Talk:Hero, Adept and Rogue

Introduction

This is an idea we came up with a while back, while discussing the archetypes of popular TV. Looking for repeating architypes in the formulas used to design popular action and adventure shows.

It's still a work in progress, but here's the general idea: many series (and films, books etc) have a dynamic among three main characters. The properties of each of these three archetypes can only really be understood by considering what they have in common, but we'll use Hero, Adept and Rogue as working titles.

Descriptions

Few trios fit 100% into these archetypes, but they are the best we've come up with so far.

The Hero(ine)

The Hero(ine) knows what is right and what is wrong. He is all but incorruptable. The hero is in charge. The other characters have chosen to support his destiny rather than their own. He makes the tough decisions and is respected.

However when occasionally beset by doubt it is overwhelming, and he is unable to complete his goals without the help of the Rogue and the Cynic.

Possible tarot cards: The Chariot, The Fool, The Emperor.

The Adept

The adept is in it for herself. She can always explain why it is in her interest to be with the hero. She is usually the smartest of the three, and will be able to solve problems in a calm rational way. Sometimes she take great risks to help her friends or further the Hero(ine)'s quest. When this happens it makes her very uncomfortable.

The Adept is the most valuable ally the Hero(ine) has, but is also the most likely to betray her. The cynic secretly envies the conviction of the Hero(ine) and the seeming freedom of the Rogue, but it is the Adept's skills which frequently save the day.

Possible tarot cards: The Mage, The Hermit.

The Rogue

The rogue bums through life, surviving on his wits and luck. He is not really too interested in the Hero(ine)'s goals beyond how it will make him money or just be fun. He tends to have a love/hate relationship with the Adept. He must mediate between the Hero and the Adept. He is very unreliable and disreputable, and may have an addiction. He is very easily distracted and subverted. He has almost no moral compass. He is a coward or weak or disabled.

He has more empathy than either the Adept or the Hero, and has skills owned by neither of them.

Possible tarot cards: The Hanged Man, The Fool.

Examples

Highlander (the series)

Hero - Duncan McLeod

Adept - Methos

Rogue - Joe

Star Trek

Hero - James Kirk

Adept - Spock

Rogue - McCoy (does not quite fit)

Blake's 7

Hero - Blake

Adept - Avon

Rogue - Vila

Star Wars

Hero - Luke Skywalker

Adept - R2D2

Rogue - C3PO

Andromeda

Hero - Dylan Hunt

Adept - Tyr (Nietzien loner, the perfect example) / Andromeda (the ship itself)

Rogue - Shamus Harper / Trance Gemini

OK, you probably get the idea. You also probably now think I watch a lot of bad TV. Which is probably true.

WikiSysop 18:20, 3 Sep 2003 (BST)