CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

BENEFACTOR



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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 takes the protagonist under their wing with the aim of helping them succeed. This aid often comes in the form of gifts, such as a monetary contributions, providing a place of shelter, or paying for necessary schooling or training.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Magwitch (Great Expectations), Aunt Josephine March (Little Women), James Hobart (The Goldfinch), Dan Cody (The Great Gatsby)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AMBITIOUS, APPRECIATIVE, CAUTIOUS, CONFIDENT, DECISIVE, DISCREET, GENEROUS, IDEALISTIC, INDEPENDENT, KIND, OPTIMISTIC, PASSIONATE, PROTECTIVE, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SOPHISTICATED, SUPPORTIVE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CONTROLLING, EXTRAVAGANT, HAUGHTY, HYPOCRITICAL, MANIPULATIVE, MARTYR, MATERIALISTIC, NEEDY, OBSESSIVE, POSSESSIVE, PRETENTIOUS, PUSHY, RESENTFUL, SELF-INDULGENT, STUBBORN, TEMPERAMENTAL, VAIN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being helpful
Wanting to do good things with their resources
Being generous
Offering to pay for things
Seeing the potential in ideas and people
Being optimistic
Enjoying the finer things in life (good meals, nice clothes, etc.)
Being culturally sophisticated
Controlling people through their money and/or influence
Seeing their contributions as investments
Vetting people and organizations carefully before aligning with them
Sharing their knowledge and expertise with others
Cultivating a public persona
Feeling strongly about a cause
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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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