Blood, Fur, and Freedom: The Frontier and the Outlaw Hero Archetype
Frontier (Netflix, 2016–2018) is a series that takes place at the intersection of empire, commerce, and survival. Those are three subjects that don’t always fit easily together. In 18th-century North America, ruthless trappers and entrepreneurs fight to wrest control of the fur trade from the mighty Hudson’s Bay Company. At the center of the storm stands Declan Harp (Jason Momoa), an outlaw fur trapper of mixed Irish and Cree heritage, conducting a campaign of terror against HBC outposts.
The premise is deceptively simple, yet rich with narrative tension: What happens when a man with nothing left to lose declares war on an empire? Harp is bent on destroying the Hudson’s Bay Company, the monopoly that has exploited the land and its people for a century. But he is not alone. Around him swirl a cast of opportunists, idealists, and survivors—all vying for a piece of the “brown gold” that fuels the frontier economy.netflix+3
The Outlaw Archetype
Here we find one of the oldest archetypes in storytelling: The Outlaw —a figure who stands outside the law, yet embodies a higher justice, fighting against corruption, greed, and the abuse of power. In the 36 Dramatic Situations, this aligns with Situation 11: Rivalry of Superior and Inferior and Situation 26: Crimes of Love—but more profoundly, it is the myth of the frontier hero: the man who rejects civilization in favor of freedom, even at the cost of his own soul.
Harp begins as a former Company man—someone who believed in the system, only to be betrayed by it. Now he is its greatest enemy. He is half-Irish, half-Cree, and fully committed to a war that cannot be won, only fought. This is the Call to Adventure—not to save a kingdom, but to destroy one.
The Chessboard of the Fur Trade
Along the way, Harp encounters a cast of characters straight out of a frontier epic:
- Lord Benton (Alun Armstrong): the merciless HBC officer dispatched from London to dismantle the competition—and most importantly, to personally take down Declan Harp. He is Harp’s mirror: a man of ambition, ruthlessness, and absolute belief in the righteousness of empire.
- Michael Smyth (Landon Liboiron): a young Irish stowaway who becomes embroiled in the battle between Harp and Benton. Coerced into Benton’s service in return for the freedom of his imprisoned love, Clenna, Michael is tasked with infiltrating Harp’s gang and ensuring his downfall.
- Grace Emberly (Zoe Boyle): a savvy ale house owner and information broker, a threat hiding in plain sight. She schemes with Captain Chesterfield behind Lord Benton’s back, playing all sides for her own survival.
- Sokanon (Jessica Matten): Harp’s ally and love interest, a Cree woman who seeks an ally for her own mission.
- Samuel Grant (Shawn Doyle): a rich American entrepreneur pulling strings from the safety of Montreal.
- The Brown Brothers (Allan Hawco, Michael Patric): combustible Scottish traders who will do anything to keep the family business afloat.
Each character is a piece on the board, and the frontier is the game. No one is safe. No one is innocent.
The Frontier as Character
The series is set against the stunning, raw backdrop of 1700s Canada—a land of vast wilderness, brutal winters, and unyielding beauty. The frontier is not just a setting; it is a character in its own right. It shapes those who live on it, hardens them, tests them, and ultimately defines them.
This is the deeper transformation: not just surviving the frontier, but becoming part of it. Harp does not merely endure the wilderness—he thrives in it. He is a man of the land, fluent in its languages, loyal to its people, and ruthless in its defense. And in that loyalty lies both his strength and his tragedy.
The Rivalry at the Center
At the heart of the series is the rivalry between Harp and Lord Benton. They are mirror images of each other: two men of violence, two men of purpose, two men who believe they are right. Benton represents empire, order, and the rule of law—however cruel that law may be. Harp represents freedom, chaos, and the rule of the land—however bloody that rule may become.
Their feud draws everyone into its orbit. Michael is caught between them, forced to choose a side. Grace plays them against each other for her own gain. Sokanon fights for her people’s survival. And all the while, the fur trade continues—a machine that consumes men, land, and futures alike.
Why the Outlaw Hero’s Story Matters
Frontier endures because it asks a question we all fear: What happens when the system is the enemy? It is a show about power—and the cost of resisting it. Harp believes he can destroy the Company, restore justice, and reclaim the land. But the frontier does not reward idealism. It rewards survival. And in that survival—between honor and vengeance, between freedom and belonging—we find not just drama, but truth.
For me, as a storyteller, this is the lesson: the best stories are not about winning, but about what you are willing to lose. Harp does not fight for victory—he fights for meaning. And in that fight—between empire and outlaw, between civilization and wilderness—we find not just conflict, but myth.
Your Story Awaits Its Own Frontier
Every great story—like every great frontier—begins with a choice. A decision to step into the unknown. A commitment to fight for something, no matter the cost.
If you feel called to tell your own story, but don’t know where to begin, I offer story coaching for leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives who want to turn their ideas into narratives that move people to action.
About Peter de Kuster
I am Peter de Kuster, a storyteller, writer, and creative entrepreneur. My work sits at the intersection of storytelling, leadership, and lifelong learning. I help professionals, founders, and organizations shape their messages into stories that resonate—whether for books, seminars, memberships, campaigns, or keynotes.
My background blends financial services, economics, and communication with a deep passion for narrative structure, archetypes, and the transformative power of stories. I have designed programs, certifications, and coaching offerings for creative professionals and leaders who want to productize their expertise and reach wider audiences.
In story coaching sessions, we will:
- Uncover the archetypes and dramatic situations already alive in your work
- Shape your message into a journey your audience can follow
- Build confidence in your voice, your structure, and your stakes
- Create a clear path from concept to book, talk, program, or campaign
Whether you are writing a book, designing a seminar, launching a membership, or stepping onto a stage for the first time—your story deserves to be told with clarity, courage, and craft.
Story Coaching with Peter de Kuster
€295 for 90 minutes
Contact: peterdekuster2023@gmail.com