Hey, everybody.
Hope you enjoyed our previous
videos about character archetypes
and how to use
them in your story.
Make sure to check those
out, if you haven't yet.
So, fellow storytellers,
how do you craft the
perfect friend character?
"Mr. Frodo's not going
anywhere without me."
Someone who isn't a
hero or villain per se,
yet, still interesting
enough to steal any scene.
It's time to discuss our
second character archetype.
The Caregiver.
In this video,
we'll go over the
strengths and weaknesses,
and character pairings,
that`ll bring out the
best in this archetype
and lead to a more
compelling story.
So, who is the caregiver?
"We save some for
you, Mr. Frodo."
If you need a helping
hand, you're in luck
because the caregiver is here.
"I'm here to help you.
I promised Gandalf
that I would."
They often act as the
pillar of emotional support
for another character.
As well as the voice of reason.
What's good about the caregiver?
This archetype is generous,
kind-hearted and perceptive
of other`s needs.
This archetype is
all about support.
Other characters feel
comfortable around them
and confide in them.
They're not just happy to
help someone else in distress,
but it's their natural instinct.
This gives them the chance not only
to be a source of support and logic,
but as comic relief.
"- I got hypnotized last night.
- Nigga,
get the fuck outta here."
Who brings a crucial amount
of levity to any film
in danger of slowing down.
"Bro, I don`t care if the
bitch is Iyanla Vanzant, okay?
She can`t fix my
motherfuckin` life.
You ain't gettin` in my head."
Oftentimes, they are the
scene stealers of a film.
Fan favorites who keep
the viewers perked up.
But, no one's perfect.
What are some of the
weaknesses of the caregiver?
The generosity of this archetype
can make them vulnerable
to abuse and manipulation.
Their lack of confidence
makes them prone to weakness.
Not to mention, they can be
borderline useless in a fight.
Like this Sam.
Or this Sam.
They can function as the victim,
providing the villain a chance to
show off how cruel they truly are.
This friendly archetype can also easily
become a well-meaning protagonist.
We root for them.
We want to see them win.
"No!"
Characters are not
simply great alone.
It's their interaction
with others,
positive or negative
that makes a story work.
So who does the caregiver
get along with best?
In comes, The Bad Boy.
The classic archetype,
the bad boy is a rebellious
rogue with a death wish,
but their attitude is often
a cover-up for hidden trauma.
We can watch the bad boy
slowly open up to the caregiver
revealing their hardships.
However, the caregiver would find
themselves most antagonized by
The Seducer.
"- Rod, just stop.
- What you talkin` about, girl?
I called you about Chris.
- No, Rod, whenever we`d go out,
I remember you looking at me.
- What the fuck!"
The seducer is a character
who uses their charm
to talk their way
into or out of,
just about anything.
"God! She`s so...
She`s a fuckin`... She`s a...
She`s a genius."
Depending on genre,
this duo leads to dog drama
or a belly full of laughs.
No matter what type of
story you're writing,
the caregiver can be a great
source of kindness and support.
And now that you and this
archetype are practically pals,
it's time to use
them in your story.
When you're ready
to start writing,
be sure to check out StudioBinder`s
screenwriting software.
It's free to write and share
your stories for feedback,
so check it out.
If you like the video,
make sure you share
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soon as a new video comes out.
Next up in our character
archetype series is - The Seducer.
We'll see you next time.
