History Main / AloofArcher

* * Cure Beauty from ''Anime/SmilePrecure'' has the ice variant of this, [[spoiler:which is also her strongest attack, called ''Beauty Blizzard Arrow'']]. In civil, she practices Aikido and hits the bullseye most of the time. And like her predecessor, she's calm and analytical, considered as the 'brain' of the group.

* Cure Beauty from ''Anime/SmilePrecure'' has the ice variant of this, [[spoiler:which is also her strongest attack, called ''Beauty Blizzard Arrow'']]. In civil, she practices Aikido and hits the bullseye most of the time. And like her predecessor, she's calm and analytical, considered as the 'brain' of the group.

!This trope is [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=16997871820.15339900 under discussion]] in the Administrivia/TropeRepairShop.

Archers are skilled bowmen. Generally independent and used to working alone, this tends to make them practical, a little haughty or arrogant, and not the best at following orders, especially from those they don't respect. Due to the nature of their weapon, archers are typically stealthy and graceful and tend to fight at a distance. As a result, [[LongRangeFighter they're often portrayed as vulnerable to close-quarters combat]] unless they [[BowAndSwordInAccord switch to a different weapon]].

Archers are most likely to be found in a wild, untamed setting and can share traits with the ColdSniper, most notably an analytical and calculating nature. This archetype tends to be depicted as having a more slender build than melee fighters despite the great upper-body strength required to draw a powerful bow without mechanical assistance.[[note]]Far more, in fact, than that required to use a sword, with few historical swords, even two-handers, weighing more than a few pounds, whereas a credible war bow would have at least 70lb draw weight, with the most prolific surviving medieval longbows having more like 140lb.[[/note]] These characters are likely to also be a NatureHero, a ForestRanger, a BadassNative, and/or an [[OurElvesAreDifferent Elf]]. This also has the benefit of [[GuysSmashGirlsShoot keeping the delicate female safely out of the bone-crunching melee]].

Ironically, the nature of your typical bow meant that, historically, archers were actually [[TheBigGuy big, strong, and powerful]], as a bow often required both a great deal of strength and extensive conditioning to use properly. In fact, [[BowAndSwordInAccord most archers could be very effective in melee]], and the main reason they didn't prove as effective in close combat was that they didn't have the money to afford the heavy armor or the lifetime of combat training that an elite warrior aristocracy could manage.

This trope is distinct from MasterArcher, which describes a character who is an ''extremely'' skilled archer; the Archer Archetype may be no more than competent -- it's the independence and association with wilderness that define the trope. For bows used in modern or sci-fi settings, see TheStraightAndArrowPath. For added irony, check out NoArcInArchery. See also AnnoyingArrows. May evoke comparisons to Myth/RobinHood (Though if he robs the rich to give to the poor, that's [[JustLikeRobinHood a different trope]]).

Not to be confused with the comedy show ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}'', nor the recurring character title in the ''Franchise/FateSeries''.

%%* One of the original Nega Nebulous's members from ''Literature/AccelWorld'' is Ardor Maiden, whose primarily red avatar is an archer styled after a miko. Her special powers all work to enhance her accuracy and damage.

%%* Seira from ''Anime/DayBreakIllusion'' hit pretty much every point listed except for the build. She's the strongest of the group, as she's the only one that really trains.
%%* Chilchuck of ''Manga/DeliciousInDungeon'' served as the Touden Party's archer until he lost his bow when they were emergency warped out of the dungeon. For a large portion of the series, he uses a knife instead. [[spoiler:But shortly after Izutsumi joins the party, they return to where they had initially reached and Chilchuck gets his bow back.]]
%%* ''Anime/DokiDokiPrecure'':
%%** Cure Heart's MidSeasonUpgrade finisher is a bow and arrow made out of pure love. It's the first time in Anime/PrettyCure History that the protagonist uses one.
%%** The group finishing move ''Lovely Force Arrow'' makes four of the five Cures into archers.
%%* Toyohisa notes in ''Manga/{{Drifters}}'' that while elves are hopeless when using a sword, they are, to an elf, natural born bowmen. The elves themselves note it as an innate skill they practiced as children before they were subjugated by the Orte Empire.
* Ukyo from ''Manga/DrStone'' checks all the boxes. Archer hat? Check. Robin Hood-esque clothes? Check. Slim, almost weak-looking body? Check. Deadly precision with a bow and arrow? Check. Yep! He's an archer.

%%* [[LadyOfWar Signum]] from ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs'' is mainly a female swordsman, but for her strongest attack ''[[GratuitousGerman Sturmfalken]]'' she has to transform her [[EmpathicWeapon Laevatine]] from a sword and sheath into a bow. However, she uses this attack very rarely.

%%* ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'': Strongbow (obviously) and Nightfall both of whom are fairly bold and not particularly weak.

%%* ''ComicBook/LegendsOfBaldursGate'': Shandie, who uses a shortbow and hits a dragon in the eye with it.
* ''ComicBook/MarvelTheLostGeneration'': Oxbow, of the First Line, is a fairly huge subversion of the norm; he's tall, super strong, easily angered, and not much of a braggart.
%%* ''ComicBook/RedSonja'': This is a common occupation in Red Sonja's world. Notable examples include Haron the Quick, twins Ayla and Nias, and Sonja herself.

%%* ''ComicBook/SunnyvilleStories'': Roy, one of [[IneffectualSympatheticVillain the two Weasel brothers]], uses a bow and arrows when engaging in banditry.

%%* Armani Dove of the ''Fanfic/BrokenBow'' series, to an extent. Fitting, since he is the son of the goddess of the hunt.
* ''Fanfic/ForumOfThrones'':
** Janae, the main archer for the Gutters, is a prime example of this. Even outside of the battlefield, she is hardly the most emotional person, but in a fight, [[ColdSniper she gets even colder]], acting simply by logic and with ruthless precision.
** Also, Willfred's uncle, Roger Hill. [[FriendlySniper He is far more friendly than Janae]], but when in battle, he becomes calculating, analytical, and careful, thinking with caution about his plans before making his shot.

