids the protagonist on their journey. (Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings)
A skilled deceiver who manipulates and exploits others to achieve their goals, often through dishonest schemes. (Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street)
A character whose sole purpose is to act as the protagonist’s conscience and moral compass (Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio)
A character driven by material desires and a need to accumulate possessions or experiences. (Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic)
A powerful and transcendent being that possesses control over cosmic forces or represents abstract concepts. (God from Bruce Almighty)
A wise and empathetic character who offers guidance and advice to others. (Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid)
A messenger or deliverer who transports important information, objects, or messages between characters or locations. (Frank Martin in The Transporter)
A humorous and witty entertainer who is there to amuse those they work for, often providing comic relief and social commentary. (Donkey in Shrek)
A character who lacks courage and tends to avoid dangerous or challenging situations. (Sir Robin from Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
A skilled artisan or creator who excels in a particular craft or trade. (Eitri in Avengers: Infiniy War)
A character who evaluates and critiques the actions and behavior of others. (Lancaster Dodd in The Master)
A charismatic and manipulative individual who forms a following and exercises control over their devotees. (Edward Scissorhands in Edward Scissorhands)
A character afflicted with a supernatural curse that brings misfortune or suffering upon them. (Cole in The Sixth Sense)
A mysterious character whose past or nature is shrouded in a curse or enigmatic circumstances. (The Beast in Beauty and the Beast)
A character who lives outside the bounds of the law or society, but is burdened by a curse that complicates their life. (Jack Sparrow in The Pirates of the Caribbean)
A character who possesses the ability to travel through time but is cursed with unforeseen consequences or limitations. (Henry in The Time Traveler’s Wife)
A skeptical and pessimistic character who tends to distrust the motives or sincerity of others. (Melvin Udall in As Good As It Gets)
A female character in a helpless or vulnerable situation, often requiring rescue from a heroic figure. (Princess Buttercup in The Princes Bride)
An evil and powerful antagonist who seeks dominion and control over others, often embodying malevolence and corruption. (Dark Lord Sauron from Lord of the Rings)
An evil and skilled practitioner of dark magic or sorcery, often serving as an antagonist to the hero. (Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga and Queen Bavmorda in Willow)
A character who protects and defends others, often taking on the role of a guardian or protector. (Wonder Woman in Wonder Woman)
A character who brings about destruction and chaos, often driven by a desire for power or vengeance. (The Joker in The Dark Knight)
A character skilled in solving mysteries and uncovering the truth, often serving as a central figure in a crime or investigation. (Benoit Blanc in Knives Out)
A skilled negotiator and mediator who seeks peaceful resolutions to conflicts. (Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Picard)
A devoted follower or student of a mentor or higher authority who is on a path of learning and growth. (Ahsoka from Star Wars: Rebels)
A character who possesses special qualities or powers from a divine or magical source, often representing innocence and purity. (Jack Jack in The Incredibles)
A look-alike or double of a character, often appearing as an omen or harbinger of significant events. (Agent Smith in The Matrix)
A character who operates as a spy or informant for two conflicting organizations, often concealing their true allegiance. (Bridget von Hammersmark in Inglorious Basterds)
An idealistic and imaginative character with big aspirations and a tendency to pursue their dreams relentlessly. (Willy Wonka in Wonka)
A character who regularly consumes excessive amounts of alcohol and is portrayed as comical or troubled due to their drinking habits. (Barney in The Simpsons)
A foolish or gullible character who is easily manipulated or deceived by others. (Lloyd Christmas in Dumb and Dumber)
A captivating and mysterious female character with magical or seductive powers. (Maleficent in Maleficent)
A mysterious and intriguing character who appears suddenly and influences characters’ lives or journeys. (The Man with No Name in A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly)
A charismatic character skilled in performing arts or entertainment, bringing joy and amusement to others. (P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman)
