Using Jungian Archetypes As A Way To Build Your Character

The early contributors to the modern art of psychology were really more philosophers than they were doctors in many respects. Because of this, most of the things they laid out as explanations for human behavior seem wildly off-base at best, and outright harmful at worst, mostly because of how far we've come since these initial explanations that are nearly a century old in some cases. While not really useful for modern therapists, however, the models and ideas they proposed can often be extremely useful to storytellers and players alike who might be having trouble getting a strong grip on their characters, and what their story is.

And if you're looking for a fun place to start, I recommend the 12 Jungian Archetypes.

As we enter the dark contemplation of the soul...

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The 12 Archetypes (And Their Uses)

The idea behind the 12 Archetypes is that these are concepts that exist within the great collective unconscious of humanity. They are broad titles and ideas which, according to their inventor, provide insight into understanding the human psyche, and the challenges we face both inside and out. While this idea has long fallen by the wayside for medicinal purposes (right alongside cocaine being used to treat the ghosts in your blood), this idea can have several applications for your characters, and even your settings!

The 12 Archetypes of Jung are:

- The Innocent

- The Orphan

- The Hero

- The Caregiver

- The Explorer

- The Rebel

- The Lover

- The Creator

- The Jester

- The Sage

- The Magician

- The Ruler

This might put one in mind of ANOTHER tool that deals in archetypes and symbolism...

While a deeper description of the archetypes is listed in the link at the beginning of this post, the best way to think of them is kind of like a zodiac sign for a character. They represent a generalization, along with conflicts and struggles someone who fits this kind of concept might deal with, and the strengths and drives they might have. What can be even more fun, though, is that because there's 12 of them, you can roll 1d12 as a way to randomize part of what you want to do with your character's story, as well as their personality!

If you want to play a fighter, but you end up with the Creator, do they struggle with their skill in conflict? Do they hope to lay aside their sword one day, and to take up a life of carpentry, or another craft? Do they instead attempt to treat their weapon as an artist would a brush, developing a unique martial art, or perhaps weaving their own legend? Or do they seek mastery of strategy, creating entirely new ways of thinking about warfare? Does a wizard who winds up as the Ruler seek to solidify their grasp on power and authority through the arcane arts? Do they struggle with trust, or delegation to others, growing paranoid as they come ever closer to a seat of command? Or does the rule over mortals pale when compared to a rule over gods? Does the noble with a cold fortune and elite training fulfill the role of the Orphan, seeking to find (or perhaps to be) the family that was denied to them? Or do the challenges they face leave them as an outsider, despite their best attempts?

And if you're a Game Master who happens to be in the process of creating your world, consider using these 12 Archetypes as the basis for your cosmic pantheon. They make for great gods, and they can really get your brain churning regarding the types of divinities your players might serve... or even oppose! Making these Archetypes the names of constellations and actually turning them into the zodiac signs of your world is also a fun idea (especially if you're keeping a 12-month calendar), and this goes double if being born under certain signs does actually come with particular powers and blessings, as well as drawbacks.

Lastly, though, I have one for my World of Darkness players...

You summoned us?

If you're having trouble with a character's Nature and Demeanor, roll 2d12. The Archetypes work a treat for that system, and they're a great way to really stretch your creativity by seeing how these two randomly-selected broad generalizations come together, and coalesce into a single person. Especially when they seem contradictory, but truly aren't when you dig just a little bit beneath the skin.

Some More Recommended Reading Before You Go...

If this article caught your attention, I wanted to recommend a few supplements I've put out over the past few years that also might be of use to you! So if you've made it this far, consider picking up"

- 100 Questions To Ask About Your Characters

- 100 Character Goals and Motivations

- 100 Tips and Tricks For Being A Better Game Master

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The Noble Druid

"And when, precisely, will Lord Vanus have time to speak with me?" the envoy asked, attempting to keep his irritation masked beneath a sweet tone.

"He is on his morning constitutional right now," the steward said. "I am certain that, when he returns, he will host you properly."

