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What are Submissive Archetypes ?
There are many different kinds of submissives, and many attempts at trying to categorise them. Some might say it is a meaningless pursuit, and we are all just individuals.
Within the BDSM community, there’s a diverse range of submissive archetypes that cater to different desires, needs, and dynamics. From the playful and challenging Submissive Brat, to the devoted Service Sub, and the nurturing Babygirl/Boy, each archetype brings its own unique flavour to the world of submission.
You may feel you identify with more than one archetype…and this is perfectly normal. Archetypes serve as frameworks to understand and explore your desires, needs, and roles within a power dynamic.
It is not uncommon for a submissive to embody various archetypes at different times or in different relationships, as each archetype represents a distinct aspect of their submissive identity.
For instance, you might identify as a brat when you crave playfulness and resistance, while also embracing the caregiver archetype when nurturing and serving your dominant partner.
The multifaceted nature of human sexuality allows for the fluidity and versatility of archetypes, empowering you to explore and express diverse facets of your submissive selves.
In this article, you can explore some of the most prominent submissive archetypes, shedding light on some of the characteristics and providing examples to help you better understand the submissive roles within the BDSM lifestyle.
Submissive archetypes in BDSM
Submissive Brat
The Submissive Brat archetype thrives on pushing boundaries and enjoys playful defiance. They derive pleasure from gaining attention from their partner, referred to as a Brat Tamer. The Submissive Brat engages in acts of disobedience, often with a mischievous and teasing demeanour.
Examples and Ideas for Being a Submissive Brat
Engaging in playful banter and talking back to their dominant.
Intentionally disobeying orders to test their dominant's resolve.
Displaying resistance and defiance while being physically restrained.
Service Sub
The Service Submissive archetype finds fulfilment in performing tasks and providing services for their dominant partner. They take pleasure in acts of service, which can range from practical chores and errands to sexual services tailored to their dominant's desires.
Examples of Being a Service Submissive
Cooking and serving meals, prioritising their partner's preferences.
Assisting with drink service and ensuring their partner's comfort.
Engaging in cleaning activities, such as tidying the home or bathing their dominant.
Planning events and taking responsibility for tasks that please their dominant.
Submissive Princess
The Submissive Princess archetype seeks adoration, worship, and pampering from their dominant before relinquishing control. They value their own worth and hold a high opinion of themselves.
Examples of Playing a Submissive Princess
Desiring care, pampering, and coddling in line with their perceived status.
Displaying resistance through pouting and whining.
Expecting treatment akin to royalty and pampering gestures from their dominant.
Littles & Middles
Littles and Middles are archetypes that embody childlike or youthful qualities within a BDSM dynamic. They seek nurturing, guidance, and protection from their dominant, often adopting age-regressed behaviours.
Examples of Littles & Middles
Engaging in age-play activities, such as colouring, playing with toys, or watching children's shows.
Seeking comfort and reassurance from their dominant.
Embracing innocence and vulnerability within their dynamic.
Babygirl/Boy
The Babygirl/Boy archetype embodies a submissive who possesses youthful qualities while maintaining an adult mindset. They seek a caregiver-type dominant who provides structure, guidance, and affection.
Examples of Babygirl/Boy Behaviour
Using childlike language or pet names to refer to themselves or their dominant.
Seeking nurturing and protection from their dominant.
Embracing playfulness and exploring age-regressed dynamics.
Masochist
The Masochist archetype derives pleasure from experiencing physical or emotional pain. They willingly submit to their dominant's sadistic desires and find satisfaction in enduring intense sensations.
Examples of Masochistic Behaviour
Enjoying various forms of pain play, such as impact play, bondage, or sensation play.
Communicating and negotiating pain thresholds and limits with their dominant.
Finding emotional release through masochistic experiences.
S.A.M. (Smart Ass Masochist)
The S.A.M. archetype combines a masochistic inclination with a penchant for witty remarks and challenging their dominant. They engage in playful verbal sparring while seeking pain and submission.
