Why do we fall madly in love with certain movies? According to our book, Cinescopes: What Your Favorite Movies Reveal About You, when it comes to favorite movies that truly affect or inspire us, it’s because we identify with the heroic archetype in some way. When we watch movies, we’re going on a journey with lead characters, identifying with their strengths and flaws, the choices they make, and the changes they go through.

Our book discusses 16 character archetypes—Courageous Detectives like Sam Spade, Vivacious Romantics like Harry and Sally, and Youthful Sages like Harry Potter, to name a few—that span the world of film heroes. Make a list of your ten favorites and see which you’re most drawn to.

If Passionate Maverick resonates with you, perhaps you embody the spirit of leadership, fighting for justice, and being the change you want to see in the world.

Passionate Mavericks   

Passionate Mavericks are like fish that swim upstream. The masses and the machine may be telling them what to do, whom to love, or how to behave, but these rebels choose not to listen. Mavericks are fighters for individuality, and they fight in the name of the meek and voiceless. They attract all sorts of attention from men and women alike, but Mavericks tend to be loners by nature. However, if they withdraw into seclusion for too long, isolation will put a halt to their mission. In the end, these heroes must realize that accepting help from others only makes the mission stronger. If there’s one thing a Passionate Maverick would tell you, it’s: “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take… our freedom!” (Braveheart)

Strengths

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Mavericks are fiercely driven, inspired and committed people. Whether in work, play, or romance, they invest their energy into accomplishing their goals. When they get fired up about something, nothing will stand in their way of attaining it, whether it’s a new motorcycle, a job, a tattoo, or a lover. Trying to talk a Maverick out of a decision is a waste of time. They’re getting that Mohawk even if it means they’ll have to quit their job. Mavericks are willing to perform aggressive acts to get to the end goal.

Mavericks are a vocal bunch and they don’t shy away from making their feelings and ideas heard. In casual conversation, they are bold and fearless in expressing their opinions, especially in matter of politics and world issues. They don’t care who they offend or piss off, and in general, they never act like they ever care what others think. And after all, isn’t that really the definition of cool?

Weaknesses

A Maverick’s intensity can be a volatile thing. Sometimes, their fiery enthusiasm turns into a crazed obsession with whatever they’re trying to do, and they will forget about everything else in their lives.  Mavericks struggle with letting people get close to them, including friends and parental figures. If they need money, they won’t ask the family for help.  If they have a bad break-up, they’ll hole up in their apartment for days, subsisting only on stale bread and orange juice. If their car breaks down, they’re going to push it single-handedly to the nearest gas station… uphill… in the rain.

Everyday Passionate Mavericks

Everyday Mavericks like their movies to feature a rebel who fights the constraints of society. Someone is being mistreated and wronged, and the hero must step in and bring justice. Perhaps the hero attains victory or maybe the hero goes down in flames trying. Either way, Mavericks delight in watching someone stick it to the Man and fight in the name of the oppressed. Why do they love these movies so much?

Mavericks take pride in their strong set of beliefs and ideals. They struggle with the conventions of every day life, and a part of them is screaming out for some kind of change. They don’t follow trends; they set them without even knowing it. These passionate heroes are unsatisfied with the way things are, and they want to do something to change the situation.

Passionate Mavericks have the power to change our world for the better, but will they? Viva la Revolucion!

 

Examples of Passionate Mavericks

Katherine Johnson (Hidden Figures)

Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood)

Katharine Graham (The Post)

Josey Aimes (North Country)

William Wallace (Braveheart)

Tony Montana (Scarface)

Louise Sawyer (Thelma and Louise)

Butch Cassidy (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid)

Henry Hill (Goodfellas)

What are you looking for?