A writer with a thousand words and a hero with a thousand faces

I am currently distracting myself with writing a story. The story is in it's sapling stages and I do not want to give too much away but it is developing into Game of Thrones meets Da Vinci Code.

This is mainly what I have been doing to keep myself on an even keel. Creative writing is really therapeutic for me.

As a result, I have been exploring different hero archetypes.

The Anti-Hero

John McClane, Hancock, Travis Bickle
We all know this one, most of today's film create a character similar that of an anti-hero.
The reluctant hero who initially has no interest in heroics. They are usually bitter about something, cynical and has a bad habit ie. drinking, gambling etc.
They are usually laypeople who have somehow stumbled into the situation. They usually are humble and fight to win their wish to 'continue what they were doing before'.
This hero archetype is one that most can relate to, a flawed, imperfect conception, compared to an invincible superhero.

The Lovable Rogue

http://www.empiremovies.com/tag/captain-jack-sparrow/
Robin Hood, Del Boy, Jack Sparrow
This hero will not have much regard for laws, will do things for profit and gain but usually does not mean any harm or kills. This is what makes the audience perceive them as a 'loveable rascal'. Though in the end, they will save the day and maybe even help themselves to some of the villain's booty whilst at it.

The Patriarch

Don Corleone (The Godfather)
The man of the house who will always take charged, he is either feared or admired by the relations around him (or both). He is usually full of honour and strict has traditional values. He may be an overbearing and overprotective father. He is cold and ruthless when it comes to outsiders who threaten his family.


This is not an extensive list, for further interest reading I would recommend:


http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/102230000/102238817.jpg

The Hero With a Thousand Faces - Joseph Campbell (Pantheon Books)