In all good stories, there are four main characters:
- The victim: the character who feels stuck
- The villain: the character who makes others feel small
- The hero: the character who faces their challenges and transforms
- The guide: the character who helps the hero
These characters are not always clearly defined and can often overlap or shift throughout a story. With that said, they are essential parts of any narrative and help to create a dynamic plot that keeps readers interested.
The victim is often the character we feel sorry for. They're the underdog, facing big challenges. But they're not weak. They can overcome their problems and become the hero of their own story.
The villain is often the character we love to hate. They represent everything wrong in the story's world and work hard to make life difficult for everyone. But the villain isn't always simple. They can have different sides to their personality, and we can understand them even if we don't like them.
The hero is the character we want to win. They face their problems and never give up. They inspire us to be better and deal with our own struggles. But the hero isn't perfect. They make mistakes and have their own problems.
The guide is the character who helps the hero on their journey. They offer support and have their own perspective on the story's world. Without the guide, the hero would be lost, and the story wouldn't make sense.
These four characters work together to make a great story that keeps readers interested. Whether you're a writer or a reader, understanding these characters can help you enjoy and analyze stories more.