In my previous article on character archetypes, I spoke of the importance to study novels of authors you admire to gain that inspiration to develop your own unique characters. I took my own advice and have discovered even more character archetypes that may help you when you are creating your characters for your next novel. As I said previously, this list focuses on the character archetypes I have discovered. You may know many more. 

The Helper: The Helper has a kind nature whose main objective is ensuring others are OK. If they can improve the lives of others, then their goal has been reached. They are very loyal, thoughtful and compassionate. Helpers will also go without so that others can benefit. They really need to be liked and feel privileged to have you as a friend. Negative character traits could include the tendency to be overprotective and even overbearing at times. 

Reaction to conflict - They do not handle conflict at all well. They will avoid it at all costs and will take any cause of action to avoid it, even playing the martyr if they have to.

The Villain: The character traits of the villain may seem obvious to a novice writer. If you can think of a negative personality trait, then the villain must posses it right? Actually, this is inaccurate. Although a villain is primarily there to cause obstacles for the protagonist, he has to have likeable personality traits for him to be believable. A villain is a formidable opponent to the hero, so they have to be clever, wily, and intelligent. What you need to consider when creating your villain is what happened in their past to cause them to become a villain? Something or someone has changed their view of others and the world to hatred, vengeful or bitterness, and now they will stop at nothing to make the world pay. 

The Achiever: The Achiever is ambitious and driven. They can be flexible, innovative and creative when solving problems. Their worse fear is becoming irrelevant to those close to them. They have to be considered by others as useful and an important role-model, someone to be emulated. Although they seem confident on the outside, an achiever will be very concerned if they are not liked or respected by others. 

Reaction to conflict - They have to be right and there will be no discussion on other ideas or solutions. They will go to extreme measures to prove their course of action is the right one to take. 

The Protector: The Protector can thrive working alone or as part of a team. However, they do tend to take more of a leadership role in a team setting. They take direct action and their morals are very honorable. Protectors also tend to take on the role of teacher or mentor because of their generous and compassionate nature. 

Reaction to conflict - They are great at resolving any kind of conflict, but they do have a vengeful streak so those who try to place obstacles in their way had better sleep with one eye open. They will not forget those who crossed them in a hurry. 

The Peacemaker: They are modest and hate any form of bad feeling. They want everyone to get along and will trust anyone at face value. Although they are emotionally stable, they will worry if people close to them are having any form of disagreement. Peacemakers are modest and reserved. 

Reaction to conflict - They will agree to any solution even if they know it is the wrong course of action, just to avoid an argument. 

The Enthusiast: They are full of fun and even the drabbest events seem to excite them. They light up a room when they enter, and their enthusiasm can be contagious. They are flexible and eager to try new ideas and are never idle. Enthusiasts also tend to be extremely smart and always on the go, boredom is not in their vocabulary. They are the life and soul of any party. 

Reaction to conflict - They do not handle conflict at all well because they shy away from negative or painful situations. So, they can become aggressive if cornered to do something they are not happy with. 

Whatever characters your novel has, make sure their actions always make sense in accordance with their personalities. Be careful not to create flimsy or shallow characters because the reader will not care what happens to them. People in the real world have real emotions and values; your characters should be the same. Once you can master creating a believable and intriguing character, writing your novel will be far less daunting because you will know how each one of your characters will react to any given situation.