Summary of Fire Emblem Fandom has a Problem with Archetypes

00:00:00 - 00:20:00

The Fire Emblem fandom has created archetypes for characters in the games, which can be helpful in quickly communicating ideas to new players. However, the problem arises when the fandom focuses too much on trying to fit each character into a specific archetype. The speaker argues that sometimes it's better to describe characters with a single phrase rather than forcing them into a predefined box. Archetypes can be a helpful tool, but they should not be applied too rigidly or exclusively, as they can limit the potential of characters. The three main archetypes should be used, and discussions should not be made more complicated than necessary.

• 00:00:00 In this section, the speaker discusses how the Fire Emblem fandom has created archetypes for the characters in the games and how it can be helpful in communicating ideas quickly to new players. However, the problem arises when the fandom focuses too much on trying to fit each character into a specific archetype, as seen in the 74 discussion topics on the "final Defender Wiki" about whether certain characters fit into certain archetypes. The speaker argues that sometimes it's pointless to try and place a character in a specific archetype and that it's better to describe them with a single phrase. The speaker also mentions how they deliberately moved away from creating tier lists based on archetypes and towards other themes.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the use of archetypes in Fire Emblem and how they can sometimes be a weakness if a franchise relies too heavily on them without adding anything new. The Navarre archetype is brought up as an example, with its defining characteristics being a recruitable enemy sword fighter who uses a crit weapon and has a dark, brooding past. The speaker includes a list of sword characters that fit this archetype, acknowledging that not all are perfect fits but that they all have commonalities. The speaker also mentions the magical boy archetype, which features a wind mage close to the protagonist with a personal spell and mentor figure, and identifies Asbel as a perfect example of this archetype.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the video, the speaker discusses the difficulty of fitting characters into archetypes, using the example of Wind Mages. He notes that while some Wind Mages in the series, such as Merrick, fit the archetype more closely, others like Soren and Lewin only somewhat fit the mold. The speaker argues that the main use of archetypes is to communicate ideas to the audience, but there is no need to force characters into these predefined boxes. Additionally, the speaker examines the Jagen archetype and its subcategory, Oifey, and how various characters in the series do or do not fit into these archetypes based on their growth rates and class types. Overall, the speaker suggests that while archetypes can be a helpful tool for discussing characters, they should not be applied too rigidly or exclusively.
• 00:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the usefulness of using different name tags or archetypes for different characters who have similar qualities but are not exactly the same. For instance, he explains how the distinction between the Jagen and Oifey archetypes can be useful in communicating the type of character to someone who is new to the series. However, the speaker argues that it becomes problematic when characters are in the middle of two archetypes, making it difficult to fit them into a box. Furthermore, he points out that there are characters who could fit into an archetype but are not on the list, such as Raven from FE7. The speaker seems to suggest that archetypes can be helpful in characterizing a certain type of character but should not be used inflexibly.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the video, the speaker discusses how Fire Emblem fans try to fit characters into certain archetypes and how this can limit the potential of characters. They use the example of Navarre, a character who is a swordmaster but doesn't fit into the typical "Navarre archetype." The speaker argues that while certain archetypes can be useful, such as Jagen and Gotoh, obsessing over them and trying to fit every character into one can be limiting and unnecessary. They suggest sticking to the three main archetypes and not trying to make discussions more complicated than they need to be.