A character who is passionate about protecting and preserving the natural world and its resources. (Summer in Yellowstone)
A character who has broken free from a scientific or supernatural experiment and now possesses unique abilities or traits. (Eleven in Stranger Things)
A character who avoids facing reality and seeks refuge in fantasies or daydreams. (Max in Where the Wild Things Are)
A character who provides companionship or romantic services for financial gain. (Sera in Leaving Las Vegas)
A character who retains childlike innocence and wonder despite aging or experiencing life’s challenges. (Lennie in Of Mice and Men)
A timeless and devoted protector who defends a person, place, or cause throughout history or beyond. (George in Of Mice and Men)
A romantic (and sometimes tragic) character who experiences eternal or unending love. (Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga)
A passionate and persuasive character who fervently advocates for a particular cause or belief system. (Reverand Shaw Moore in Footloose)
A relatable and ordinary character representing the typical qualities and experiences of the general population. (Jim Halpert in The Office)
A curious and inquisitive character who seeks knowledge and truth through investigation or analysis. (Fox Mulder in The X-Files)
A daring and adventurous character who embarks on journeys to discover new lands, cultures, or knowledge. (Lieutenant John Dunbar in Dances with Wolves)
A magical character who grants wishes and bestows blessings upon others, often guiding them towards positive transformations. (Blue Fairy in Pinocchio)
A celestial being who has been cast out of grace and must grapple with their newfound humanity or evil tendencies. (Thor in Thor)
A god or divine figure who has lost their powers or status and now faces mortal challenges. (Death in Meet Joe Black)
A character who was once virtuous and heroic but has fallen from grace, grappling with their own failures or mistakes. (Logan/Wolverine in Logan)
A paternal figure who provides guidance, protection, and support to their children or a group of individuals. (Furious Styles in Boyz n the Hood)
A seductive and manipulative female character who ensnares others in dangerous or deceitful situations. (Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct)
Read More: If Looks Could Kill: The Best Modern Femme Fatale Movies
A character who playfully and often insincerely expresses romantic or sexual interest in others. (Samantha Jones in Sex and the City)
A loyal and devoted character (good or bad) who follows a leader or another influential figure with unwavering dedication. (Gríma Wormtongue in Lord of the Rings)
A character driven by a relentless pursuit of wealth, success or destiny. (Brock Lovett in Titanic)
A character with supernatural or mystical abilities to predict the future or provide guidance through divination. (Oda Mae Brown in Ghost)
A supportive and caring character who forms strong bonds of camaraderie and loyalty with others. (Chewbacca in the Star Wars saga)
A risk-taking character who enjoys games of chance and often makes daring bets or wagers. (Fast Eddie Felson in Hustlers and The Color of Money)
A physically imposing and kind-hearted character who possesses great strength but uses it for good and protection. (Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies and books)
A skilled and charming thief who adheres to a code of honor or personal ethics in their criminal endeavors. (Grace in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One)
A male character who provides companionship or romantic services to wealthy or older individuals in exchange for financial gain. (Gigolo Joe in A.I. Artificial Intelligence)
A generous and selfless character who often puts the needs of others above their own. (John Coffey in The Green Mile)
A character who spreads rumors and gossip, often causing conflicts and misunderstandings. (Regina George from Mean Girls)
An irritable and pessimistic character often resistant to change. (Carl in Up)
A protective and nurturing character who watches over and cares for others, often serving as a mentor or parental figure. (Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins)
A character who provides direction, knowledge, or assistance to the protagonist during their journey or quest. (Kuiil in The Mandalorian)
A skilled and often lawless character who excels in using guns. (Din Djarin in The Mandalorian)
A wise and enlightened character who imparts spiritual or philosophical teachings to others. (Weird Barbie in Barbie)
A character tormented by past traumas, regrets, or unresolved issues, often affecting their actions and relationships. (Dan Torrence in Doctor Sleep)
A character with the ability to restore health, both physically and emotionally, to others. (E.T. in E.T.)
