✦ Villain Archetypes
— The Glutton
This type of villain has an excessive amount of greed and will stop at nothing to get what they want, which is usually some form of power. People of this type are usually spoiled and entitled and don’t usually take no for an answer, but not all are like that. Some are known to be a little more lowkey and seemingly kind about being a glutton. It is said that nothing satisfies this type of villain, and they’re always wanting and craving more, hence their name.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving power, money, status, privilege, etc.
— The Conqueror
If you’re someone that falls under this type, you most likely are someone out for world domination. Someone unhappy with the world and how it works, so you feel the need to take over and make it the way you envision it. Heroes often try to stop this type from doing as they please because their plans of making the world “better” usually are anything but that, and like The Monster, they often make their quest for world domination a sadistic little game for themselves which usually involves some sort of torture for the hero.
Primary Goal(s): Ruling and recreating the world in their own way.
— The Servant
This type of villain is exactly what they sound like, but that doesn’t mean they don’t act of their own free will as villains from time to time. While they may take pride in satisfying the wants and needs of their master, even going to sickening lengths to impress them, they do sometimes have their own agenda. It tends to align with what their master wants, but it doesn’t have to and can even be to overthrow their master. Some servants are simply servants because they aren’t confident/skilled enough to achieve their own success, some are servants because they find pleasure in making a superior happy, some are forced into servitude, and some are servants to accomplish some greater purpose (maybe they need a master to take the fall for them in their grand plan for world domination, revenge, etc).
Primary Goal(s): Pleasing and profiting off of their masters.
— The Prisoner
All they ever wanted was to be happy, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. This type of villain tends to be more of the loner/outcast type because they feel rejected in some way by those they once considered close to them. Like The Knight, they could be out for revenge, but most times they’re just wanting to be accepted again. They want to be happy and be loved again. This often leads them down dark and twisted paths where they do things in order to gain the favor of whatever they feel rejects them. As stated earlier, they’ll do anything, even if it means betraying and sacrificing their friends.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving some form of redemption, love, or happiness by unconventional/twisted means.
— The Monster
Just like their name suggests, this villain is a monster. Sometimes even worse than that. Their sadistic urges often get the better of them and they often enjoy when that happens. These types of villains are very destructive and violent just because they can be. They’re brutal and do not usually discriminate when it comes to choosing a target of theirs. They don’t care to reason with anyone and they don’t care about personal ties as much as the other villains, they just want to ruin and they want the thrill that comes with it.
Primary Goal(s): Inflicting pain and suffering upon their desired target (the world, an individual, etc).
— The Mad Hatter
Much like the above archetype, these people want to harm and ruin people, but are a little more unhinged. There is a chance something traumatic caused them to be the way they are, and that’s part of why they are as mad as they are. There usually is a method to their madness, but there doesn’t have to be. Some people of this type just like inflicting pain and suffering onto others for the fun of it or just because they can.
Primary Goal(s): Unknown because they tend to be unhinged or unpredictable.
— The Knight
Villains of this type are known to display a deep sense of justice, albeit a skewed one. Perhaps something in their past has made them so hellbent on delivering their justice, exacting their vengeance, or even seeking revenge, but they seem to be fixated on doing what they need to “for the greater good” or “to right wrongs” no matter what the reason is. Because of this, they possibly don’t even see themselves as true villains. Just “misunderstood” or something of that nature. Somewhat like The Glutton, they’ll stop at nothing to achieve their goal and make sure justice has been delivered, even if it means they have to get their own hands dirty.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving their own sense of justice, vengeance, or revenge.
This type of villain has an excessive amount of greed and will stop at nothing to get what they want, which is usually some form of power. People of this type are usually spoiled and entitled and don’t usually take no for an answer, but not all are like that. Some are known to be a little more lowkey and seemingly kind about being a glutton. It is said that nothing satisfies this type of villain, and they’re always wanting and craving more, hence their name.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving power, money, status, privilege, etc.
— The Conqueror
If you’re someone that falls under this type, you most likely are someone out for world domination. Someone unhappy with the world and how it works, so you feel the need to take over and make it the way you envision it. Heroes often try to stop this type from doing as they please because their plans of making the world “better” usually are anything but that, and like The Monster, they often make their quest for world domination a sadistic little game for themselves which usually involves some sort of torture for the hero.
Primary Goal(s): Ruling and recreating the world in their own way.
— The Servant
This type of villain is exactly what they sound like, but that doesn’t mean they don’t act of their own free will as villains from time to time. While they may take pride in satisfying the wants and needs of their master, even going to sickening lengths to impress them, they do sometimes have their own agenda. It tends to align with what their master wants, but it doesn’t have to and can even be to overthrow their master. Some servants are simply servants because they aren’t confident/skilled enough to achieve their own success, some are servants because they find pleasure in making a superior happy, some are forced into servitude, and some are servants to accomplish some greater purpose (maybe they need a master to take the fall for them in their grand plan for world domination, revenge, etc).
