Four Personality Types

[Jade_Dragon]

Thats why I said ALMOST. Of course, there are those rare jems. I do feel all our characters are unique just maybe since they are superheroes, that creates a common thread or at least maybe sterotypes.

I can't member the name of the person, but back on the prebeta boards some one posted that there are basically four types of heroes and then set up a poll asking what type where you. Lets see if I remember right and while I'm at it might as well reask the question. *grin*

1) Defender of the Law and Society:
Often a boy scout, who will not go about the law but rather becomes its champion. Basicaly your Superman/Cap America types.

2) Deliver of Justice:
Your vengence type. The have a grudge and still carry it, using it as a fuel source. Batman, Spawn, Punisher, V is for Ventetta, what have you.

3) With Great Power:
Super powers are a gift, and it is this hero's responciblity to use it in to better society. Spiderman is the most popular, though there are many more.

4) Thrill Seaker:
They are in it for the action and in another life would be a base jumper, stun driver, extreme sports star. Honestly a good example doesn't come to mind.

So, which one are You?


This should so be it's own thread!

And as for examples for Thrill Seakers, I'd go with Booster Gold and Guy Gardner.


And so it is its own thread! :D

Although 3) doesn't specifically say that, I would classify that as the reluctant hero, such as Sailor Moon, or The Thing, who doesn't really want super powers (or the baggage that comes with it) but is forced by fate to find a way to use their powers for good. Even Spidey is often reluctant to be a hero, and of course he's the original "hard luck" hero for which nothing ever goes right.

I would say that Jade Dragon is definately 3), With Great Power, except without the reluctance aspect. He takes his responsibility quite seriously, however, and the weight of it can be quite heavy on him. He's constantly concerned about doing the right thing, and not letting himself be corrupted by power.

Blue Diamond and Bloodwolf, on the other hand, are both Deliverers of Justice. Blue Diamond would prefer to work within the law, while Bloodwolf often feels the law is corrupt and oppressive, but both are willing to bend the law in order to see justice done. Both can also be particularly violent, and they both feel that hurting criminals as much as possible when bringing them in makes them think twice about committing crimes again.

Sandy is the reluctant aspect of With Great Power that J.D. isn't. She doesn't want to have anything to do with criminals and fighting them, but her machine half forces her to. She tries to take control of it as much as she can, by using her powers to stop criminals instead of attacking the innocent. But more than anything else she just wants it to all stop.

Joe Everyman doesn't really fit anything. He isn't a Thrill Seeker, he doesn't do it for the "fun" of it, although he might have an unconscious need for excitement. He's probably more of a Defender of the Law and Society. He's not really a boy scout, but he doesn't really think of himself as a hero, either, just an ordinary guy who can't stand around and watch. His anonymity kind of sets him apart from examples like Superman and Captain America.

[Masked Revenger]

I'd have to say that Captain Noble and Captain Crusaider both are Defenders of Law. Both has Superman as influences, though Cap Crusaider is far more exagerated form of this. He's the ultimate good guy, wears white and blue, speaks in tripe prhases such as "You'll never get away with this, vile villain!" and helps little old ladies across the street. Noble, on the other hand, is more serious. He believes that without laws a society will collapses. That does not mean, however, that he believes all laws are just, or even right. When they are not, he will fight, within the system, to change them.

Masked Revenger is a cross between Deliverer of Justice and With Great Power. Part of the reason he became a hero is because he wants to stop those that would prey upon children, specifically drug dealers. He does it himself because he feels that his abilities allow him to defend those that can't defend themselves.

Chris

[Sun-Scarab]

Sun-Scarab : don't know if "Glory seeking hot head" is like "thrill seeker". but if so then thats it

[Jade_Dragon]

Sun-Scarab : don't know if "Glory seeking hot head" is like "thrill seeker". but if so then thats it

Well, now that I think about it, the four categories can be narrowed down to WHY the hero uses his powers. Or more specifically, WHO is to gain by them:

1) Altruism; The hero wants to use his powers for the greater good of all mankind.

2) Revenge; The hero is making up for a crime against someone he cared about.

3) Responsibility; The hero fights both because he feels he must in order to be a good person, and because his friends might suffer if he didn't.

4) Selfishness; Just for personal gain or satisfaction.

While I didn't see it at first, Blue Diamond is driven as much by the death of his father, who was a policeman, as his desire to protect the law. While he doesn't feel that his father's death was in vain, unlike for instance Bloodwolf or Widdy, he is still trying to live up to the ideal of his father, and to make his father proud. So he fights crime so policemen don't have to be killed like his father was.

