> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.unvale.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Character Design Overview: A Guide to Every OC Type - URL: https://blog.unvale.io/character-design-overview-a-guide-to-every-oc-type/ - Published: 2026-10-31T16:05:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-31T16:04:59.000Z - Description: Want to create a new OC and looking for inspiration? Utilize character archetypes! From vampires to magical girls, there's plenty of types to choose from. - Author: Whimsy - Tags: Character Design, OC *This is part of our design series on* [*how to make an OC*](https://blog.unvale.io/how-to-make-an-oc/)*! – The ultimate guide to character building.* Want to create a new character, but not sure how to get started? We’re here to help! We have a bunch of different OC archetypes and design tips to help inspire the characters for your next project. ## How to Use OC Types as a Starting Point There are lots of different archetypes that can be used for characters. An archetype can help you get started with thinking about what kind of character you want to write and design. That being said, an archetype doesn’t have to be set in stone! If there’s aspects of a type you don’t like, you don’t have to use them. You could also blend types – mix and match to create the perfect character for your needs. So, what kind of types are there? Let’s talk about it! ## Iconic Pop-Culture OC Archetypes First, we have some of the popular archetypes that you’ve likely seen plenty of times. Just because they’re seen often doesn’t mean you can’t use them! They’re well-liked for a reason! There are archetypes from a variety of genres. - [Vampire types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-vampire-oc/) – An enigmatic OC type that lives in dark castles and Victorian towns. With fangs and bat-like features, vampires often wear fancy aristocratic clothing and dramatic attire. They might serve as a powerful antagonist who only strikes in the night, or they might be a mysterious anti-hero with complicated morals. ![Art depicts a vampire OC dressed in a dark dress with spooky blue details.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Chenyu-2.png) [Chenyu](https://unvale.io/character/0742e46d-eb19-4777-b836-6a31cbec2996?ref=blog.unvale.io) by SuperSoftCorgi - [Fairy types ](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-fairy-oc/)– A fantastical OC type that frolics in the forests. With sparkling wings and flower accessories, fairies often dress in nature tones with floral patterns. They might serve as a peppy protagonist or a wise helper who assists the hero with magical abilities. - [Magical Girl types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-magical-girl/) – A magical OC type that often are found in academia settings. With extravagant hair and magical objects, magical girls often dress in brightly colored sailor outfits. They often serve as students who are secretly magnificent heroes in their free time. - [Cowpoke types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-on-designing-a-cowhand-oc/) – An adventurous type roaming through the wild west. With cowboy hats and boots, cowhand characters often dress in vests and flannel shirts. Cowboys and cowgirls might serve as protectors of the wild-west or they could be wrangling cattle. ![Art depicts a cowboy character in a western town ringing a warning bell.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Mayhaps---West-Point-Town.PNG) Art by [Mayhaps](https://unvale.io/Mayhaps?ref=blog.unvale.io) - [Hero types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-hero-oc/) – An epic type saving cities and kingdoms. With masks and capes, the heroes often dress in mysterious disguises that keep their identity secret. A hero saves the day and perseveres against all kinds of evil. - [Mentor types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-mentor-oc/) – A wise type who supports the story protagonist. They often are older characters who dress in robes, long gowns or other formal attire. The mentor might be a parent to the hero, or they might be a professor the hero trusts. - [Villain types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-villain-oc/) – An evil type who stands in the way of the hero. With dark color palettes and lots of spiked accessories, the villain characters often wear extravagant outfits that strike fear into the people around them. A villain character might be a serious threat, or they might be a comical character who doesn’t take the protagonist seriously. ![Art depicts a villain OC in a dark mask with glowing red eyes.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Vates-Argus.jpg) [Argus](https://unvale.io/character/e07b3695-c329-4ca2-a598-23684d8e1370?ref=blog.unvale.io) by Vates ## Fantasy OC Types Next, we have the fantasy archetypes. Fantasy characters are popular for their iconic historical themed outfits and unique features like wings or tails. Designs of these types might feature delicate details and patterns, as well as nature and jewel tones. - [Mermaid types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-mermaid-oc/) – A curious OC type that lurks in the depths of the ocean, merfolk are a species who are half-human and half sea-creature. They might have a fish tail, but they could also have a tail akin to a different ocean animal. It all depends on what part of the ocean they’re from! Mermaids might serve as an adventurous hero or an eerie antagonist. - [Dragon types](https://blog.unvale.io/how-to-design-a-dragon-oc/) – A dangerous OC type that has great power and lives in caves or towers. They might be a humanoid character with horns, or they might be lizard-like animals with wings. They could be adorned with treasure such as gold and jewels. Dragon archetypes can make interesting villain characters or be characters misunderstood because of their dragon blood. ![Art depicts a purple dragon OC with golden spikes and a metal tail.