Why Study Fantasy? A Character Creator

Dr Gabriel Elvery, recently awarded their PhD, provides this character sheet for the types of people who study fantasy—and what they might get out of it.

As universities are overstretched and underfunded, arts and humanities programmes have been stripped to their skeleton. In this cost-focused world, educators are often asked to justify why students should study the arts. Generic (and honest) answers link the reasons to soft skills, applicability to industry and long-term financial stability for graduates. (God forbid we mention intrinsic motivation, joy and the benefit of a literate and cultured society!)

Justifying the study of Fantasy is even more difficult because the form has oft been characterised as frivolous, with a long-held snobbery relating to the genre playing out in discourse concerning moral panics and the merits of high/low brow media. Even within SFFH circles there have been clashes over genre hierarchies and what counts as ‘speculative fiction’. 

I hope as I write, mainly divorced from both academic circles and insulated from social discussion (reclusive as I am), that the outdated ideas above are no longer true. Fantasy (as you’ll know) has been increasingly mainstream as a hobby for years. Academia has mirrored this trend, with Fantasy’s profile elevating to greater heights with the opening of the Fantasy Centre at the University of Glasgow in 2020 and climbing higher since.

When speaking with people about why they should study Fantasy, the broader picture above is only worldbuilding – the landscape through which adventurers into Fantasy academia will be forced to tread. More compelling reasons for setting-off lie in one’s backstory and personal motivation: in character creation. 

It may be cliché, but the best reason to study Fantasy is because you love it. Studying is a quest requiring a great degree of introspection. In studying Fantasy you’ll develop your own unique relationship with the genre, discovering things about yourself in the process. Instead of convincing you with ‘big picture’ arguments, let’s focus on the personal. 

Studying something because you love it might sound simple, but there are many ways to love something. Below, I’ve outlined the ‘starting classes’ for typical Fantasy students – an equally fictional Myers Briggs and slightly less factual horoscope. 

Which of the below archetypes ring true for you?

Artificer| ‘If it’s not broken, fix it anyway!’

Artificers love texts by taking them apart. Artificers deconstruct something to see how it works, then put it back together using a little magic of their own. In their literary practice, the magic happens via deep understanding of a text’s mechanics, which they mod with new parts to create meaning in unexpected ways. 

Artificers have less broad knowledge about the Fantasy genre in general but are adept at working on any text presented to them. If you run out of ideas, an artificer is the person to turn to if you need a unique perspective or help salvaging an arcane theoretical framework.  

Barbarian| ‘I’m only mad because I care.’

Barbarians channel their power through rage. They love Fantasy and its faults make them angry. Barbarians conduct scathing critiques of a text and its author because in our year of 2026, creators should know better. Barbarians are tireless and always need the last word.

Barbarians make fearsome enemies, but they make exceptional allies, putting themselves on the frontlines of debate, delivering reckless attacks that make them vulnerable to being attacked in return. 

(Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash)

Bard/Rogue Multiclass| ‘Yoink!’

This multiclass take what they need from the study of Fantasy, applying it to their art. Known as the magpies of Fantasy academia, Bard/Rogues are thirsty in the pursuit of knowledge, and wide readers in the service of building their own skillset. They do not revere creators counting them as peers, though label some texts as ‘a helpful guide in how not to create’. 

Bard/rogues are notorious name-droppers, have the best literary gossip and are always ready to spin a tale. They can be found rolling their eyes in lectures or in a heated debate about The Death of the Author.

Clerics| “I’m not angry, just disappointed.” 

Clerics see both the good and bad in Fantasy. They study the genre because they want to heal it, to make it better. They offer constructive critiques, but never takedowns. They see the good in the genre and want to help make it the best it can be.

They likely specialize in a domain such as queer theory, postcolonial studies or feminism. They channel their knowledge to unify and repair. Clerics are the best at giving peer-to-peer feedback and will help bless your essays without triggering death saving throws.

Druid| “All my books are biodegradable.”

Druids are primarily concerned about the environment and how environmental themes are shaped and expressed through Fantasy. Druids may have a deep appreciation of ecological representations in Fantasy texts, expressing their perspectives through creative close reading and the application and creation of ecocriticism. 

Druids always make time for low-emissions trips, taking aesthetic pictures in meadows, lochs and on a mountainside. They plan the best outings and help their party members ‘touch grass’ – literally. 

(Photo by Alexander Mass on Unsplash)

Paladin| ‘This is my hill and I’ll die to defend it!’

Paladins are the white knights of the Fantasy genre, studying so they can dedicate themselves to defending and upholding works they love. The pursuit of study isn’t just about knowledge acquisition; they have a deep and personal connection to, and reverence for, Fantasy and the people who write it. This means they can be blind to its faults, defending problematic faves.

It takes a lot to convince a paladin of a text’s flaws, and if an author betrays them, they may turn heel and become an oathbreaker, writing four-hour long video essays critiquing the texts they used to devotedly love. If you lose motivation, your paladin friend will always be there to inspire you – just don’t badmouth their niche. 

Ranger| ‘Academia is a pyramid scheme.’

Rangers enjoy their studies but have little respect for institutions that gatekeep education. They remain at a safe distance, taking shots at the inaccessibility of what they consider to be elitest cliques. Rangers study Fantasy literature as a solitary process, completing their work whilst forgoing the networking it takes to land a position longer term. 

Rangers are to be commended for their independence and commit themselves to finding alternative ways to participate in scholarship, working to decentralise education. They have a ‘cool factor’ and if they have a public profile will have the biggest social media following and create the best video essays. 

Sorcerer| ‘Naturally.’

A sorcerer’s interest in Fantasy comes from innate drive and natural ability; at least, at first glance it appears that way. Their interest in scholarship is likely cultivated through a privileged upbringing with a family history of academic study. Such families instil upon the sorcerer an appreciation of whimsy, the value of education and access to insider knowledge and financial support.

Sorcerers with less of an elite upbringing may find themselves in the right place at the right time to leverage their natural talents into obtaining a rare scholarship. Sorcerers must work hard to improve their skills but have an easier start than most. They have the best student accommodation for study groups and parties.

Warlock| ‘Here’s my card.’

Warlocks are Fantasy scholars who enjoy the opportunity that study brings them. These intensely sociable scholars are likely to be found either presenting at a conference or organising one. They make pacts with institutions that trade their time, energy and skills for social capital. If they’re not careful, this can take a toll on their academic work. For warlocks, it’s more important to be seen as an expert than to work on being one, however they have the best CVs, the best soft skills and are at the centre of every important network, even if the study itself is just a means to an end. 

They are exceptionally gifted at building community and working with others. Warlocks always ‘know a guy high-up’ and will happily steer you to the best opportunities. 

(Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash)

Wizard| ‘Um actually-’ 

Wizards are archetypal scholars gaining power from knowledge and studying until they exhaust a topic. Wizards might study broadly, learning as much about Fantasy as they can and immersing themselves in its history. Wizards may choose a speciality, delving into a niche to become an expert on a specific topic. 

Wizards are the ideal teammates in a tavern quiz, with excellent memories. They make the best study buddies, likely to have extensive notes and intelligent strategies for learning they’re eager to share.

Just remember, these are just a starting point. As you study your relationship to the material is likely to evolve. As you level-up in academia, you might find yourself ‘respeccing’!

Which kind of Fantasy scholar would you be? Do you relate to any of the above? If not, head to the comments and tell me how you’d describe the classes I’ve missed.