[Krypto]

Although 3) doesn't specifically say that, I would classify that as the reluctant hero, such as Sailor Moon, or The Thing, who doesn't really want super powers (or the baggage that comes with it) but is forced by fate to find a way to use their powers for good. Even Spidey is often reluctant to be a hero, and of course he's the original "hard luck" hero for which nothing ever goes right.

Nah, there are just more types of heroes than that.

There are the jokers like Flash, and many others. The ones that understand their powers, but still make light of situations when things are going bad.

There are the uncontrolled hero types like the Hulk, who through some ritual transform into something completely different, often having little/no recollection of what happened afterwards.

The reformed villain types, while they certainly aren't the revenge types, they're none of the other ones listed either. These guys are reluctant at first, but gradually grow into their role as a hero. Perhaps they even enjoy becoming a better person, or maybe they do it to wash away their former sins.

This list could easily be expanded into several more "archetypes". The four listed just aren't broad enough to cover all of them.

[Jade_Dragon]

Nah, there are just more types of heroes than that.

There are the jokers like Flash, and many others. The ones that understand their powers, but still make light of situations when things are going bad.

There are the uncontrolled hero types like the Hulk, who through some ritual transform into something completely different, often having little/no recollection of what happened afterwards.

The reformed villain types, while they certainly aren't the revenge types, they're none of the other ones listed either. These guys are reluctant at first, but gradually grow into their role as a hero. Perhaps they even enjoy becoming a better person, or maybe they do it to wash away their former sins.

This list could easily be expanded into several more "archetypes". The four listed just aren't broad enough to cover all of them.

Then suggest more. No one is saying that this list couldn't be expanded. In fact, I was going to add "The Reluctant Hero" until I realized it could be classified under 3).

[Sun-Scarab]

well how about "family tradition". phantom, green hornet, & zorro.
Scarab started out like them trained by family before he knew he really wanted super major Fame, toys, statues in AP, halloween costumes. movie deals. t-shirts.
much higher fame than your fame (i kidd but you get where its going)

[Jade_Dragon]

Actually, using the simplified list I came with above, I think you can adapt if for villains, as well:

1) Altruism:
Although you don't really think of a villain as "altruistic", there are some that truly believe that what they are doing is for the betterment of all mankind, or at least some group that deserves to replace mankind. Examples of this would be Magneto, Poison Ivy, or Doctor Doom.

2) Revenge:
This is VERY much a villain incentive. Many villains are driven by the death of a loved one, or a slight against themselves or someone they care about. The Hulk could actually be thought of in this category, as he usually begins raging when Banner has been pushed around. He doesn't want money, or power, or to hurt people, he just wants to be left alone.

3) Responsibility:
Okay, this doesn't fit villains. But who is being fought for, here? Usually, it's either friends, or fear that friends will be hurt. So if a villain becomes a villain to provide for his sick sister, then he's putting his responsibility to her ahead of other people.

4) Selfishness:
What could be more villainous?

Really when you get down to it, these categories are extremely broad. They don't really fit one person very well because you can have two very different people fighting for much the same reason. If you want to narrow it down, that's fine, but this is supposed to be an exercise. Sometimes it helps to think about things in a way that don't seem to apply.

[Jade_Dragon]

well how about "family tradition". phantom, green hornet, & zorro.
Scarab started out like them trained by family before he knew he really wanted super major Fame, toys, statues in AP, halloween costumes. movie deals. t-shirts.
much higher fame than your fame (i kidd but you get where its going)

That's "Responsibility", although it's clearly different from "The Reluctant Hero" and the "Touched by Fate" types.

Also note that Spidey is driven by the death of his Uncle, which could be seen as Revenge. This is getting complicated. :D

[Masked Revenger]

Nah, there are just more types of heroes than that.

There are the jokers like Flash, and many others. The ones that understand their powers, but still make light of situations when things are going bad.

There are the uncontrolled hero types like the Hulk, who through some ritual transform into something completely different, often having little/no recollection of what happened afterwards.

The reformed villain types, while they certainly aren't the revenge types, they're none of the other ones listed either. These guys are reluctant at first, but gradually grow into their role as a hero. Perhaps they even enjoy becoming a better person, or maybe they do it to wash away their former sins.

