45 Master Characters (21 page)

What Motivates the Businessman?

His biggest motivators are self-esteem and self-respect. He wants to be looked up to and recognized for his efforts, but at the same time he's not looking to stand apart from the team. He would never want to be the sole responsible person for the company.

Competition can goad him into trying new things. Any chance to use his mental skills always grabs his attention.

Success is another motivator. He'll do anything to move up the corporate ladder.

How Do Other Characters See the Businessman?

Some see him as phony as he seems to talk to only those who can help his company or further his career. He doesn't care what they think. Success is more important than friendships. Friendships won't pay for his retirement.

He's a sharp dresser but not much more than his fellow workers. Sometimes he'll wear a colorful tie that stands out, but that's as far as he'll go in being different. He wants to project the right image.

He has no passion or love for life and seems devoid of compassion at times. No one knows what he's thinking behind his solid eyes.

In mystery stories, detectives display Businessman characteristics, such as a reliance on logic and a need for order.

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 him. What does he need to learn to help him overcome his fear? Does he need to learn how to be alone and happy with it? Does he need to connect emotionally with his family? Did his wife die and he needs to care for the kids? Did he get passed over for a promotion and his career is failing?

Very often the Businessman needs to learn how to let go of his inhibitions and goals. He needs to learn humility and compassion for others. He needs to get in touch with his emotions and find the ability to relate to others as a person and not a figurehead.

What happened to him at an early age to make this archetype dominate his personality? Did his parents make him do well in school, pushing him to succeed? Did he see his father humiliated? Did his parents lose everything because they weren't focused and dedicated to their jobs? Was he picked on for being uncoordinated and now overcompensates with mental ability?

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

The Artist —
can teach him to get in touch with the feminine qualities of love and emotions.

The Seducer —
can teach him how to let go of the consequences of his actions and have some fun in life.

The Mystic —
can teach him how to be a spiritual person and how to be by himself without a lot of work and activities to numb his mind. This quiet time may bring up memories and feelings that he is trying to suppress through his workaholic lifestyle.

The Gorgon —
can humiliate him and teach him to be humble. She can turn his life upside down causing chaos and uncertainty.

Assets:

• Likes blending into the team at work.
  

• Is concerned about his image at work and is a neat dresser.
  

• Has a strong will to get things done.
  

• Is a logical and strategic thinker and can be a great analyst, detective and teacher.
  

• Thrives on order.
  

• Finds work and new ideas to be his only passions.
  

• Can be loyal and trustworthy.
  

• Loves to help others when he can use his expertise.