Character Archetypes | Baamboozle - Baamboozle | The Most Fun Classroom Games!

English 15 Public

Review of the most common character archetypes in literature.

Study Slideshow

Category: usually the main character, who the story closely follows

Protagonist

15

Someone who is willing to sacrifice their needs for others, courageous, overcomes great odds/evils

Hero

15

Technically a hero, but struggles with morals and courage, not willing to sacrifice, sometimes does the right thing

Antihero

15

Category: works against the protagonist, can be a "bad guy", evil, or just in conflict

Antagonist

15

Intellectual/cunning opponent, uses brain and strategy to oppose the protagonist

Villain

15

Uses brute force to oppose the protagonist

Monster

15

Tries to manipulate and convince the protagonist to join the dark side or give up their goal

Tempter

15

Category: common character that doesn't have as much time to develop or be described

Supporting/secondary characters

15

Older or mature character that guides and helps the protagonist (wise, gives advice, trusted)

Mentor

15

Character provides emotional support and nourishment (spiritual wisdom, selfless, serves others)

Caregiver

15

Job is to confuse/derail but occasionally help the protagonist; bring uncertainty and tension; loyalty in question

Shapeshifter

15

Issues challenges and announces coming of significant change (inner knowledge, call to action)

Herald

15

This character is blamed for everything bad that occurs; takes the fall for others; seen as weak until "death"

Scapegoat

15

Seeks help from older, wiser characters; experiences "coming of age"; inexperienced; pure/virtuous

Innocent

15

Someone who sacrifices their life/faces suffering instead of giving up what they hold sacred

Martyr

15