Characters that should (or could be) in your story

WRITING

Scott Barron

10/27/20253 min read

1. Protagonist

The Protagonist is the heart of your story, the character around whom everything revolves. This role is defined by:

  • Being the central actor driving the story forward.

  • Having the deepest connection to the Antagonist, whose actions affect them most profoundly.

  • Steering the plot through their decisions and reactions.

  • Earning the readers’ empathy and identification.

  • Embodying the story’s theme through their inner journey shaped by external conflicts.

Example: Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins,.

2. Antagonist

The Antagonist is the primary force opposing the Protagonist. This role may be a character or an external force (e.g., nature) and is characterized by:

  • Standing directly in the way of the Protagonist’s main goal.

  • Being a deliberate, rather than incidental, adversary.

  • Sharing key traits with the Protagonist, creating a foil that highlights the Protagonist’s growth.

Example: The Joker in The Dark Knight.

3. Sidekick

The Sidekick is a loyal ally to the Protagonist, offering support and contrast. Their role includes:

  • Aligning with the Protagonist’s objectives.

  • Highlighting the Protagonist’s traits through their differences.

  • Encouraging the Protagonist’s growth through their unique perspective.

Example: Robin, Batman's sidekick.

4. Sceptic

The Sceptic serves as the counterbalance to the Sidekick. Often doubting the Protagonist’s choices, the Sceptic's role involves:

  • Questioning the feasibility of plans and decisions.

  • Being cautiously pessimistic, sometimes providing helpful caution.

  • Supporting the Protagonist’s side while offering a contrasting viewpoint.

Example: Sarge in Cars.

5. Guardian

Also known as the Mentor, the Guardian guides and protects the Protagonist. Their responsibilities include:

  • Teaching and advising the Protagonist.

  • Acting as a moral benchmark for the Protagonist and the story.

  • Encouraging or opposing the Protagonist depending on their alignment with the story’s values.

Example: Alfred Pennyworth in Batman Begins.

6. Contagionist

The Contagionist hinders the Protagonist in subtle or indirect ways, characterized by:

  • Tempting the Protagonist to stray from their path.

  • Not being an outright antagonist but creating obstacles or distractions.

  • Sometimes supporting the Protagonist’s side in the larger conflict while still complicating their journey.

Example: Colonel Phillips in Captain America.

7. Reason

The Reason character is the voice of logic, influencing the Protagonist with rational thought. Their traits include:

  • Prioritizing logic over emotion.

  • Acting independently, even if their logic conflicts with the Protagonist’s plans.

  • Positively or negatively shaping the Protagonist’s decisions through reasoned arguments.

Example: Inspector Gordon in Batman Begins.

8. Emotion

The Emotion character contrasts with the Reason character by being driven by feelings. They are:

  • Fundamentally emotional in their actions and decisions.

  • Motivated by compassion, anger, or other emotions.

  • Acting independently while impacting the Protagonist emotionally.

Example: Cathy in Wuthering Heights.

8. Love Interest

The Love Interest is a staple in many stories, often overlapping with other archetypes. They:

  • Share a romantic connection with the Protagonist.

  • Act as a catalyst for the Protagonist’s growth or journey.

  • Both support and challenge the Protagonist in ways that drive personal development.

Example: Rachel Dawes in Batman Begins.

Combining Archetypes

Character archetypes aren’t rigid roles; they’re dynamic functions; characters can embody multiple archetypes, depending on the story’s needs.

With thanks to https://www.kmweiland.com