Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes

In the quest of refining character, I have devoured a number of psychology texts and writer's guides, and I do believe that this one may be the best book on that topic I have ever discovered. I would quibble with Cowden, LaFever and Viders in their assertion that the 16 Master Archetypes are the only archetypes, but it's such a small point that it doesn't detract from what they present. Peppered with easily accessible examples, their book breaks down character into strong, clearly sketched components and then discusses how the palates may be blended--in individual character development and interpersonal relationships. I don't know if I would ever use any guide to create a character from scratch, but I'm always happy to find something to help me ensure that my characters behave consistently once they've been created. I expect this book to prove valuable for that, and I highly recommend it.

This was an excellent writer's reference, which explores gender and roles in writing. Is your character a Charmer? Bad Boy? or Free spirit? Each section defines the Character's basic traits, likely occupation, and gives examples of character's which fall into each from television in film. Further, each section goes on to describe how characters interact with each other.My only quibble with this book, is the manner in which it is divided by gender. Some of the archetypes could easily be either male or female: such as Crusader, Nurturer, Free Spirit, Charmer, Warrior etc. But these were carefully slanted towards either feminine or masculine. For instance, I can easily see a male "Crusader" a female "Lost Soul" or a Female "Warrior" and yet this cross-gender archetypes were not explored. Perhaps in a later edition?Overall, an excellent reference, sure to delight!!

This is the book on characterization that I have been looking for. I have an entire shelf of how to write books, and nothing I have has come close to the clarity and simplicity they bring together in their book on literary archetypes. The book is set up in four different main sections with each of the sections actually delivering and surpasing what is promised. Section I Hero Archetypes Section II Heroine ArchetypesSection III Using the Archetypes to Create CharactersSection IV Archetype InteractionsEach of these sections gives not only easy to read `straight' explanations of each of the archetypes but it also references them to familiar movie and literary characters in a way that really solidified the different archetypes in my mind. This is the best book on character development that I have ever read. It's layout is so easy to read and use and its explanations are so clear and concise that when I brought it to work to show a co-worker she went on-line and ordered one for herself and her daughter. Reading it has brought to mind so many ideas that I am not sure where to start first.

All I have to say, is what took you so long! Finally, an owner's manual for all the people in your life, as well as the characters running through a writer's imagination. Because of the organized way the information is presented, this reference can be used on the fly when a character might be giving a writer trouble or can be devoured as a whole. Without solid, 3-dimensional characters, a writer doesn't have a story and this resource is invaluable for helping a writer create story people that jump off the page and into a reader's life. Through the authors' masterful use of abundant examples, characterization is demystified. This resource puts a name to sixteen archetypes (eight female and eight male) that have existed throughout literature and film. This book is practical and incredibly interesting. If you write fiction, you'll want to have this book! I can't imagine having to do characterization without it! BRAVO, Caro, Sue and Tami!

When I was taking Writer's Workshop back at Bowling Green, there was a lot of talk about characterization, but not a heck of a lot of solid advice on how to do it. As a "concrete" sort of guy, I like exact methods for accomplishing what I'm after. This book gives a very easy to understand, structured framework for keeping control of your characters and their conflicts. (If you're ambitious and want to see 'live' examples, check out the movies recommended in the back!) These archetypes are sort of like other archetypes lists you've probably seen. Ever since Jung, archetypes have been hot, but these are the first I've seen that help me create a good, believable, well-motivated character and keep him that way throuought 120 pages of script. If you want to write fiction of any sort, you really should read this book. Honest!