The Evolution of Character Types in Western Dramas

The question of which character types are absent from Western dramas is increasingly more relevant as the genre continues to adapt and transform over time. While the Western may have had specific character archetypes unique to its period in the 40s and 50s, the genre has since expanded to embrace a wide range of characters and storylines.

From Classic to Modern: Character Diversity in Westerns

Early Westerns, particularly in the 50s and 60s, often featured family-oriented heroes in shows such as The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, and Bonanza. These programs were designed to be wholesome and appealing to the entire family.
In movies of the same era, however, we see a different picture. Films like The Searchers, The Cowboys, and 3:10 to Yuma offered more realistic and rough depictions of heroism mixed with themes of tragedy and intense atmospheres. Stellar performances such as Glenn Ford in 3:10 to Yuma and Val Kilmer in Silverado exemplified this transformation.

Rare Characters in Western Dramas

Some characters, like the angsty teenager (as seen in Young Guns) or the precocious nerd (as in True Grit), are rare additions to Western dramas. These characters often bring a sense of goofiness and youthfulness that is not typically found in these traditional settings. For instance, Kevin Costner's portrayal of a character in Silverado who is serious about killing but jovial in other contexts is a unique departure from the norm. Similarly, Val Kilmer's character as Doc Holliday in Silverado with his drunken, sarcastic, and tormented persona adds depth and complexity to the Western genre.

Political and Dark Elements in Westerns

The 60s and 70s saw Westerns begin to mix politics and violence, with characters often shading towards irredeemable and facing violent ends. Films like The Magnificent Seven, The Wild Bunch, The Long Riders, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid epitomize this re-imagining of the Western. Additionally, the groundbreaking Little Big Man with its realistic makeup effects and satirical tone, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance with its unconventional time structure, redefined the Western genre.

Dramatic Action and Humor in Westerns

The 60s also introduced a blend of dramatic action and humor, often starring actors like John Wayne. Films such as the original True Grit, Rooster Cogburn, Chisum, and McClintock! showcased this mix, with performances that combined action with comedic elements.

Tropes and Antitropes in Westerns

The Western genre is rich with tropes, such as the silent or near-silent outsider (Clint Eastwood), town drunk (Dean Martin in Rio Bravo), and the charismatic gambler (Dean Martin in 5 Card Stud). Over time, these tropes have expanded to include more diverse and complex characters. For instance, one could find racist characters in Django Unchained, black and white heroes fighting racism in Silverado, anti-heroes like The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and even female outlaws in films like Cattle Annie, Little Bitches, and Bad Girls.

Modern Diversification in Westerns

Recently, Westerns have become even more diverse, with reboots such as the reboot of The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp as an Indian hero and the reboot of The Magnificent Seven with a black anti-hero Denzel Washington. These films showcase a wider array of characters and storylines, further broadening the genre's scope.

The Intersection of Westerns and Science Fiction

Let's not forget shows like The Wild Wild West, which mixed the themes of Westerns with spy-like gadgets and spycraft, and Westworld, which, while more science fiction, includes many Western tropes and may be considered a hybrid of the genre. This demonstrates how Western dramas continue to evolve and adapt to modern storytelling techniques.

In conclusion, the Western genre has expanded significantly over the years, incorporating a wide range of character types. While it's challenging to think of a character type from the rich history of Westerns that hasn't been included, modern Westerns continue to diversify and challenge traditional archetypes with innovative and nuanced storytelling.