%%* Starla Shine from ''Fanfic/MyBravePonyStarfleetMagic'', uses a bow as her primary weapon.
%%* In high-fantasy ''ComicBook/XMen'' fanwork [[http://natehallinan.com/ooxgrey/ "The Order Of X"]], [[Characters/MarvelComicsJeanGrey Jean Grey]] is specialized in archery, using her telepathy to stop the enemy and her telekinesis to ensure her shots never miss and even set her arrows on fire.

%%* Abigail Whistler of ''Film/BladeTrinity''.

%%* ''Franchise/{{Rambo}}'' is fond of using a bow for its stealthy qualities, but he's not above using explosive warheads when shit needs to get blown up. He will use whatever weapon is available that is most appropriate to the situation.
%%* Harada from ''Film/TheWolverine'' is quite a ColdSniper, especially when it comes to defending Mariko, as well as his squadron of Black Clan ninjas.

%%* [[GreenThumb Woodcrafters]] in the ''Literature/CodexAlera'' series tend to favor bows, since their abilities give them ImprobableAimingSkills. The most dangerous woodcrafters are those who also possess talent at [[DishingOutDirt earthcrafting]], as this grants them SuperStrength, allowing them to heft and use bows of such power that they're basically walking ballistae that can thread shots between links of chainmail. Amusingly, the two most prominent ones are a study in the opposite personality sides of this trope: Bernard, SupportingLeader and general great guy, and Fidelias, who is... [[IFightForTheStrongestSide well]]. [[HeelFaceRevolvingDoor Rather]] [[WildCard different]].
%%* ''Literature/DragonQueen'': Sajag shoots a deer as his EstablishingCharacterMoment.
%%* In his child-rearing treatise ''Émile, ou de l'éducation'', 18th-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau notes that some professions are useful but dishonourable, requiring personality traits that are "odious and incompatible with humanity." He cites three examples: archers, spies, and executioners.

%%* ''Literature/TheIronTeeth'' web serial features the grizzled old ranger Saeter. He hunts the forest for both food and monsters using his trusty bow. Blacknail the hobgoblin also learns to use a bow from him.

%%* While Alec Lightwood from ''Literature/TheMortalInstruments'', is also formidable in hand-to-hand combat, he really stands out most when using a bow. [[spoiler:He is even able to knock the knife out of the hand of an Endarkened that was holding it to Consul Jia Penhallow's throat, without hurting Jia]].
%%** After Simon becomes a shadowhunter, that's his weapon of choice. Even when he was still a [[{{Muggles}} mundane]] he destroyed a window with his bow and arrow, so that the sunlight could burn a demon-prince.
%%** Mark Blackthorn from the sequel ''Literature/TheDarkArtifices'' often uses bows and arrows in combat. In his time in the fairy kingdom, he became a very skilled shooter.
%%* Robert Lynn Asprin's humorous fantasy novel ''[[Literature/MythAdventures Myth Conceptions]]'' features Ajax, an elderly example of this trope who hails from the dimension whose inhabitants "invented archery".
%%* ''Literature/QuantumGravity'': [[spoiler:Zal]] fits this trope very well, being cool, calm, and calculating, as well as rather ruthless... when he's in a fight. When he isn't, expect him to be active, free, and quite a bit more easygoing. Aaaand possibly high.
%%* The UrExample is Rama from the Hindu epic ''Literature/{{Ramayana}}''.
%%* The whole ranger corps in ''Literature/RangersApprentice''.
%%* As with the TV show example below, there are a few of these in ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'': most notably [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Anguy the Archer]] who wins the champion's purse in the Tourney of the Hand for archery and proves that it was no fluke during his later adventures with the Brotherhood Without Banners. He's not alone, though, as Theon Greyjoy is also a crack shot - another thing that separates him from his former kin in the Iron Islands, as they have far too much TestosteronePoisoning to ever be proud of someone who kills at range.

%%** Bronn fills this spot in "Blackwater", and is as good as you'd expect.
%%** Joffrey is obsessed with crossbows and actually has impressive aim.
%%** Anguy can angle a shot to come straight down on a target only a few feet in front of him.
%%** Meera Reed wields a bow and knives instead of her trident from the books, though one dead White Walker speaks to her skill with a throwing spear, which is a bit closer in spirit.
%%* ''Series/KingdomAdventure'': Napps is one of [[TheDragon Magistrate Pitts']] guards, and is a capable enough archer to drive away Reagle, The Prince's eagle-friend.
* ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'': Arondir is a very talented bowman, with exceptional aiming skills, and is one of the most composed and stoic Elves in the series.
%%* ''Series/{{Revolution}}'': Charlie Matheson starts out as this with a crossbow. However, she has mostly stopped using it in favour of guns around [[Recap/RevolutionS1E10NobodysFaultButMine episode 10]].

%%* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' has the Ranger, a subclass of fighter originally, but it became its own class in 2e. They eventually acquired a measure of magical ability, gaining the power to cast some divine spells. In 3e, there was also the Scout, perhaps a straighter version of this trope.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Earthdawn}}'' naturally has a [[CharacterClass discipline]] for this, embodying the mentality and many of the tropes described at the top of the page. The essay on Archer discipline was in-universe written by a textbook example of such archetype - to such an extent that the crossbow-wielding archers said to be more down-to-earth complained in the margins to StopBeingStereotypical!

%%* ''TabletopGame/PalladiumFantasy'': Longbowman is a class unto itself. In a nod to how difficult the longbow is to learn, only the Longbowman and the Ranger can use one, with the former being the one to get ImprobableAimingSkills.

