Sex and the City: Who Would You Be?

OK, I admit I'm a big Sex and the City Fan. Not so much the movies, but the series was one of my favorites- I still watch re-runs. I was drawn into the lives of the four women, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.
As I was trying to decide what to blog about this week - yes, I was watching TV while pondering - I started thinking about the varied personalities of the women and wondered if that was what made the show such a hit. Was it because every woman watching could find a little bit of herself or her friends in the women on the screen?

So then I thought about how these characters fit into the eight archetypes that writers use when building a character. Since I've seen every episode, I had a pretty clear idea of where each woman would fit. But for those of you who haven't seen the series, I thought I would make a comparison. And then if you have the chance to see the show, it might give you ideas for character development/flaws. Plus, I just really like the show.  LOL

The main character is Carrie Bradshaw.(A writer. Gotta love that!) She narrated the series. She is archetype THE SPUNKY KID: gutsy and true, she is loyal to the end. She is a favorite of many writers, and for good reason. You can’t help but root for her. She’s the girl with moxie. She’s not looking to be at the top of the heap; she just wants to be in her own little niche. She’s the team player, the one who is always ready to lend a hand. But in my opinion, Carrie has a healthy dose of THE FREE SPIRIT in her. I saw traits like:
eternal optimist. Playful and fun-loving, she travels through life with a hop, skip and a jump, always stopping to smell the flowers and admire the pretty colors. She acts on a whim and follows her heart, not her head.

Next comes Samantha Jones. I think Sam is one of the most complex character on Sex and the City. (I'll tell you the other one in a moment) She plays the role of a successful business woman who chooses to live her private life . . . in sexual decadence. Her character makes no apologies that she has random, meaningless sex - "like a man". However, as the series continued, her character grew, the audience saw other sides to her personality. She even learned how to fall in love. Anyway, I think Sam is an even mix of archetypes THE BOSS: a real go-getter, she climbs the ladder of success. This is a “take charge” female, who accepts nothing but respect. Reaching her goal post the most important thing in life to her, and she isn’t bothered by a few ruffled feathers along the way. And THE SEDUCTRESS: an enchantress, she gets her way. This is a lady who is long accustomed to sizing up everyone in a room the minute she enters. Mysterious and manipulative, she hides a streak of distrust a mile wide and ten miles deep. 

Next, let's look at Charlotte York. Although Charlotte has a job in a museum, she doesn't hide the fact her real goal is finding the perfect husband. She's an example of THE WAIF: a distressed damsel, she bends with the wind. She’s the original damsel in distress. Her child-like innocence evokes a protective urge in the beastliest of heroes. But don’t be fooled, because the WAIF has tremendous strength of will. She won’t fight back; she’ll endure.

Lastly, Miranda Hobbs. Lawyer. Busy, busy career-minded, Miranda. To say cynic is not going too far.  She is the other character that had so much growth during the series.She's THE CRUSADER: a dedicated fighter, she meets her commitments. No shrinking violet, no distressed damsel, here. This lady is on a mission, and she marches right over anyone in her way. Tenacious and headstrong, she brushes off any opposition to her goal. BUT she's got the hidden trait of THE NURTURER: serene and capable, she nourishes the spirit. Not always Suzy Homemaker, this lady takes care of everyone. This hidden trait is her growth and by the last season, the last show, her kindness had me in tears.
OK, that and the fact that "Mr. Big" goes all the way to Paris to tell Carrie "she's the one." Ahhh, romance:)

I hope this helps gives a visual example of the archetypes. In my opinion one of the best books on the subject is THE COMPLETE WRITERS' GUIDE TO HEROES AND HEROINES by Viders, Cowden and LaFever. This is where I got all the above information and is a wonderful resource! Here's the link in case you'd like to purchase this book  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FCVEGY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d5_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=14XZ96K4YWYSC1FJWT2T&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846]-