The Character Creation Toolbox: How To Fill Your Story With Unique (But Believable) Characters

Hey there!

The secret to all the great stories you love isn’t how exciting, thrilling, or unpredictable the plot is.

What makes a story truly unforgettable are the characters which inhabit it:

• How they respond to external events (i.e. the plot)

• How they master their own internal flaws and struggles

• And the decisions they make to drive the plot forward

In his The Science Of Storytelling, the author and journalist Will Storr summarizes it nicely:

"Stories are gripping not because of the bullets or high-speed ski chases in isolation, but because we want to know how this specific person, with this specific history and these strengths and these flaws will get out of it. They'll usually only do so by stretching who they are, by trying something new, by making a some unprecedented effort - by changing... the always fascinating whys of human behaviour."

If you want to write a story which readers love, becomes timeless, and your audience raves about, it’s crucial that you fill your story with characters you and your readers can relate to. They must have believable strengths, flaws, and histories which dictate their decisions as the plot unfolds.

So how do you create these complex, human characters (even if you’re writing fantasy, sci-fi, or horror) to drive your plot forward?

With Character Archetypes.

The 7 “Mega” Character Archetypes

Many of you will be familiar with “Plot Archetypes” and the importance of using a proven archetype to write your story.

An archetype framework can also be applied to characters, not just the plot. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychoanalyst, introduced archetypes as universal, recurring symbols that come from humanity’s shared collective unconscious. And Joseph Campbell (who coined “The Hero’s Journey” while studying Hercules, Achilles, Odysseus, and the rest of Greek mythology), built on Jung’s work to identify recurring character archetypes.

These characters are:

• The Hero: Often an unlikely candidate who rises to the occasion.

• The Mentor: A wise figure who guides the hero.

• The Threshold Guardian: Entities that challenge or block the hero’s path.

• The Herald: Brings the call to adventure.

• The Shapeshifter: Characters whose loyalties or identities are uncertain.

• The Shadow: Represents the darker aspects, often the antagonist or the hero’s inner conflicts.

• The Trickster: A mischievous figure or comic relief that also challenges the status quo.

These can be found across genres and in many of our most-loved stories.

A Character Archetype represents a set pattern of behaviors exhibited by certain characters throughout history. For instance, Dumbledore embodies The Mentor. Katniss from the Hunger Games is the Hero.

A character can have a different personality and exist in a different setting, yet their foundational behavior always aligns with a specific Character Archetype.

Characters Should Be Familiar, Yet Unique.

Your readers should immediately recognize the patterns of your character and, as a result, feel a connection.

However, the beauty of these archetypes is that they can be molded, twisted, and turned on their heads to create something fresh. Familiar, yet unique. As you get into your next story, ask yourself, “Which Character Archetypes do I want to write about?”

To help you, I've curated a list of some of my favorite archetypes.

These aren’t the general “Hero,” “Mentor,” or “Herald” archetypes we see above. They go one layer deeper. Many of these will combine two higher level archetypes to create a more unique concept.

And this is combination framework is crucial—you can either do this manually from the list below or use the ChatGPT prompt below to leverage AI to do this 100x faster.

77 Character Sub-Archetypes With Examples

1. The Rogue With a Heart of Gold: Seemingly selfish or aloof, this character eventually reveals a deep sense of honor and willingness to risk all for the right cause. Example: Han Solo from Star Wars.

2. The Rebellious Hero: Rejects societal norms and bravely defies authority, driven by a deeper understanding or morality that others might not see. Example: Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games.

3. The Disguised Stranger: Someone who hides their true identity, often revealing themselves in a pivotal moment, providing a dramatic twist to the story. Example: Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings.

4. The Wandering Bard: Roaming from place to place, this character is both a teller of tales and a player in them, often influencing events subtly. Example: Kvothe from The Name of the Wind.

5. The Broken Optimist: Once believed in the best outcomes, but life events have jaded them, setting them on a path to regain their optimism. Example: Ted Lasso from Ted Lasso.

6. The Gentle Giant: Imposing in stature but soft at heart, their physical strength is in contrast with their gentle nature. Example: Hodor from Game of Thrones.

7. The Reluctant Warrior: Prefers peace and avoids conflict, but when pushed, displays unmatched skill and determination in combat. Example: Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings.

8. The Seeker of Vengeance: Motivated primarily by revenge, their journey often questions the costs and morality of their quest. Example: Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride.

9. The Cursed Wanderer: A character doomed to roam, often bearing a curse or a tragic past that denies them rest or respite. Example: The Flying Dutchman.

10. The Melancholic Dreamer: Often lost in thought, this archetype is more in tune with the ethereal and the artistic, sometimes to their detriment. Example: Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby.

11. The Enigmatic Scholar: Holds vast knowledge and is often reserved, revealing depths in carefully chosen moments. Example: Trelawney from Harry Potter.

12. The Fallen Hero: Once revered but brought down by a flaw or twist of fate, their journey is one of redemption or tragedy. Example: Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars.

13. The Scheming Artisan: Talented in their craft but uses it for dubious or malicious ends, weaving complex plots. Example: Iago from Othello.

