Why do we love superheroes? Is it because we fantasize about having powers that make us greater than what we are? Or maybe it's because we long for justice in an unjust world? Is it because we’re bored and there’s nothing better to watch? Yes, but there is more to our fondness of the superhero genre than entertainment. In this article, we will discuss what is a superhero, the history of the genre, supervillains and why we love superheroes so much. Continue reading What is a Superhero — Definition, Types and Characteristics
What is an archetype? Archetypes play an integral role in how people understand each other – but what are they? We’re going to answer that question as we define archetype, then we’ll look at some archetype examples from classic literature and film. By the end, you’ll know why archetypes are so important for storytellers – and why they might explain something innate about the human condition.Continue reading What is an Archetype — Definition & Examples in Storytelling
Looking to brainstorm new characters? Perhaps, you want to flesh out existing characters or pair them against another character to maximize drama and develop deeper character arcs. Writing a compelling character is easier said than done. However, it's helpful to consider tried-and-true character archetypes to ensure every character behaves in a way that is unique, consistent, and believable. In this post, we'll identify the various character archetypes that you can use to enhance your own characters. Plus, we'll include plenty of iconic character archetype examples from your favorite movies and TV shows. Lastly, we'll define which character archetypes can be…
A woman walks into your detective’s office. She might be wearing a hat or let her hair down. She lets her classy dress show off her legs as she sits down and lights a cigarette. She has an air of danger and mystery about her, so much so that, while you think you should stay away, you just can’t. She is a femme fatale, one of the most popular character types seen in 20th century fiction. But what is a femme fatale, exactly? We’ll be going over the history of this trope, how she came to be, and how…
Many stock characters have been established in fiction for centuries, from the heroes to the villains to the side characters. Among those that have managed to continue having a presence is the "damsel in distress." The name gives you the basic gist of a woman in peril. But there’s a lot more to this stock character, its cultural implications, and how the character type has been received over time. So, what is a damsel in distress, how has the damsel in distress archetype been used, what are some damsel in distress movies, and how has a changing society commented…
Readers and audiences are generally familiar with terms like protagonist or antagonist, along with a number of other commonly used literary terminology. But the tritagonist, while they’ve likely “met” tritagonists a number of times, is a term they may not be quite familiar with yet. So, what is a tritagonist and how does one affect a story, book, or film? Keep reading to learn more about familiar tritagonists, their dramatic functions, and how you might include one in your next script. Continue reading What is a Tritagonist — Definition, Examples & Why They’re Used
What is a foil character? Is it a character who wears tin-foil on their head? Wait no, that’s Joaquin Phoenix in Signs. Foil characters exist to expose something in the main character of a story. You may have heard the term in reference to the works of William Shakespeare, but he’s not the only writer who uses them. We’re going to show you some examples of foil characters from literature, film, and television. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize foils from a mile away and perhaps hatch an idea for your own foil character.Continue reading What is a…
Villains come in all shapes and sizes. From cruel dictators to menacing ghosts, these villains are often the driving force behind a story's narrative. Through their evil deeds, villains create tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether they're out for revenge or simply seeking power, every villain has their own unique motives and endless list of misdeeds. In this blog, we'll explore the different types of villains that inhabit our stories and discuss how they differ from each other.Continue reading Types of Villains — 10 Forms of the Villain Archetype Explained
He’s got his lab coat on at all times, his hair is a mess, he’s not paying attention to anything or anyone but his work, and he might possibly have murderous tendencies. He is the mad scientist, a character trope that has shown up in fiction so much that he’s become ubiquitous to pop culture overall. So what is a mad scientist, where did this stock character come from, and what are some examples?Continue reading What is a Mad Scientist — Definition, Characteristics & Examples
Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung changed the conversation on psychology forever when he proposed his theory on archetypes and the collective unconscious. But Carl Jung’s proposed archetypes, otherwise known as Jungian archetypes, aren’t just pertinent for psychologists – they’re applicable for storytellers too. So, what are the Jungian archetypes? We’re going to look at these to see how writers have incorporated them in film and literature. By the end, you’ll know why Jungian archetypes are so important.Continue reading What are the Jungian Archetypes — A Writer’s Guide
