Carl Jung used the term "archetype" to describe universal characters that share certain common features and can transcend cultural boundaries. The document identifies 8 common archetypal heroes: the Bad Boy, Best Friend, Lost Soul, Charmer, Professor, Swashbuckler, and Warrior. Examples are given for each archetype, such as Batman for the Bad Boy and Professor X for the Professor.

1. Used by Carl Jung to describe universal and recurring
characters, the word is based on the Greek archetypos,
meaning ‘first of its kind.’ archetypal characters share
certain common features that possess elements of
universality and they are able to transcend cultural
boundaries. The term ‘hero’ has long been used to identify
the main character in a story.

2. The 8 archetypes
In their guide to screenwriting, Cowden, LaFever and Viders
2000) identify 8 archetypal heroes:
 The BAD BOY - dangerous to know, he walks on the wild
side
 The BEST FRIEND - sweet and safe, he never lets
anyone down
 The LOST SOUL - a tormented being, he lives in solitude
 The CHARMER - a smooth talker, he creates fantasies
 The PROFESSOR - coolly analytical, he knows every
answer
 The SWASHBUCKLER - Mr excitement, he is an
adventurer
 The WARRIOR - a noble champion, he acts with honour

3. Examples
o The BAD BOY- Batman, Batman
o The BEST FRIEND- Peeta Mellark, The
Hunger Games
o The LOST SOUL- Edward Cullen, Twilight
o The CHARMER- Peeta Mellark, The
Hunger Games
o The PROFESSOR- Professor X, X-Men
o The SWASHBUCKLER- Jack Sparrow,
POTC
o The WARRIOR- Aang, Avatar: The Last
Airbender