The 4 Story Characters You Will Never Unlearn

Every story has them. But more importantly, which one do you play most in your personal brand storytelling?

Every story has a villain, victim and hero. You likely play them at different times. Every day you have a choice about which takes centre stage. And your unique story, skills and experiences set you up to be the fourth and most respected character of all.

When I was four, my Papa took my sister and me to see The Lion King. It was one of my earliest movie-going experiences.

We watched in delight as Simba rose up to defeat the evil Scar, inspired by his father’s legacy.

I still remember the star-filled skies as Mufasa said his iconic words to the young cub. "Simba, let me tell you something that my father told me. Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars.”

Whether you’re watching stories on the big screen or living it, the same characters emerge. Learn to look out for them - especially in yourself.

In his book, Hero on a Mission, Donald Miller reveals four characters. You likely play all every day - depending on your choice at that time.

As William Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts…”. So, which part will you play? I trust you’ll choose wisely.

1.The Victim

When you play the victim, you’re doomed to fail.

A victim’s purpose is to make the hero look good. There are true victims in the world - the people who have no control over their circumstances and are truly trapped. Learning this distinction separates your victim mentality role from the true victims.

Remember, when the evil Scar causes Mufasa to fall to his tragic death, Simba is set up to shine as the hero.

2.The Villain

Villains - sometimes you can’t help but love them. Because when their mask slips you feel their vulnerability - their scars. Perhaps, it’s why Scar is still regarded as one of the most loved villains of all time.

As a Hero on a Mission depicts, the villain and hero are more alike than you imagine. Both are born from a challenge or painful experience. But, when this happens, the villain chooses the path of vengeance. Villains don’t have friends, but rather gather minions, as Scar did the hyenas.

A path paved by vengeance, however, means a villain never makes genuine connections. Remember this when you’re living your villain. It can be as simple as talking badly about people who aren’t in the room. That’s your villain’s dialogue taking centre stage. Will you give it a starring role or focus on more fulfilling characters?

3.The Hero

Like the villain, a defining moment also challenged a hero. But, unlike the villain, as a hero, you choose empathy over vengeance. Helping others and triumphing over your circumstances.

You likely delighted when Simba reclaimed his rightful throne as King of the Jungle. As you knew he would - because the hero always wins.

When you adopt a hero mindset, you rewrite your victim mentality. You free yourself from a fate of doom. You free yourself to focus on leaving a legacy you can be proud of.

4. The most respected character of all

Here’s the plot twist. The most respected character of all isn’t the hero. It’s the Guide. As a Guide, you’ve already travelled the path. You use your experience to pave the way for the heroes.

Simba was wounded from the shame of believing he killed his father. And was only able to find his way home thanks to his friends, especially Rafiki, Mufasa’s most trusted advisor. He reminds Simba of whom he was born to be.

There’s something that makes The Lion King extra special. Mufasa was the victim, but, when his time came, he left as an honoured king. His memory helps Simba overcome his fears to fulfil his hero’s journey. Mufasa’s legacy is still one of a hero and a Guide. That’s the power of a legacy for your personal brand. You're both the hero of our own story and the Guide. You can be proud to have paved the way for others.

If you’re a personal brand coaching client or reader of mine, you know I often speak of my late Grandma and Papa. They are the guides of my story. Their values live on in my decisions.

In my personal brand coaching, I ask clients to discover their defining moments. It could be earth-shattering or simply a light bulb moment. Can you pinpoint yours?

Like Simba, what lessons did it teach you about yourself? Now, what’s the common moral of your stories? This is your opportunity to be a Guide.

You can now start to tell an authentic personal brand story that’s unique to you. There are likely many with your degree, your title and your remit. But, this is where you start to personalise your personal brand value. And meaningfully pave the way for others.

So, which characters are you most playing?

PS. Next week, I’ll share more about how to practically apply storytelling to your personal brand.