Monday, July 15, 2013

Developing Heroes and Villains

I received this article in an email. Feel free to read it. Click on the link below to read the full article.


How to Write Better Heroes and Villains: Archetypes

Today's newsletter is from Victoria Lynn Schmidt, who is our Instructor of the Month. (I highly recommend this.) 

Archetypes are the core character models of storytelling, found in nearly all books. The famous psychologist Carl Jung is known for his work on archetypes, and he also developed a personality typology that sheds light on how humans approach life and do what they do. This information can be adapted and applied to the task of creating motivated, compelling characters.

For example, we all know that James Bond likes martinis. But let's go a step further: Deep down, who is Bond, really?

Bond's identity as a spy is the most important thing in his life. He's a real workaholic and is highly observant and analytical. He sets several traps, and in different rooms. He calmly checks all of them. He anticipates what the villain might do, drawing on his years of experience. His deep inner world is that of a man who is suspicious yet professional.

Bond is an archetype: the Businessman.

Knowing the archetypes and their traits is key to decoding what motivates your characters-and bringing them to life for readers. Here are some of the main archetypes.

Female Heroes and Villains

The Seductive Muse
• Loves to be the center of attention, is smart and creative, enjoys sex, loves her body and feels deeply. Think Cleopatra.
• As a villain, the Seductive Muse becomes the Femme Fatale who deliberately uses her charms to control men.
• Physically centered, extroverted, great at listening.
• Occupations: artistic type (poet, sculptor, actress).
• Belief: All acts of love and pleasure are sacred.• Motivated by: self-actualization.


If you love Victoria Lynn Schmidt's advice, you should check out this heavily discounted package of all her books on writing.  

And for more Archetypes of Female (and Male) Heroes and Villains, click here.

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