45 Master Characters (19 page)

Freedom to be herself is the most valued thing in her life. She has to express herself and her desires, but at the same time she has to please others enough so they don't write her out of the will, so to speak.

She enjoys being different, special, talked about. She loves to do outrageous things. She loves Lucy Ricardo.

How Do Other Characters See the Maiden?

Women see her as young, inexperienced and aloof. Men see her as sexy and childlike, a woman they can control and rescue. She seems to attract dominating men.

In Arthurian legend, the chivalrous Lancelot rescues his love Guinevere (a Maiden) from the evil knight Meligrance. (The abduction of Guinevere mirrors Persephone's abduction by Hades in Greek mythology.)

A lot of men say they're attracted to her innocence and want to take care of her, but they can become overprotective and bossy. They just like her because she makes them feel young.

She wears girlish clothing sometimes, and alluring and sexy clothing other times.

Developing the Character Arc

Look at your character's main goal in the story and then at the fears you've selected to use against her. What can she learn to help her overcome her fear? Does she need to learn how to take care of herself? Does she need to find her spiritual side? Does she need to transcend her desire to be around people and at parties all the time?

Very often the Maiden needs to be forced to stand on her own two feet. She needs to support herself and make commitments. She needs to gain faith in her abilities and see strength in her character. She needs to be aware of the harshness of life and take off her rose-colored glasses.

She can be a very strong person who gives openly to others, guiding them through pain and hardships. She needs to see this gift she has within herself. She is very innocent and pure at heart if she'll only turn her gaze inward and see herself for who she really is.

What happened to her at an early age to make this archetype dominate her personality? Was she spoiled? Did her parents hide all problems and pain from her? Did an older sibling do everything for her? Did she have a learning disorder and was treated as special?

To grow, this archetype is best paired with one of the following:

The Woman's Man —
can show her the strength that lies inside her and can help her understand and accept her sensitivities and spiritual gifts.

Little Red Riding Hood is an example of the Maiden archetype — her eyes are closed to the dangers of the Big Bad Wolf.

The Warlock —
would abduct her in some way, waking her up and taking her out of the protected little world she has made for herself.

The Amazon —
would teach her how to care for herself and to be strong. She can show her how to accept her own power and sensitivity as a positive thing. She can also drag her out of her protected world.

The Overcontrolling Mother —
can be so overbearing and controlling that she pushes the Maiden out of the house where she then learns to fend for herself.

Assets:

• Loves to play and go to parties.
  

• Is close to her mother or otherwise distraught if she isn't.
  

• Switches friends and interests often; she loves variety.
  

• Doesn't have plans for her future beyond Saturday night.
  

• Seems very innocent and gentle.
  

• Can be a wonderful listener.
  

• Can help people through trauma.
  

• Can be sensitive and psychic.