The Explorer Archetype [In-Depth Guide With 7+ Examples]
Key Takeaways on the Explorer Archetype
Wondering exactly what is the Explorer Archetype in storytelling?
If you’re writing any kind of adventure, sci-fi or fantasy story, you might want to consider including an explorer character in your story!
When I was writing my novel, Iron Dogs, I included an explorer character in the form of Ivan, the Russian trapper and scout of the infamous Hollister Gang. So little is known of this so-called “wild-man”, that rumors abound about everything from his origins to his diet. But true to form, Ivan isn’t one to be tied down in a single place too long, and his greatest desire is to get back on the road (or better yet, where there are no roads).
To help you write your own explorer, this article will go over the characteristics of the explorer archetype character, their strengths and weaknesses, and what their motivations are in a story. We’ll end with discussing lots of great examples of explorer characters from movies and books that you’ll recognize.
Let’s get started!
What Is The Explorer Archetype?
The Explorer is a character in a story who craves adventure, new experiences, and personal freedom. They often find it hard to stay in one place for long and are willing to take risks to satisfy their thirst for exploration.
Their strengths are their independence and bravery, along with the freedom and skill to be self-sufficient and nonconformist. The drawbacks to such a strong desire for freedom are a self indulgent personality, coupled often with aimlessness and alienation of those around them.
They’re motivated by a powerful craving for new experiences in order to live a better, more fulfilling, and more authentic life. They crave the freedom to find out who they are by exploring the world.
No matter the cost, their desire is “To boldy go.”
Love learning about character archetypes for your stories?
Learn more about the classic Jungian archetypes, including tons of great examples from movies and books: the sage, the hero, the caregiver, the magician, the lover, the jester, the explorer, the ruler, the creator, the innocent, the outlaw and the everyman (everyperson).
There are also tons of more niche archetypes for your story characters, such as these: the monster archetype, the villain archetype and the friendly beast archetype.
Explorer Archetype Characteristics
The Explorer seeks adventure, unable to stay confined to one setting for long. They crave new experiences and personal freedom, but not necessarily a desire to challenge authority. Easy to bore and feel trapped, they push boundaries and take risks to get what they want.
Here are a few of the most common characteristics of the Explorer character:
They Seek Adventure: The Explorer is driven by a strong desire for adventure and new experiences.
They Avoid Confinement: They have difficulty staying in one place for an extended period and feel confined by routine.
Craves Personal Freedom: The Explorer values personal freedom and independence.
Risk-Taker: They are willing to take risks and push boundaries to pursue their desires.
Nonconformist: Often, they don’t conform to societal norms or authority figures.
Easily Bored: Explorers can quickly become bored with monotony and seek novelty.
Quest for Authenticity: They are on a journey to discover their true selves and live authentically.
Pushes Limits: They push their own limits and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Motivated by Curiosity: Curiosity is a driving force, leading them to explore the unknown.
Freedom to Choose: They want the freedom to make their own choices and follow their passions.
Embraces Change: The Explorer is comfortable with change and adapts easily to new circumstances.
Explorer archetype characters are adventurers and seekers of personal fulfillment in their stories.
Strengths of the Explorer
Brave: Explorers exhibit courage in the face of the unknown. They willingly take on new challenges and risks.
Self-Sufficient: They possess the ability to be self-reliant in most situations. They find ways to make the most of available resources in unfamiliar situations.
Nonconformist: Explorers often challenge established norms and authority, leading to unique perspectives and solutions.
Determined: Their determination and persistence help them overcome obstacles on their journeys.
Take Charge: Though they crave freedom, their personality is such that they often end up leading the pack. They can come up with ideas and creative solutions others often don’t, thanks to their unique spirit.
Weaknesses of the Explorer
Self-Indulgent: Explorers may become overly focused on their own desires and experiences, sometimes at the expense of others’ needs.
Aimless: Their pursuit of new experiences may lead to a lack of direction or clear goals, making them appear unfocused.
Alienated: Their nonconformist nature and lack of community can sometimes isolate them from others who don’t share their adventurous spirit.
Impulsive: Explorers may act hastily, making decisions without fully considering the consequences.
Reckless: In their quest for adventure, they may disregard safety precautions or make reckless decisions.
Motivation of the Explorer Archetype
The Explorer archetype’s main drive is an unending thirst for new experiences. They want a more authentic and fulfilling life, and they aim for personal growth and freedom.
Their motivations include:
New Experiences: Explorers are naturally curious and always seek new adventures. This could mean exploring uncharted territories, trying new things, or meeting new people.
Fulfillment: They believe that pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown brings deep satisfaction.
Authenticity: By stepping out of their comfort zones, they hope to discover their true selves.
