Archetypal Characters (Archetypes) are eight, simple Objective Characters that can be found in the Overall Story throughline. The eight Archetypal Characters are:

 

•Protagonist

•Antagonist

•Reason

•Emotion

•Sidekick

•Skeptic

•Guardian

•Contagonist

 

Several of these are familiar to most authors. Some are a bit more obscure. One is unique to Dramatica. We will introduce all eight, show how they interact, then explore each in greater detail.

Archetypes exist as a form of storytelling shorthand. Because they are instantly recognizable, an author may choose to use archetypal characters for various reasons. An author may use them because of limited storytelling time or space, or to highlight other aspects of story such as Plot or Theme. Authors use Archetypes to play on audience familiarity, and for other reasons we'll explain. The main advantage of Archetypes is their basic simplicity. This can sometimes work as a disadvantage if you do not develop the characters fully enough to make them seem real.