You got a story or maybe just the outline of one on a napkin.
You know it has potential,
but how do you write compelling characters that move the plot forward?
It's time to talk Character Archetypes.
"What's your name?"
In this series, we're going to cover each archetype.
Their common strengths and weaknesses.
Aand unique pairings with other archetypes
that create maximum conflict or harmony.
"This is on you too, buddy."
So let's jump into today's archetype.
The Leader.
Make way for this archetype people
because the leader is not someone to be trifled with.
"You`re goddamn right."
If there's an archetype that is dynamic and drives a story,
it would be this one.
"Blow our cabin oxygen through the main thrusters.
We're going to spark it."
What are their strengths?
Focused, confident, and highly motivated.
This archetype is a person of action.
"I'm putting together a special team, and I need me eight soldiers."
Whether it's a mission or competition,
the lead archetype will not rest until they've accomplished it.
And they won't let anyone, friend or foe, stand in their way.
It's their willingness to run headfirst into insurmountable arts
that can inspire others into action.
If there's ever a moment where the story feels stuck,
this archetype can really get the ball rolling.
"Come February the 1st, I intend to sign the 13th Amendment."
But what are their weaknesses?
The inherent drive in the leader leads to stubbornness,
they can be arrogant, domineering, reckless.
"I am the President of the United States of America,
clothed in immense power."
If they want perfection in a product,
they'll do anything to get it.
"- But are you truly prepared to be despised within an apartment?
- Yes, sir. I am."
Conflict is drama.
Drama is interesting.
Leaders are conflict machines.
Whether it's comedic or dramatic tension,
tension equals eyes glued to the screen.
If a scene feel stagnant in any way,
the leader can stir the pot.
The leaders the one with the largest impact on your stories world.
And you can shape the tone of that world by adjusting one thing
that Morality.
A brave one can inspire hope and discipline in an army.
A sociopathic one can manipulate all the inmates of a psych ward.
A smart leader can discover a cure.
And a delusional one can cause World War 3.
Now, let's talk about who the leader might match well with.
When it comes to compatibility
look no further than another leader.
This basically doubles that sense of power and energy in the script.
Two leaders operate as a highly effective duo
where the fighting crime.
"- You sure?
- Yes. - Yes, what?
- Yes, I'm sure that`s Ellis Brittle."
Oe causing it.
Having such energy bursting at the seams is exactly
what keeps the audience's on the edge of their seats.
"Auf Wiedersehen.
Bullseye."
They can not wait to see those two forces of nature on the screen together again.
What if you want someone that tests the leaders resolve?
Someone to throw them off balance
and even force them to compromise.
Say hello to a different archetype.
The Free Spirit.
Impulsive, the free spirit does not understand
the leader's intensity and drive.
They are polar opposites.
"- Work it, baby, work it. -Turn that off!"
The leader`s focused agenda gets derailed by a wild card.
"- You didn't follow my instructions.
- Oh heil hitler,bitch."
The free spirits impulsiveness can detour story
to go into interesting and unexpected places.
You want a story to have rhythm,
but with enough unpredictability to ensure the viewer keeps guessing.
"Run."
Now that you've got a good grip on the leader archetype,
it's time to use it.
So when you're ready to put your characters on the page,
be sure to check out StudioBinder`s screenwriting software.
It's free to write and share your stories for feedback,
so check it out.
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Also, make sure to check out our next video on - "The Caregiver."
Keep up the writing and we'll see you next time.