%%** ''VideoGame/BaldursGateSiegeOfDragonspear'' adds another archer, Schael Corwin, who contrasts with Kivan in that she's a patriotism-driven city guard rather than a solitary, nature-ish ranger type.
%%* The summon "Piercing Gaze" in ''VideoGame/BallpointUniverseInfinite'' is a giant archer that fires dozens of energy arrows in quick succession.
%%* The video game version of ''WesternAnimation/{{Brave}}'' (for UsefulNotes/PlayStation3) had Merida (a "Plucky Princess" with a heart of gold) becoming a badass tough-as-nails archer (soon after Queen Elinor was transformed into a bear by a witch). The EnergyBow, capable of wiping out a few enemies with a single blow, if the player holds down a button correctly (depending on which element).
* ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'''s archer character, the Arbalest, is indeed largely useless when close to enemies, with only two moves in her entire kit that can be used in the front ranks, and can be a bit blunt and arrogant (especially when [[SanitySlippage Afflicted]]). She's also a solidly built professional soldier clad in full armour who holds her giant crossbow like a ChainsawGripBFG.
%%zce* The Archer from ''VideoGame/DaydreamForgottenSorrow'' fits this description fairly well. With her pretty good archery skills, she can often help Griffin through many obstacles in his path.

%%** [[JeanneDArchetype Leliana]] in ''[[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Origins]]'', who is both the nicest character in the game and [[MagikarpPower staggeringly powerful when leveled up correctly]].

%%* Just like in its [[VisualNovel/FateStayNight origin series]], ''VideoGame/FateEXTRA'' also has Servants of the Archer class. One of them is playable and is exactly like Stay Night's Archer, [[spoiler:EMIYA,]] but has a different backstory. And the enemy Archer, who plays this trope straight, isn't just any Archer, he's the [[spoiler:[[Myth/RobinHood original Archer]].]] They have [[DeadpanSnarker something]] in common though.
%%For Fire Emblem characters, please make sure that the character fits the personality type before adding them. Don't just add them because they happen to use a bow.

%%* In ''VideoGame/GemsOfWar'', Atlanta is a skilled archer, enough so that her special attack is appropriately called RainOfArrows. She contrasts with the centaurs of the area, who hunt things (including her) with other weapons.

%%* ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'' has Hanzo, born from a clan of Japanese assassins. He is skilled with a bow and can summon a pair of spirit dragons as his ultimate ability.

%%* Decidueye, which was introduced in ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'', is able to use one of its wings and vines as a bow and its own feathers as arrows.
%%* Several characters in ''VideoGame/{{Ravenmark}}'' use bows or crossbows as their weapon of choice. Examples include Cierra Montepulciano, who constantly wears an eyepatch in order to have a better aim and to prepare her other eye for night fighting.
%%* Arisa of ''VideoGame/{{Shadowverse}}'' happens to be this, in addition, some of the Forestcraft cards are archers themselves.
* There are a lot of ranged characters in ''VideoGame/SuikodenIII'' but [[OurElvesAreDifferent Roland]] and [[AutomaticCrossbows Jacques]] fit the trope to a tee. Both start with a rune that allows for a powerful ranged attack and both are deadly marksmen who keep themselves to themselves and say very little.

%%* ''VideoGame/TitanSouls'' has the player character as one, only armed with a bow and arrow and nothing else.

%%* Elves are naturally known for this in the [[VideoGame/{{Warcraft}} Warcraft Universe]], particularly the more feral Night Elves. The Priestess of the Moon in particular from ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'' (and the Dark Ranger, an undead High Elf) put their bowstrings to very good use on fleshy opposing armies. Class is a bigger variable than race in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft''. Though bows are available to a number of classes, only Hunters possess the skills and talents necessary to make them into effective weapons. Good Hunters also embody the analytical traits described here -- not only does their long-range position and lack of flashy effects (compared to the nukers like mages and warlocks) give them a much better vantage point of a pitched battle, but they are masters of battlefield control with aggro management skills like Distracting Shot and Feign Death, the ability to set traps, and being able to act in two places at once by commanding their pet.
%%** Lady Sylvanas Windrunner, Banshee Queen of the Forsaken, is regarded as one of the four best archers on Azeroth. She, her two High Elf sisters, and the Night Elf Shandris Feathermoon are considered to be equal with the bow and the best four archers on Azeroth.
%%** The [[SnakePeople Naga]] Lady Vashj is also a superb archer, though more magically focused than most Archers.

%%* With the comic being called ''Webcomic/TheArcherAndTheSquirrel'' it would be rather surprising if there wasn't a featured archer in it. The heroine, Lark, takes the main role as the archer part of the name.

%%* ''Literature/{{Worm}}'' features Shadow Stalker -- a NominalHero who can phase in and out to pass through solid objects. She uses a bow to hunt her targets and she prefers to work alone.

%%* One of Creator/GavinFree's personas is champion UK archer ''[[Creator/AchievementHunter "MARK NUTT"]]!'' Yes, his name must be shouted.

%%[[folder:Real Life]]
%%* The Battles of Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt were the primary English victories during UsefulNotes/TheHundredYearsWar. They proved the ability of the traditional English longbow, whereas the French knights and armored men-at-arms were turned into metallic pincushions while trying to slog across muddy fields to reach the much smaller force of English infantry.
%%* Lt. Col. "Fighting Jack" Churchill of the British Army is the only person in World War II to have a confirmed kill with a longbow (at Dunkirk). Other equipment he carried into battle included a [[CoolSword basket-hilted Claymore]] and a set of [[EverythingsLouderWithBagpipes bagpipes]].
%%[[/folder]]

Archers are most likely to be found in a wild, untamed setting and can share traits with the ColdSniper, most notably an analytical and calculating nature. This archetype tends to be depicted as having a more slender build despite the great upper-body strength required to draw a powerful bow without mechanical assistance.[[note]]Far more, in fact, than that required to use a sword, with few historical swords, even two-handers, weighing more than a few pounds, whereas a credible war bow would have at least 70lb draw weight, with the most prolific surviving medieval longbows having more like 140lb.[[/note]] These characters are likely to also be a NatureHero, a ForestRanger, a BadassNative, and/or an [[OurElvesAreDifferent Elf]]. This also has the benefit of [[GuysSmashGirlsShoot keeping the delicate female safely out of the bone-crunching melee]].