14. The Leader with a Dark Secret: Exudes confidence and gathers followers, but hides a crucial aspect of their past or intentions. Example: President Snow from The Hunger Games.

15. The Outlaw Out for Justice: Operates outside the law, but for noble or just causes, often challenging what's deemed "legal" and "moral." Example: Robin Hood.

16. The Silent Observer: Speaks little, but their actions or the few words they do utter hold significant weight or insight. Example: Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird.

17. The Ethereal Mystic: Connected deeply with the spiritual or supernatural, their knowledge often guides or warns the main characters. Example: The Ancient One from Doctor Strange.

18. The Enigmatic Stranger: Appears unexpectedly, offering assistance or posing challenges, their true intentions and identity a mystery. Example: The Continental Op from Dashiell Hammett's detective stories.

19. The Puppet Master: Operates from the shadows, manipulating events and characters to achieve their goals. Example: Varys from Game of Thrones.

20. The Defiant Artist: Uses their art to challenge norms, make political statements, or rebel against established order. Example: Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo.

21. The Nurturing Guardian: Offers emotional, spiritual, or physical protection and guidance, often at the risk of their own well-being. Example: Molly Weasley from Harry Potter.

22. The Dreamer Awakened: Once lived in their own world or fantasies, but a pivotal event forces them to confront reality. Example: Walter Mitty from… The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

23. The Fallen Noble: Was once in a position of power or prestige but lost it, now seeks redemption or a return to former glory. Example: Prince Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

24. The Merchant with a Code: Engages in commerce (sometimes illicit), but operates based on a set of unbreakable personal ethics. Example: Han Solo from Star Wars before he joins the Rebellion.

25. The Silent Observer: Watches events unfold, rarely taking direct action, but their understanding or revelation becomes key to the story's resolution. Example: Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird.

26. The Charming Scoundrel: Engages in morally ambiguous or outright criminal activities but does so with charm and wit. Example: Neal Caffrey from White Collar.

27. The Ethical Adversary: Opposes the protagonist but does so out of personal honor or a conflicting sense of what's right. Example: Killmonger from Black Panther.

28. The Reviled Martyr: Sacrifices for the greater good but receives scorn or indifference rather than praise from the masses. Example: John Proctor from The Crucible.

29. The Mirror Twin: Bears an uncanny resemblance in appearance or character to another, often revealing suppressed traits or desires of the counterpart. Example: Tyler Durden from Fight Club.

30. The Hopeful Outlander: From a different culture or world, they bring fresh perspectives and optimism, often challenging the status quo. Example: Wonder Woman in… Wonder Woman.

31. The Mournful Avenger: Seeks vengeance for a personal loss, driven by sorrow and rage, often questioning their own motives along the way. Example: The Bride from Kill Bill.

32. The Lighthearted Sage: Imparts wisdom or guidance, but does so with humor and a carefree demeanor. Example: Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

33. The Reclusive Genius: Exceptionally skilled or knowledgeable, but shuns society, often due to trauma or disdain for societal norms. Example: Dr. Robert Ford from Westworld.

34. The Sentinel at the End: Guards the last barrier or threshold the protagonist must face, often providing the final challenge. Example: The Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

35. The Orphan Seeking Kin: Driven by a desire to find their true origins or family, their journey intertwines with larger events. Example: Elsa from Frozen.

36. The Masked Avenger: Works in the shadows, hiding their identity as they seek justice or vengeance. Example: V from… V for Vendetta.

37. The Wild Card: Unpredictable, with shifting loyalties or unclear motives, they add an element of uncertainty to the story. Example: Tactus from Red Rising.

38. The Naive Idealist: Often young or inexperienced, they believe in the inherent good of the world, which might lead to both triumphs and tragedies. Example: Pip from Great Expectations.

39. The Brooding Loner: Haunted by their past, they prefer solitude but are often pulled into societal affairs against their will. Example: Jessica Jones from… the Jessica Jones series.

40. The Resilient Survivor: Has undergone significant trauma, yet their journey is one of healing and overcoming. Example: Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

41. The Curious Explorer: Driven by a thirst for knowledge or the unknown, they often embark on adventures into uncharted territories. Example: Sir John Huxley from The Lost World.

42. The Playful Trickster: Relies on wit and cunning, often playing pranks or deceiving others, but not necessarily with malicious intent. Example: Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

43. The Aging Warrior: Past their prime but with a wealth of experience, they often play mentor roles or seek one final grand adventure. Example: Master Roshi from Dragon Ball.

44. The Benevolent Guide: Often has mystical or otherworldly knowledge, guiding the protagonist on their journey. Example: Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid.

45. The Outcast with a Secret: Shunned or misunderstood by society, they possess knowledge or abilities that become crucial to the plot. Example: Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

46. The Determined Inventor: Driven by innovation, they're constantly creating, sometimes leading to beneficial discoveries or unintended consequences. Example: Doc Brown from Back to the Future.

47. The Cynic with a Hidden Heart: Appears jaded or sarcastic but eventually reveals deep-seated passion or kindness. Example: Dr. Gregory House from… House.

