45 Master Characters (16 page)
She hates being in the spotlight and stays as far away from competition as possible. She doesn't like to see someone else lose on her account. She feels everyone should be honored for his or her efforts.
What Motivates the Mystic?
The aesthetic need for balance — a sense of order in life, a sense of being connected with something greater than herself — is what drives her. She has a spiritual need to connect or create. She knows she's not alone on earth and sometimes senses the life forces around her.
The reward of being left alone, having free time and obtaining security are great motivators. She'll do anything to sustain a quiet and calm home life. She'd rather fix her own faucet than call a plumber.
The plight of others can sometimes motivate her into action and to taking up a cause. She believes everyone has their own karma to bear.
How Do Other Characters See the Mystic?
Others see her as quiet, calm, unhurried and definitely not a multitasker.
She has great patience and often listens to other people's problems for hours at a time even if they're not quick to return the favor. Some may see her as a pushover or a gullible woman, but beneath the surface is an understanding woman with wisdom to share. A lot goes on behind her eyes, but most people don't realize it.
She usually wears clothes for simple comfort, not to stay with trends. She likes wearing thrift store clothing that shows her unique earthy style and frugal sense of recycling.
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 overcome her fear? Does she need to learn how to stand up for herself? Does she need to speak in public in order to save her home? Does she want to get married but is afraid of commitment?
Very often a Mystic needs to learn to be assertive or her needs aren't met. She needs to go out into the world and experience life. She needs to learn that to be in love doesn't mean she has to lose her identity, which is why she stays away from commitment. She also needs to realize that there are other Mystics out there and she doesn't have to be alone. Like Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) in
Friends
she can be herself regardless of what others think. She needs to find and express her free spirit.
What happened to her at an early age to make this archetype dominate her personality? Was she abused, pushing her into her own world? Did she see so much pain she opted out of ordinary life? Was she encouraged to be psychic? Was her mother interested in the paranormal?
To grow, this archetype is best paired with one of the following:
The Gladiator —
can teach her about feeling and expressing intense emotions.
The Seducer or Seductive Muse —
can teach her about sexuality and loosening up her shy, quiet nature.
Messiah —
can push her further into the spirit realms, giving her a chance to act out her convictions.
Assets:
Loves to be alone most of the time.
Tries to keep the peace no matter the cost.
Values her home life and solitude.
Works carefully and slowly on one task at a time as if there's more than enough time.
Is able to resist others who try to manipulate her.
Takes part in a spiritual life.
May be into the occult.
Lives without material desires and expensive possessions.
May be a vegetarian.
Is into recycling and saving the earth.
Doesn't care if others see her as eccentric or spacey.
Flaws:
Doesn't know how to have fun with others.
Lives in isolation even if others are around.
Is shy and somewhat timid at times.
Needs to learn assertiveness.
Lives in her head too much.
Doesn't really want to be “here” and may dream of other planets or dimensions.
As a villain, the Mystic is the nice old lady who secretly poisons her husband. She can use her quiet nice nature to disguise her dark side so well no one would ever guess she was capable of doing anything wrong. Her sunny disposition can mask a monster lurking beneath the surface.