Fluxy's Take on Archetypes

[Fluxy]

Recently, I have dropped out of two online forum Role Plays, and now am only in role plays here on SFO because of one large reason. And no, it was not due to a bad Storytelling GM, although I believe they still could have used some work, it was because of Archetypes, and how they were played.

Now, some of you very very few might be wondering what an Archetype is. An Archetype is, in simple terms, a pattern of behavior. What this great tool means to us Role Players is that it helps us define our character to some degree. Is your character the "Lone Wolf" type, never wanting the help of others and liking to be solo? Or maybe the "Fool in Love" that always gets caught up with his emotions, that he can never see what is blatant and around him? These both, are Archetypes.

Today's Archetype I will be reviewing is the one that ended up killing my interest in a few role plays, due to how, in my opinion, badly performed they were: The "Lone Wolf Survivor".

This particular Archetype, close to the "Lone Wolf", is one where not only does the character feel they can do everything by themselves, but that they are close to being the last of their species [if not the last already]. One of my best examples of this so everyone can understand better is Vegeta from "Dragon Ball Z", particularly seasons 1-3.

This Archetype usually stands alone, or with a lone few others, but thinks of himself as being able to do the most, or able to solve anything by himself, and thus is usually a hard character to get along with in a role play; But, it is not impossible. This is a well loved type of character, and is able to be properly played, but it does take some getting used to, and experience playing the role to get fully accustomed to it.

THINGS TO AVOID:

*Some general tools to avoid playing this Archetype bad is proof read anything you post with them. While this is important for any player with any character, this one is like a nuclear reactor. While it is very strong in emotion, and usually is a well built, in concept, character, it needs lot's of tending to and attention to make sure everything goes right. You need to personally be sure to make it so his/her emotion and mind set is constant throughout the role play, [unless something huge that changes him happens; But that is a different story] or else it'll just seem as if this character of usual great emotion, doesn't know what his emotion truly is. This Archetype is played with -lots- of confidence, and being the occasional dick. Something I saw happen -twice- in this past week is that the character was losing both those traits, and just being a huge dick overall.

*Your character gets taken captive because he is too weak. Yes, that'll hurt his confidence, but the thing he shouldn't do in that case is beg to be let go. More importantly, if the character is going to beg to be let go, don't go about it saying "I am the sole survivor of my race, and am better than all of you, so let me go". Unless your character is a blond, there is very, and I stress very, little reason your character would beg like an idiot.

*Anouther thing I see people constantly doing wrong is not playing up the "Lone Wolf" part of the character. They're supposed to feel like they can be alone and do many things without the help of others! Let them out for a smoke, maybe just some thinking time in a tree, just anything that separates them from others, rather than let them be with a group of people on purpose without even trying to give them some space. Unless you are personally trying to weave the character into a team player, rather than lone wolf, don't make this mistake.

*Last but not least, is a simple one; Don't let them whine about their race being lost... Simple as that. Some confidence you have if you are constantly "boo-hooing". Show that they have grown a pair or so.

THINGS TO DO MORE OF:

*Good things for this character is to usually analyse situations where he is the main point of it. They feel they can be the biggest asset, most of the time as there are certain exceptions, so when they have a plan, make it one where they play a big role, and if others are in it because they literally needs others, make the others have the simpler or worse roles. It adds to the feel and thinking set of this great Archetype.

*Anouther thing to keep in mind; LET THEM SAY SOMETHING OTHER THAN DICK THINGS! Yes, this Archetype is a huge dick overall, and will usually say things that are aggravating to some degree to someone, but if they only spout dick things, they will be killed for their insolence, and even the character knows that. They don't need to be nice to everyone, but they need to know when to just not open their mouth, and when it is okay to flaunt how awesome they are. Getting along with others is something this Archetype can do, just working with them is a different story; Don't confuse "Working together" with "Getting along", as both are completely different with this character.

*Be Ballzy. This character needs a confident player overall to be sure to not straddle the line of certainty. If the character is in a situation, say a battle, and you as the player know that he more than likely will lose, but the character doesn't, don't just taunt and walk off, you need to be confident in what you do. Two great options to do in that scenario is play your character, and have them try to be the crap out of the other guy, or if he is a bit wiser, have him walk off, planing how he can take the other out in the future. Not only the character needs them, but you need balls too.

And that, for now at least, is my take on the "Lone Wolf Survivor" Archetype. I plan to write up more of these simple little role playing guides on other types, not sure when, but in the near future. Do realize these are all strongly based opinions from personal experience and that I am not telling you what you have to do. If you like playing your Archetypes differently from my views, and you are having fun, that is all that matters.

[kkstarfox]

Yeah I dont like plyaing the archetype nor do I like those who do. The few times i have had a lone wolf in one of my RPs they have also been emo-tastic people who played them. So there was no approaching them about it, they just get emo 'you hate me and how i write" nurrr... major buzz kill

[Fluxy]

Yeah I dont like plyaing the archetype nor do I like those who do. The few times i have had a lone wolf in one of my RPs they have also been emo-tastic people who played them. So there was no approaching them about it, they just get emo 'you hate me and how i write" nurrr... major buzz kill

Yeah, the "Emo/Depressed" Archetype is anouther one of those borderline ones. I have seen, both in person and online, it be played well, so I know people can, it just needs to be done right. I plan to do a review on that one too. A lot of types to be precise.

[Sabre]

I hate lone wolfs and solo in general. I don't see the point in playing a RP if you want to be alone and never interact. In my exp their sole purpose is to go around ruining the game by single handedly taking out any threat.

2 RPs spring to mind, but I will use the example from SFO back in the day. It was a zombie survival story with the assumption that everyone would either die or escape physically and mentally damaged. One lone wolf was at the other end of the city, making his scenes more like an ad break, doing action hero badarse moves instead of being eaten.

[Xortberg]

As Fluxy said, that's an example of a lone wolf character being played badly. It can be done effectively, and can produce some fun dialogues in situations where said lone wolf is forced to interact in a team of some sort.

Just because you've never seen something doesn't mean it doesn't exist, Sabre.

[Fluxy]

Well shoot, Xort took the words right out of my mouth. At least someone gets it, Lol.

Yeah, I plan on doing anouther one tomorrow if I have the time.

[Dr. Orange]

The only way someone could go "solo" is if their Han Solo or just kick-ass.

[Shadow Matrix]

I like how you use the example of Vegeta as a lonewolf.

[Drasiana]

Archetype - An original model or type after which other similar things are patterned; a prototype: “‘Frankenstein’ . . . ‘Dracula’ . . . ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ . . . the archetypes that have influenced all subsequent horror stories†(New York Times).

Stereotype - 1 - A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception,

opinion, or image.

What Fluxy is describing is not an archetype, it's a stereotype.

Roleplayers and new authors in general pick the stereotype character because they can select from an expanse of pre-packaged personalities which they think is the sexiest/coolest/etc. and easiest to use in order to instantly fulfill their wishes, rather than spend time in development of the character while considering their role in the universe.

"Trickster" is an archetype. It is the role your character plays. Their personality within can be anything, but it's what they do in regards to the other characters and story that solidifies the role as an archetype.

"Lone Wolf" is a stereotype used by 15-year-old furry fic authors that think they are the Most Badass and repeat "he's a lone wolf" like a mantra is the only way they can drive the point home. _{lolol furry becuz it sais "wolf" n it}

There is a fine line between character archetypes and stereotypes and being aware of these is vital when creating a tangible character that, if in a roleplaying situation, doesn't completely piss off all the other players as well.

[Redeemer]

Topic cleaned on request.