Reader's Guide To Werewolf Hierarchy

This is intended to be a very brief beginners guide to the werewolf hierarchy to assist readers in enjoying paranormal romance.

Werewolves and shapeshifters have dominated stories for centuries, but nowhere are werewolves more prevalent than in modern day erotica and horror, or the genre that blends the two: paranormal romance.

Note: A werewolf can only turn into a wolf. A shapeshifter can assume more than one alter-form.

In paranormal romance, there are a lot of terms thrown around, alpha, beta, luna, etc. This article will be a resource while you are reading to help you decode each character.

Below are the most common types of werewolves you will find within the hierarchy (not all, just the most common).

ALPHA:

The Alpha is the head of the wolfpack. They are the leader, the strongest, the most dominant, and in my opinion, the most written about in the paranormal genre. The Alpha is the highest rank within the hierarchy. They are like the king or emperor.

The Alpha position is not guaranteed. If the Alpha is viewed as weak or frail, they can be challenged by another member of the pack and can potentially lose their Alpha position.

Again, like kings and other monastic rulers, the Alpha passes down their title to their oldest child. UNLESS the Alpha dies in battle. If the Alpha dies in battle, the assassin becomes the new Alpha. Eat or get eaten bro.

If the oldest child of the Alpha is too young, an idiot, or otherwise weak, the position of Alpha will pass to the Beta wolf.

BETA:

The Beta is like the Vice President. In all ways they are number 2. They are the second most dominant. The second strongest. The second best leader. Basically, they are #2. Betas are usually born and not made, much like Alphas. But just like the President and Vice President of the United States. Almost every Alpha selects their Beta.

Betas are seen as trustworthy and loyal to the Alpha and will assume the Alphas duties if necessary.

GAMMA:

Gamma is third in line. While the Alpha and Beta are like the executive branch, the Gamma is all about warfare and defense. In the event both the Alpha and the Beta are incapable, dead, or incapacitated, the Gamma will take the lead of the pack.

Gammas have the responsibility of leading the wars, fights, and the militia of the wolfpack which IMO makes them pretty badass and I don’t know why they don’t receive more attention, but I digress.

Gammas will train the wolfpack members in warfare and ensure the pack is able to withstand attack. A Gamma is like a one wolf Department of Defense (again, I think they deserve wayy more attention).

Gammas are born into the role but just like the Betas, each Alpha will choose their own Gamma.

Gammas are also seen to be loyal and trustworthy by the Alpha and are some pretty BAMFs. (That’s Bad Ass Mother Fuckers for you at home).

LUNA:

The Luna is the female companion to the Alpha. Queen Consort. FLOTUS. HBIC. Luna is the love interest of the Alpha. Lunas play a maternal role to the pack and assist the Alpha in the leading of the pack.

Lunas are chosen by the Alpha, common theme here, and can be everything from quiet and shy to loud and independent.

Beta Female:

The mate of the Beta.

Gamma Female:

The mate of the Gamma. (I wanna be her).

Pack Warrior:

These are fighters. Akin to members of the modern day military.

OMEGA:

House servants and workers for the pack.

And that my wolfpack, is your very brief guide to the werewolf hierarchy and line of succession.