Craft Inspiration Screenwriting 101
Discover which character archetypes are commonly found within film noir...
by Ken Miyamotoon June 17, 2024
Character archetypes exist for a reason: audiences are familiar with them. Whether they come from cinematic stories on the big screen or the small screen, literature, or the stage, character archetypes are universal templates that help drive the story, plot, and overall narrative in any genre—including film noir. When it comes to familiar character archetypes found within certain genres of stories, they can easily become overly familiar tropes. However, the best stories use those archetypes to subvert the audience's expectations. With that in mind, here we briefly explore 10 character archetypes found in film noir movies. But before we do that, what the heck is film noir? Film noir, a term swirling with debate among scholars, cinephiles, and critics, encapsulates a cinematic paradox—neither strictly a subgenre, style or mere academic label. Its nuanced definition sparks endless debate, often leading to disagreements on whether films—both classic and contemporary (neo-noir)—fit under its expansive umbrella. The essence of film noir is imbued with a visual style defined by stark lighting contrasts and deep shadows, often portraying night scenes that enhance its gloomy atmosphere. These settings serve as backdrops for stories steeped in pessimism and fatalism, where protagonists navigate a world filled with moral ambiguity. Film noir’s core elements are crime, investigation, and physical/psychological violence. This cinematic style, born out of post-World War II Hollywood, continues to influence modern filmmaking, maintaining its relevance and proving its enduring appeal in exploring the darker sides of human nature and urban existence. Read More: What Is Film Noir? Film noir and neo-noir genres, celebrated for their intricate plots, moral ambiguity, and distinctive visual style, offer a rich canvas for a variety of enduring character archetypes. Each of these characters brings depth and intrigue to the narrative, often driving the complex storylines typical of the genres. Here, we explore several key archetypes, their roles within these stories, and the typical arcs they undergo. The hard-boiled detective is perhaps the most iconic figure in film noir. This archetype is characterized by cynicism and toughness. They usually find themselves navigating a morally corrupt world and are often portrayed as deeply flawed yet fundamentally moral. The detective starts as a jaded individual, disenchanted with the world. However, the detective is always compelled to find the truth about any mystery—or behind the metaphorical mask of any deceitful character. The detective's journey often leads to personal revelations and, occasionally, a slight softening of the detective's hard edges through encounters that test their moral compass. Examples: 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941) The femme fatale is central to many film noir narratives, especially in the key entries of the subgenre from the late 1940s through the late 1950s. The traditional femme fatale used her charm and mystery to manipulate others. She was smart, alluring, and dangerous, often hiding her true intentions. She usually started as a mysterious and seductive figure, eventually revealed to be manipulating events for her benefit—and her character arc often ended tragically, symbolizing the fatal consequences of unchecked ambition and deception. Due to the welcome shift in how women are portrayed in contemporary cinema, the femme fatale has fallen off the cinematic map a bit, although versions of them still appear in contemporary neo-noir films. Examples: 'Basic Instinct' (1994) This archetype represents the perversion of authority—police officers, politicians, or businessmen corrupted by power and greed. They often act as antagonists or formidable obstacles to the protagonist, typically experiencing a rise in power and influence, followed by a dramatic fall. This arc underscores the theme of corruption inherent in film noir, highlighting the destructive nature of greed. Examples: 'Touch of Evil' (1958) Often caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, the innocent bystander provides a contrast to the moral ambiguity of other characters. They are the every-man or every-woman who suffers because of the machinations of others. Their character arc usually involves a transformation from naivete to a more hardened, realistic view of the world, usually because of the betrayal or violence they witness or endure. Examples: 'The Man Who Wasn't There' (2001) The fallen hero starts with noble intentions but is gradually worn down by the harsh realities that film noir stories reside in. They typically begin with a strong moral purpose but encounter circ*mstances or make decisions that lead to their moral decline. This character reflects the disillusionment with traditional values seen in film noir, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral compromise. Examples: 'Force of Evil' (1948) Blurring the lines between protagonist and antagonist, the anti-hero engages in questionable behaviors, but for purposes that could be justified. They are complex and deeply flawed, usually starting with dubious morals but evolving into someone who makes significant sacrifices for the greater good, offering redemption or at least some semblance of justice. Examples: 'Collateral' (2004) The powerful millionaire or politician wields significant influence and power. They are usually revealed as the puppet masters behind major plot developments and typically face exposure and downfall. While other archetypes are considered antagonists to the protagonist of the story, these are the types of characters that are truly the villains by the end of the story. Examples: 'Far From Heaven' (2002) Gangsters embody the criminal underworld elements. Their unethical ambitions and violent methods contribute to the darker aspects of the narrative. You’ll usually see these characters rise to power quickly, followed by a dramatic and violent decline. As supporting characters, they typically do not undergo major character arcs but serve their purpose by providing the protagonist with multiple conflicts to navigate on their journey. Examples: 'Pulp Fiction' (1994) A cold, efficient character whose lethal skills drive critical plot twists. They may grapple with issues of identity, morality, or existential dread, sometimes (but not always) seeking redemption. The hired killer may hide within the shadows of the film noir urban landscape, or they may be front and center either as the central thug for the powerful villain or, sometimes, as the anti-hero protagonist of the story. Examples: 'The French Connection' (1971) The dirty cop archetype represents the moral decay within the police force, using their position for personal gain. Their character arc usually unravels as their corrupt actions catch up to them. The dirty cop can be a supporting character who hinders the protagonist, one who helps the protagonist despite their moral issues or can be the actual protagonist dealing with their demons. Examples: 'Training Day' (2001) --- These are the types of characters that inhabit a film noir story. You can mix and match. You can leave out some and focus on others. Each archetype can be used as a protagonist, antagonist, villain, anti-heroe, anti-villain, and supporting character. Use these general definitions to serve your film noir story or to subvert the expectations of the audience who is used to the common tropes of film noir. Read More: How To Avoid Stereotypes and Embrace Archetypes Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures. He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout, starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed, and many Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies and Instagram @KenMovies76Understanding Film Noir
10 Character Archetypes Found in Film Noir
1. The Hard-Boiled Detective
2. The Femme Fatale
3. The Corrupt Official
4. The Innocent Bystander
5. The Fallen Hero
6. The Anti-Hero
7. Powerful Millionaire or Politician
8. Gangsters
9. Hired Killer
10. Dirty Cop
CHECK OUT OUR PREPARATION NOTES SO YOU START YOUR STORY OFF ON THE RIGHT TRACK!
Tags
Archetypes, character archetypes, film genre, film noir, genre, screenwriting advice
Get Our Screenwriting Newsletter!
Get weekly writing inspiration delivered to your inbox - including industry news, popular articles, and more!
