Rarely are video game characters original. Instead, it seems that the same generic character archetypes make their appearance again and again… and again. This is a list of these archetypes.

These archetypes are not all exactly the same, but they do have all the same qualities in various degrees. For example, Donatello (Ninja Turtle) and MacGuyver are both classified as the Genius archetype. However, Donatello's genius leans more towards the high tech side while MacGuyver's leans towards the practical side. Both are capable of exchanging roles, if need be. Donatello can escape Alcatraz using a soda can and shoe laces (in an emergency) while MacGuyver, if pressed, could figure out how to pilot an alien spaceship.

Genius

The genius is the character that knows it all and gives the other characters (and thus the audience) explanations when needed. Examples : Donatello (Ninja Turtle), Hermione Granger, MacGuyver, Baxter Stockman.

Good King

The good king character archetype is rare these days. Some examples : Optimus Prime, Albus Dumbledore.

Mad Genius

Does the mad genius require any explanation? Examples: Neo Cortex

Outcast Hero

The outcast hero typically is a hero-type character that stays well away from "normal" people, usually by choice. Example : Wolverine, Squall Leonhart, Auron (ffx)

: Pure Evil

The character has no motivation for being evil, but he's pure evil anyway. Examples : Dr. Evil, SiniStar, Pennywise.

Slacker

The slacker is not only lazy, but a coward and a glutton as well. The most famous examples are from 70's and 80's cartoons : Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Garfield, Michelangelo (Ninja Turtle).

The Tool

The tool is being used by unseen forces throughout the first part of the game. Example: Kain (FF4)

Tough Guy

The tough guy is usually mentally slow and muscle-bound. Examples: Mr. T, Hulk, Wakka , Barrett, Rafael (Ninja Turtle).

Young hero

A young hero that is called on to prove himself in a time of great need. Examples : Link.

The Old Man: The old guy comes in two forms

The Wise Old Man and the Jaded Old Man, depending, supposedly on how they have lived their lives and their personal regrets.

The Chosen One: Your average, everyday, run-of-the-mill person, who is randomly chosen to save the world. Examples: Luke Skywalker, Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Dr. Gordon Freeman (Half-Life).
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: The Princess

The beautiful princess the hero needs to save.

The Side-kick

The hero's faithful, yet dorky lad (or lady) whom is seemingly loyal no matter what. Examples: Robin, Ronald Weasly.

The Hero

The protagonist, usually with a big ass sword and a deep, gravely voice. Examples: Marcus Phoenix, Siegfried or Superman.

The Sneaky One

The one that has no mouth, wears black and usually whispers. Examples: Psycho Mantis (MGS), SnakeEyes (G.I. Joe), Hunter (special infected from L4D).

• Add a generic character archetype.

Related Pages

• Character Design