Archetypes in Novels
Heroes and Heroines
The Main Character and/or Antagonist:
Osiris: Male messiah
The protagonist is the sacrificial person. E.g. Luke Skywalker or Robin Hood or King Arthur
The antagonist is the punisher. E.g.? Batman movies? The bad guy in most action movies
Isis: Female messiah
The protagonist has a connection to the divine even if she doesn’t want it. E.g. Catniss (Hunger Games) or Joan of Arc.
The antagonist is the destroyer. E.g. Miranda (The Devil Wears Prada).
Artemis: Female avenger
The protagonist likes traveling, is intuitive and instinctual. E.g. Medusa (some might consider her an antagonist) & Wonder Woman.
The antagonist is?
Athena: Farmer’s daughter
The protagonist is tomboy, smart, unemotional. E.g. Hermione, Nancy Drew, Annabel from Percy Jackson.
The antagonist is?
Ares: Male protector
The protagonist is physical, the alpha male, doesn’t think, lives on edge. E.g. Zorro or Han Solo.
The antagonist is a gladiator. E.g.?
Hades: The male recluse
The protagonist is lonely, introverted. E.g., Edward Cullen in Twilight (or other vampire novel).
The antagonist is a warlock who is antisocial and bitter. E.g. Darth Vader and Voldemore.
Sidekicks
We often spend time with the main characters, but forget these important characters:
The Magi: Source of wisdom. E.g. Yoda or Dumbledore.
The Mentor: Like an advanced helper. E.g. Obi Wan or Morpheus.
The Best Friend: Can be helpful but not always helpful. E.g. C3PO, Hagrid, Ron (Harry Potter?).
The Loner: Tends to be the confidant. E.g. R2D2 or Toto (Wizard of Oz).
Rivals
Not the same as an antagonist, because they have the same goals as the protagonist.
Trailblazer: Go ahead of protagonist. E.g. Puck.
Jester: Tries to help but gets in way. E.g. Scarecrow for Wizard of Oz.
Investigator: Gets in the way with the investigation.
Pessimist: “You’ll never get it done.”
Psychic: Thinks he/she knows it all.
C. T. Suddeth 