The Warrior Archetype appears often in adventure stories, fighting to defend all that is just and right. The Warrior’s strong sense of loyalty, devotion, and justice make this a character that will stay true to a goal until the end.
Warriors can be male or female. Female warriors, like their male counterparts, show no mercy, and due process is swift and severe.
Many times Warriors are reluctantly drawn into their battles when they would prefer to be left alone. However, their strong sense of justice will not allow them to sit idly by if they see wrongdoing happening around them.
As natural leaders, Warriors don’t stand for any disagreement. They don’t wait for opinions; they take action and get the job done. To Warriors, the end always justifies the means. However, unlike the Bad Boy character archetype, they are always on the side of the greater good.
Qualities of the Warrior Archetype
Warriors are easily identifiable by these traits:
- Justice: Warriors have a strong sense of justice, and will defend to the death what they perceive as right.
- Loyalty: They are always ready to protect and save loved ones and innocent characters.
- Goal oriented: They are driven to right the wrongs of the universe and make the world a better place.
- Strength: They believe strength and power can be used to overcome whatever evil abounds.
- Self-righteous: Warriors have a strong sense of right and wrong.
- Impatience: They won't wait for the slow hand of the legal system to execute justice. Justice is swift and severe with Warriors.
- Tenacity: Warriors never give up. Their goals are paramount to anything else.
- Vengeance: Warriors seek revenge on any person who has ever done them wrong.
Warriors as Heroes
As the heroes, Warriors inspire others to overcome their fears and join in the fight. No matter the personal cost, the Warrior will always come to the rescue. Warriors are always ready to defend against any threat to home or family.
In books and movies, Warrior heroes include Hercules, Beowulf, Jamie Fraser from Outlander, Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Xena, in Xena, Warrior Princess.
Roles for Warriors include FBI agents, Navy Seals, police detectives, gladiators, highlanders, and military leaders.
The Warrior is Hard to Defeat
Warriors have a sense of honor that makes them into saviors. When protecting others, nothing will stop them but a stronger power or being outnumbered or outwitted.
However, the Warrior’s sense of loyalty can be a downfall. Samson in the bible story was willing to do anything for the seductress Delilah. He even cut off his hair, the source of his strength, and lost his Warrior status.
Knowing their cause is right, Warriors will allow nothing to stand in the way of making sure that good triumphs over evil. The Warrior is a formidable foe, unafraid of anyone or anything. When justice must be served, the Warrior is the character to call on.
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
Join the Conversation