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Stock characters are storytelling shorthand: pre-made, easily recognizable character types. They can be clichés if used thoughtlessly, but they're also useful building blocks. Use this list to find a starting point for a character, populate the background of your scenes, or find a familiar trope to subvert.
Ways to Use This
- Need a mentor? Filter by "Sage" archetype
- Building a heist crew? Combine "Criminal" + different occupations
- Subvert expectations: Pick a Hero, give them a Villain's occupation
- Populate a scene: Filter by setting (Fantasy, Western, Modern) + occupation
Setting/Genre
Narrative Role
Occupation
Magic/Supernatural
Social Status
Personality Archetype
Species/Race
Age/Life Stage
Family/Relationship
Personality Trait
Abolitionist
Absent-Minded Professor
Acolyte
Acrobat
Action Hero
Addict
Admiral
Adventurer
Advisor
Agent
Agrarians
Alchemist
Alewife
Alien
All-Loving Hero
Ally
Amazon Warrior
Ambassador
Amnesiac
Anarchist
Android
Angel
Animal Trainer
Antagonist
Anthropologist
Anti-Hero
Apothecary
Apprentice
Arbitrator
Archer
Archivist
Archmage
Aristocrat
Armorer
Arsonist
Art Critic
Art Dealer
Artificer
Artisan
Artist
Ascetic
Assassin
Astrologer
Astronaut
Astronomer
Athlete
Auctioneer
Author
Autocrat
Avatar
Avenger
Aviator
Baker
Ballerina
Bandit
Banker
Barbarian
Barber
Bard
Barista
Barmaid
Baron
Barrister
Bartender
Beast Master
Beekeeper
Beggar
Berserker
Bibliophile
Big Game Hunter
Biologist
Black Knight
Black Sheep
Blackguard
Blacksmith
Blade Dancer
Blind Seer
Blood Knight
Bodyguard
Bookbinder
Bookkeeper
Bounty Hunter
Bowyer
Boxer
Boy Genius
Boy Next Door
Brawler
Brewer
Bride
Brigand
Broker
Brooding Artist
Bruiser
Buccaneer
Bureaucrat
Burglar
Butcher
Butler
Byronic Hero
Cab Driver
Cadet
Cafe Owner
Candlemaker
Captain
Caravan Guard
Cardinal
Caregiver
Caretaker
Carpenter
Cartographer
Cartoonist
Casanova
Castaway
Castellan
Cat Burglar
Cavalier
Celebrity
Cellist
Centaur
CEO
Ceramist
Chamberlain
Champion
Chancellor
Changeling
Chaplain
Charity Worker
Charlatan
Charmer
Chef
Chemist
Chess Master
Chieftain
Child
Child Prodigy
Chimney Sweep
Chiropractor
Chosen One
Chronicler
Church Militant
CIA Agent
Circus Performer
Citizen Soldier
City Official
Clairvoyant
Clan Leader
Class Clown
Classic Villain
Clergy
Cleric
Clerk
Clockmaker
Clown
Coach
Cobbler
Collector
Colonel
Comedian
Commander
Commentator
Commoner
Companion
Composer
Computer Hacker
Con Artist
Conductor
Confessor
Confidant
Conjurer
Constable
Construction Worker
Consultant
Contender
Contractor
Contrarian
Convict
Cook
Cooper
Coppersmith
Coroner
Corporal
Correspondent
Corrupt Corporate Executive
Corsair
Councilor
Counselor
Count
Count Dracula
Courier
Court Jester
Courtesan
Courtier
