Heroine Archetype - The Free Spirit

Eccentric and impulsive, the Free Spirit is a heroine ruled by her emotions. This archetype is fun, lively, most often quirky and stops to smell the flowers on the way to her whimsical job of donut-shaping just around the corner. Kate Hudson in Almost Famous played the role of Penny, a band aid/groupie who lives life by the moment. In the film, her only ambition is to love and be loved by the famous lead singer who happens to be married. The movie ends with Penny deciding to be free of heart, as she takes off to travel the world.

A Free Spirit relies on her instincts. She understands social structures but chooses to remain oblivious. She allows her friends to be themselves, with no judgment passed. Renee Zellweger in Miss Potter portrayed such a heroine. Upbeat and unconventional, she played the role of Beatrix Potter as she became a famous author in the 1900’s.

Diane Lane moved her free spirit to Italy in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. Not about to be disheartened by a cheating husband, she follows her gut instincts and finds serenity in the vineyards of Italy.

Free Spirits possess a certain amount of charm. Though peculiar in habits, dress and hobbies, one can’t help but be fond of her. Often she is a trendsetter because of this. Full of energy, always helpful and a strong individual. Mandy Moore in Because I Said So is another example.

Don’t confuse the Free Spirit with the Spunky Kid archetype, for it’s easy to do. The difference is in the personality of the Free Spirit. A Free Spirit won’t conform as quietly as the Spunky Kid. The Spunky Kid is the girl next door while the Free Spirit is the girl in class you didn’t get to know because she was a wee bit on the edge.

More examples of the Free Spirit: In Her Shoes - Cameron Diaz, Mama Mia - Meryl Streep, Elizabethtown - Kirsten Dunst, Failure to Launch - Zooey Deschanel.

If you think of any others, please let me know! Thanks for reading!

Sloan Seymour