Archetypes

Source: https://vamp.bynightstudios.com/vampire/library/archetypes

Carl Jung proposed the concept of Archetypes, universally understood symbols or prototypes that are common to all cultures. Archetypes communicate truths about the world. Nearly every culture has a word for rain, or recognizes the image of a mother. In MET, selecting an Archetype allows you to easily describe your character's personality to others in the game. To help, we've provided a list of common Archetypes that you may wish to consider as you create your character. Bear in mind that the Archetypes described here are by no means a complete list. Players and Storytellers should feel free to create more, inventing a new Archetype that better describes the character in question.

Sample Archetypes

Architect – You love physical and social structures, and abhor anyone who works outside the system.
Artist – You focus on inspiration, emotion, and the creative drive. You exist for your art.
Bully – You're proud of your superiority, and everyone knows it. They'd best let you have your way.
Caregiver – You shelter the weak, tutor the ignorant, and go out of your way for others.
Child – Your understanding of human nature is naïve and unsophisticated. You have much to learn.
Competitor – You love a challenge. Victory's only worthwhile if there is a risk involved.
Con Artist – You're a swindler, a liar, and a cheat. Sometimes, it's a living — and sometimes, it's an art.
Conformist – You keep a careful eye on society and work to fit in. Whatever the group wants, you want.
Curious – You're inquisitive, even to your own detriment, and can't walk away from an unsolved puzzle.
Curmudgeon – Doubt, criticism, and scorn are your weapons. Nothing annoys you so much as trust.
Cultured – You are refined and accept only the finest. You belong with the elite.
Enigma – You're quirky, strange, and often misunderstood. You just don't relate well to others.
Fanatic – You have a cause that inspires you. Nothing is more important.
Fighter – You're used to difficulty, and you like to face it head-on. Combat is always an option.
Freak – You like to shock and disgust others, breaking down their comfortable assumptions.
Free Spirit – You're uncontrollable and unpredictable, and that's how you like it. You hate rules.
Judge – You uphold a standard of behavior; those who don't conform are punished or cast out.
Know-It-All – You're a scholar, a brain, and you like to show it. Others should admire your smarts.
Introvert – You're inwardly focused. Thoughtful, shy, and reserved, you prefer to stay quiet.
Leader – You have drive, energy, and ideas. You want to be in command.
Loner – You can't work within the system. You expect rejection and prefer to work alone.
Loose Cannon – Energetic and over-eager, you're prone to go off half-cocked.
Martyr – You prove your worth by suffering and work to gain sympathy of others.
Mediator – With a natural talent for solving disputes, you're at your best when negotiating.
Mercenary – Your loyalty can be bought and sold; you'll do anything, for the right price.
Monster – Causing horror through wickedness, cruelty, or vicious acts brings you delight.
Penitent – You must atone for a wrongdoing in your past; you constantly seek forgiveness.
Protector – Defending the things you love is the core of your existence; you hold the line.
Rationalist – Reason and logic guide you. You reject decisions based on emotion.
Royalty – You are a noble, inherently better than others, and you feel the responsibilities of your station.
Survivor – You'll do anything, no matter how debased or who you must betray, to stay alive.
Type-A Personality – Capable, but self-critical, you demand perfection from yourself and others.
Teacher – You delight in educating others and expect to be seen as an authority in your field.
Traditionalist – You adhere to rote and routine, preferring the predictable over anything new.
Troublemaker – You love to fight authority, inciting rebellion and encouraging defiance.
Toady – You attach yourself to powerful personalities and siphon advantage from their victories.
Trickster – You're a deceiver, a mischievous figure, and you prefer to win through cunning.
Unflappable – You're always calm and cool whether facing difficulties or experiencing victory.
Untrustworthy – Everyone's out for themselves in the end. Why hide it?

System Rules

Each Archetype summarizes a type of character or personality, offering a basic impression of the character. Is your character a Con Artist, or is she more of a Loner? By choosing an Archetype, you tell the Storyteller (and other players) what they should expect to see in this character's roleplay. It doesn't mean that your Con Artist can't occasionally tell the truth; the Archetype only implies the character's most important, and most prevalent, qualities.

Once per hour, when you are performing an action (or resisting an action) that exemplifies your Archetype, you receive a free Willpower retest. This retest doesn't cost you a Willpower point, but it takes the place of your normal Willpower retest. You cannot use both Archetype and Willpower to retest on the same test.

Source Book: MET - VTM - Core Book