9 Common Types of Fantasy Characters (With Examples)

9 Common Types of Fantasy Characters (With Examples) 9 Common Types of Fantasy Characters (With Examples) When you think of fantasy, your mind might drift to enchanted settings and the magical systems that govern them. And while it’s hard not to marvel at the brand-new worlds that authors are able to conjure, it’s the people and creatures that inhabit those worlds who claim readers’ emotional investment.This list covers nine of the most common types of fantasy characters. Don’t forget to scope out the 80+ examples of our favorite fantasy characters from popular books and movies. From the hero to the mentor, these characters are staples of the #fantasy genre 1. The HeroThere is no fantasy story without a Hero and a quest that needs undertaking. This is their fantasy world, and we’re just living in it (for a time). While people often think of Joseph Campbell’s popular Hero’s Journey when it comes to fantasy story structures, the Hero can take many different forms (they can even be an anti-hero!), whether or not the story resembles Campbell’s model. The Hero might relish in their role, like Conan the Barbarian, or they may be a reluctant leader in the story’s narrative, like Bilbo Baggins (initially). Indeed, the nature of the Hero will largely depend on the particular subgenre of fantasy you're reading/writing.(image: HBO)Example:Tyrion Lannister is an interesting character because of his grey shades. He is part of a family of villains, and out of familial obligation, he spends the first few books acting in the best interest of Lannister House. However, acting in their best interest often requires commit ting villainous deeds. So while readers might be able to empathize with Tyrion’s desire to protect - and fit in with - his family, they still recognize many of his actions as â€Å"bad.†More Reluctant Villains:Draco Malfoy (the Harry Potter series)Regent (Worm)The Henchman (Coraline)Jeremiah Colt (The Zombie Knight)The Angarak people (The Belgariad)Theon Greyjoy (Game of Thrones)Count Dracula (Blood for Dracula) 9 common types of #fantasy characters - and 80 examples of the best And that's a wrap on the nine most common types of fantasy character archetypes that you'll encounter in every book! If you'd like to read more about the genre, check out some of the following magical posts:Best Fantasy Writing Prompts13 Kick-Ass Tips For Writing FantasyA Century of Fantasy: How the Genre's Changed Since the 1920sYou can also find all these characters in the following fantasy books, lists courtesy of the Reedsy Discovery blog:The 100 Best Fantasy Series of All TimeThe 30 Best YA Fantasy Books for Teens60 Best Fantasy Books of All Time20 Addictive Urban Fantasy BooksThe 12 Best Epic Fantasy Books Like Game of ThronesWho are some of your all-time favorite fantasy characters? Let us know in the comments below!