48. The Guardian at the Crossroads: Protects a certain territory or object, determining who can pass or obtain it, often testing the protagonist's worthiness. Example: The Sphinx from Greek mythology.

49. The Time-Tested Friend: Has been friends with another character for ages, providing a bridge to the past and unconditional support. Example: Sevro in Red Rising.

50. The Wanderer with No Past: Arrives from nowhere, with no past that they're willing to discuss, but plays a crucial role in events. Example: The Man With No Name from A Fistful of Dollars.

51. The Prophet of Doom: Predicts dire events or outcomes, often dismissed or misunderstood until their prophecies begin to come true. Example: Cassandra from Greek mythology.

52. The Relentless Pursuer: Single-minded in their mission to hunt someone or something down, stopping at nothing to achieve their goal. Example: Javert from Les Misérables.

53. The Enthusiastic Amateur: Lacks professional skills or knowledge but makes up for it with passion and a can-do attitude. Example: Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.

54. The Enigmatic Stranger: Mysterious and not fully understood, this character brings change, for better or worse. Example: Auri from The Name of the Wind.

55. The Virtuous Outcast: Possesses a moral code but is excluded or shunned by mainstream society. Example: Jean Valjean from Les Misérables.

56. The Silent Observer: Watches and understands more than they let on, often revealing profound insights. Example: Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby.

57. The Disguised Ruler: A leader or royalty in hiding, either for protection or to observe their people unnoticed. Example: King Richard in Robin Hood.

58. The Dreamer Bound by Reality: Aspires for more than their circumstances allow, often leading to bittersweet outcomes. Example: Walter Mitty from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

59. The Fallen Mentor: Once a guide or teacher, they've since lost their way, often needing redemption or serving as a warning. Example: Ben Kenobi from Star Wars.

60. The Ambiguous Ally: Their allegiance is unclear, keeping other characters (and the audience) guessing. Example: Severus Snape from Harry Potter.

61. The Pacifist Warrior: Skilled in combat but chooses non-violence, only fighting when absolutely necessary. Example: Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

62. The Altruistic Thief: Steals, but with noble intentions, often redistributing wealth or righting societal wrongs. Example: Robin Hood.

63. The Disillusioned Dreamer: Once held great ideals or dreams but faced setbacks, leading to a more cynical worldview. Example: Don Quixote from… Don Quixote.

64. The Benevolent Conqueror: Seeks to expand their domain, but with the aim of bringing peace, order, or prosperity. Example: Cyrus the Great.

65. The Broken Peacemaker: Strives for peace but has personal traumas or conflicts that they struggle with. Example: Desmond Doss from Hacksaw Ridge.

66. The Seeker of Forbidden Truths: Goes to great lengths to uncover truths that others believe should remain hidden or forgotten. Example: Robert Langdon from Angels & Demons.

67. The Mournful Avenger: Seeks vengeance not out of anger, but out of sorrow for a personal loss. Example: Maximus from Gladiator.

68. The Ethical Mercenary: Works for hire, but has a personal code that dictates who they will and won't work for or what jobs they'll accept. Example: Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher.

69. The Tinkerer at the Crossroads: Always inventing or tweaking, their creations might bring about significant change or disaster. Example: Doc Brown from Back to the Future.

70. The Displaced Noble: Born to privilege but finds themselves in humble or challenging circumstances, often learning profound lessons. Example: Prince Edward from The Prince and the Pauper.

71. The Tormented Artist: Creates profound art but is plagued by personal demons or societal misunderstandings. Example: Vincent van Gogh.

72. The Echo from the Past: Returns from a bygone era or brings an old way of thinking into the present, challenging modern perspectives. Example: Captain America in The Avengers.

73. The Defender of the Lost Cause: Continues to fight for a cause that most believe is already lost or futile. Example: Ned Stark from Game of Thrones.

74. The Hidden Mastermind: Operates from the shadows, their influence felt but their identity and intentions concealed. Example: Keyser Söze from The Usual Suspects.

75. The Star-Crossed Lovers: These characters are deeply in love but fated for tragedy, often due to external forces like feuding families, differing backgrounds, or insurmountable circumstances. Example: Romeo and Juliet.

76. The Loyal Retainer: Unwaveringly dedicated to another character, they provide support, often at great personal risk or sacrifice. Example: Alfred from Batman.

77. The Forgotten Chronicler: Records events or truths that others overlook or choose to forget, often providing a different perspective on history. Example: Samwell Tarly from Game of Thrones.

Create Your Own Sub-Archetypes With ChatGPT

Now you understand the fundamentals of Character Archetypes, it’s time to introduce ChatGPT into the mix.

This prompt will give you a ton of ideas of the kind of characters you can populate in your story. You can use this at any point of your outlining process. You don’t even have to have a plot outline completed (J K Rowling came up with the character of Harry Potter first and then built the world and plot around him, so starting with characters is sometimes the best way to start!)

So, to get those creative juices flowing, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own unique Character Sub-Archetypes with ChatGPT.