Cowboy
Craftsman
Cranky Landlord
Criminal
Critic
Crook
Croupier
Crown Prince
Crusader
Cryptographer
Cryptozoologist
Cult Leader
Cultist
Cupid
Curator
Cursed Knight
Cute Bruiser
Cyborg
Cyclops
Cynic
Dame
Damsel in Distress
Dancer
Daredevil
Dark Knight
Dark Lord
Data Analyst
Deacon
Deadpan Snarker
Dealer
Death Knight
Death Seeker
Debater
Defector
Defender
Deity
Delver
Demigod
Demolition Expert
Demon
Demon Hunter
Dentist
Deputy
Designer
Despot
Detective
Determinator
Devotee
Diabolist
Dictator
Dilettante
Diplomat
Director
Disciple
Dispatcher
Distiller
Diva
Diviner
Doctor
Dog Walker
Do-Gooder
Doppelganger
Doting Parent
Double Agent
Dowager
Dragon
Dragon Hunter
Dragon Knight
Dragon Mage
Dragon Rider
Dragonslayer
Dragoon
Drama Queen
Dreamer
Drifter
Driver
Drug Addict
Druid
Drummer
Drunkard
Duchess
Duelist
Duke
Dungeoneer
Dwarf
Earthling
Eccentric
Editor
Educator
Elder
Electrician
Elementalist
Elf
Embalmer
Emissary
Empath
Emperor
Empress
Enchanter
Enchantress
Enemy
Engineer
Entertainer
Entrepreneur
Envoy
Epic Hero
Everyman
Evil Matriarch
Evil Overlord
Executioner
Exile
Exorcist
Explorer
Ex-Soldier
Exterminator
Factory Worker
Fae
Fairy
Faithful Hound
Falconer
False Prophet
Familiar
Family Man
Fanatic
Farmer
Fashion Designer
Fatalist
Fated Hero
Father Figure
FBI Agent
Femme Fatale
Fencer
Ferryman
Feudal Lord
Field Medic
Fighter
Figure Skater
Filmmaker
Financier
Firebrand
Firefighter
First Mate
Fisherman
Fixer
Flag Bearer
Flapper
Fletcher
Flight Attendant
Florist
Folk Hero
Fool
Footballer
Forager
Foreman
Forensic Scientist
Forest Ranger
Forger
Fortune Teller
Foundling
Frankenstein's Monster
Freedom Fighter
Friar
Friend
Friendly Rival
Fugitive
Fundamentalist
Gadfly
Gadgeteer
Gambler
Game Designer
Gangster
Gardener
Gatekeeper
General
Geneticist
Genius
Gentle Giant
Gentleman Thief
Geographer
Geologist
Geomancer
Ghost
Ghost Hunter
Ghoul
Giant
Gifted Child
Girl
Girl Next Door
Gladiator
Glassblower
Glory Seeker
Gnome
Goblin
Godfather
Godmother
Gold Digger
Golem
Good King
Gossip
Governess
Governor
Grandmaster
Grave Knight
Graverobber
Greenseer
Grenadier
Grief Counselor
Grieving Widow
Grifter
Groom
Groundskeeper
Groupie
Guard
Guardian
Guardsman
Guerrilla
Guide
Guild Master
Guile Hero
Guitarist
Gunslinger
Guru
Gymnast
Gypsy
Hacker
Hag
Haggler
Half-Elf
Half-Human Hybrid
Halfling
Half-Orc
Handmaiden
Hangman
Harbinger
Hardboiled Detective
Hardened Convict
Harlequin
Harpist
Healer
Heaven Seeker
Hedge Knight
Hedge Mage
Heir
Heiress
Hell Seeker
Henchman
Herald
Herbalist
Herder
Heretic
Hermit
Hero
Heroic Wannabe
Hexblade
High Priest
High Queen
Highlander
Highwayman
Historian
Hitman
Hobbit
Hobo
Homemaker
Hoodlum
Hooligan
Hopeless Romantic
Horse Trainer
Hostage
Housekeeper
Housewife
Human
Hunter
Huntsman
Husband
Hustler