%%* In high-fantasy ''Franchise/XMen'' fanwork [[http://natehallinan.com/ooxgrey/ "The Order Of X"]], ComicBook/JeanGrey is specialized in archery, using her telepathy to stop the enemy and her telekinesis to ensure her shots never miss and even set her arrows on fire.

** [[Characters/HawkeyeClintBarton Clint Barton]] (The first Hawkeye) fits the analytical and not-following-orders-well parts of this trope but actually averts the calm levelheadedness by being a constant joker and often the team Heart for the Avengers.
** [[Characters/HawkeyeKateBishop Kate Bishop]] (the second Hawkeye) is calm and level-headed.

* Creator/CSLewis's ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'':

* ''Series/{{Arrow}}'': The show's protagonist Oliver Queen is skilled with the bow, and is cold and ruthless in his vigilante guise the hood. He starts to play that part down as he tries to become less a vigilante and more an actual hero as the show progresses. While his preferred means is taking out enemies with arrows, if things get too close his bow can also double as a melee weapon. As the show goes on, more and more archers appear, largely due to Oliver's influence or as counters to him, including Speedy (his sister), Arsenal, the Dark Archer, Talia al Ghul, Prometheus, and Dark Arrow (Oliver's EvilDoppelganger and Fuhrer of Earth-X).

** Ramsay Snow is shown to be this in "Walk of Punishment", when he quickly shoots all of the guards about to rape Theon, and is a composed and cold individual. His hunting partner Myranda is also shown to be very competent with a bow in "The Lion and the Rose" and it later appears to be her weapon of choice. In "Battle of the Bastards," the only weapon Ramsay uses is his bow.

** Theon demonstrates his archery skills several times, including putting an arrow through the chest of an outlaw and later shooting down the messenger ravens at the Twins. This ultimately comes to a head in "The Long Night", where Theon manages to keep [[spoiler:Bran]] safe with his bow, mowing down ''scores'' of attacking wights, all largely without breaking a sweat. It's safe to say it's the only thing he ''doesn't'' screw up in the show.

** Orion, a fellow hunter and possibly the only man Artemis loved. [[MultipleChoicePast According to the most popular version]], he either hunted with her and came close to winning her heart, but earned the enmity of Gaea when he threatened to hunt every beast on Earth and was killed by a giant scorpion sent by the Earth Goddess. Upon Artemis' request, Zeus placed Orion in the heavens as a constellation, who also bestowed the same honor upon the scorpion (as a memorial to the hero's death), where it was known as Scorpio from then on. The constellation Orion immediately dims when Scorpio shows itself - [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere he's fleeing from the creature]].

* ''Literature/TheDragonKnight'': Dafydd. The draw strength on his bow is between 150-200lbs. The arrows can puncture the armor of the era, 1350's. He can also kill a target up to half an English mile ways, along with four others, keeping them from raising the alarm. He is also good in a melee if need be. Then there's his wife, Danielle, who is a decent archer in her own right, along with the outlaws in the band that her father, Giles o'the Wold, is the leader of.

%%* Strongbow (obviously) and Nightfall in ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'', both of whom are fairly bold and not particularly weak.
* In ''ComicBook/GIJoeARealAmericanHeroMarvel'', Storm Shadow is considered the greatest archer, even using it back when he was a GI in the Vietnam War. This is the one martial art where even Snake-Eyes could not equal or surpass him. Like most ninja in that series, he is enigmatic, aloof, self-assured, and rather irreverent at times. Zartan is the second-best archer, though he used various sonic detection devices to hit distant targets blindly.
* The second ''ComicBook/GreenArrow'' and the second Speedy (Mia Dearden) in Franchise/TheDCU are both calm and level-headed (Their predecessors, Oliver Queen and Roy Harper being more charming rogues).

* ''ComicBook/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast1992'' has Roam. He's arrogant, he's a loner, and he's a crack shot with a crossbow.

* Oxbow, of the First Line in ''ComicBook/MarvelTheLostGeneration'', is a fairly huge subversion of the norm; he's tall, super strong, easily angered, and not much of a braggart.
%%* This is a common occupation in ''ComicBook/RedSonja'''s world. Notable examples include Haron the Quick, twins Ayla and Nias, and Sonja herself.
* The rebellious ''ComicBook/RobynHood'' has trouble following orders, and even trouble asking for help. As a result, she tends to operate as a lone wolf character. She is also a skilled archer.
%%* In ''ComicBook/SunnyvilleStories'', Roy, one of [[IneffectualSympatheticVillain the two Weasel brothers]], uses a bow and arrows when engaging in banditry.
* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'': ComicBook/{{Artemis}} comes off as cold and aloof, especially in her introductory chapters before she'd befriended Diana, and is a very independent character who will rebel against authority she hasn't chosen herself. She primarily wields a bow and arrow, but, unlike the usual archetype fighting her up close is more of a disadvantage for whoever is dumb enough to try, she's an expert warrior among expert warriors and that giant axe she lugs around isn't just for show.

** Clint Barton (The first Hawkeye) fits the analytical and not-following-orders-well parts of this trope but actually averts the calm levelheadedness by being a constant joker and often the team Heart for the Avengers.
** Kate Bishop (the Hawkeye of the ''ComicBook/YoungAvengers'') is calm and level-headed.

** ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemShadowDragonAndTheBladeOfLight Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light]]'': Jeorge is the one who started it all. As a mid-game archer, he also contrasts with the earlier archer you got, Gordin, by being more mature, cool-headed and starts out with more bow aptitude. Come [[VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem the sequel]], turns out he inherits the sacred bow Parthia which further enhances his archery and still keeping his cool. Hence, most of the mid-game super archer/snipers listed below [[RecurringElements take cue from Jeorge.]]

