Using the swashbuckler character archetype will turn any novel into an adventure story. Rather than looking for new adventures, they seem to gravitate to him. His life is non-stop action and excitement, and he bravely and fearlessly faces all of it.
Strengths of the Swashbuckler
The swashbuckler’s strengths make him a compelling main character.
- Fearless: He will face any situation or creature head-on.
- Capable: He can find a way out of any situation, through wit, strength, or expertise.
- Exciting: He will never allow a dull moment to pass in his scene. It’s all action with him.
- Energetic: He has no end to the energy required to continue in his quests.
Weaknesses of the Swashbuckler
- Lack of commitment: The swashbuckler is so busy saving the day that he doesn’t have time to commit to a relationship, unless the relationship is fraught with danger.
- Risk taker: The swashbuckler doesn’t care about the consequences. He will risk anything and everything for victory against the odds. Sometimes the risk taking scares other characters, but it makes for an exciting story.
- Unpredictable: The swashbuckler may take off on a new adventure in the middle of a crisis, handling two situations at once. He may be waylaid by one adventure on the way to save the fair maiden. One never knows where the swashbuckler’s path will lead.
The Swashbuckler in Books and Movies
Dirk Pitt, the main character in many of Clive Cussler’s books is the epitome of the swashbuckler. He faces off against man and nature, and always comes out the winner. He is a world traveler, never stays in one place for long, and has plenty of money and assets to support his habit.
Indiana Jones may be the first swashbuckler that comes to most people’s minds. He is afraid of nothing but snakes, and even overcomes that fear when it is necessary.
Jack Sparrow, of Pirates of the Caribbean, is another grand swashbuckler. Orlando Bloom, as Will Turner in the same movies, makes a credible swashbuckler as well.
Careers for Swashbucklers
The swashbuckler will never settle for a routine, day-to-day job. His occupation must be full of excitement and adrenaline rushes. Firefighters, smoke jumpers, paratroopers, racecar drivers, treasure hunters, explorers, and aerial stunt pilots are careers a swashbuckler could live with. Anything involving danger, intrigue, and unpredictability will appeal to him.
The good thing about the swashbuckler is he appeals to readers of all ages and tastes. This character archetype appears in everything from children’s books, to romance, to drama, to adventure, to mysteries. He is flexible enough and interesting enough to be a welcome addition in any action story.
For information on other writing archetypes, see the following articles.
The Warrior Character Archetype
The Bad Boy Character Archetype
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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