Otome Character Archetypes

[Chudah]

Although most otome characters are comprised of more than one character archetype, these are the most common general character traits found in obtainable otome game characters. Take note that not all are personality traits, some are physical characteristics and how the character is related to the main character, which would entail a little more crossover of traits.

Feel free to comment or make suggestions to the list. I tried to include the most commonly known archetypes, but should I have missed one or made any glaring errors in my descriptions, let me know.

Note: MC = Main Character

Childhood Friend

The childhood friend has had a close relationship with the MC sometimes from as early as birth. This character is quite often an older, big-brother figure who’s protected the MC for as long as she can remember. The MC and childhood friend may have unconfessed feelings for each other which become apparent as they grow romantically close as teenagers/adults.

The Flirt

A staple of almost every otome game, the flirt wastes no time in putting the moves on the MC, often making forward comments to her from the get go. Despite his overly flirtatious demeanor, slightly lewd banter, and annoying determination to get into the MC's pants, he is often, but not always, inexperienced in love, although he fervently claims otherwise. If she's able to see past his embarrassingly cliché courting gestures, however, the MC may just find a perfectly charming, honest, down-to-earth keeper beneath it all.

The Genki Guy

Normally associated with female characters, the genki guy is quite common in otome games. Almost always a redhead, the genki guy is boisterous, playful, and super upbeat. Ever the optimist, he tends to be there to cheer up the MC when she needs it most. He usually has some tragically dark or traumatic past, which he'll reveal to the MC as they grow closer emotionally, but that doesn't change his cheerful attitude as their relationship develops.

Kuudere

The kuudere (derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word “cool” and Japanese “deredere” which means to become lovey-dovey) is a character who is calm and collected, sometimes coming off as cold-hearted and indifferent, and is often non-communicative. Deep down, however, he hides an affection for the MC. Unlike the very similar tsundere character type, kuuderes will never lose their “cool”, nor moodswing from cold to hot (and vice versa), but will typically turn from cold and quiet to caring and loving.

Megane

Megane is the Japanese word for "eyeglasses." As a character type, it generally refers to an attractive guy in glasses. There are several sub-categories of megane, many of which encompass traits from the other character types. However, megane characters are typically cool, stoic, soft-spoken, studious and sometimes a little geeky.

Oresama

Oresama is an overly self-confident way of saying "me" in Japanese. This character type is almost always narcissistic, usually stemming from being either exceptionally wealthy or talented in some way. However, once the MC is able to penetrate the oresama's arrogant exterior, she often discovers secret fears and insecurities hidden behind his bombastic displays of self-worth. Once smitten, the oresama will soften his demeanor towards the MC, especially behind closed doors, but may never completely lose his arrogant attitude towards her or his rival suitors.

The Playboy

The playboy, as the name suggests, enjoys playing with the ladies. The playboy is usually incredibly handsome and suave, and may sometimes be surrounded by jealous women and fangirls. He is known to go from woman to woman, never settling down as long as there is a beautiful girl ready and willing to receive his attention. However, once the playboy has set his eyes upon the MC, his interest in all things female serves as a point of contention and jealousy in the relationship. This often plays upon the MC's feelings of insecurity and unworthiness. Despite his philandering ways, once his heart has been successfully won over, he is devoted beyond compare, though his eye may still wander from time to time.

Shota

The shota is a younger male character, usually a boy of questionable age, who often, but not always, displays a child-like innocence and naivete. The romantic relationship between a shota and the MC is often more "pure" than that of his older male counterparts, and at times may resemble a mother's love for her child. Typically, the shota suffers from some traumatic event in his life, of which the MC's love serves to heal, making him whole again.

Tsundere

Tsundere (derived from the Japanese terms "tsun tsun," meaning to turn away in disgust, and "dere dere" meaning to become lovey dovey) is a character who is initially cold and sometimes even hostile to the MC, but gradually warms up to her over time. The tsundere will typically moodswing between hot and cold at the slightest provocation, often frustrating the MC's attempts at getting closer to him. However, once the MC is able to penetrate his emotional barricade, inside she'll find a warm, loving, sentimental heart and devoted soulmate.

Yandere

The most controversial character type, the yandere (loosely translated as lovesick) is dangerously obsessed with the MC, usually unbeknownst to the her until she's entered far enough into the relationship to reveal his true colors. The yandere desires to completely possess the MC physically, emotionally, and mentally, and views this overwhelming possessiveness as the ultimate devotion and love. Unlike his female counterparts, he is not usually physically abusive, but at times may be forceful in his affections; mostly forced kisses, but he may occasionally cross more controversial boundaries. His exceeding jealousy of all other male characters may lead to her mental abuse as he attempts to control every aspect of her life. Generally, once the MC helps the yandere work through his obsession and sees the intense love driving it, they move on to a happy ending (although the bad ends can be quite interesting, to say the least).

[Arcos Of Black]

Informative, and well written. Nicely done Chudah! Gotta love the yandere's though, always interesting, double points if you get one with the megane! (Before this, I had no idea what most of those words meant)

[Chudah]

Thanks!! Took me all of yesterday to write up. Did quite a bit of research, but I also wrote a lot from what I've learned from playing so many of these games. Hope it stands up to scrutiny.