* The ''VideoGame/FireEmblem'' series features bow-users as a staple class, with some of them falling into this trope more than others:

Archers are skilled bowmen. Generally independent and used to working alone, this tends to make them practical, a little haughty or arrogant and not the best at following orders, especially from those they don't respect. Due to the nature of their weapon, archers are typically stealthy and graceful and tend to fight at a distance. As a result, [[LongRangeFighter they're often portrayed as vulnerable to close-quarters combat]] unless they [[BowAndSwordInAccord switch to a different weapon]].

Ironically, the nature of of your typical bow meant that, historically, archers were actually [[TheBigGuy big, strong, and powerful]], as a bow often required both a great deal of strength and extensive conditioning to use properly. In fact, [[BowAndSwordInAccord most archers could be very effective in melee]], and the main reason they didn't prove as effective in close combat was because they didn't have the money to afford the heavy armor or the lifetime of combat training that an elite warrior aristocracy could manage.

This trope is distinct from MasterArcher, which describes a character who is an ''extremely'' skilled archer; the Archer Archetype may be no more than competent -- it's the independence and association with wilderness that define the trope. For bows used in modern or scifi settings, see TheStraightAndArrowPath. For added irony, check out NoArcInArchery. See also AnnoyingArrows. May evoke comparisons to Myth/RobinHood (Though if he robs the rich to give to the poor, that's [[JustLikeRobinHood a different trope]]).

%%* One of the original Nega Nebulous's members from ''Literature/AccelWorld'' is Ardor Maiden, who's primarily red avatar is an archer styled after a miko. Her special powers all work to enhance her accuracy and damage.
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'': The Quincies are modelled on the Teutonic Knights but favour [[EnergyBow archery]] over anything else. Ichigo's foil, Uryuu, is a tall, thin, [[AloofAlly aloof Quincy]] with a highly analytical fighting style, as is his father, [[GenerationXerox who is the foil]] of Ichigo's father. The Vandenreich has adapted the Teutonic Knight themes to Nazi themes, militarised and now use any [[EnergyWeapon suitable weapon]], but they still retain their archer natures; all their weapons can fire arrows, even if they're swords. [[spoiler:Hollow Taint is a soul-poison to Quincies; ranged attacks are therefore a life-saving necessity for them.]]
* Yue from ''Manga/CardCaptorSakura'' shoots arrows made out of [[LightIsNotGood pure energy]], and has a very cold personality, at least initially. His alter-ego, [[spoiler:Yukito]] is also accomplished in archery, but has none of the associated cold or callous personality.

%%* Toyohisa notes in ''Manga/{{Drifters}}'' that while elves in are hopeless when using a sword, they are, to an elf, natural born bowmen. The elves themselves note it as an innate skill they practiced as children before they were subjugated by the Orte Empire.

* ''Manga/{{Gamaran}}'' has the Nakaizumi Ryuu (Hidden Spring School) which is composed by skilled archers. Their leader Arata went close to kill the titular character with his arrows. Another bow-wielding character is Ippi Shibano of the Muhou Ryu. While Arata represents the "good" traits related to archers (he's calm, really dedicated to his style, cool-headed and, unlike many archers, really muscular), Shibano is the "evil archer", a cowardly and cunning sniper who relies on surprise attacks and poisoned arrows.
* Kikyou from ''Manga/InuYasha'' is a good example. She travels alone and is a little cold. As an archer, she is portrayed as a perfect shot and can deal devastating damage with her sacred arrow, an arrow surrounded with spiritual power that is basically a nuke. She is a little on the slow side, however, and is much more powerful long ranged than close ranged.

* Kaguya from ''Manga/KaguyaSamaLoveIsWar'' is the star member of the school's archery club and is definitely cold and calculating ([[DefrostingIceQueen initially, anyways]]). That said, she subverts the "weak at close range" stereotype, as the muscle she built up from constantly using a bow led to her victory during the Student Council's arm wrestling tournament (along with having a black belt in both akido and judo).
%%* [[LadyOfWar Signum]] from ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs'' is mainly a female swordsman, but for her strongest attack ''[[GratuitousGerman Sturmfalken]]'' she has to transform her [[EmpathicWeapon Laevatine]] from a sword and sheath into a bow. Though, she uses this attack very rarely.
* Fuu Hououji of ''Manga/MagicKnightRayearth''. She's TheSpock of the trio, analytical and calmer than Hikaru and Umi (who are more likely to jump into things or get pissed off). She's also in the archery club at school and borrows a bow and arrow from Presea. The "archer" part goes away after the Spring of Eterna, when they all get swords, but she retains the weapon in the Sega Saturn game.

* Prince Ashitaka, the protagonist of ''Anime/PrincessMononoke'' is a skilled swordsman and hand-to-hand fighter but his REALLY badass feats are performed with his bow. He's a calculating fighter, but subverts the trope thanks to his messianic hero complex.

* The rebellious ''ComicBook/RobynHood'' has trouble following orders, and even trouble asking for help. As a result she tends to operate as a lone wolf character. She is also a skilled archer.

* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'': ComicBook/{{Artemis}} comes off as cold and aloof, especially in her introductory chapters before she'd befriended Diana, and is a very independent character who will rebel against authority she hasn't chosen herself. She primarily wields a bow and arrow, but, unlike the usual archetype fighting her up close is more of a disadvantage for whoever was dumb enough to try, she's an expert warrior among expert warriors and that giant axe she lugs around isn't just for show.

* ''Fanfic/ABoyAGirlAndADogTheLeithianScript'': Beren has been practicing archery since he was a toddler and stealth guerrilla warfare since he was a teenager. Skulking around the woods, shooting Morgoth's minions from afar and disappearing amongst the thicket was his routine for ten years. And he is not humble about his marksmanship.

