CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

CAREGIVER (ARCHETYPE)



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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:
Caregivers are compassionate and put the needs of others first. Their role is to help, protect, and provide emotional support for characters they care about or feel responsible for. 

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Samwise Gamgee (the Lord of the Rings trilogy), Molly Weasley (the Harry Potter series)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AFFECTIONATE, APPRECIATIVE, CALM, DIPLOMATIC, EMPATHETIC, GENTLE, KIND, LOYAL, NURTURING, OBSERVANT, OPTIMISTIC, PATIENT, PERCEPTIVE, PROTECTIVE, SUPPORTIVE, UNSELFISH, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
FUSSY, GULLIBLE, PERFECTIONIST, SUBSERVIENT, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Providing a warm welcome
Seeing to the needs of others
Being a calming presence when emotions are activated
Asking questions to show interest and encourage others to open up
Providing food, comforts, a place to stay, etc. when needed
Standing up for others (especially those in need of advocacy or protection)
Being able to read people and their intentions
Lying or misdirecting in order to protect those in their care
Offering to help, run errands, or take on duties to help out
Sharing what they have
Being a peacekeeper 
Being the voice of reason
Being a good listener
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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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