The Monomyth - Video Game: Storytelling - page 32

In Star Wars , this role is most frequently embodied by C-3PO and
R2-D2, with their metallic take on the classic straight man/funny man
comedy team. However, Chewbacca, Han Solo, and Princess Leia also
take short turns at playing the Trickster.
In games, the Trickster may be represented by a wisecracking compan-
ion character (Daxter from the Jak and Daxter games is a prime example)
or even by the playable character himself (Nathan Drake from the Un-
charted series, or Spider-Man in any of the Marvel games in which he's
playable). However, in most games this archetype tends to be spread
across many different characters at different points in the game.
6. Shapeshifter
Mistrust and misdirection are essential story elements used to keep the
audience engaged and guessing what's going to happen next. The Shape-
shifter archetype is specifically designed to stoke these fires of doubt and
suspicion.
The Shapeshifter is a character about whom the audience isn't
sure—someone who might be untrustworthy, who can't be relied on, who
might betray the Hero and change sides at a moment's notice. Or vice
versa—a Henchman who sees the error of his ways and decides to help
the Hero, thus revealing that he's a Shapeshifter.
Shapeshifting characters are great catalysts for crucial story compon-
ents such as surprises, plot twists, and red herrings. Without at least one
Shapeshifter, your story may feel flat and bland.
In Star Wars , Han Solo serves as the main Shapeshifter. The audience
isn't really sure of his true motivations or what he'll do next until that cru-
cial moment when he saves Luke from Darth Vader and clears the way for
the Hero to finally resolve the conflict by destroying the Death Star.
In games, Shapeshifters can appear as allies who later turn out to be en-
emies, or vice versa. It is difficult to name specific examples without spoil-
ing the stories, but I will say that players who have experienced the original
BioShock should have no problem thinking of several Shapeshifter mo-
ments.
7. Villain
Colloquially referred to as the Villain, this is the head “bad guy” and the in-
stigator behind the main conflict. Like the Hero, the Villain archetype is al-
most always embodied in a single character throughout the entire story.