CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

BAD BOY



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HELPFUL TIP:

Using a trope or archetype helps readers quickly understand a character, but stopping there creates a weak and predictable figure. Instead, add depth with a unique backstory, emotional wounds, and related fears and flaws. You can also break expectations with an unusual job, relationship, secret, or positive trait.
DESCRIPTION:
This rebel sub-type is a loner with a devil-may-care attitude. His confidence, charisma, and disregard for authority only add to the attraction of his physical appeal, which is usually significant.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Dally Winston (The Outsiders), Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights), Han Solo (Star Wars series), Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, BOLD, CHARMING, INDEPENDENT, OBSERVANT, PENSIVE, PERSUASIVE, RESOURCEFUL, SENSUAL, SPONTANEOUS, SPUNKY, UNINHIBITED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, ADDICTIVE, ANTISOCIAL, APATHETIC, CALLOUS, COCKY, CONFRONTATIONAL, CYNICAL, DEVIOUS, DISLOYAL, DISRESPECTFUL, EVASIVE, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, INSECURE, IRRESPONSIBLE, LAZY, MACHO, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, ROWDY, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, SELFISH, STUBBORN, UNCOOPERATIVE, VOLATILE, WITHDRAWN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Appearing confident
Defying rules and authority
Knowing their own mind
Seeking out excitement and adrenaline rushes
Preferring to create their own destiny
Wearing clothing (often dark or black) that sets them apart 
Always having a witty comeback
Keeping their own counsel
Not being easily swayed by others
Having a mysterious air
Believing their own hype
Filling a room when they walk into it
Attracting men and women alike
Speaking in a way that has people hanging on their every word
Romanticizing people, situations, roles, or ideals
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FEARS THAT MIGHT LIMIT THE CHARACTER:
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SITUATIONS THAT WILL CHALLENGE THEM:
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INNER STRUGGLES TO GIVE THEM DEPTH:
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CLICHÉS TO BE AWARE OF:
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TWIST THIS TROPE WITH A CHARACTER WHO...:
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UNEXPECTED OCCUPATIONS FOR THIS CHARACTER:
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CREATE SOMETHING NEW:
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