Hypnotist
Iconoclast
Ideal Hero
Idealist
Idiot Savant
Igor
Illusionist
Illustrator
Immortal
Imp
Imperial Guard
Impersonator
Impostor
Impresario
Incubus
Industrialist
Infantryman
Influencer
Informant
Inheritor
Initiate
Innkeeper
Innocent
Inquisitor
Inspector
Instructor
Insurgent
Intellectual
Intelligence Officer
Intern
Interpreter
Interrogator
Inventor
Investigator
Investor
Ironmonger
Jack of all Trades
Jailer
Janitor
Jester
Jeweler
Jockey
Journalist
Journeyman
Judge
Juggernaut
Juggler
Junk Dealer
Jurist
Keeper
Kensai
Keymaker
Khan
Kid Hero
Kidnapper
King
Kingpin
Knight
Knight Errant
Knight in Shining Armor
Kobold
Krampus
Laborer
Lady
Lady-in-Waiting
Lamplighter
Landlord
Lapidary
Last of His Kind
Launderer
Lawman
Lawyer
Leader
Lecturer
Legal Eagle
Legate
Legend
Legionnaire
Lender
Leprechaun
Librarian
Lieutenant
Lifeguard
Lighthouse Keeper
Linguist
Lion Tamer
Little Brother
Living Legend
Lobbyist
Locksmith
Logician
Lone Wolf
Loner
Lookout
Lord
Lost Soul
Lothario
Lovable Rogue
Love Interest
Lover
Loyalist
Lucky Duck
Lumberjack
Luminary Adept
Lurker
Lust Object
Lutenist
Lycanthrope
Machinist
Mad Scientist
Madman
Maestro
Mage
Magician
Magistrate
Magnate
Maid
Maiden
Mailman
Major
Manager
Man-at-Arms
Manticore
Mapper
Marauder
Marine
Marksman
Marshal
Martial Artist
Martyr
Mask Master
Masochist
Mason
Masquerader
Master
Mastermind
Matador
Mathematician
Matriarch
Maverick
Mayor
Mechanic
Mediator
Medic
Medium
Mentalist
Mentor
Mercenary
Merchant
Mermaid
Messenger
Messiah
Metallurgist
Metamorph
Midwife
Militant
Miller
Mime
Mimic
Miner
Minion
Minister
Minstrel
Misanthrope
Miser
Misfit
Missionary
Mob Boss
Mobster
Model
Moderator
Monarch
Moneylender
Monk
Monster
Monster Hunter
Moonshiner
Moralist
Mortician
Mother Figure
Mountaineer
Mountebank
Mourner
Mummy
Muscle
Muse
Musician
Mutant
Mute
Mutineer
Myrmidon
Mysterious Waif
Mystic
Naiad
Namer
Nanny
Narcissist
Narrator
Naturalist
Navigator
Necromancer
Negotiator
Neophyte
Nephilim
Nerd
Neuromancer
Newshound
Night Watchman
Nightblade
Ninja
Noble
Nomad
Novelist
Novice
Nun
Nurse
Nymph
Objector
Observer
Obsessed Artist
Obstetrician
Occultist
Officer
Ogre
Oil Baron
Old Hag
Old Man
Old Master
Old Person
Old Soldier
Old Witch
Ombudsman
Operative
Operator
Oracle
Orator
Orc
Orchestrator
Orderly
Orphan
Outcast
Outlaw
Outrider
Overlord
Overseer
Pacifist
Page
Painter
Paladin
Paleontologist
Paragon
Paramedic
Paranormal Investigator
Parent
Park Ranger
Parson
Partner
Party Animal
Pastrycook
Pathfinder
Patriarch
Patrician
Patriot
Patron
Pawn
Peacemaker
Peasant
Peddler
Pediatrician
Penitent
Performer
Perfumer
Personal Trainer
Pharmacist
Philanthropist
Philosopher
Photographer
Physician
Physicist
Pianist
Pickpocket
Pilgrim
Pilot
Pioneer
Pirate
Pit Fighter
Pixie
Plague Doctor