Examples of S.A.M. Behaviour
Engaging in witty banter and teasing their dominant.
Playfully challenging orders or instructions from their dominant.
Enjoying the balance between pain and verbal exchanges.
Alpha Submissive
The Alpha Submissive archetype exhibits dominant traits outside the BDSM dynamic but finds satisfaction in submitting to a dominant partner. They may be powerful and assertive individuals who willingly relinquish control within the confines of a BDSM relationship.
Examples of Alpha Submissive Behaviour
Displaying confidence and assertiveness in their professional or personal life.
Embracing vulnerability and relinquishing control to their dominant.
Seeking guidance and structure from their dominant partner.
Prey Sub
The Prey Submissive archetype enjoys being pursued and hunted by their dominant partner. They find pleasure in being chased, captured, and subjected to their dominant's desires.
Examples of Prey Submissive Behaviour
Engaging in role-play scenarios where they are pursued and captured.
Exhibiting vulnerability and allowing their dominant to assert control.
Enjoying a sense of surrender and being desired by their dominant.
Submissive Slave
The Submissive Slave archetype desires complete ownership and control by their dominant partner. They relinquish their autonomy and willingly serve their dominant's every desire.
Examples of Submissive Slave Behaviour
Engaging in consensual power exchange, often involving collars or other symbols of ownership.
Following strict protocols and rules set by their dominant.
Finding fulfilment in being completely at the mercy of their dominant's wishes.
Pet Sub
The Pet Submissive archetype involves embodying an animal or pet persona within a BDSM dynamic. They derive pleasure from being treated as a beloved pet and enjoy engaging in pet play activities.
Examples of Pet Submissive Behaviour
Assuming an animal persona, such as a kitten, puppy, or pony, through role-play and behaviour.
Responding to commands or cues related to their chosen pet persona.
Engaging in activities such as crawling, being groomed, or wearing pet gear.
Bedroom/Sexual Submissive
The Bedroom or Sexual Submissive archetype focuses primarily on the submissive dynamic within sexual encounters. They seek pleasure through giving control to their dominant partner during intimate moments.
Examples of Bedroom/Submissive Behaviour
Engaging in power exchange dynamics during sexual encounters.
Exploring BDSM activities and kinks in the bedroom.
Communicating desires, limits, and boundaries to ensure a consensual and fulfilling experience.
Financial Submissive
The Financial Submissive archetype derives pleasure from financial domination or financial control within a BDSM dynamic. They willingly provide financial resources or gifts to their dominant partner.
Examples of Financial Submissive Behaviour
Offering financial support or gifts to their dominant as a form of submission.
Engaging in financial control dynamics, such as budgeting or managing their dominant's finances.
Finding satisfaction in contributing to their dominant's lifestyle.
Rope Bunny
The Rope Bunny archetype enjoys being tied up, restrained, or engaging in rope bondage. They find pleasure in the sensation of being bound and vulnerable.
Examples of Rope Bunny Behaviour
Participating in rope bondage sessions with their dominant.
Exploring different types of knots and positions for aesthetic or restrictive purposes.
Communicating comfort levels and desires regarding rope play.
Submissive in Training
The Submissive in Training archetype refers to individuals who are new to submission or are actively learning and developing their submissive skills. They seek guidance and instruction from experienced dominants.
Examples of Submissive in Training Behaviour
Engaging in communication and negotiation to understand their dominant's expectations.
Actively participating in learning experiences, such as workshops or online courses.
Exploring different submissive roles and dynamics to discover their preferences.
As you have read, the world of BDSM offers a multitude of submissive archetypes, each catering to unique desires and preferences.
By exploring these submissive roles, you can better understand your own submissive inclinations and it may help you to find fulfilling dynamics within the BDSM community.
It is crucial to prioritise open communication, consent, and mutual understanding to ensure safe and consensual exploration of these archetypes. Remember, the journey of self-discovery and exploration is a personal one, and embracing one's submissive desires should always be consensual, empowering, and rooted in trust.