A single element printer is provided with a type action arrangement wherein character selection members are moved pivotally to determine the orientation of a single print element to print a selected type character by lugs on a pivotal drive lever carrying a drive cam which is rotatably driven by frictional engagement with a rotating power roll for imparting a cyclical driving movement to the drive lever. The engagement of the drive cam with the power roll is controlled by a control lever which is pivoted out of blocking relation to the drive lever in response to the depression of a corresponding type keylever. The control lever is momentarily moved into a ball ratchet to prevent the simultaneous depression of another type keylever and then slidably driven by the drive lever to an actuated position where it is pivoted under the urging of a spring for returning to blocking relation with the drive lever upon completion of the printing operation. To prevent malfunctions resulting from the simultaneous operation of other type actions, the movement of the cyclically driven drive lever causes a lock bar to be moved into blocking relation with the other drive levers to prevent another drive cam from engaging the power roll. Repeated printing of the selected type character is effected by further depressing the type keylever to further pivot the control lever and prevent it from returning to blocking relation with the drive lever upon completion of the printing cycle. In addition, other type keylevers are prevented from being depressed by a key lock bar which is moved into blocking relation with a stop projection of other type keylevers in response to the further depression of the selected type keylever.