A supportive character who aids and assists the protagonist on their journey, often with unwavering loyalty. (Alan in Barbie)
A character who brings news, announcements, or calls to adventure, setting the story in motion. (Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies)
A reclusive and isolated character who chooses to live in seclusion away from society. (Ben Kenobi in the original Star Wars and Kenobi series)
A courageous and noble character who embarks on a journey or mission to confront and overcome challenges. (Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy)
A female protagonist who exhibits heroic qualities and embarks on a courageous quest or journey. (Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens)
A child or young character who assumes a position of authority or control, often wielding power in a demanding or tyrannical manner. (Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones)
A character, usually female, who appears cold, aloof and unemotional, keeping others at a distance. (Maleficent in Maleficent)
A character who is foolish, unintelligent or lacks common sense, often providing comic relief. (Both Lloyd and Harry in Dumb and Dumber)
A character who uses deception and trickery, often through magic or illusion, to manipulate others. (Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and series)
A character who experiences unfulfilled love, often unable to attain the affection they desire. (Theodore Twombly in Her)
A character bound by contract or obligation to serve another, often experiencing hardship or exploitation. (The handmaids and Marthas in The Handmaid’s Tale)
A young character who possesses innocence, purity, and naivety, often symbolizing hope and goodness. (Carol Anne in Poltergeist)
A character who is free from guilt or blame, often serving as a symbol of purity and virtue. (Grogu in The Mandalorian)
A character who introduces new ideas, inventions, or changes to the world around them. (Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies)
A knowledgeable character who imparts valuable lessons, skills, or teachings to others. (Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid)
A character who values knowledge, reason, and intellect, often pursuing understanding and analysis. (Benoit Blanc in Knives Out)
A character with natural or psychic healing abilities, often relying on intuition and empathy to help others. (Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time)
A creative and resourceful character who designs and creates new inventions or technologies. (Shuri in The Black Panther)
A gunslinger who has become cynical, disillusioned or weary from their experiences. (Han Solo in the original Star Wars)
A character responsible for confining and controlling others, often prisoners or captives. (Warden Samuel Norton in The Shawshank Redemption)
A comedic and playful character who entertains others with humor and antics. (Genie in Aladdin)
A male athlete who is often muscular and sometimes (but not always) not very smart. (Stifler in American Pie)
A character who delights in mischief, pranks, and causing chaos or disruption. (Deadpool in Deadpool)
A reporter or writer who seeks the truth and strives to uncover important information. (April O’Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
A character on a physical or metaphorical journey who experiences personal growth and transformation along the way. (Christopher McCandless in Into the Wild or Cheryl Strayed in Wild)
A character who holds authority to make legal or moral judgments and decisions. (Judge Julius Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago 7)
A character who takes the life of others intentionally, often motivated by revenge, duty, or personal beliefs. (Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men)
A powerful and authoritative ruler who leads a kingdom or nation. (King Viserys in House of the Dragon)
A noble and skilled warrior who serves under a king or queen, bound by a code of chivalry. (Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones)
A person who guides and influences others, taking charge of a group or community. (Captain America/Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies)
Someone responsible for creating and passing laws within a legislative body. (Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton)
A heroic figure who frees others from oppression, captivity or tyranny. (William Wallace in Braveheart)
An individual who prefers to be alone and often isolates themselves from others. (Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit)
Someone who repeatedly faces defeat or failure, sometimes due to their own shortcomings. (Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon’s Vacation)
The rightful heir to a throne or significant legacy but is unaware of their true identity. (Simba in The Lion King)
A character who finds themselves displaced in time, separated from their original era. (Marty McFly in Back to the Future)
A character struggling with their identity, purpose, or past, and feeling disconnected from themselves and others. (Leonard Shelby in Memento)
A character deeply involved in a romantic or passionate relationship with another person. (Romeo and Juliet in Romeo + Juliet)
A devoted follower or supporter, remaining steadfast to a person, cause or ideal. (Chewbacca in the Star Wars saga movies)
A ruler who descends into madness, exhibiting irrational and tyrannical behavior. (Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones and King George in The Madness of King George)
A brilliant but unstable scientist who pursues unconventional or dangerous experiments. (Doctor Moreau in The Island of Dr. Moreau)
A child (or child-like) character who possesses innate and extraordinary magical abilities. (Matilda Wormwood in Matilda)
A skilled and mysterious practitioner of magic, often performing illusions or spells. (Robert Angier in The Prestige)
A young and innocent woman usually associated with purity and youthfulness. (Cinderella in Cinderella)
A character who willingly sacrifices themselves for a greater cause or principle. (Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator)
A heroic figure who conceals their true identity behind a mask while fighting for justice. (Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman)
A character who derives pleasure from pain or suffering, either physical or emotional. (Marla Singer in Fight Club)
