Character Archetypes

Archetypes in writing are always interesting to observe. Whether studying the Villain, the Hero, the Damsel in Distress, the Accomplice, the Comrade, or the Witty Servant or Sidekick, literature and tales consistent follow the same guidelines and ideals for storytelling.
Satan, Voldemort, and Ferdinand are villainous, tricky characters who depict a battle for a "need" that they have, the manipulation to get there, and the utter failure they meet in the end (usually due to the "hero" in the picture). Then, you always have your sub-characters, embodying sidekicks, structural support, or fillers. These can include Una of Faerie Queene, Ron and Hermione of Harry Potter, Rosencrantz and the others of Hamlet, and many, many more. They are almost always there.
It is consistent that we follow these patterns and rules regarding writing, but what about when someone breaks the barrier, as when the "villain" is perhaps the "hero", or the "hero" is not so impressive. These traits can be found in Satan of Paradise Lost as well as in the Duchess of the Duchess of Malfi. When one you are "supposed" to support disappoints you, and the other you are taught to despise makes you express sympathy, it can be a difficult time for many readers.
There will always be archetypes, but there will also always be intelligent minds who may challenge these concepts. As long as storytelling is able to occur, our favorite characters will always be there to be found.