Method Archetype #2 – The Strategist: Control as Character

Story Marc
Apr 15
3 min read

Keyword: Control

Core Idea: Solves conflict through tactical foresight, planning, and manipulation of variables—human or otherwise.

1) Core Strategy

The Strategist approaches conflict like a chessboard: nothing is done without forethought, and no move is made without multiple contingencies in place. Their power comes not from speed or strength, but from calculated control over the situation.

They analyze leverage points, predict behavior, and design the game around themselves. Conflict is a system to master, not just an obstacle to break through.

“If I control the terms, I control the outcome.”

2) Mindset & Beliefs

Control is survival. A chaotic world rewards those who can impose order and stay ten steps ahead.
Knowledge is power—but timing is everything. Information alone is worthless unless you know how and when to use it.
People are pieces—and players. Some Strategists see others as tools. Others manipulate more humanely. Either way, people are variables in the equation.
Emotion is the enemy of precision. The Strategist prides themselves on calm, calculated decision-making. They avoid emotional outbursts—they’re liabilities.

Strategists believe that winning isn’t about fighting—it’s about shaping the board so you don’t have to.

3) Strengths in Conflict

Long-term thinkers. Strategists plan arcs, not scenes. They’re invaluable for storylines involving build-up and payoff.
Excellent at manipulating systems or people. Whether it’s a bureaucracy, a criminal underworld, or a social hierarchy—they exploit what others don’t see.
Cool under pressure. Emotions don’t dominate their decisions. They’re the eye of the storm.
Adaptable when prepared. While not spontaneous, they’re extremely good at preparing for change.
Naturally commands respect. Their competence and mastery often make them leaders, even if they don’t want to be.

A Strategist can dismantle a corrupt empire not with a sword—but with a whisper and a well-timed leak.

4) Weaknesses / Blind Spots

Over-reliance on control. If events spiral into chaos, or the board flips unexpectedly, they may freeze or falter.
Struggles with raw emotion or spontaneity. Emotional decisions frustrate them, and they may dismiss intuition or gut instincts.
Detached or manipulative. They can treat people like pawns and struggle to connect authentically.
Analysis paralysis. They can get stuck in plans-within-plans and miss the moment.
Perceived arrogance. Their high competence can easily cross into condescension or superiority.

Their greatest flaw: they can forget that not every variable is knowable—and that not every person is predictable.

5) Internal Logic / Justification

“If I lose control, everything falls apart.”

To the Strategist, control isn’t about dominance—it’s about stability. They don’t manipulate because they’re evil. They manipulate because they believe it’s the only way to guarantee an outcome.

They may have grown up in chaos, betrayal, or powerlessness—and vowed never to feel helpless again.

Others simply believe it’s the most efficient path. Why throw a punch when you can move three pieces behind the scenes and win without conflict?

In their mind, emotion clouds judgment. Plans are insurance. Control is freedom.

6) Story Utility

Strategists bring elegance and complexity to any plot. Use them when your story needs:

Long-game planning and narrative weaving. Ideal for heists, political thrillers, cons, or mysteries where things must click in the end.
Power struggles. They’re natural players in stories about hierarchy, court intrigue, or systemic corruption.
Rivals, foils, or puppetmasters. A Strategist can serve as a subtle antagonist or a clever ally, switching roles as needed.
Rhetorical tension. They’re excellent in verbal duels, manipulation scenes, or schemes where wit matters more than strength.
Character-based suspense. Watching a Strategist operate creates tension—especially when their plan starts to fail.

Strategists work in any genre but shine in heist fiction, spy thrillers, courtly/political intrigue, crime, and psychological dramas. Even in romance, they add spice when they try to control the uncontrollable—themselves or the person they’re falling for.