An expert or highly skilled individual in a particular field or discipline. (Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer)
A character with exceptional abilities to manipulate perceptions and create deceptive scenarios. (Joker in The Dark Knight)
A wise and experienced guide who provides guidance, support, and knowledge to a less experienced individual. (Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting)
A former mentor who becomes an adversary, often due to conflicting goals or betrayals. (Tyler Durden in Fight Club)
A hired soldier or warrior motivated primarily by financial gain. (Max in The Road Warrior)
A character who delivers important information or news to others. (Will and Tom in 1917)
A figure believed to be the savior or deliverer of a community, often possessing divine attributes. (Neo in The Matrix)
A character who feels out of place or rejected by society due to their differences or non-conformity. (Edward Scissorhands in Edward Scissorhands)
A creature or being, often of terrifying appearance, capable of causing harm or fear. (The Shark in Jaws)
A personification of nature, either in nurturing positive form or as a powerful force or threat. (The tornadoes in Twister)
A source of inspiration for artists or creators, often associated with creativity and beauty. (Sam and Mia in La La Land)
A skilled performer or composer of music, using their talents to express emotions and messages. (Andrew in Whiplash)
A character with the ability to communicate with and control mythical creatures. (Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon)
A young character who is innocent, inexperienced, and unaware of the complexities of the world around them. (Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz)
A character who tells the story, providing insight and perspective to the audience or readers. (Red in The Shawshank Redemption)
A character who acts as the archenemy or antagonist, representing the primary opposition to the protagonist’s goals. (Lex Luthor in Superman)
A character who is highly intelligent but often socially awkward or obsessed with niche interests. (Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory)
A character or entity that embodies fears or horrors, often serving as a supernatural or malevolent force. (Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street)
A character who rejects societal norms and expectations, often challenging the status quo. (MJ in Spiderman: Homecoming)
A character who is new and inexperienced in a particular skill or field, just starting to learn and develop their abilities. (Daniel in The Karate Kid)
A character who provides care, support and guidance to others, often displaying a compassionate and nurturing nature. (Romonda in Black Panther)
A character with prophetic abilities or special insight, providing guidance or foretelling the future. (The Oracle in The Matrix)
A character who has lost their parents or guardians, often leading to a journey of self-discovery and growth. (Harry Potter in the Harry Potter movies)
A young character who has lost their parents or caregivers, navigating the world on their own or with newfound companions. (Eleven in Stranger Things)
A character who is socially rejected or isolated from society due to their differences or actions. (Nadine in The Edge of Seventeen)
A character who lives outside the bounds of the law, often involved in criminal activities or rebellion against authority. (Robin Hood in Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves)
A character who explores and investigates supernatural or unexplained phenomena. (Ed and Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring movies)
A character who takes on the role of a mother or father, responsible for raising and caring for their children. (Olive’s parents in Easy A)
A male character who holds significant authority and influence over a family or group. (Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather)
Someone who seeks to resolve conflicts and promote harmony among others. (Superman in 1978’s Superman)
A skilled thief specializing in stealing valuables from people’s pockets or belongings. (Grace in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning)
A person on a journey to a sacred or significant place, often for spiritual or personal reasons. (Paddington Bear in Paddington)
A character exploring new territories, ideas, or frontiers, leading the way for others to follow. (James and Margarett Dutton in 1883)
A character who engages in piracy, robbing ships or coastal towns for personal gain or rebellion. (Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean)
Someone skilled in the art of poetry and often uses words to express emotions and ideas. (John Keating in Dead Poets Society)
A character who works independently to solve mysteries, gather information and uncover secrets. (J. J. Gittes in Chinatown)
A character with a severe mental disorder characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse for their actions. (Norman Bates in Psycho)
A character who manipulates or controls others behind the scenes, often for personal gain or power. (Palpatine in the Star Wars prequels)
A female ruler who holds the highest authority and power in a kingdom or realm. (Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones)
A character from the distant past who is awakened or resurrected in the present time. (Black Adam in Black Adam)
A character who chooses to live in seclusion or isolation from society and human interactions. (Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)
A demon or supernatural being who undergoes a transformation and seeks redemption for their past actions. (Hellboy in Hellboy)
A magic user who has turned away from dark practices or destructive pursuits, seeking to use their powers for good. (Severus Snape in the Harry Potter books and movies)
Someone who brings about redemption or salvation for themselves or others through their actions or sacrifice. (Jean Valjean in Les Misérables)
A character who advocates for change and improvement within a society or system. (Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah)
A character whose soul is reborn into a new body or life after death. (Bailey the dog in A Dog’s Journey)
A character who seeks out and collects ancient artifacts or relics of historical or magical significance. (Indiana Jones in the Indiana Jones movies)
A soldier or warrior who is hesitant or unwilling to take on a particular role or task. (John Rambo in the Rambo movies)
