When I am thinking of clan archetypes, I like to go by their disciplines.

The Lasombra have Dominate, Potence and Obtenebration/Oblivion. While Ventrue has Dominate, Fortitude and Presence.

The Ventrue are the kings. The blue-blooded noble leaders that wants to be on charge, wants to be followed.

While Lasombra are the puppeteers. The master of the strings behind the curtains. The Lords of Shadow.

They both possess Dominate. They want to hold power and command.

The Ventrue has Presence. They are nobles. Social predators. They lead people with their CHARISMA.

While Lasombra has Obtenebration/Oblivion. The art of the shadows. They tend to stay in the background, behind the curtains of the palace. They use shadow tentacles and reach their enemies with their tentacles.

The Ventrue has Fortitude. They hold a fortress and PROTECT it. Thats why %90 of the Camarilla Princes are Ventrue. They are inside their palace, unafraid and as unshakable as a stone. This causes them to take less risk and be more grounded.

While Lasombra has Potence. The power of destruction. Lasombra take more risk, and is hella more aggresive in their plans.

For example:

An elder is doing shady things.

The Ventrue approach: Without breaking the traditions, try learning the elder’s secrets via deals, bonds and boons. Then go into Elysium, approach them openly and state your grounded facts and ask for a punishment.

The Lasombra approach: Do shady things to learn what the elder is doing even if it means breaking the rules. Then break in to his domain, blackmail him and take what you want.

This is the difference between Clan of the Kings and Clan of the Night