The envoy's mouth was parted to say something else, when heavy thuds came from the veranda. A monstrous bear, shaggy and brown as high summer earth, ambled in as if he had not a care in the world. The envoy leaped to his feet, panic in his eyes, but the steward merely took a robe down off the wall and held it up. The huge grizzly reared up on its back legs, and shook itself. As the bear shook, the fur and skin slid away, becoming loose and empty as a cloak. A man's scarred hands took the hood, shaped from a bear skull, and peeled the enchanted skin away from himself.

"Thank you, Barrister," Lord Vanus said, slipping into the green robe and covering himself. The steward nodded, and took his lord's beast cloak, folding it carefully. Lord Vanus turned to the envoy, his thick, bushy beard splitting with a smile. "I do hope I didn't frighten you. Now then, I believe you've come to deliver the proposals for a new road. I shall attend you in my study as soon as I have had a chance to properly dress myself."

ROAR! "Let the record show the duke's objection in this matter."

A True Lord of The Land

The purpose of a noble is to steward a land, and its people. The reason the gentry was formed was they were given the responsibility of governance, and that responsibility was handed down over the generations. It is their job to make hard decisions, and to guide those under their care.

Someone who strove to maintain those ideals might easily find that, though they were born to privilege, that their stewardship is blessed by nature itself.

The precise method for a noble becoming a druid (not a druid who was raised to noble status for deeds performed, that's a separate concept) will vary based on the story you want to tell. For example, you could take a page out of the film Dragonheart, and have a sickly noble who was cured by a cabal of druids, a powerful fey creature, or some other representative of nature, which resulted in them being gifted with a part of that creature's power. Perhaps every Lord or Lady who ascends to take the family's mantle receives a blessing in a sacred grove, and swears an oath to the spirits who live in their land to be their champion. It's even possible that this particular family rose to the position of nobility specifically because the line tends to result in druids, rangers, and others who are both at-home in nature, and who can stand for the land as well as the people who live on it.

Do not anger the Lord. His allies are even more fearsome than he is.

 

It's important to remember that you can go through all kinds of shades of gray with this idea, as well. If you want to play a good druid, then perhaps he sees his responsibility as the head of a wolf pack, or the leader of a pride; to shepherd and protect those who aren't as strong as he is, while fostering bonds with his people. On the other hand, a corrupt or brutal noble family might see themselves as the apex predators, ruling through strength and raw power over lesser peoples. They might even be seen as more beast than man, taking pleasure in hunting people (often in wild shape), or even in eating the flesh of sentient creatures. The only law they maintain is the law of the wild, and in that duty they never falter.

Whether your noble druid is the latest in a long line of animal Lords and Ladies, or a unique anomaly in their family line for one reason or another, you have all kinds of options available to you for bringing this concept to life. And for my Pathfinder players, you might want to consider Inspired by Heraldry by Flaming Crab Games. This feat supplement gives your character supernatural abilities derived from their crest, allowing you to gain gore attacks for boars, flight for falcons, and a slew of other abilities that would be perfect for scions of noble houses. Or if you're just looking for a pre-made noble family, then you might find the half-feral Blackbriars or the swamp-dwelling Dredgers in A Baker's Dozen of Noble Families to be right up your alley. Lastly, if you want something specific for your character to draw on, then you might be interested in 100 Nobles to Encounter as well, as it's full of orcish War Dukes and elven High Boughs in addition to the usual aristocracy we're all familiar with.

If you're looking for more advice on breaking out of the stereotypes that are associated with druids as a class, check out 5 Tips For Playing Better Druids. And if you want more tips and tricks on fleshing out high born PCs, then you should also check out 5 Tips For Playing Better Noble Characters as well!

Also, for more about bear lords and druid stewards, you should take a few minutes of your time to check out the second installment of Mythconceptions over on Dungeon Keeper Radio.

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That's all for this installment of Unusual Character Concepts. Hopefully this one gave you something to chew over, whether you're a player, or a game master.

For more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio. Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my alley cat noir novel Marked Territory, my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my most recent collection of short stories The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!

To stay on top of all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and now Pinterest as well! To support my work, consider Buying Me a Ko-Fi, or heading to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a regular, monthly patron. That one helps ensure you get more Improved Initiative, and it means you'll get my regular, monthly giveaways as a bonus!