Primary Goal(s): Pleasing and profiting off of their masters.
— The Prisoner
All they ever wanted was to be happy, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. This type of villain tends to be more of the loner/outcast type because they feel rejected in some way by those they once considered close to them. Like The Knight, they could be out for revenge, but most times they’re just wanting to be accepted again. They want to be happy and be loved again. This often leads them down dark and twisted paths where they do things in order to gain the favor of whatever they feel rejects them. As stated earlier, they’ll do anything, even if it means betraying and sacrificing their friends.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving some form of redemption, love, or happiness by unconventional/twisted means.
— The Monster
Just like their name suggests, this villain is a monster. Sometimes even worse than that. Their sadistic urges often get the better of them and they often enjoy when that happens. These types of villains are very destructive and violent just because they can be. They’re brutal and do not usually discriminate when it comes to choosing a target of theirs. They don’t care to reason with anyone and they don’t care about personal ties as much as the other villains, they just want to ruin and they want the thrill that comes with it.
Primary Goal(s): Inflicting pain and suffering upon their desired target (the world, an individual, etc).
— The Mad Hatter
Much like the above archetype, these people want to harm and ruin people, but are a little more unhinged. There is a chance something traumatic caused them to be the way they are, and that’s part of why they are as mad as they are. There usually is a method to their madness, but there doesn’t have to be. Some people of this type just like inflicting pain and suffering onto others for the fun of it or just because they can.
Primary Goal(s): Unknown because they tend to be unhinged or unpredictable.
— The Knight
Villains of this type are known to display a deep sense of justice, albeit a skewed one. Perhaps something in their past has made them so hellbent on delivering their justice, exacting their vengeance, or even seeking revenge, but they seem to be fixated on doing what they need to “for the greater good” or “to right wrongs” no matter what the reason is. Because of this, they possibly don’t even see themselves as true villains. Just “misunderstood” or something of that nature. Somewhat like The Glutton, they’ll stop at nothing to achieve their goal and make sure justice has been delivered, even if it means they have to get their own hands dirty.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving their own sense of justice, vengeance, or revenge.
✦ Hero Archetypes
— The Redeemer
This type of hero is a hero out to not only do what is right, but atone for the wrongs either they or members of their family, tribe, etc. are responsible for. You typically see these heroes as some kind of villain initially (if they're directly responsible for something), but they work very hard to change themselves and their ways when and where possible. Redeemer types are generally determined to earn the label of a hero and do things in a just and reasonable fashion.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving some form of redemption, atonement, etc. by righting their wrongs and doing what's right.
— The Challenger
Heroes of this sort are often referred to as "anti-heroes" and they tend to challenge the ideal nature of a hero, hence the name. As they do not have some of the traditional heroic qualities like several other archetypes, they can often be mistaken for villains despite some of their intentions being for the better. They're just morally gray which skews things at times. Sometimes, they also operate like the previous archetype (the redeemer) and try to actively change what makes them ani-heroes, but it's all really up to the individual hero.
Primary Goal(s): Saving the day and improving the world, but on their own terms.
— The Underdog
A hero just like you! These heroes are often just your everyday citizen, very relatable even. They just have extraordinary "perks" if you will that they may sometimes find to be a burden on them. Some of them probably didn't ask for their perks and powers, but that doesn't usually stop them from showing up and saving the day. While they may lack the inherent heroic qualities, they generally lean morally good and will do what they need to so that the world can remain peaceful. Even if it disrupts their normal lives.
Primary Goal(s): Saving the day because someone has to and they might secretly like doing so, doing what's right so they can get back to their own life, etc.
— The Talented
Usually handed the golden spoon from birth, these heroes are individuals who posses great popularity, wealth, supernatural abilities, or maybe just everything that they could ever need and ask for. Being a hero almost just seemed like something they were made to do, but maybe because of their comfortable upbringing or maybe because they're miles ahead of someone in their respective field due to their talents, they struggle when push actually comes to shove. These heroes occasionally have to learn how to be really good heroes who can operate in society through trial and error. Not typically because of anything tragic or inherently wrong with them, but sometimes that does also factor into things.
Primary Goal(s): Being the best and doing the best for the world so the world can be the best.
— The Natural
Much like the above, maybe they're ahead of the rest in their field or maybe they're skilled at something no one else is good at, but they usually find that out later in life or have had to work to become as great as they are. They generally come from humble beginnings and might have a great relative or ancestor who was known as a hero in their day (which could be where they get their powers/skills from), and they aren't always aware of their latent abilities. Once they are, it may even take some getting used to, but heroes of this type are determined to make the best of what they're given and make the world better for/with it.
Primary Goal(s): Doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do and even if no one appreciates it/cares, keeping the world peaceful or bettering it one step at a time, etc.
— The Broken
Fatal flaws may actually be fatal. These heroes are usually known as the "tragic hero" and either are given the short end of the stick, or make decisions that lead to their downfall in some way. Even still they try to make do with what they have like The Natural would. And sometimes, only because of their shortcomings and flaws can they see a way out of situations or gain the courage to save the day. Usually, heroes of this type are heroes because they don't want people or the world to end up like them.
