CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

BULLY



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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:
The bully is frequently cruel, disparaging, or threatening—typically, to those who are weaker or vulnerable. Historically, the reasons for their behavior went unexplained, but recent portrayals provide backstory clues that at least explain their choices.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Mister (The Color Purple), Nurse Ratched (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), Chris Hargensen (Carrie), Billy Hargrove (Stranger Things), Biff Tannen (the Back to the Future franchise)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
BOLD, DECISIVE, OBSERVANT, PATIENT, PERSISTENT, SPONTANEOUS, UNINHIBITED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, CALLOUS, CONFRONTATIONAL, CONTROLLING, CRUEL, DISRESPECTFUL, FANATICAL, HAUGHTY, HOSTILE, IGNORANT, INSECURE, MACHO, MANIPULATIVE, PREJUDICED, REBELLIOUS, RESENTFUL, SELF-INDULGENT, UNETHICAL, VINDICTIVE, VIOLENT, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Tends to look for weaknesses in others that can be exploited
Seeks leverage to get others to do what they want
Resents others who have what they do not
Bullies people online (often anonymously) because there's fewer repercussions for doing so
Has anger and rage issues
Seeks power by picking on those who can't stand up for themselves
Manipulates others into doing things for them
Passes on the pain of being mistreated by bullying others
Is aware of their surroundings (controls the environment so they don't get caught)
Is adept at talking their way out of getting caught
Believes public humiliation keeps others in line
Uses physicality to intimidate others (shoving, slapping, tripping, hitting, etc.)
Frightens others by disrespecting or limiting their freedom (invading their personal space, blocking an exit, stalking them, silencing them, etc.)
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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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