This list could easily be expanded into several more "archetypes". The four listed just aren't broad enough to cover all of them.

I don't know about that. Flash is a Great Responsibility type, doing what he does because of what his Uncle Barry taught him. Reformed villains can fit into these four, too. Let's take the most popular reformed villain of all time, Hawkeye. He's a thrillseeker. Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are Great Responsibility reformed villains, because they feel responsible for what their father did.

These four categories still fit. Besides, I think it's possible for a hero to fit into more than one category.

Chris

[Krypto]

That's "Responsibility", although it's clearly different from "The Reluctant Hero" and the "Touched by Fate" types.

Not necessarilly. Some do it for reasons other than responsibility.

[Jade_Dragon]

Not necessarilly. Some do it for reasons other than responsibility.

Well, if they do it because it's fun, then they're Thrillseekers. If they do it because their predecessor was killed, it's Revenge. If they do it for the good of all mankind, it's Altruism.

It doesn't have to be one thing. Like I said, Spiderman is obviously concerned with responsibility, but the death of his Uncle shaped his reasons for becoming a hero as well. And it's clear that he greatly enjoys using his powers and swinging around the city.

Motivation. That's the word I'm looking for. I'm going to change the thread title...

[edit] Well, I can't change the thread title. Darn.

[Gaia]

According to the old DC Heroes game by Mayfair Games the motivations of heroes are (I'm quoting here and adding my own little comments):

1) Upholding the Good: A character with the motivation of Upholding the good belives steadfastly in traditional moral values--compassion, justice, truthfulness, and a resolute faith in society's laws. A character upholding the good is unrelenting in the pursuit ofgood and would never overstep the boundaries of the lawa, wevin if it may occasionally seem justice would be better served otherwise. (Superman has this)

2) Respondsibility of Power: A character dwith the motivation of Respondsibility of Power decides to change as a result of the awsome powers and skills which separate him.her from the rest of the world. The Character , no longer ordinary, accepts that with great power comes great responsibility. Such a hero will generally up hold the laws of society, realizing that he/she is an example to otheres and that such power demands a mor disciplined lifestyle than the hero might otherwise have chosen. However, the cours of action this espondsibility dictates occasionally strains such a hero's patience. (Hal Jordan, Green Lantern has this)

3) Seeking Justice: A character with the motivation of Seeking Justice will ignore anything wich interferes with a quest. This hero will willingly subvert society's laws, some of which he/she believes help protect criminals. This hero will seek out a criminal at whatever social level the criminal exists, matching deed for deed, violence with violence. The character who is seeking justice has a strong code of personal behavior which he/she never violates. This hero will occasionally question the similarity between his/her methods and those of wh criminal the hero professes to oppose. It is easier for such a character to impose his.her moral code on others than to accept another person's ethics. (Batman has this)

4) Thrill of Adventure: A character with the motivation of Thrill of Adventure takes extreme chances in combat and enjoys every minute of it. Sometimes the hero will over estimate his/her abilities and people will often consider the character flippant and occasioally ridiculous. Yet such a hero would never desert a friend or run from a fight. A character out for the Thrill of Adventure will not easily accept other people's concepts of justice. Similar to a character who is seeking Justice, this is a an indpendent hero who works under a strict code of behavior. This character enjoys having powers and skill and thrives on the fame which comews with being a hero. Such a hero will often use humor during seemingly inappropriate combat or diplomatic situations. (Beast Boy, Booster Gold, and Blue Beetle have this. And if you are looking toward Marvel think of The Human Torch)

5)Unwanted Power: A character with the motivation of Unwanted Power was usually created by some sort of accident or at the whim of others. This hero in no way desires such powers and abilities, the possession of which often brings severe personal consequences. This is a reluctant hero, one who would gladly return to his/her former life if given the opportunity. Such a character often joins a hero team seeking an acceptance dnied the character in the normal world. This hero regularly form extremely close personal attachments to other heroes and is very loyal to the team. A hero with Unwanted Power may strongly feel society owes him/her a debt and the character is often short tempered. (Cyborg is a good example of this along with most of the Doom Patrol)

[Kid Ferret_]

Kid Ferret is definately a Thrill Seaker. He already was a thrill seaker before he got his powers, they just adds to the fun :P

[Masked Revenger]

Gaia, I like those descriptions much better.

Chris

[Jade_Dragon]

According to the old DC Heroes game by Mayfair Games the motivations of heroes are (I'm quoting here and adding my own little comments):

If you assume #5 is, as I guessed, just variation of #2, then it looks to me like this is where the original guy got the idea. The first four are clearly his four.