Primary Goal(s): Making sure no one has to suffer like them, making the world a better place, making sure others are able to see a better and brighter tomorrow, etc.
— The Wise
Sometimes they come in the form of someone who is like The Talented, sometimes they're just as uninhibited as The Challenger, but overall, this type of hero serves as a mentor figure to other heroes. They've been around the block a few times to know how to handle this whole heroing thing and maybe they take someone under their wing to help them get used to it too. Well, if they care to. Heroes of this nature don't often take anyone under them willingly, but because they see potential in someone or just don't want a clumsy hero to muck things up for everyone else, they end up doing it.
Primary Goal(s): To teach the world or other heroes to be better, to keep the world peaceful by helping other heroes or saving the day, etc.
This type of hero is a hero out to not only do what is right, but atone for the wrongs either they or members of their family, tribe, etc. are responsible for. You typically see these heroes as some kind of villain initially (if they're directly responsible for something), but they work very hard to change themselves and their ways when and where possible. Redeemer types are generally determined to earn the label of a hero and do things in a just and reasonable fashion.
Primary Goal(s): Achieving some form of redemption, atonement, etc. by righting their wrongs and doing what's right.
— The Challenger
Heroes of this sort are often referred to as "anti-heroes" and they tend to challenge the ideal nature of a hero, hence the name. As they do not have some of the traditional heroic qualities like several other archetypes, they can often be mistaken for villains despite some of their intentions being for the better. They're just morally gray which skews things at times. Sometimes, they also operate like the previous archetype (the redeemer) and try to actively change what makes them ani-heroes, but it's all really up to the individual hero.
Primary Goal(s): Saving the day and improving the world, but on their own terms.
— The Underdog
A hero just like you! These heroes are often just your everyday citizen, very relatable even. They just have extraordinary "perks" if you will that they may sometimes find to be a burden on them. Some of them probably didn't ask for their perks and powers, but that doesn't usually stop them from showing up and saving the day. While they may lack the inherent heroic qualities, they generally lean morally good and will do what they need to so that the world can remain peaceful. Even if it disrupts their normal lives.
Primary Goal(s): Saving the day because someone has to and they might secretly like doing so, doing what's right so they can get back to their own life, etc.
— The Talented
Usually handed the golden spoon from birth, these heroes are individuals who posses great popularity, wealth, supernatural abilities, or maybe just everything that they could ever need and ask for. Being a hero almost just seemed like something they were made to do, but maybe because of their comfortable upbringing or maybe because they're miles ahead of someone in their respective field due to their talents, they struggle when push actually comes to shove. These heroes occasionally have to learn how to be really good heroes who can operate in society through trial and error. Not typically because of anything tragic or inherently wrong with them, but sometimes that does also factor into things.
Primary Goal(s): Being the best and doing the best for the world so the world can be the best.
— The Natural
Much like the above, maybe they're ahead of the rest in their field or maybe they're skilled at something no one else is good at, but they usually find that out later in life or have had to work to become as great as they are. They generally come from humble beginnings and might have a great relative or ancestor who was known as a hero in their day (which could be where they get their powers/skills from), and they aren't always aware of their latent abilities. Once they are, it may even take some getting used to, but heroes of this type are determined to make the best of what they're given and make the world better for/with it.
Primary Goal(s): Doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do and even if no one appreciates it/cares, keeping the world peaceful or bettering it one step at a time, etc.
— The Broken
Fatal flaws may actually be fatal. These heroes are usually known as the "tragic hero" and either are given the short end of the stick, or make decisions that lead to their downfall in some way. Even still they try to make do with what they have like The Natural would. And sometimes, only because of their shortcomings and flaws can they see a way out of situations or gain the courage to save the day. Usually, heroes of this type are heroes because they don't want people or the world to end up like them.
Primary Goal(s): Making sure no one has to suffer like them, making the world a better place, making sure others are able to see a better and brighter tomorrow, etc.
— The Wise
Sometimes they come in the form of someone who is like The Talented, sometimes they're just as uninhibited as The Challenger, but overall, this type of hero serves as a mentor figure to other heroes. They've been around the block a few times to know how to handle this whole heroing thing and maybe they take someone under their wing to help them get used to it too. Well, if they care to. Heroes of this nature don't often take anyone under them willingly, but because they see potential in someone or just don't want a clumsy hero to muck things up for everyone else, they end up doing it.
Primary Goal(s): To teach the world or other heroes to be better, to keep the world peaceful by helping other heroes or saving the day, etc.
✦ CLOSING NOTES
For now, these are the archetypes that I (himbos) was able to come up with. If you don't feel any of these fit your muse, feel free to suggest some and let us know so we can add it! We will also be limiting acceptances of certain archetypes if there are too many of a specific type. For now, all are open. If your muse is an outer, you are free to have both a villain and hero archetype. You can also choose one or the other depending on where they lean.
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