The Waif Character Archetype
Innocent, Naïve, and Always Needs Saving
This character archetype is perfect for children’s stories. Many children can relate to feeling overburdened and put-upon by the adults in their lives. Hence, the popularity of stories with an underdog that ends up on top.
The waif strikes a chord with readers of all ages because she resonates with the sense of vulnerability that everyone feels from time to time. Her kind nature attracts predators who seek out the weak to their own advantage.
She is mistreated by the selfish and greedy people in the world. Yet, the waif never retaliates or fights back against her oppressors. Rather, she peacefully waits until someone or some event saves her. Since she is so kind and gentle, someone who sees her plight always comes to her rescue.
Examples of the Waif Character Archetype
Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Snow White are classic fairy tale examples of waifs. Once their princes saved them, they lived happily ever after. Jane Eyre of the novel by the same name is another classic example of a waif saved by the man she loved, Mr. Rochester.
Darryl Hannah was a waif as the mermaid in Splash, dependent on Tom Hanks to save her. Jennifer Lopez is also the waif, playing the role of the maid in Maid in Manhattan.
How Waifs are Created
She may have become a waif by being privileged and spoiled, never having to make a decision. Alternatively, she may have grown up disadvantaged and poor, powerless to evoke positive changes in her own life. Either way, she has learned not to take action but to wait for her savior.
She floats through life, always bending to the whim and desire of those around her. She does what her parents want, what her teachers, friends, and relatives expect. By doing what everyone else wants of her, being what they want her to be, she never realizes her own potential and never finds out how to do the things that are most meaningful to her personally.
Roles for Waifs
The waif is not used often in modern novels, because women are expected to be independent and self-sufficient. She is the opposite, dependent and submissive. She can be an effective archetype for comedies or chick lit.
Jobs for a waif would not include management or upper level work. Instead, they will be jobs where she takes orders and follows directions, such as an office clerk, servant in a rich household, clothing designer’s assistant, or an assistant to some other type of professional.
Her job is not a career, but merely a sideline while she waits for Mr. Right to come into her life, sweeping her off her feet and promising to love and support her forever. She may have a long wait.
Portrait Petals
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Writing & Publishing
Latest Articles