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Pegasuswhisper--3-.webp) Art by [Pegasuswhisper](https://unvale.io/Pegasuswhisper?ref=blog.unvale.io) - [Pirate types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-pirate-oc/) – A strong character type that sails the seven seas. With pirate hats and eyepatches, pirates often dress in historical outfits with belts and gold jewelry. They often serve as morally grey heroes on a hunt for treasure or fierce, thieving villains. - [Elf types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-an-elf-oc/) – An enchanted OC type that resides in the woods with other enchanted creatures. Decorated in flowers and vines, the elves often wear long dresses and elegant attire. They often serve as a wise guide or a magical protagonist. - [Royal types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-royal-oc/) – A high-ranking OC type that lives in extravagant castles and palaces. With crowns and tiaras, the royals often dress in fancy capes and ballgowns. They may serve as a reluctant heir to the throne or an evil tyrant. - [Witch and Wizard types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-wizard-or-witch-oc/) – A mysterious OC type that lives in the woods or tall towers. With tall hats and magic wands, the wizards and witches wear robes and dark gowns. They might serve as a dangerous foe or a knowledgeable mentor to the protagonist. ![Art depicts an elegant witch dressed in scarlet velvet and crimson jewels.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Basil-the-Scarlet-Witch.jpg) [Basil the Scarlet Witch](https://unvale.io/character/46d5e79d-0d19-4f8d-9cf0-3e60ba03469a?ref=blog.unvale.io) by ImMrSandman - [DND types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-your-dnd-oc-based-on-their-class/) – A wide variety of types from druids to barbarians, the DND classes travel the world on adventures. Depending on their class they might wear armor or fur capes. A DND type might be a loyal paladin, or a mischievous bard! ## Mythical and Folklore OC Archetypes - [Monster types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-monster-oc/) – A scary OC type that lurks in the shadows. Known for their frightening appearances, monsters might have multiple eyes or limbs, and wings or tentacles. They often serve as a story antagonist, but they might also be a more friendly character who might just be misunderstood because of their frightening appearance. - [Werewolf types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-werewolf-oc/) – A wild OC type that might live in the woods or try to fit into normal society. The werewolf might dress in fur coats and attire fit for the wilderness, and their wolf form might be humanoid or a normal wolf. A werewolf might serve as a twist villain, or they might serve as a side character with a secret. - [Angel types](https://blog.unvale.io/angel-oc/) – An ethereal OC type that lives among the cosmos. With halos and angelic wings, angels might take on a more humanoid form or a more heavenly one. An angel might serve as an ancient guide or a bringer of justice. ![Art depicts an angel OC with large, bright wings and a white robe.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Lyon328--2-.png) [Seraphiel](https://unvale.io/character/d7395910-3fb6-47fe-ba4d-4bdb509345dd?ref=blog.unvale.io) by Lyon328 - [Demon types](https://blog.unvale.io/demon-oc/) – A devilish OC type that roams in infernal realms. With horns and fierce wings, they might have features like glowing eyes or a dark aura. A demon character might serve as a main antagonist, or a comical trickster attempting to lead the protagonist astray. - [Ghost types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-ghost-oc/) – A wistful OC type that haunts ancient houses and graveyards. With translucent skin and floating hair, the ghosts dress in ancient gowns and tattered clothes from an age long since passed. The ghosts may serve as a paranormal friend to a homeowner, or they may haunt those who wronged them when they were alive. ## Sci-Fi and Modern OC Types - [Alien types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-an-alien-oc/) – A strange OC type that lives on planets far from earth. With extra limbs or antennae, the aliens dress in space suits and wear advanced tech gear. An alien type might serve as a curious explorer who ended up on earth, or they might be a dangerous invader with goals of replacing humans. ![Art depicts an animal-like alien with six eyes, four legs, and multiple antennae. ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Horris-2.png) Art by [Wasobs](https://unvale.io/Wasobs?ref=blog.unvale.io) - [Scientist types](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-scientist-oc/) – An intelligent OC type that lurks in labs filled with wild inventions. With goggles and lab coats, the scientist character might dress in academic clothing and protective gear. A scientist type might serve as a mad character who creates dangerous things, or they might serve as a smart mentor that the protagonist can learn from. - [Robot types](https://blog.unvale.io/robot-android-oc/) – A mechanical OC type that might be found in the scientist’s lab. With a metal body and electric details, the robot might be a humanoid android or a more machine-like character with a build meant for a specific job. A robot might serve as a useful helper, or they might end up a bitter AI antagonist who wants to wipe out humans. ![Art depicts a robotic character with red armor and an orange cape.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/10/Kenira--1-.png) [Kenira](https://unvale.io/character/bb4a8d46-aa1f-4b74-9522-4edf64394ea3?ref=blog.unvale.io) by Oboegirl85 ## Find Your OC’s Type There’s plenty of archetypes to choose from. Whether you want to create a fantasy story or a sci-fi one, there’s sure to be a type that fits what you’re looking for! Once you’ve finished designing your new OC, be sure to [share them with us on Unvale.](https://unvale.io/featured?ref=blog.unvale.io) We’d love to see your awesome creations.