** Janae, the main archer for the Gutters, is a prime example for this. Even outside of the battlefield, she is hardly the most emotional person, but in a fight, [[ColdSniper she gets even colder]], acting simply by logic and with ruthless precision.
** Also, Willfred's uncle, Roger Hill. [[FriendlySniper He is far more friendly than Janae]], but when in battle, he becomes calculating, analytical and careful, thinking with caution about his plans before making his shot.
* ''Fanfic/LandBeforeTimeRetold'': Aylene is an excellent archer, and frequenlty uses a bow and arrow to fend off predators. Her brother Derek is also quite a skilled archer, as is her boyfriend Ken, though he uses a crossbow instead of a longbow.

* ''Film/HawkTheSlayer'': Crow, in keeping with the elf stereotype, is a deadly archer who's small, slim, graceful and has no discernible close-combat skills. Subverted though with Ranulf, a craggy middle aged human who wields his {{automatic crossbow}} with great accuracy (one-handed to boot). Neither one of them ''ever'' misses a shot.

* Legolas in ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' has an incredible rate of fire with his arrows, and even uses them point-blank (though the Extended Editions also showed him with long knives). This is even an exaggeration of his skill over his depiction in the books. Like all elves in the films, he's elegant, graceful, and a bit snooty.
* In ''Film/{{Musa}}'' (a.k.a. ''The Warrior''), Jin-lip, the veteran sergeant of the envoy, uses a bow to deadly effect. Jin-lip is the most competent member of the envoy and its de facto leader. He subverts an archer's typical behavior in one scene where he inspires his unit to attack by being the first one to charge toward the enemy, loosing arrows all the way.

%%* ''Franchise/{{Rambo}}'' is fond of using a bow for its stealthy qualities, but he's not above using explosive warheads when shit needs to get blow'd up. He will use whatever weapon is available that is most appropriate to the situation.

* ''Literature/{{Bunduki}}'': Dawn Drummond-Clayton in these novels by Creator/JTEdson. Bunduki himself is also an expert with the bow, but is more likely to get into melee combat than Dawn, and Dawn is definitely the more analytical of the two.

** Susan Pevensie is a graceful, elegant, ladylike kind of archer. Her bow was a gift from Father Christmas, and she became a famously skilled as Queen. One of the ways the Pevensies prove their identities to Trumpkin in Prince Caspian is by Susan beating him in a target-shooting contest. However, though quite effective in battle, Susan hates to fight.
** In contrast, Lucy only trained in archery after growing into Queen Lucy the Valiant, but is a "tomboy" who fights alongside the men. For example, she joins the climactic battle in ''Literature/TheHorseAndHisBoy'', where Corin explains to Shasta that as a Queen she can do whatever she wants, whether or not she's female.

%%* In his child-rearing treatise ''Émile, ou de l'éducation'', 18th-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau notes that some professions are useful but dishonourable, requiring personality traits that are "odious and incompatible with humanity." He cites three examples: archers, spies and executioners.

* ''Literature/{{Indigo}}'': Princess Anghara, aka Indigo, specializes in the crossbow and conforms to the arrogance (in her past as a princess), slender build and isolation (her only true companion is her wolf and she is set apart from others by being cursed with immortality, until she defeats all the demons she released).

* ''Literature/{{Mahabharata}}'': Arjuna is known for his incredible prowess at archery. Of the five Pandavas, he's most likely to go fight on his own, and has a number of solo adventures within the text.

%%* As with the TV show example below, there are a few of these in ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'': most notably [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Anguy the Archer]] who wins the champion's purse in the Tourney of the Hand for archery and proves that it was no fluke during his later adventures with the Brotherood Without Banners. He's not alone, though, as Theon Greyjoy is also a crack shot - another thing that separates him from his former kin in the Iron Islands, as they have far too much TestosteronePoisoning to ever be proud of someone who kills at range.

* ''Literature/WindAndSparks'': Ness "Grey". StealthExpert and borderline ColdSniper. Joined the army, fought against genocidal elves, first as a regular archer, then assassinating leaders far from the battle zone. Grew increasingly jaded, ended up murdering an officer for selling supplies to enemies then [[SuicideByCop saying he did it for money]]. After he avoided being hanged (long story) and a truce was signed, he went MIA. Later became a hitman and teamed up with an outlaw sorceress, the only love of his life. By the start of the first novel they've spent seven years on the run after a particularly resonant murder. Through the cycle he participates in killing 5 Dark Overlords out of 6[[note]]by shooting them, stabbing, distracting or just escorting the people who end up doing the job[[/note]]. [[spoiler:Though some survive.]] Unlike many examples Ness stays dangerous in melee and even unarmed. Another thing of note is the [[ShownTheirWork realism with which archery is depicted]]: bowstrings don't like water, bows shouldn't stay strung too long, bows require significant strength, [[NoArcInArchery elevation and wind]] are always accounted for, arrows are [[BottomlessMagazines in short supply]] and heavy...

* ''Series/{{Arrow}}'': The show's protagonist, Oliver Queen, is skilled with the bow, and is cold and ruthless in his vigilante guise the hood. He starts to play that part down as he tries to become less a vigilante and more an actual hero as the show progresses. While his preferred means is taking out enemies with arrows, if things get too close his bow can also double as a melee weapon. As the show goes on, more and more archers appear, largely due to Oliver's influence or as counters to him, including Speedy (his sister), Arsenal, the Dark Archer, Talia al Ghul, Prometheus, and Dark Arrow (Oliver's EvilDoppelganger and Fuhrer of Earth-X).

** Theon demonstrates his archery skills several times, including putting an arrow through the chest of an outlaw and later shooting down the messenger ravens at the Twins. This ultimately comes to a head in "The Long Night", where Theon manages to keep [[spoiler: Bran]] safe with his bow, mowing down ''scores'' of attacking wights, all largely without breaking a sweat. It's safe to say its the only thing he ''doesn't'' screw up in the show.

