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.