If we give The Reluctant Hero his own category, then Sandy definately goes there. She doesn't want to use her powers, but is forced by circumstance (or fear of what she would become if she didn't) to use them.

And the description of the Thrill Seeker is very reminiscent of Blue Diamond, particularly the part about him telling jokes during battle. However, he is actually acting the part in order to cover up his deeper motivations.

I'll also add that in the order they are arranged above, unlike the order posted at first, they are arranged from affecting the most people to effecting the least people, with the last two having entirely personal reasons for being a hero.

[Dynamo-Man]

4) Thrill of Adventure: A character with the motivation of Thrill of Adventure takes extreme chances in combat and enjoys every minute of it. Sometimes the hero will over estimate his/her abilities and people will often consider the character flippant and occasioally ridiculous. Yet such a hero would never desert a friend or run from a fight. A character out for the Thrill of Adventure will not easily accept other people's concepts of justice. Similar to a character who is seeking Justice, this is a an indpendent hero who works under a strict code of behavior. This character enjoys having powers and skill and thrives on the fame which comews with being a hero. Such a hero will often use humor during seemingly inappropriate combat or diplomatic situations. (Beast Boy, Booster Gold, and Blue Beetle have this. And if you are looking toward Marvel think of The Human Torch)
Yep, that's Dynamo-Man. Although his origins are more Responsible.

[MikeKAY]

Makis would fall in both "Seeking Justice" and "Responsibility of Power" to varying degrees.

[Gaia]

I have to go find the books but I also have the descriptions for the more villainous/mercinary descriptions too.

As for my characters:

Empyreal = Responsibility of Power
Nexus Ar'gos = Responsibility of Power
Mr. Regal = Upholding the Good
Kid Atomic. = Responsibility of Power
Twilight Avenger = Responsibility of Power (occasionally swings toward Seeking Justice)
Vesper Sparrow = Seeking Justice
Phoenix Stormhawk = Upholding the Good
Infinate Flame = Thrillseeker
Outburst = Respondsibility of Power

[The Mystic]

Well, my hero The Mystic basically fights evil because it is his purpose to maintain order in the universe. So, he would probably fit under the "Responsibility of Power" idea since he doesn't follow the written law, but rather a higher set of ideals.

My villain Lord Valideros fits under the Revenge concept, since he's lashing out after being an outcast in society and seeing his mother killed by a hero. But later on he's going to grow into the Magneto character where he's trying to change the world into what he believes it should be.

[Kinetix]

Kin is a #2

[Malibu Sally]

Kin is a #2
Please re-word that, Kin. It's just too easy to twist that into something with a totally different meaning. :) ;)

[Graphite]

Please re-word that, Kin. It's just too easy to twist that into something with a totally different meaning. :) ;)

#2 Pencil right?

These are definately more of motivational reasons over personalities. I like what you posted Gaia and definately think thats where they came from, but all be cause you do someting for reason X that doesn't mean your going to act in mannor Y.

[Gabriel's Fury]

Gabriel's Fury is a Defender of Law and Society. She's the girl next door with a soft spot for people in general, and a dangerous temper when it comes to those who infringe. That said, she's not niave, and as a sorceress, regularly deals with an assortment of nefarious organizations, individuals, and even dimensional beings to ensure that the average joe gets a peaceful life if possible.

-Gabe

[Jade_Dragon]

#2 Pencil right?

These are definately more of motivational reasons over personalities. I like what you posted Gaia and definately think thats where they came from, but all be cause you do someting for reason X that doesn't mean your going to act in mannor Y.

Yeah, I definately like Motivation better, and would have changed the thread title if I could. Maybe some nice mod with the authority to do so will change it. Or not, it's not like it's going to be offensive to my workplace or anything, it's not a SERIOUS issue. :D

[Remianen]

3) Seeking Justice: A character with the motivation of Seeking Justice will ignore anything wich interferes with a quest. This hero will willingly subvert society's laws, some of which he/she believes help protect criminals. This hero will seek out a criminal at whatever social level the criminal exists, matching deed for deed, violence with violence. The character who is seeking justice has a strong code of personal behavior which he/she never violates. This hero will occasionally question the similarity between his/her methods and those of wh criminal the hero professes to oppose. It is easier for such a character to impose his.her moral code on others than to accept another person's ethics. (Batman has this)

Every member of Shrike Corp., without exception, fits this criteria. Especially the part I bolded.