A former assassin who regrets their past actions and seeks redemption for the lives they’ve taken. (William Munny in Unforgiven)
A clever, unpredictable, and often morally ambiguous character, known for their unconventional and deceptive ways. (Helena Shaw in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny)
A character skilled in tracking and capturing rogue or renegade individuals. (Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher)
A character who is passionate, idealistic, and often driven by intense emotions, especially in matters of love and relationships. (Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything)
Someone who becomes a victim or suffers great harm, highlighting the danger or evil of the antagonist or situation. (Artax, Atreyu’s loyal horse, in The Neverending Story)
A character in possession of great wisdom, knowledge, and insight, often serving as a mentor or guide to others. (Gandalf in Lord of the Rings)
Someone blamed or made to bear the burden of others’ mistakes or misdeeds. (Richard Kimble in The Fugitive)
A character who devises cunning and intricate plans, often for personal gain or to manipulate others. (JR Ewing in Dallas)
A character engaging in political intrigue and manipulation within a royal court or aristocratic setting. (Littlefinger in Game of Thrones)
Someone dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual learning. (Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation)
A female character who uses charm, allure, or manipulation to entice others, often for personal gain or to achieve their objectives. (Ramona Vega in Hustlers)
A person embarking on a quest or journey to find something of great importance or significance. (Brock Lovett in Titanic)
A character driven by the desire to acquire knowledge, often for its own sake or to solve a mystery. (Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts movies)
A character seeking to atone for past mistakes or sins and find redemption for their actions. (Jamir Tartt in Ted Lasso)
A character who pursues revenge or justice for perceived wrongs done to them or their loved ones. (Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill)
A character who commits a series of murders, often with a specific motive or psychological compulsion. (Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs)
A character who fulfills tasks or duties for their master or employer. (Alfred Pennyworth in Batman)
A character’s darker or hidden aspect, representing repressed desires, fears or traits they struggle to confront. (Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask in The Mask)
A character with the ability to transform their physical appearance. (Skrulls in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and shows)
A character who can change their form to assist or accompany the protagonist. (Bumblebee in Transformers)
A character who uses their shapeshifting abilities for deceit or trickery. (Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and shows)
A character who guides, leads or protects others, often representing a nurturing and guiding force. (Gandalf in Lord of the Rings)
A character who supports and aids the protagonist, often with complementary skills or qualities. (Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom)
A female character whose enchanting voice or allure lures others into dangerous situations. (Enchantress in Suicide Squad)
A character who doubts or questions the validity of supernatural or extraordinary occurrences. (Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park)
A character in bondage or servitude, lacking personal freedom and autonomy. (Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones)
Someone with a severe personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy and disregard for others’ rights and feelings. (Patrick Bateman in American Psycho)
A character serving (or formerly serving) in the military or armed forces, often displaying bravery and discipline. (Sergeant Elias in Platoon)
A character who sells their combat skills or services for personal gain or profit. (Tyler Rake in the Extraction movies)
Someone who endures great suffering or sacrifice for the greater good or to save others. (John Coffey in The Green Mile)
A character who endures and overcomes difficult or life-threatening situations. (Ellen Ripley from Alien and Aliens)
A female character seducing or enticing others to succumb to their desires or make impulsive choices. (Else Schneider in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)
A character who delights in playing tricks or pranks, often challenging societal norms and conventions. (Bugs Bunny in the Looney Tunes cartoons)
Someone with extraordinary foresight or a unique perspective, often inspiring others to follow their vision. (Morpheus in The Matrix)
Someone who roams from place to place, often seeking adventure or a sense of purpose. (Max Rockatansky in the Mad Max movies)
A character skilled in combat and warfare, usually driven by a sense of honor, duty or a quest for justice. (Nanisca in The Woman King)
A male character (sometimes an actual prince) who lacks strength or competence, often in need of rescue or guidance and overprotected by his parents. (Dale and Brennan in Step Brothers)
A male character who embodies wisdom and serves as a mentor or advisor to others. (Dumbledore in the Harry Potter books and movies)
A female character in possession of great wisdom and serves as a mentor or guide to others, especially in matters of spirituality or healing. (Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz)
A female character with magical powers, often associated with both benevolent and malevolent abilities. (The Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus)
A male character with magical powers and great knowledge, often serving as a mentor or guide to others in matters of magic and the arcane. (Gandalf in Lord of the Rings)
Read More: 101 Character Tropes All Screenwriters Should Know
Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.
He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, and Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries BLACKOUT, starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller HUNTER’S CREED, and many produced Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on X @KenMovies and Instagram @KenMovies76.
David Young · August 28, 2023
