Typical Types of Magic Users
Important note: Authors manipulate, change, and reimagine these terms for their own stories, and they can be quite malleable. This is just a base for what these terms generally mean and are often associated as. While reading and writing, there is room to see what you or other authors do to make these magic users unique.
Wizard/Witch- These terms are very popular for magic users and there are many different visions on what a witch and wizard may look like. They usually cast their magic with spells and ingredients or even a ritual of some kind. Common associations with these terms include wands, brooms (in the case of witches), potion making, and pointed hats.
Witches are the female associated term and sometimes can be used with a negative association or even to denote that the character is an evil magic user. This is based off history with ‘witch hunts’ as well as folk lore that often call evil magic using women as witches. This isn’t always an absolute, however, and the term is also used in many stories for good women magic users.
Books with wizards/witches: Harry Potter by JK Rowling, The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia, Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien
Warlock- This term is used for male magic users that practice witchcraft. They are similar to wizards; however, they are generally dark or evil. They often deal with dark magic or evil creatures and have a bad reputation. Many stories use warlock as a term once they have become bad or corrupted.
Books with warlocks: White Trash Warlock by David R Slayton
Sorcerer/Sorceress- These terms usually refer to magic users that use magic in various ways. Often it is in order to gain knowledge or their personal objectives. It is often more of a wild magic instead of a structured studied magic. They are sometimes seen as more devious and sinister and are commonly used as villains or seen with a negative connotation. However, this is not always the case and there are many good sorcerers in fantasy as well
Books with Sorcerer/sorceresses: The Belgariad by David Eddings
Mage- This term is sort of a generic term. It generally means someone who practices magic and can mean many different things in their practice of it. It can be used for either gender and has no real connotation between being a good or evil character.
Books with mages: Dragonlance by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews
Druid- This term comes from Celtic religious beliefs. This type of magic user is often known for being someone who can see the future and being connected to nature. This term is for both males and females
Books with Druids: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
Enchantress- This term is for a female magic user that uses magic to trap men. They are often very sexual and tempting. They are also often depicted as easily angered and vindictive when their target is not easily seduced.
Books with enchantress: Circe by Madeline Miller
Diviner- This term is related to magic users who use their powers to see into the future or effect time in some way. Sometime this type of magic can also include dreams and other psychic type abilities depending on the author.
Books with Diviners: Alex Verus by Benedict Jacka
Necromancer- This term is related to magic users who have power or a connection to the dead. They often commune with ghosts and spirits and raise the dead. It depends on the author and the story for if this type of magic user is good or evil. Some are seen in a good light while others are considered evil and dangerous for practicing this kind of magic.
Books with necromancers: Grave Secrets by Alice James, Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong
