heroines from the complete writer’s guide to heroes and heroines: sixteen master archetypes by:...
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HeroinesFrom The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines:
Sixteen Master Archetypes
By: Tami Cowden, Caro LaFever, Sue Viders
The Boss The Chief is the comparative hero archetype The boss takes charge of her circumstances and makes
things happen before most people get off the couch. She is a strong, tough woman, who gets her way no
matter what the obstacles. She is outspoken, resourceful, and persuasive. Winning is everything to her. To achieve her goals, she can be calculating. She will
shade the truth in order to gain her objective and is not above manipulation.
She will mow people down on her way to her goal and beware to those who stand against her.
Values getting ahead and winning the game, but when it comes to personal relationships, she is at a loss.
Qualities of The Boss
Virtues Confident Dynamic
• Walks into a room and commands attention• Because of her self-assurance, she sparks
emotions ranging from admiration to jealousy. Competitive
Flaws Blunt
• Political correctness does not head her list of priorities; it might not even be on her list at all.
Workaholic Arrogant
• She is always right- just ask her.
Background of The Boss The Boss ruled her surroundings
As a small child, she asserted her position and staked out her territory.
From the crib, she tried to dictate what she wanted Her entrepreneurial spirit became apparent
She had the first lemonade stand in the neighborhood and was ruthless in pricing the competition out of existence.
In school, she was successful in class This girl took high school by storm. She was the debate coach’s
dream, the basketball team’s captain or the class president. She was an achiever
Styles of The Boss The Boss might be a princess
Grown accustomed to constant applause for her many accomplishments or immediate acquiescence to her every demand
Whatever she sets her mind to, she achieves Think of Reese Witherspoon’s character in Election The Princess always knows what to do. She is certain that she is the best and relishes every challenge She was born to the role and makes sure everyone knows it. Think of Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth She is confident in her opinion
…or else she is the Trailblazer Had none of the advantages of the princess She was probably ridiculed for being assertive. She wants to run her own life. Nothing intimidates her. She has no time for failures.
Occupations of The Boss
Five Star Chef Prosecutor Mayor Entrepreneur Editor Queen President CEO
The Seductress The Charmer is the comparative hero archetype Holds enormous power over others, hypnotizing them
with her charm and desirability. She is mysterious, manipulative, and bewitching. She is not easily fooled by anyone and holds the upper
hand in any relationship. Carries some emotional baggage- has a streak of
distrust To her, any relationship serves a purpose. She is much more interested in what people can do for
her rather than what she can do for them. Has a bad reputation with girls, but that never bothers
the men.
Qualities of The Seductress
Virtues Assertive
• She does not care about being in charge as long as she is in control of her own destiny.
Strong• She is a survivor.
Clever• She is smart enough to cover her tracks when
something goes awry.
Flaws Cynical
• She is jaded.• She trusts only her own judgment.
Driven Manipulative
Background of The Seductress The Seductress came of age early
Developed her cynical attitudes very quickly As a young girl, she discovered the effectiveness of using her charms to
get her way Looking pretty earned her far more attention and approval than kind
words or good grades She valued friends for what they could bring her
She takes any rivalry with other girls very personally She felt the need to excel in all things feminine- the most polished
make-up, the latest fashions, the most desirable boyfriends She learned to use her charms to control others
She led the in-crowd She understood other kids’ fear of rejection and used it to build a
childhood empire She was the prom queen or the homecoming queen She used her charms to make A’s in classes with male teachers
Think of…
Sarah-Michelle Gellar as Kathryne in
Cruel Intentions
Styles of The Seductress She might be the Dark Lady
On the surface she seems like a villain She manipulates to get her way and has no shame for the pain
and anger she causes She is not this way because she wants to be deceiving but
because she has to be this way to survive The Dark Lady is a survivor
Think of Vivian Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind
When the war brought fear, deprivation,and humiliation, she uses every ounce of her skill to save Tara, and never go hungry again.
Styles of The Seductress continued
… or else she is the SIREN She learned along the way it is better to keep her emotions hidden than
to trust the people around her. The Siren plays a role
Her personal allure is so astounding it seems natural to rely on it to get ahead in this world.
The Siren is savvy She is street smart and on the ball. She is nobody’s fool. Many discount her intelligence and sharp mind
because of her looks. Think of Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane
in Some Like it Hot• Her sexy walk and raspy voice enchant
Joe and Jerry. But she yearns for love and affection.
Occupations of The Seductress Spy Model Mistress Saleswoman Singer Trophy wife Cocktail waitress Stewardess Aerobic instructor Cosmetologist
The Spunky Kid The Swashbuckler is the comparative hero archetype She has moxie She sometimes hides behind her sarcastic wit Her lack of confidence may make her play down her best
attributes, but she is spirited, cheerful, and the most loyal of friends.
She is the underdog. Being part of a team makes her happy. She can dress to the nines, but feminine frivolity is just
playing dress-up for her. Jeans and sneakers are her more usual garb.
Romantic relationships give her a rough time. Men think of her as a pal or worse, a sister.
Qualities of The Spunky Kid
Virtues Sense of Humor
• Dry, witty, and clever• She can laugh at any situation including herself
Reliable Supportive
• The best of friends, she is always there with a comforting or sympathetic ear whenever she is needed.
Flaws Sarcastic Unassuming
• She never sees her own worthy attributes.• She is humble to a fault.
Skeptical• When love or good fortune arrives, she is astonished and sure there
must be some mistake.
Background of The Spunky Kid Everyone loved the Spunky kid
No childhood trauma wrecked her life. Probably the apple of her parents’ eye Her family offered strong support and approval without
reservation She was a neighborhood favorite
She shared her toys and played well with others She never lacked friends or schoolmates She might have been the neighborhood tomboy, but what she
liked best was spending time with her friends. She had plenty of team spirit
She was a cheerleader or member of the band- but never the leader.
The boys saw her a as a pal, not a girlfriend; so she always had a problem attracting their romantic attention.
Styles of The Spunky Kid She might be called the Girl Next Door
She is perky, upbeat, and fun to be around. She is an efficient co-worker, the right-hand gal, or the manager of the coffee
shop on the corner. She is a team player.
The Girl Next Door always has a good word She never lets bad luck get her down
…or else she is the Working Girl This spunky kid has a bit more cynicism. No rose colored glasses cover her eyes, and she does not think the world owes
her. The Working Girl has game
She jumps at opportunities, or makes her own. She throws herself into her work, determined to make lemonade with the lemons
life hands her. She maintains her sense of humor
She doesn’t try to get a laugh at someone else’s expense She just knows that the world laughs with-not at- the one who can laugh at
herself.
Occupations of The Spunky Kid
Reporter Governess Disc jockey Wedding planner High school teacher Police dispatcher Physical therapist Pet shop owner
The Free Spirit The Lost Soul is the comparative hero archetype Genuine, fun-loving, and energetic Impossible to be mad at for any length of time, she
charms the socks off everybody who gets sucked into her orbit.
She is impulsive and finds herself in jams she needs help getting out of
She makes decisions on her emotions Depends on her instincts to direct her path Planning is not in her vocabulary Surprisingly, she comes out of her situations a winner. She can be a compulsive talker, monopolizing the
conversation, spinning endless tales of delight. She is ready to lend a hand, but when the going gets
tough, she often gets going.
Qualities of The Free Spirit
Virtues Sincere
• She always lets people know where she stands Upbeat Imaginative
Flaws Impulsive Meddling Undisciplined
Background of The Free Spirit She had a strong sense of individuality
As a child, she never did anything predictable. She was loved by all Happy, content, and cheerful, she captured the adults’ attention
and inspired the children’s mischief She jumped from one prank to another
She was a favorite of her classmates, willing to try anything once…or twice.
Being around this girl meant a good time She followed her own path
This was the girl who had a different hair color each week and followed her own goofy fashion drum.
She was apt to pick up and move to New York to experience the big city, or start her own business, selling homemade soap from the back of her van.
Styles of The Free Spirit She might be a COMEDIAN
Bowls everyone over with her enthusiasm, concealing any troubled thoughts.
The Comedian is always good for a laugh Dazzles with her smile and confuses with her scatterbrained
logic The Comedian is hard to pin down
This woman won’t sit still long enough for anyone to get a handle on her.
Playful, creative, young at heart, she is loved by children and basks in the easy acceptance they offer.
Grown men fall all over themselves to get near, and even other women are enthralled with her charisma.
Think of Goldie Hawn as Suzette in The Banger Sisters
Styles of The Free Spirit continued…
…or else she is the DARLING Grew up loved and adored by everyone around her. Unlike her sister the comedian, she is too self-assured and
overly optimistic Think of Emma in Emma by Jane Austen
• Emma charges her friends’ love lives trying to play matchmaker. Not until her disasters are brought forcefully to her attention, does she change her thinking.
She believes in what she is doing An extrovert, she lives for the next party event. She gets restless without a challenge to keep
her occupied. Think of Ariel from The Little Mermaid
• She ignores her father’s warnings and soon finds herself in hot water.
Occupations of The Free Spirit
Beautician Kindergarten teacher Showgirl Actress Fashion designer Florist Jazz singer Travel agent
The Waif
Projects a child-like innocence, a soul-stirring susceptibility.
She is naïve and resilient. Everyone wants to save her, but she is surprisingly
strong She has an ethereal quality even though it may be
hidden beneath layers of makeup, spandex, and hair spray.
Her delicate fragility makes her an easy target. She does not fight back; instead, she endures untold
hardships until she is rescued. She dreams of warm hugs, happy families, and a sweet
life, but she never finds herself in this happy picture. She is a “loose” woman.
Qualities of The Waif
Virtues Pure Trusting Kind
Flaws Impressionable Passive
• Her submissiveness can attract men who demand all of the control, and her fear can overwhelm any desire to escape.
Insecure
Background of The Waif She was molded by her sense of isolation
Sweet and unsure, this baby girl searched every adult face looking for love she so desperately desire, but never found it.
She was an orphan, whether literally or simply because her family failed to give her the love and attention she craved.
Think of Judy Garland as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz She escaped one disaster after another
She was easily convinced to try out for the school play, or be a cheerleader, or run for homecoming queen: whatever her boyfriend or mother wanted for her- she agreed.
Think of Gretchen in White Oleander• She is an evolving archetype, but through
most of the film, she molds to the beliefs and lifestyles of her foster families. But she is still controlled by her mother and does what her mother wants her to do until she discovers her mother’s manipulative and immoral ways.
She accepted everyone and everything Homework and good grades were never a
priority for this girl. Higher education was probably not in her future
unless it was expected of her.
Styles of The Waif The waif might be the INNOCENT
Cloistered and sheltered, she has been given everything on a silver platter She lacks experience and street smarts. She is a “kept” woman.
The innocent always falls for the wrong man The trophy wife of a rich man or the daughter of a protective father, she tries to
escape her cocoon. But her compliant and obedient nature makes it impossible for her to break free.
The Innocent is smarter than she looks Think of Princess Buttercup from The Princess Bride At first she believes she has lost her love, so she gives in to a betrothal she
does not want. Once she realizes her mistake, she somehow finds the right path to take and she can be stubborn once she decides which way to go.
..or else she is the ORPHAN This is the woman with the painful past, the parentless child thrown out of her
home or the tortured outcast from society. Think of Cinderella
The Orphan needs a knight in shining armor
Occupations of The Waif
Waitress Actress Indentured servant Maid Cashier Cleaning lady Gardener File clerk
The Librarian The Professor is comparative hero archetype Everything in its place, and a place for everything Bright, conscientious, and orderly, she values the
intellectual world over the physical. Dressed to repress, she does not lead with her sexuality. She tends to think she is right. More often than not, she is right, but she can be a bit
stubborn about considering other opinions. Knows the location of every book except the book of
love.
Qualities of The Librarian
Virtues Efficient Serious Dependable
Flaws Rigid
• The concept that rules were made to be broken is foreign to her.
• Change is something she appreciates. Repressed
• She hides behind her intelligence, creating her own safe world.
Perfectionist
Background of The Librarian Her family was probably bewildered by her early displays of bright
inquiry If her family valued beauty over brains, then she suffered, but if born
into an intellectual family, she was in her element. She shied away from girlish pursuits like doing her nails and chasing
boys She kept her nose in a book. Her gifts set her apart from other children so her identity is entirely
structured by a sense of not really belonging. She knew every answer to the science quiz Had few dates in high school She was the class valedictorian, but every now and then, she
yearned to be the Prom Queen. She never felt pretty. Thirsted for knowledge
Books were her closest friends, and she never abandoned them. Her education never ends.
Styles of The Librarian
She might be the KNOW-IT-ALL… Has lots of facts at her fingertips and is happy to
share them Has no problem demonstrating her superior
intelligence Think of Shelley Long as Diane Chambers in Cheers She has hidden passions She is not the life of the party and stuffs her emotions
and passions deep down inside Holds her own in any argument
Styles of The Librarian continued…
… or else she is the BOOKWORM Frequently, the victims of her sarcasm are oblivious, because
her quips fly right over their heads She is used to laughing alone. Takes note of the details Introverted, she is not distracted by outward appearances She is uncertain of her physical charms She does not think highly of her outward
appearance. Think of Janeane Garofalo as
Abby Barnes in The Truth About Cats and Dogs
Occupations of The Librarian
Research Scientist Accountant Schoolmarm Musician Professor Chemist Computer analyst IRS agent Supreme court justice
The Crusader The Warrior is the comparative hero archetype Ready for action Deeds of valor are right up her alley She is confident, tenacious, and headstrong against
opposition. She never backs down from a contest once lines of
battle have been drawn. She is a fighter through and through If she meets a brick wall, she goes over, under or
around, but quitting is never an option. Think of Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich in Erin Brockovich
She knows that action is necessary, and she is the one to get the job done.
Believes in commitment, but is much more devoted to a cause than to her loved ones.
Qualities of The Crusader
Virtues Courageous Resolute
• Her determination is unyielding • She has decided that she is in the right and will not
be swayed from her path. Persuasive
Flaws Obstinate Rash
• She does not stop to think• Personal safety is not her priority
Opinionated
Background of The Crusader
She always fought for her cause Her personality developed from her reaction to
injustice She made a difference
Charity races, walk-a-thons, or just standing up to a bully, she roused her playmates to the cause.
She championed the most unpopular victims because it was the right thing to do.
Too busy for a social life, she never had a date unless it was for a protest march.
Styles of The Crusader
The Crusader could be the ZEALOT She is a true believer in the absolute necessity for the
completion of her task. The zealot has a mission
She has to save the world Think of Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy in the TV
series Buffy, The Vampire Slayer The Zealot has not let personal matters interfere
with her goals When she is in the heat of battle, she has no time or
interest for anything else.
Styles of The Crusader continued
…or else she is the rescuer The rescuer rights wrongs She knows she has the right and obligation to go after
what she wants Think of Antigone in Antigone by Sophocles
• She was threatened to not bury her brother, but the gods demand certain funeral rites.
• It is her duty to see that her brother is able to go to the underworld, so she risks execution rather than allow him to go unburied.
The rescuer pushes back• The Rescuer has a specific target and is determined to wage
war until she has won.
Occupations of The Crusader
Park ranger Firefighter Missionary Social worker Environmental activist Feminist Revolutionary
The Nurturer The Best Friend is the comparative hero archetype Takes care of everyone else around her. She makes sure that all of her loved ones are happy and
content before taking a break or thinking of herself. She is a wonderful listener, even if someone has told her
the same story ten times. She can mediate any problem. The one problem this woman has is her inability to say
“no.” No sacrifice is too great for her and she never lets
anyone forget it.
Qualities of The Nurturer
Virtues Altruistic
• She willing sacrifices her own interests to make sure that the person gets the help she thinks is needed.
Optimistic Capable
Flaws Idealistic
• She wistfully dreams of utopian existence where everyone gets along, but often is disappointed when those around her argue and cause pain.
Self-sacrificing Compromising
Background of The Nurturer She needed to be needed
From an early age, she found satisfaction in taking care of other people.
She was the little girl who made sure all the kids were included in the games or the kid who sat up with her sick grandma.
She loved cuddling babies and kissing the toddlers Every mother wanted this girl as their babysitter Though some of the kids labeled her a goody-two-
shoes, she was universally liked in high school. She was president of the Future Homemakers of
America or the Volunteer of the Year She often found herself married early with a baby on
the way.
Styles of The Nurturer She might be the CAREGIVER
She grew up with nurturing role models, and her impulse to care for others was encouraged and rewarded.
Think of Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility• She tends to her sister’s future, cares for sick neighbors, but
yearns for a husband and a home. She always creates a home wherever she is
This woman is happiest tending her household or holding a friend’s hand through a crisis.
Never one to fret, she has a beaming smile and a plate of cookies ready for her welcome guests.
Steppford Wives
Styles of The Nurturer continued…
…or else she is the WISE WOMAN She is a woman who has seen it all and knows just
what advice to dispense She has been there and done that Nothing gets past this woman; she has eyes in the
back of her head. Think of Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins in Mary
Poppins This woman is efficient and in control She might nag a bit, but only because she knows
what is best for all around her. Her sound advice is invariably correct and she shakes
her head when others fail to follow her suggestions.
Occupations of The Nurturer Paramedic Social worker Lady of the manor Homemaker Pediatric doctor Defense lawyer Nanny Nun Nursery school owner Special education teacher