** Artemis is perhaps the most iconic example. As goddess of the hunt, she’s often portrayed with a bow and arrows, and shuns civilization in favor of the wilderness. Although not technically a loner, as she’s frequently accompanied by her posse of nymphs, she’s sworn to chastity and can be surprisingly vengeful against any violations to her domain (especially by men).
** Orion, a fellow hunter and possibly the only man Artemis loved. [[MultipleChoicePast According to the most popular version]], he either hunted with her and came close to winning her heart, but earned the enmity of Gaea when he threatened to hunt every beast on Earth, and was killed by a giant scorpion sent by the Earth Goddess. Upon Artemis' request, Zeus placed Orion in the heavens as a constellation, who also bestowed the same honor upon the scorpion (as a memorial to the hero's death), where it was known as Scorpio from then on. The constellation Orion immediately dims when Scorpio shows itself - [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere he's fleeing from the creature]].

** Odysseus wasn't as skilled an archer as Teucer, and left his bow and arrow home, but when it came to use it he showed extreme skill... And that his bow, being a recurve bow, needs strength and ''knowledge'' to be strung. His son Telemachus is evolving in the same direction, and notably is implied he figured out the trick to his father's bow simply by watching people ''failing'' at stringing it and then trying it twice.
** Herakles was better known for his immense strength, but was also smart, cunning, and an extremely skilled archer, who upon presented with the poisonous blood of the Hydra wasted no time to dip his arrows into it to have a decisive weapon [[CrazyPrepared just in case he had face an enemy that was somehow too much even for him]] - and [[ProperlyParanoid ended up in three different situations where his poisonous arrows were necessary]].[[note]]The first time was when he was attacked by a horde of drunken Centaurs that could have overwhelmed him had it not been for the arrows' poison. The second time was against the man-eating bronze-feathered Stymphalian Birds, who ''would'' have overwhelmed him had the arrows not been poisonous. The third and final time was during the Gigantomachy, where he had to face ''gods'' but the sheer pain of his arrows was enough to bring them down and allow the Olympians to finish his victims at their leasure[[/note]]

* ''TabletopGame/{{Earthdawn}}'' naturally has a [[CharacterClass discipline]] for this, embodying the mentality and many of the tropes described at the top of the page. The essay on Archer discipline was in-universe written by a textbook example of such archetype - to such an extent that the crossbow-wielding archers said to be more down-to-earth complained in the marigins to StopBeingStereotypical!
* ''TabletopGame/LegendOfTheFiveRings'' has the Tsuruchi family of the Mantis Clan. Formerly the Wasp Minor Clan, they were drawn into the alliance of Minor Clans by Yoritomo during the Clan War that was eventually formed into the Mantis, when the leader of the clan snapped his katana in half in fealty. Since then, the Tsuruchi have focused on mastery of the bow over all other martial pursuits, though most of them still retain the katana and wakizashi that are symbols of the samurai caste. They most often work as [[BountyHunter bounty hunters]], either alone, or in small groups.

* Achaka from ''VideoGame/KingsQuest2015'' is as straight an example as they come. He's confident, agile, a bit of a loner ([[FireForgedFriends at first]]) and [[ImprobableAimingSkills a master at landing impossible shots]] with his powerful longbow. Graham provides a {{Aver|tedTrope}}sion, as he violates most common archer characterisations - he's not graceful or haughty, he's clumsy, insecure and a bit of a goofy dork, though Achaka takes him under his wing and he becomes a very good archer by the end of the first chapter.

** Ashe is deadly with her bow, and has a serene and calm disposition. She can even launch a hugeass arrow that travels all the way to the edge of the arena and her play style, as a Marksman, is more about staying behind the lines and pelting her enemies with frozen arrows.

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'': Hunter is a serious, noble and no-nonsense individual, who travels through the wilderness seeking to oppose the forces of evil.

%%* ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'' has Hanzo, born from a clan of Japanese assassins. He is skilled with a bow, and can summon a pair of spirit dragons as his ultimate ability.

* Lamia Loveless in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAdvance'' is a calm, analytical, calculating android excelling in robot piloting, and her stats usually gears more on the ranged stat. Therefore, her main mecha, Angelg, also comes equipped with a bow, and the majority of its ultimate attacks are from its bow (Illusion Arrow & Phantom Phoenix). Though occasionally subverted that due to a bug developed in her latter stages, she could end up very hyperactive and loud unlike most of the archetypes here, but usually reverts back to her usual calm, analytical, calculating type.

** The master thief protagonist [[PhantomThief Garrett]] specialises in using his bow and arrows as both a tool and weapon. Mechanical or magical [[TrickArrow arrows with specialised abilities]] are a standard part of his arsenal. Depending on a player's shooting skill, they can be used to manipulate the surrounding environment in favour of better sneaking conditions (e.g. water arrows put out sources of light based on open fires, moss arrows cushion loud tiled floors, etc.). Though Garrett also carries ordinary arrows for self-defence or potential sniping, and has a sword or a dagger for a sidearm, he's much more skilled at being sneaky than fighting others. Hence the games deemphasize melee combat and ranged combat and encourage sneaking and clever gadget usage (including trick arrow shooting with the bow). In the original trilogy, the bow is an ordinary but powerful wooden short bow, with an attached sight forged from steel. In the 2014 reboot, the reboot's version of Garrett uses more of a modern compound bow, albeit with 19th century stylings.

%%* Elves are naturally known for this in the [[VideoGame/{{Warcraft}} Warcraft Universe]], particularly the more feral Night Elves. The Priestess of the Moon in particular from ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'' (and the Dark Ranger, an undead High Elf) put their bowstrings to very good use on fleshy opposing armies. Class is a bigger variable than race in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft''. Though bows are available to a number of classes, only Hunters possess the skills and talents necessary to make them into effective weapons. Good Hunters also embody the analytical traits described here -- not only does their long-range position and lack of flashy effects (compared the nukers like mages and warlocks) give them a much better vantage point of a pitched battle, but they are masters of battlefield control with aggro management skills like Distracting Shot and Feign Death, the ability to set traps, and being able to act in two places at once by commanding their pet.