"Criminals, the likes of which are often seen in Paragon City, do not deserve imprisonment. They deserve the cessation of existence, the alluring embrace and finality of Death, and death alone."
-Remianen Valorian, Shrike Team:Lethal Force

[Gold Rush]

Folks, I am not seeing too much here on one particular view a few of my heroes follow.

I call it the "Robin Hood" view. You could say it can possibly go under 3), Seeking Justice, but it is a bit more complicated than that. Basically, it is going against the law for the betterment of society, especially when laws do not help, but with a personal code of conduct you do not cross. Like the honor of a samurai. It can be akin to picking your own rules and enforcing them, without regards to society's rules; "be your own man".

Using the DnD alignment phase, this would be called "Chaotic Good" for the most part. Although, for me, like I stated, their are inner rules to oneself, or concepts, one tries not to cross. An example would be not killing or "lowering yourself to your enemies level". You try to lead by example and hopefully someone is watching and taking notes. :)

Generally, I tend to be a believer of "grey" over fitting people or concepts into rigid (or even non-rigid) easy categories. :)

================================================== ==

Gold Rush

[TopHat]

King of Spades = Thrill Seeker
Red Queen = With Great Power
Fairy Fire = Defender of the Law in Society\
Lady Miracle = With Great Power

[Jade_Dragon]

Folks, I am not seeing too much here on one particular view a few of my heroes follow.

I call it the "Robin Hood" view. You could say it can possibly go under 3), Seeking Justice, but it is a bit more complicated than that. Basically, it is going against the law for the betterment of society, especially when laws do not help, but with a personal code of conduct you do not cross. Like the honor of a samurai. It can be akin to picking your own rules and enforcing them, without regards to society's rules; "be your own man".

Using the DnD alignment phase, this would be called "Chaotic Good" for the most part. Although, for me, like I stated, their are inner rules to oneself, or concepts, one tries not to cross. An example would be not killing or "lowering yourself to your enemies level". You try to lead by example and hopefully someone is watching and taking notes. :)

Typically, the "Robin Hood" type takes that position because of some crime that was committed against himself or a loved one by the powers that be. So "rob from the rich and give to the poor" is more what he does, while Seeking Justice explains more about WHY he does it. While there are certainly people who do not believe as strongly in society's laws than others, they also don't usually go around seeking out trouble.

More importantly, though, in your argument above you're assuming that the laws get in the way of actual justice, which we could say is not necessarily the case in Paragon City. If the government is corrupt and evil, as in Star Wars, then a Defender of the Law and Society would actually fight AGAINST the government, since it represents evil and not the greater good. Robin Hood himself was not really harmed personally, but the evils of his government had become so great he could no longer ignore it.

I'm guessing that the incentive required to turn a Defender of Law and Society against the govenment, and the incentive to turn a Seeking Justice against the government is simply a matter of degree. If the government is wholly corrupt, all heroes would probably choose to fight against it. If it is only partially corrupt, it would take a more personal wrong to cause the hero to lose faith in the system, and seek out the corruption. Again, this could be seen as the difference between "Lawful Good" and "Chaotic Good", but the chaotic would typically act within the law unless there was a really good reason for him not to trust it.

Bloodwolf, of course, is a perfect example of this. He has seen first hand how the law can be corrupted, and innocent people (like himself) can have their lives ruined by those who abuse their power over others. But he does recognize that the "good guys" are for the most part on his side. He just has to convince them, sometimes, that they don't have all the information.

[TheImperial]

Well, now that I think about it, the four categories can be narrowed down to WHY the hero uses his powers. Or more specifically, WHO is to gain by them:

1) Altruism; The hero wants to use his powers for the greater good of all mankind.

2) Revenge; The hero is making up for a crime against someone he cared about.

3) Responsibility; The hero fights both because he feels he must in order to be a good person, and because his friends might suffer if he didn't.

4) Selfishness; Just for personal gain or satisfaction.

Really well put, Jade. Although, like has been touched on as the thread has developed, we can all pull some major exceptions and obscure references to characters that either don't fit well or draw on several of the stated archetypes.

The Imperial started out (both in my mind and from the character's personal fictional history) as a #1 Defender of the Law and Society, but as time progressed (again both in his fictional history and in his development as a creation of mine), he has slowly transformed into a #3 With Great Responsibility type.