[Faudraline]

Wow! I couldn't gather and explain these stereotypes better myself with my literature degree! Great work, Chudah!

[❛❛Vénttea❜❜]

Sorry for asking but are these traits of the MC or...their love interest?

[Chudah]

These are for the love interests.

[❛❛Vénttea❜❜]

Oh...
Maybe I should add a little (spite my inexperiences with Otome Games).
Socially Withdrawn (Common), Dandere and Dreamers (Literatical, Creative etc.).
If its required...I could possibly explain them (assuming they are even a thing...)

[Chudah]

Sure, feel free to write descriptions and I'll add them to the guide. :)

[❛❛Vénttea❜❜]

Okay. Here goes nothing...
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Socially Withdrawn
They have trouble socialising with other people and tends to shy a way or keep quiet. Their responses becomes simple and vague and will explain in greater detail on something they're well versed in (like books, games, dietries).

I guess its easier to say that they're you're normal socially awkward/withdrawn people that can't handle or maintain a social event. Some of them can easily be targets for bullying.

Their socially withdrawn attitude normally comes from their environment, past experiences or a sudden distrust. They act in front of people while hiding their feelings, making them conservative and harder to read among the common people. Overtime they become comfortable and more open to the particular person that they're with while still holding back some of their feelings. They are very loyal, skeptical and more prone to thinking. Their emotional barrier is weak but their baggage is quite big. In most cases they are honest, cautious and stubborn. Even if they can easily repressed their feelings, long term exposure to paranoia or jealously will force them to commit an outburst, which they regret or think about for a while.


(this all I remember...)
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Dandere
Simialr to "Kuudere" but much more silent, less interactive and more mysterious. (imo)
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??? (Forgot)
They dwell on their creative side and responds with some ease (or not) in a more refined term with great ambitious intent. Their minds are very open yet secretive. They only think of their current objective over everything else, which causes them to be hard to handle in a social standpoint and physical. They are a bit narcisstic however they are aware of it which causes them to shut it off unless provoked further.

They're often good at avoiding conflicts and can easily persuade/dissuade with a good logical arguement and can provide fictional knowledge/advice they have learnt in the best way possible that its authentic.

Their key interests they want to see (I think) is acceptance for what they are. Like the socially withdrawn they have a good emotional baggage and is purposely vague of their intentions. They are more keen to critical thinking. day dreaming and sometimes analysing. They easily lose track of themselves

Their expressive feelings are complicated and are quite hard to follow, makes them an easily misunderstood individual. Great patience is required to handle these type of interests since their is a possible psychological defect within' them.
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Dreamers
Similar to the (???) the differences however is greater. They put others head of themselves and is more prone to care about the person's well being than their own. They are well mannered and sometimes open up with their creative virtues through speech or just actions.

They can be very charismatic and can only avoid a disinterested love situation by declining it in a proper manner or drift it away. Yet very honest, they can also become a mystery and can easily become morbid should their composure fall in a dark situation. Most of the time they are passive and a slightly stubborn.

Fustration hardly shows, they are patient, organised, more understanding of the human emotions and more in touch of reality. Their naivete is left questionable and they can express their feelings easily (with minor complications). In the outside they can be socialable but they prefer to be withdrawn and at times wants company if they desired it.

(I think...)
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This is just a quick analysis of what I remember and the explainations are there to just grasp the concept. I might be missing some important details and the details provided could be wrong. (I am rushing this as well.)

You could change it around to your liking as I am sure I've made some errors and made it quite convoluted. Also this seems to be giving me a slight headahce, so I hope it helps. Honestly, I am quite nervous about typing all of this.

[Chudah]

Wow, that's a lot! And don't be nervous, I think you did a great job! I'll probably condense some of it a bit, there's a lot here, but I'll certainly make sure you're credited for helping out. I'm on my way out to run errands today, but I'll work on adding this later this afternoon/evening.

[❛❛Vénttea❜❜]

Thank you for the encouragement. I normally don't do this unless I'm interested.
I could name a two more insce I've always wanted to list them, and they're quite straight forward and short.

There's;
Donkan-Type (I think):
"Totally immune to romantic and sexual advances until a clear confession is made. Even then the interest needs to ask for a confirmation about it and think for a while to understand what that means. In short; they're Dense and Oblivious."

Handicapped-Type:
They are handicapped from mind, body and senses (I think "???" is one of them.)

[Patch]

This was so much fun to read, and so true! Another character type that came to mind was the "prince like / perfect" kind of love interest, like Jihae from Dandelion. Since I'm nowhere near as good at writing as you are, I won't try to write a description, though. c:

[Chudah]

Thanks! I still need to update the list with a few that others have suggested as well. The trick is finding the time to do it. >.<

[Ransil]

Wow, you are all great!

[chibialex]

don't forget the boke (the fool): usally very cheeriful and the but of many rest the cast jokes. Might be clueless to the joke or just to good natured to reply to them. (think Impy from Code: Realize)