** Cinder Fall, one of the primary villains, used a weapon called "Midnight" which is actually a pair of swords that can join together into a bow; despite being ''very'' skilled with it, she abandons archery in favor of [[spoiler:using her magic as the Fall Maiden to conjure weapons out of molten glass -- frequently impractically oversized ones]]. Coincedentally (or not), her abandoning archery also goes with her abandoning her [[BeneathTheMask mask]] as a calm, calculating villainess in favor of the volatile, petty, broken young woman she actually is, and she doesn't regain the bow until Volume 8, which is also the volume where [[ShesBack goes back to her scheming ways]].

%%* ''Literature/{{Worm}}'' features Shadow Stalker -- a NominalHero who can phase in and and out to pass through solid objects. She uses a bow to hunt her targets and she prefers to work alone.

* Parodied in the first episode of ''WebVideo/{{Broceliande}}''. Two elves are discussing this trope, since they are woodsmen and consider archery definitely their thing. Although trying to find a more hip name for it isn't very successful; Pace's idea of "String" doesn't sound that convincing.

* ''WesternAnimation/CraigOfTheCreek'': Omar/The Green Poncho is a skilled archer, with loads of [[TrickArrow Trick Arrows]] in his arsenal. He is also very serious, and TheStoic. His predecessor, Michelle, was likewise a skilled archer.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Young Justice|2010}}'': Both Artemis and [[spoiler:the clone of]] Roy Harper are arrogant, sarcastic and, in Roy's case, very antisocial. They both mellow out over time due to CharacterDevelopment.

* In ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'' series, the [[OurElvesAreDifferent Bosmer (Wood Elves)]] have this a racial hat, along with traits of {{Forest Ranger}}s. They are hailed as the best archers in all of Tamriel, with some sources stating that they are the inventors of the bow. So great is their analytical prowess using a bow that, according to one in-game book, they can make nearly impossible shots by ''giving very specific instructions'' to another archer who then makes the shot (and would not have been able to otherwise). By the age of 14, all Bosmer children are expected to be proficient enough with a bow to join hunting parties. Their very best archers are known as "Jaqspurs," able to snatch an arrow, draw their bow, and fire in one continuous motion. They are also known to make composite horn bows which are said to be some of the best in Tamriel. Both the [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Aldmeri]] [[AntiHumanAlliance Dominion]] and the [[BadassArmy Septim]] [[TheEmpire Empire]] have employed the Bosmer as specialist archer troops. Guides for the games recommend the Bosmer as the ideal race for those seeking to play as archer characters.

* In ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'' series, the [[OurElvesAreDifferent Bosmer (Wood Elves)]] have this a racial hat, along with traits of {{Forest Ranger}}s. They are hailed as the best archers in all of Tamriel, with some sources stating that they are the inventors of the bow. By the age of 14, all Bosmer children are expected to be proficient enough with a bow to join hunting parties. Their very best archers are known as "Jaqspurs," able to snatch an arrow, draw their bow, and fire in one continuous motion. They are also known to make composite horn bows which are said to be some of the best in Tamriel. Both the [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Aldmeri]] [[AntiHumanAlliance Dominion]] and the [[BadassArmy Septim]] [[TheEmpire Empire]] have employed the Bosmer as specialist archer troops. Guides for the games recommend the Bosmer as the ideal race for those seeking to play as archer characters.

* ''WebOriginal/LoomingGaia'': Lukas is a "perfect shot" with the bow, and has been stoic and gloomy ever since he accidentally caused the death of his lover Itanya.

This trope is distinct from MasterArcher, which describes a character who is an ''extremely'' skilled archer; the Archer Archetype may be no more than competent -- it's the independence and association with wilderness that define the trope. For bows used in modern or scifi settings, see TheStraightAndArrowPath. For added irony, check out NoArcInArchery. See also AnnoyingArrows. May evoke comparisons to Myth/RobinHood. (Though if he robs the rich to give to the poor, that's [[JustLikeRobinHood a different trope]].)

* The second ''ComicBook/GreenArrow'' and the second Speedy (Mia Dearden) in Franchise/TheDCU are both calm and level-headed. (Their predecessors, Oliver Queen and Roy Harper being more charming rogues.)

* ''Bunduki'': Dawn Drummond-Clayton in these novels by Creator/JTEdson. Bunduki himself is also an expert with the bow, but is more likely to get into melee combat than Dawn, and Dawn is definitely the more analytical of the two.

* ''The Tale of Hōgen'': This Japanese historical epic, credits an otherwise obscure samurai named Minamoto no Tametomo with superhuman feats of archery made possible by his enormous stature and abnormally long bow arm.

* ''The Winter Crown'': While accompanying King Henry II on a campaign into Wales - a land famed for its deep forests and skilled archers - William de Boulogne describes the Welsh to Henry’s half-brother Hamelin.

** Orion, a fellow hunter and possibly the only man Artemis respected. [[MultipleChoicePast According to the most popular version]], he either hunted with her and came close to winning her heart, but earned the enmity of Gaea when he threatened to hunt every beast on Earth, and was killed by a giant scorpion sent by the Earth Goddess. Upon Artemis' request, Zeus placed Orion in the heavens as a constellation, who also bestowed the same honor upon the scorpion (as a memorial to the hero's death), where it was known as Scorpio from then on. The constellation Orion immediately dims when Scorpio shows itself - [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere he's fleeing from the creature]].

* The Archer from ''VideoGame/DaydreamForgottenSorrow'' fits this description fairly well. With her pretty good archery skills, she can often help Griffin through many obstacles in his path.

%%zce* The Archer from ''VideoGame/DaydreamForgottenSorrow'' fits this description fairly well.

* The Archer from ''VideoGame/DaydreamForgottenSorrow'' fits this description fairly well.

* ''ComicBook/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'' has Roam. He's arrogant, he's a loner, and he's a crack shot with a crossbow.

%%* ''Anime/DokiDokiPrettyCure'':