Use these archetypes as starting points. Mix two to three together to make something uniquely yours.

The Grifter

Smooth talker, social chameleon, con artist.

Masters of fast talk and blending in, reading marks and making deals.

Examples: Neal Caffrey (White Collar), Sophie Devereaux (Leverage), Irving Rosenfeld (American Hustle)

The Muscle

Bruiser, bodyguard, intimidator.

Handles security, “persuasion,” and situations when things get physical.

Examples: Jackie Welles (Cyberpunk 2077), Mr. Hinx (Spectre), Chev Chelios (Crank)

The Hacker

Digital ghost, surveillance expert, systems infiltrator.

Handles security systems, digital espionage, and surveillance.

Examples: Lisbeth Salander (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Darlene Alderson (Mr. Robot), Luther Stickell (Mission: Impossible)

The Thief

Acrobat, infiltrator, locksmith.

Masters of locks, alarms, physical infiltration, and stealth.

Examples: Selina Kyle/Catwoman (The Dark Knight Rises), Hush (Red Notice), Arsene Lupin (Lupin)

The Fixer

Connector, planner, problem solver.

Knows every black market supplier and can arrange transport, fences, and alibis.

Examples: Mozzie (White Collar), Joe Cabot (Reservoir Dogs), Saul Goodman (Better Call Saul)

The Inside Man

Double agent, deep cover, traitor.

Embedded in the enemy’s organization; provides access, intel, and sabotage.

Examples: Donnie Brasco (Donnie Brasco), Bridget O’Shaughnessy (The Maltese Falcon), Colin Sullivan (The Departed)

The Safecracker

Demolitions or lockmaster, engineer, gadgeteer.

Gets through barriers when hacking or finesse is not enough; blows doors off or works miracles by hand.

Examples: Basher Tarr (Ocean’s Eleven), Stanley Goodspeed (The Rock), Hans “The Locksmith” Gruber (Die Hard)

The Mastermind

Leader, strategist, architect.

Designs the plan, sees the big picture, improvises under fire.

Examples: Danny Ocean (Ocean’s Eleven), Nathan Ford (Leverage), The Professor (Money Heist / La Casa de Papel)

The Wheelman

Getaway specialist, stunt driver, escape artist.

Ensures the crew gets in and out; brilliant with vehicles or even supernatural means of escape.

Examples: Baby (Baby Driver), Frank Martin (The Transporter), Driver (Drive)

The Lookout

Eyes on the job, early warning, surveillance.

Watches the approach, sees trouble coming, and keeps comms running smoothly.

Examples: Benji Dunn (Mission: Impossible), Joe Burton (Logan Lucky), Ned Leeds (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

The Forger

Impersonator, artist, counterfeiter.

Excels at producing fake identities, unbreakable alibis, and imitation valuables.

Examples: Frank Abagnale Jr. (Catch Me If You Can), Eames (Inception), Ki-taek’s daughter (Parasite)

The Face in the Crowd

Blend-in, undercover, invisible.

Disguises, false identities, and impersonations that get you access without being noticed.

Examples: Ethan Hunt (Mission: Impossible), Howard Silk (Counterpart), Mystique (X-Men)

The Cleaner

Evidence eraser, cleanup specialist.

Gets rid of traces, bodies, or messy fallout when the job goes sideways.

Examples: Winston Wolfe (Pulp Fiction), Ed Galbraith (Breaking Bad)

The Handler

Asset controller, logistics wrangler.

Runs off-screen support: contacts, informants, and the people you cannot put in the crew.

Examples: Carolyn Martens (Killing Eve), Jim Phelps (Mission: Impossible)

The Snoop

Journalist, private eye, rumor hunter.

Digs for secrets, patterns, and soft spots before the job begins.

Examples: Jessica Jones (Jessica Jones), Rust Cohle (True Detective), Lois Lane (Superman)

The Medic

Field surgeon, patcher, street doctor.

Keeps the crew alive and mobile when things go wrong.

Examples: Claire Temple (Marvel’s Daredevil), Hawkeye Pierce (MASH*)