February 10, 2025
Archetypes Within Domination: Not Labels But Styles
Your style of domination can embody different archetypes. Depending on your personality, it might change from scene to scene or stay the same. But knowing your or your Dom(me)’s archetype can be helpful in setting the scene, bringing pleasure or even looking for a partner.
The Sadist
Gains pleasure from inflicting pain (physical or emotional); enjoys pushing limits and testing endurance.
- Traits: Intense, methodical, deeply in tune with their partner.
- Typical scene: Testing out sub’s limits while using sex toys on the tied sub.
The Caregiver
Blends dominance with affection, often guiding and disciplining.
- Traits: Protective, nurturing, firm but loving.
- Typical scene: The sub whines in protest, but the caregiver simply chuckles, “Rules are rules, sweetheart.”
The Master/Mistress
Exercises full ownership and control over a submissive; often involves total power exchange (TPE) relationships.
- Traits: Regal, absolute, perfectionist.
- Typical scene: The Master inspects their kneeling sub and commands, “Eyes down, hands behind your back.”
The Owner
Similar to the Master/Mistress but often in a pet-play dynamic; treats the submissive as a pet.
- Traits: Possessive, training-focused.
- Typical scene: The leash tightens as the Owner commands, “Heel.”
The Ruler/Overlord
Commands absolute authority, often with an aristocratic or god-like presence; enjoys being worshipped or revered.
- Traits: God-complex, demanding, enjoys rituals and worship.
- Typical scene: Tracing a finger along their sub’s jaw, the Overlord whispers, “You should be honored to suffer for me.”
The Brat Tamer
Specializes in handling rebellious submissives (“brats”); enjoys power struggles and proving their dominance.
- Traits: Playful but strict, thrives on teasing.
- Typical scene: Pinning a brat against the wall after they’ve pushed too many buttons and growling, “You just love testing me, don’t you?”