Freedom: Above all, they desire freedom in making choices that align with their inner desires. They reject constraints that others try to put on them.
In stories, these motivations lead Explorers to daring journeys – and they remind us that life’s richest experiences often lie beyond the familiar.
Examples of the Explorer Archetype
Now, let’s take a look at some famous Explorer archetype examples.
1. Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones Series)
Indiana Jones is famous for his love of adventure! Here’s how he exemplifies the explorer archetype:
Explorer: Indiana Jones is always on the hunt for ancient treasures all over the world. This embodies the explorer’s drive for discovery.
Global Adventures: He travels worldwide, from dense jungles to mysterious temples.
Bravery and Curiosity: He’s willing to face any danger and he displays endless curiosity about history and the world around him.
2. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
Lara Croft embarks on daring expeditions to uncover hidden treasures and solve mysteries.
Intrepid Archaeologist: Lara Croft goes on daring quests to find hidden treasures and solve ancient mysteries.
Relentless Pursuit: She’s driven to discover ancient artifacts and historical secrets. This leads her to explore distant locations around the world.
Smart and Strong: Lara’s not just physically tough – she’s also adept at archaeology and languages, pushing her into new adventures.
Problem-Solver: Lara’s quick thinking and skill at solving puzzles and dodging traps show off her smarts and independent spirit.
3. Alice (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
Alice’s curiosity leads her to a whimsical and bizarre world, where she explores the unknown with an open mind.
Curious Explorer: Alice’s adventure starts with her strong curiosity, taking her into the whimsical world of Wonderland.
Brave: Faced with Wonderland’s odd creatures and surreal landscapes, Alice shows great bravery and keeps her cool through all her challenges.
Independent: Though she’s relentlessly persuaded, coerced and even bullied into taking on certain views, her personality demands that she find her own meaning in her journey.
4. James T. Kirk (Star Trek)
Captain Kirk’s role as the leader of the starship Enterprise takes him on a journey through space to explore new worlds and civilizations.
Space Explorer: Captain Kirk leads the Enterprise on exciting space missions to uncover not just new worlds, but new ideas and viewpoints as well.
Brave Leader: He shows fierce courage and leadership when facing dangers, both known and unknown.
Discovering the Unknown: Rather than aimless wandering, Kirk’s path takes him to uncharted galaxies, driven by his passion to map the cosmos and uncover its secrets.
5. Moana (Moana)
Moana’s core desire to explore beyond her island’s reef leads her on a quest across the ocean to save her people.
Island Explorer: Moana is eager to see what’s beyond her immediate world. She’s inspired by her curiosity and dreams of a fulfilling life through adventure.
Honoring Her Roots: She wants to sail the seas like her ancestors did, connecting with her culture’s history of exploration.
Brave Mission: Moana is on a quest to save her people from starvation.
6. Benjamin Gates (National Treasure)
Benjamin’s life is dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the Freemasons who founded the United States.
Quest for the Unknown: Benjamin Gates is driven by the desire to uncover hidden historical secrets and treasures.
Use of Intellect and Knowledge: He relies on his deep understanding of history and puzzles to navigate his quests.
Adaptable and Resourceful: He’s able to adapt to changing situations and come up with creative solutions.
Sense of Adventure: His willingness to face danger and embark on risky missions reflects the explorer archetype’s love for adventure and thrill-seeking.
7. Wendy Darling (Peter Pan)
Wendy’s longing for adventure takes her to Neverland, where she joins Peter Pan and his Lost Boys on exciting escapades.
Self-Discovery: Hesitant to grow up, Wendy embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Neverland.
Fresh Perspectives: Unlike the Lost Boys and her brothers, she brings a unique outlook to the group, able to look at the world though a different lens.
Fearless: Though facing tremendous danger, Wendy takes on a leadership role, discovering her true nature at last.
Other notable examples of the Explorer Archetype include Robinson Crusoe, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Percy Fawcett in The Lost City of Z, Tintin in The Adventures of Tintin, Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon, Mowgli in The Jungle Book, Evelyn O’Connell in The Mummy and Tadashi Hamada in Big Hero 6.
My Concluding Thoughts
The Explorer archetype is one that tends to resonate with any audience, as each of us dreams of unrestricted freedom at some point in our lives.
The wonderful thing about this archetype is that we can live vicariously through them, experiencing what it means to be free, while sometimes also learning about the price of that freedom.
Now, the explorer archetype is just one of many character archetypes. Others include the sage, the lover, the hero, the innocent and the jester. If you’re struggling to create your characters, check out my story development coaching services. I love working 1:1 with writers to help them write the best plots, characters and stories that they can!
