Characters in a work of fiction can be classified based on archetypes. Conforming a character to a particular archetype doesn't mean they have to be two-dimensional and stereotypical. The archetype can serve as a base for who they are at their core; you can then include nuances that separate them from their kind in other stories. Classified by generations of authors, screenwriters, and storytellers, here are the 12 popularly known character archetypes in fiction:

1. The Hero/Warrior

These are the protagonists, the knights in shining armor who conquer their enemies and save the day. They are people of valor, renowned for their bravery, determination, and honor. On the downside, they are often too confident and need to overcome their cockiness before rising victorious. Popular heroes are Achilles, Hercules, Tony Stark, and Bruce Wayne.

2. The Lover

These are the suckers for love, the hopeless romantic, ready to put it all on the line for the one they love. They often encounter powerful obstacles on the way to finding and being with their one true love. Despite how dire the odds are against them, their love always prevails to the very end, sometimes even in death. Known for their passion and convictions, the lover is also naïve and irrational; as they say, love is blind, and so are they. Famous lovers are Prince Charming, Shrek, Romeo and Juliet.

3. The Outlaw/Rebel

These are the nonconformists, the outsiders who refuse to fit into the rules of society. Some are outlaws, criminals, freedom fighters, and men on the wanted list, while others are nerds and misfits; basically, they reject the status quo and want to change how society functions. Famous rebels are Tom Sawyer, Han Solo, and Tyrion Lannister.

4. The Magician

Their ability transcends the realm of mere mortals. The Magician is a master of the physical and the metaphysical universe. They are often omnipotent and omniscient while also being corrupt and arrogant. Some well-known magicians are Merlin, Prospero, Gandalf, and Glinda the Good Witch.

5. The Explorer

These are the adventure seekers. They are ready to reach the ends of the earth to find a hidden treasure, a missing relative, or a brand-new world. They are curious and motivated but also restless and hardly content. Popular examples include Indiana Jones and Odysseus.

6. The Child/Innocent

Marked by extreme naivete, this character is young and full of good intentions. They are admirable for their kindness and sincerity but are often ensnared by their vulnerability. Famous innocent characters are Anne Frank, Dorothy Gale, Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird, and Kya Clark from Where the Crawdads Sing.

7. The Creator

These characters are known for their ability and desire to create and are invested in making something during the course of the story. However, they are also single-minded, self-involved, and will sacrifice everything for what they intend to create. Famous examples include Tolkien's Dwarves, Willy Wonka, and Dr. Emmett Brown.

8. The Mentor

This character is a teacher, coach, parent, or expert in a field who guides a younger character — the protagonist — toward their chosen part. They are wise counselors and reliable friends, though they are often too cautious. Famous examples are Mr. Miyagi, Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi, and Gandalf.

9. The Ruler

They could be democratic and kind or tyrannic and evil, but one thing is clear, they have the ultimate political power in the land. They are rich, powerful, and famous, but they are also distant and unaware of the plight of their people. Prominent examples are King Arthur, Julius Caesar, and King Henry V.

10. The Caregiver

Loyal and selfless, the caregiver is solely interested in the wellbeing of others. They are sacrificial and may seem not to have a life of their own or any form of ambition. They are parents, life partners, or best friends who stick by the sides of other characters to the very end. Examples include Mrs. Weasley in Harry Potter and Mary Poppins.

11. The Clown

Funny, relaxed, and surprisingly witty, the clown is the character that eases the tension. They could be jesters, gourmands, talkative and silly, but sometimes, they deliver rare nuggets of wisdom and insightful moral lessons. Popular examples are Fat Amy from Pitch Perfect and Timon and Pumba from The Lion King.

12. The Seductress

With a tongue filled with empty promises, this character aims to lure others from the right side with their silver-coated words. They make irresistible offers that are too good to be true, but there is always a catch; the cost always outweighs the benefit. Notorious examples are Medusa, Delilah, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, and Scar from The Lion King.