Plain Jane
Playboy
Playwright
Plebeian
Plumber
Poacher
Poet
Police Chief
Police Officer
Politician
Poltergeist
Pontiff
Pooka
Pope
Porter
Postman
Potter
Preacher
Prefect
President
Priest
Priestess
Prime Minister
Prince
Prince Charming
Princess
Principal
Printer
Prior
Prisoner
Private Investigator
Privateer
Prodigal Son
Prodigy
Producer
Professional
Professor
Programmer
Promoter
Propagandist
Prophet
Proprietor
Prosecutor
Prospector
Prostitute
Protagonist
Protector
Protester
Provider
Provost
Psion
Psychiatrist
Psychic
Psychologist
Psychopath
Publisher
Pugilist
Puppeteer
Puritan
Pyromancer
Quarterback
Quartermaster
Queen
Quest Giver
Rabbi
Racketeer
Radical
Raider
Rancher
Ranger
Rapper
Ratcatcher
Realist
Reaper
Rebel
Rebel Leader
Receptionist
Recluse
Recruiter
Redemption Seeker
Referee
Refugee
Regent
Registrar
Regulator
Reliable One
Reluctant Hero
Renaissance Man
Reporter
Researcher
Resistance Fighter
Restaurateur
Retainer
Revenant
Revolutionary
Rhetorician
Rider
Rightful Heir
Ringleader
Rival
Robber
Robot
Rock Star
Rogue
Romantic
Ronin
Rookie
Royal Blacksmith
Royal Guard
Ruler
Runaway
Saboteur
Sacrifice
Sadist
Sage
Sailor
Saint
Salvager
Samurai
Sandman
Sapper
Sarcastic Sidekick
Sasquatch
Satanic Archetype
Satyr
Savage
Savant
Savior
Scapegoat
Scavenger
Scholar
School Nurse
Scientist
Scion
Scoundrel
Scout
Scribe
Scrivener
Scrooge
Scullery Maid
Sculptor
Sea Dog
Sea Hag
Seamstress
Searcher
Secret Agent
Secretary
Security Guard
Seducer
Seductress
Seer
Self-Made Man
Sellsword
Senator
Seneschal
Sensei
Sentinel
Sentry
Serf
Sergeant
Serial Killer
Servant
Settlers
Shade
Shadow
Shadowblade
Shadowdancer
Shadowmancer
Shadowy Figure
Shaman
Shaper
Shapeshifter
Sharecropper
Shepherd
Sheriff
Shieldmaiden
Shifter
Shipwright
Shoemaker
Shopkeeper
Showman
Shrew
Shrink
Sidekick
Siege Engineer
Signatory
Singer
Siren
Sister
Skald
Skeleton
Skeptic
Skinner
Skirmisher
Slave
Slave Driver
Slayer
Sleuth
Smith
Smuggler
Sniper
Social Climber
Socialite
Sociopath
Soldier
Solicitor
Soothsayer
Sorcerer
Sorceress
Soul Mate
Southern Belle
Spaceman
Specialist
Specter
Speechwriter
Spell Thief
Spellblade
Spellcaster
Spellslinger
Spellsword
Sphinx
Spice Merchant
Spider Rider
Spirit-Slayer
Spiritualist
Spokesperson
Sportsman
Spouse
Spy
Spymaster
Squire
Stablehand
Stage Magician
Stalker
Statesman
Statistician
Stepmother
Stepsister
Steward
Stockbroker
Stoic
Stonemason
Storm Wizard
Storyteller
Stowaway
Strategist
Street Artist
Street Rat
Street Urchin
Striker
Student
Stuntman
Stylist
Succubus
Suffragette
Suitor
Sultan
Summoner
Superhero
Superintendent
Supervillain
Supervisor
Surgeon
Surveyor
Survivalist
Survivor
Swamp Hag
Swashbuckler
Swindler
Swordmaster
Sycophant
Sympathizer
Tactician
Tailor
Tall, Dark, and Handsome
Tamer
Tanner
Tavern Keeper
