CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

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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 character compromises others and leads them down the wrong path. They could be villainous, deliberately attempting to misguide others, or simply the friend who's always getting people into trouble.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Grima Wormtongue (The Lord of the Rings series), Scarlett O'Hara (Gone with the Wind), Amy Dunne (Gone Girl), Faith LeHane (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ADVENTUROUS, AMBITIOUS, ANALYTICAL, BOLD, CHARMING, CREATIVE, DECISIVE, FOCUSED, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, INTELLIGENT, OBSERVANT, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, RESOURCEFUL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CONTROLLING, DEVIOUS, DISHONEST, HYPOCRITICAL, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, JEALOUS, MANIPULATIVE, MELODRAMATIC, MISCHIEVOUS, PUSHY, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, SELFISH, SPOILED, STUBBORN, UNCOOPERATIVE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Manipulating and controlling others
Having a charismatic presence
Breaking social norms
Advocating for and taking shortcuts
Using bribes to entice others to their way of thinking
Encouraging risky or destructive behaviours
Shifting blame to others
Being cunning
Swaying others by highlighting the pros in a situation and ignoring the cons
Conveying confidence
Being self-reliant
Frequently taking risks
Pushing back against authority
Being cunning
Being determined to reach their goal
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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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