Learn all about the stock character of the Chosen One, including personality traits and examples.
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Chosen One Stock Character
The “Chosen One” stock character is a popular trope in storytelling, often appearing in literature, movies, and television shows.
This archetype revolves around a protagonist who is destined for greatness, chosen by fate or some higher power to fulfill a specific purpose or save the world.
The Chosen One is typically an ordinary individual who discovers their extraordinary abilities and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and heroism.
One of the key elements of the Chosen One narrative is the sense of destiny and inevitability surrounding the character.
They are often faced with challenges and obstacles that test their resolve and push them to their limits.
Whether it’s overcoming personal doubts or battling formidable enemies, the Chosen One must rise above adversity to fulfill their potential.
The allure of the Chosen One character lies in its ability to tap into universal themes such as courage, perseverance, and self-belief.
It allows audiences to imagine themselves as special individuals capable of making a difference in the world.
However, this archetype can also be seen as formulaic at times, leading some storytellers to subvert expectations or explore alternative narratives that challenge traditional notions of heroism.
What is the Chosen One Stock Character?
The “Chosen One” stock character is a well-worn but still captivating narrative concept that permeates various forms of storytelling.
This character archetype is often a person singled out by destiny or prophecy to play a crucial role in a grand narrative, frequently saving the world.
They are typically distinguished by unique skills or abilities that set them apart from their peers.
A linchpin to this archetype is the theme of destiny and prophecy.
Whether it’s through the vehicle of ancient prophecies, divine communication, or enigmatic visions, the journey of the Chosen One is preordained, intertwined with the fate of their world.
Complementing their prophesied role, the Chosen One often possesses unusual skills or abilities.
These can range from superhuman physical prowess, inherent magical capabilities, supreme intelligence, or an uncanny mastery of martial arts.
Their gifts mark them as extraordinary, providing them with the tools to fulfill their fate.
A narrative element often seen with the Chosen One character is the Hero’s Journey.
From humble beginnings as an ordinary person, they are thrust into their true identity and an epic quest to realize their destiny.
This journey is laden with challenges and conflicts, the formation of alliances, encounters with foes, and a transformation in their character and capabilities.
Despite their supernatural prowess, the Chosen One characters often struggle internally.
They wrestle with doubts, fears, and insecurities about their ordained roles as world saviors, which provides depth to their characters and makes them relatable despite their extraordinary circumstances.
Their destiny as the Chosen One also imparts a tremendous weight of responsibility.
The fate of whole civilizations may hinge on their decisions and actions.
This enormous burden adds a layer of tension and urgency as they grapple with moral dilemmas, make hard choices, and face personal sacrifices for the collective good.
On a broader scale, the Chosen One often stands as a symbol embodying larger thematic or archetypal concepts.
They may represent hope, resilience, or the triumph of good over evil, resonating with audiences by exploring universal themes of destiny, purpose, and the potential within each individual to rise above adversity.
Further related reading: What is the Hero/Heroine Personality Type?
8 Characteristics of the Chosen One
When it comes to the Chosen One stock character, there are several key characteristics that define this iconic archetype.
From their special abilities to their destined role in the story, these traits make the Chosen One a compelling and powerful figure.
Here are some essential characteristics of the Chosen One:
1. Extraordinary Abilities
The Chosen One possesses unique and often supernatural abilities that set them apart from others. Whether it’s super strength, magical powers, or exceptional intelligence, these gifts contribute to their journey and ultimate purpose.
2. Prophecy or Destiny
A prominent characteristic of the Chosen One is being foretold by a prophecy or having an undeniable destiny. This predestined path guides their actions and sets them on a course that will shape the world around them.
3. Sense of Purpose
The Chosen One has a strong sense of purpose and responsibility towards fulfilling their role. This unwavering determination drives them forward despite facing numerous challenges along the way.
4. Underdog Status
Often starting from humble beginnings or faced with adversity, the Chosen One may initially be underestimated or overlooked by others. However, they possess inner strength and resilience that enables them to overcome obstacles and prove themselves worthy of their chosen status.
5. Mentorship
The presence of a mentor figure is common in stories featuring the Chosen One archetype. This wise guide provides guidance, training, and support as they help shape the hero’s journey towards embracing their destiny.
6. Struggle with Identity
The weight of being chosen can lead to an internal struggle for identity and self-discovery. The Chosen One must navigate between who they were before receiving this calling and who they are destined to become.
7. Sacrifice
In many cases, fulfilling one’s destiny as the Chosen One requires great sacrifices for the greater good. These sacrifices can range from personal relationships to putting their own life on the line to protect others.
8. Transformation
As they progress through their journey, the Chosen One undergoes significant character development and transformation. They evolve both emotionally and spiritually, embracing their true potential while staying true to their values.
The Chosen One stock character is a timeless archetype that resonates with audiences across cultures and generations.
Their extraordinary abilities, sense of purpose, and transformative journey make them captivating figures in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling.
Keep these characteristics in mind as you explore stories featuring the Chosen One archetype and discover how these heroes rise above adversity to fulfill their destinies.
Chosen One Examples
In the realm of storytelling, the “Chosen One” archetype has captivated audiences for decades.
These characters are destined for greatness, selected by fate or prophecy to fulfill a crucial role in their respective worlds.
Here are some notable examples of the Chosen One stock character:
- Neo (The Matrix Trilogy)
Known as “The One,” Neo is prophesied to end the war between humans and machines and bring peace to both realms. His journey from an ordinary individual to a powerful savior resonates with audiences as he navigates through the complex and simulated reality of The Matrix.
- Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy)
Frodo, a humble hobbit from The Shire, is chosen to bear the burden of carrying the One Ring to Mount Doom. His quest becomes pivotal in saving Middle-earth from falling into darkness and destruction. Despite his vulnerability, Frodo’s determination and resilience inspire others around him.
- Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
As the Slayer, Buffy is thrust into a world where she must battle vampires, demons, and other supernatural creatures. Chosen by fate itself, her unique abilities allow her to protect humanity from evil forces that threaten its existence. Buffy’s courage and wit make her an iconic example of a modern-day Chosen One.
- Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Aang is born as the Avatar—a being capable of mastering all four elements: air, water, earth, and fire. As chaos looms over his war-torn world, Aang embarks on a journey to restore balance and harmony among nations. His role as the bridge between spirits and humans adds depth to his character’s significance.
- Harry Potter (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
Known as “The Boy Who Lived,” Harry Potter faces numerous trials as he confronts Lord Voldemort—the dark wizard responsible for his parent’s death. Prophesied to have the power to vanquish Voldemort, Harry’s journey is marked by self-discovery, friendship, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.
- Rand al’Thor (The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan)
As the Dragon Reborn, Rand is destined to either save or destroy the world in a battle against the Dark One. Throughout his epic saga, he grapples with immense power and struggles to embrace his true destiny while navigating political intrigue and ancient prophecies.
- Link (The Legend of Zelda series)
In various iterations of The Legend of Zelda series, Link emerges as the chosen hero tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and saving the kingdom of Hyrule from the clutches of Ganon—a recurring embodiment of evil. Armed with courage and wielding legendary weapons, Link embarks on quests that test his mettle and determination.
- The Dragonborn (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players assume the role of the Dragonborn—an individual blessed with dragon blood and destined to defeat Alduin, an ancient dragon prophesied to consume the world. As they navigate a vast open-world filled with monsters and treacherous factions, players uncover their true identity as they fulfill their heroic destiny.
These examples showcase different interpretations of Chosen One characters across various mediums.
They remind us that even ordinary individuals can rise above their circumstances when fate calls upon them to be extraordinary.
