The Archetypes:

- The Damsel in Distress

Princess Peach/Toadstool (Super Mario series), Princess Zelda (Legend of Zelda series), Kairi (Kingdom Hearts), Alma (Final Fantasy Tactics)

The Damsel in Distress is the most classic female archetype in games. Usually the story goes like this: the main villain of the game kidnaps the Damsel; the Damsel then summons the hero, usually via a dream or visions that only the hero can see, to save her. Sometimes, the Damsel is close to the hero’s heart, giving the hero extra incentive to complete his quest. Their role in games is sadly limited as is their personality and abilities. If the Damsel is a playable character, her skills are typically magic (white/defensive) based or weak physical attacks. The Damsel simply exists as a goal for the hero to attain.

- The Good Girl

The Good Girl is usually the heroine or the love interest of the hero; if she is not, she is out to find her love. She is usually the bearer of some selfless/heroic idealism. She is undeniably a paragon of all that righteous. In games, the Good Girl comes in two garden varieties:

1.) The Holier-Than-Thou Good Girl -- Yuna (FFX), Virginia (WildArms 3), Aeris (FFVII), Nalia (Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadow of Amn), Rosa (FFIV)

This type of Good Girl tends to be the weakest character (physically), but serves the party best as a healer. She tends to be very optimistic and/ or really naïve. She is also very (sometimes to the point it’s sickening) polite and courteous. She often has some high ideals for herself, which she frequently feels she has fail. Among these ideals is the belief that she can single-handedly save the world. She is also a very trusting soul. She has utmost faith in people (villains included) and believes that they will do the right thing, though at times this has backfire on her adventuring party.

2.) The Tomboy -- Marle (Chrono Trigger), Tifa (FFVII), Girl (Secret of Mana), Farrah (Prince of Persia: Sands of Time)

The second type of Good Girl is the much hardier and brazen Tomboy. Unlike the first type, the Tomboy is more confident in herself. She is not afraid to step up to the plate and assume leadership if anything happens to the hero. She speaks her mind and has on occasion barked orders for the hero/ party to follow. It’s not surprising if she is the one who drags the hero/ party deeper into more trouble. Sometimes it feels the Tomboy is more trouble than she is worth. The Tomboy still makes a better healer, but she is more than capable of holding her own in fight.

- The Bad Girl Turned Good

The Bad Girl Turned Good is very interesting archetype. The Bad Girls switches side and/or joins the hero for various reasons – love, atonement, or simply better prospects. Whatever her reason is for the change, the Bad Girl is quite a formidable addition to the party. Like the Good Girl, the Bad Girl comes in two opposite varieties.

1.) The Repenter -- Trish (Devil May Cry), Ivy (Soul Calibur series), Celes Chere (FFVI)

The Repenter is a Bad Girl who has been persuaded by the hero to switch side or realize what she has been doing was just wrong and seeks atonement. Once the Repenter realizes her mistake, she is wholly dedicated to the hero’s cause and her loyalty is unshakable. However, the Repenter still retains her confidence and her personal charm.

2.) The Scoundrel -- Viconia (Baldur’s Gate series), Yuffie (FFVII)

Opposite of the Repenter is the Scoundrel. The Scoundrel is selfish; more often not, she is also very brazen and over-confident. She only looks out for herself and/or for some quick cash. It’s also possible she has pissed off the local authorities and requires some assistance. After all that is why she joined hero’s party. She may change, but she will always still retains her devious nature. Her loyalty is questionable, though she has yet to betray the hero and the party.

- The Older/ Mature Girl -- Lulu (FFX), Jaheira (Baldur’s Gate), Quistis (FFVIII), Luca (Chrono Trigger).

The Older/ Mature Girl is usually a supporting character, typically a friend/mentor for the Good Girl or a close friend/ teacher of the hero. Sometimes she may have a crush on the hero, but are willing to step aside for the hero’s true love interest. The Older/Mature Girl tends to be more intelligent or very knowledgeable about the world. If the Good Girl is the heart and soul of an adventuring party, the Older/Mature Girl is the brain and nerve of the group. She is the one that the hero turns to when they need help or explanation. She could be counted on to come up with some idea if the group is in dire trouble. She also the most reliable one and is confident about her skills/ abilities. She knows who she is, what she has to do, and to what extant her abilities lie.

- The Younger Girl -- Rikku (FFX), Relm (FFVI)

The Younger Girl is, more often than not, the youngest of the whole group or at least younger than the hero. As a whole, they are brazen, vivacious little things with a penchant for mischief, sass, and spunk. In games, the Younger Girl tends to be a very gifted individual, a child prodigy. She is the one voice of truth in the game; hence she can pretty much get away with saying anything she wants (i.e. plot twists, unspoken feelings). The Younger Girl tends to be faster and nimbler, but like the other girls, she is weak in the physical department. It is not surprising if the Younger Girl is a capable thief or healer. If the Younger Girl is a child prodigy, she is more than likely to exhibit a skill uniquely hers.

- The Tough Girl -- Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series), Chun Li (Street Fighter series), Jennifer Mui (Mercenaries), Rayne (BloodRayne series)

The Tough Girl is usually the star of her own game or she is the few, if not the only, girl in the game. She is usually among the best of the best, if not the best. Oft times, she is weaker than the boys, but makes it up with speed and agility. The Tough Girl can also be more acrobatic and stealthier. Even if she is the strongest girl, the Tough Girl still retains her femininity; there is no mistaking her for anything other than a girl. The Tough Girl is very confident in her capabilities, even cocky. She is driven to accomplish her mission and wouldn’t mind getting a little sweaty or dirty to do so. She is the type of girl who won’t take no for an answer.