As promised a few weeks ago when I had the guys strip and the ladies show the goods, I'll be posting more details about the hero, heroine, villian, and villianess archetypes. Today, we'll be talking about one of the Heroine archetypes - The Boss.
For a reminder, here is what I said about the boss in the first post:
The Boss
A take charge type of woman accepting nothing but respect. She doesn't care of she gets a few people upset on her rise to the top. Succeeding in her goals is the most important thing to her.
Let's dig a little deeper and talk about the good and bad side of The Boss. I also mentioned a few examples for you, to help you really understand who the Boss is and how her roles fits into the world.
The Good Side
> Head strong
> Full of strength and power
> It's her way or no way at all.
> Wants results yesterday!
> Resolves any conflict quickly
> In total control of any environment she's in (and some she's not)
> Works on her own schedule
> Quick to make decisions
The Bad Side
> Avoids time restraints and other people's deadlines.
> Avoids situations and places where she has no control as much as possible.
> Uncomfortable (nervous) in situations where she has no control (might even act out in anger).
Some of the good side points can be considered bad too, if they lead to unsavory results! Think of the conflict you can create combing this type of heroine with any of the heros or with a juicy plot twist!
Examples
> Cleopatra (a perfect example of a Boss)
> Queen Elizabeth (in real history and as played by Cate Blanchett in the movie Elizabeth)
> Murphey Brown (as played by Candice Bergen)
What other examples of a Boss can you think of (besides yourself)? Do you have a Boss in your stories? Tell us about her!
Remember that these archetypes are simply the basic materials to help you mold your characters. Many characters fall under more than one archetype. Think about some of the great combinations you can create for your characters as these posts continue.
Coming Next: Heroine Archetype - The Seductress
For a reminder, here is what I said about the boss in the first post:
The Boss
A take charge type of woman accepting nothing but respect. She doesn't care of she gets a few people upset on her rise to the top. Succeeding in her goals is the most important thing to her.
Let's dig a little deeper and talk about the good and bad side of The Boss. I also mentioned a few examples for you, to help you really understand who the Boss is and how her roles fits into the world.
The Good Side
> Head strong
> Full of strength and power
> It's her way or no way at all.
> Wants results yesterday!
> Resolves any conflict quickly
> In total control of any environment she's in (and some she's not)
> Works on her own schedule
> Quick to make decisions
The Bad Side
> Avoids time restraints and other people's deadlines.
> Avoids situations and places where she has no control as much as possible.
> Uncomfortable (nervous) in situations where she has no control (might even act out in anger).
Some of the good side points can be considered bad too, if they lead to unsavory results! Think of the conflict you can create combing this type of heroine with any of the heros or with a juicy plot twist!
Examples
> Cleopatra (a perfect example of a Boss)
> Queen Elizabeth (in real history and as played by Cate Blanchett in the movie Elizabeth)
> Murphey Brown (as played by Candice Bergen)
What other examples of a Boss can you think of (besides yourself)? Do you have a Boss in your stories? Tell us about her!
Remember that these archetypes are simply the basic materials to help you mold your characters. Many characters fall under more than one archetype. Think about some of the great combinations you can create for your characters as these posts continue.
Coming Next: Heroine Archetype - The Seductress
Huh, interesting. I don't have a real boss example but I guess my current MC is on her way to this, developing into a boss character.
Great breakdown of the traits!
My MC will eventually get there. Right now she's still a little lost and worrying about the vampires that are trying to kill her. :D
Mia, JD You both touch on an important thing - your character can change and grow from one archetype to another! I wish you both luck getting your MC's to boss status!
My current WIP has a 'Boss' type though I need to write her a little bossier.