Tax Collector
Taxidermist
Teacher
Teamster
Technician
Technomancer
Telepath
Templar
Temptress
Tenant
Terminator
Thatcher
Thaumaturge
Theologian
Therapist
Theurgist
Thief
Thrill-Seeker
Thug
Time Traveler
Tinker
Tinkerer
Tinsmith
Titan
Tobacconist
Tollkeeper
Tomboy
Tormentor
Torturer
Totemist
Tough Guy
Tourist
Town Crier
Town Drunk
Toxicologist
Tracker
Trader
Traditionalist
Tragedian
Tragic Hero
Trainer
Traitor
Tramp
Translator
Transporter
Trapper
Traveler
Treasure Hunter
Treasurer
Tribal Chief
Tribal Elder
Tribune
Trickster
Trooper
Troubadour
Troublemaker
Trucker
True Friend
Trustee
Tsundere
Tutor
Twin
Tycoon
Tyrant
Umpire
Undead
Underling
Undertaker
Underwriter
Unfortunate Orphan
Unholy Warrior
Unicorn
Union Boss
University Dean
Unknown Threat
Unsatisfiable Customer
Unseen Helper
Upper-Class Twit
Urchin
Usurper
Vagabond
Vagrant
Valedictorian
Valet
Valkyrie
Vampire
Vampire Hunter
Vampire Killer
Vandal
Vanguard
Vassal
Vendor
Ventriloquist
Verger
Veteran
Veterinarian
Vicar
Vigilante
Viking
Village Idiot
Villager
Villain
Vintner
Violinist
Virtuoso
Visionary
Vizier
Vocalist
Voice
Voodoo Priest
Voyager
Walker
Wanderer
Wandering Minstrel
Wandering Scholar
Wannabe Hero
War Veteran
Warden
Warg
Warlock
Warlord
Warmage
Warpriest
Warrior
Watchmaker
Watchman
Wayfarer
Weaver
Welder
Well-Intentioned Extremist
Werewolf
Whaler
Wheelwright
Whip
Whiskey Priest
Whisperer
White Collar Worker
White Knight
Widow
Widower
Wife
Wild Child
Wild Mage
Wild One
Willing Channeler
Wine Merchant
Winter Mage
Witch
Witch Doctor
Witch Hunter
Witcher
Witness
Wizard
Wolf Cub
Woodcarver
Woodcutter
Woodsman
Worker
Wraith
Wrangler
Wrestler
Writer
Yakuza
Yeoman
Yoga Instructor
Yogi
Yokel
Young Witch
Zealot
Zombie
Zookeeper
Zoologist
Duergar
Mountain King
Runesmith
Dwarven Defender
Forge Priest
Wood Elf
High Elf
Dark Elf
Sea Elf
Elven Archer
Seraph
Archangel
Deva
Fallen Angel
Solar
Automaton
Clockwork Soldier
Homunculus
Warforged
Mechanical Servant
Devil
Pit Fiend
Cambion
Hellspawn
Balor
Bugbear
Hobgoblin
Troll
Sprite
Brownie
Dryad
Sylph
Banshee
Redcap
Big Brother
Big Sister
Half-Brother
Half-Sister
Older Brother
Younger Sister
Kender
Lich
Wight
Draugr
Skinwalker
Kitsune
Werebear
Weretiger
Griffin
Phoenix
Basilisk
Hydra
Pegasus
Chimera
Clone
Space Marine
Starship Captain
Droid
Xenobiologist
Cattle Rustler
Saloon Girl
Snake Oil Salesman
Homesteader
Cavalry Officer
Mad Hatter
Conspiracy Theorist
Doomsday Prepper
Oddball
Pollyanna
Eternal Optimist
Wallflower
Pushover
Spectator
Doomsayer
Nihilist
Defeatist
Overbearing Parent
Absent Father
Single Parent
Tiger Mom
Bastard Child
Firstborn
Lost Heir
Bystander
Civilian
Perfectionist
Hoarder
Workaholic
Control Freak
Iron Will
The Unflappable
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