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 is predetermined by fate, prophecy, or a higher power to save the world or do something equally heroic that no one else can do. They frequently possess special abilities—magical, supernatural, or symbolic—that set them apart from others.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Harry Potter (the Harry Potter series), Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Rand al'Thor (the Wheel of Time series), Paul Atreides (Dune), Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, AMBITIOUS, BOLD, COURAGEOUS, ENTHUSIASTIC, FOCUSED, HONORABLE, HOSPITABLE, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, OBSERVANT, PERSISTENT, PRIVATE, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, TALENTED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
APATHETIC, COCKY, COWARDLY, INDECISIVE, INHIBITED, INSECURE, UNCOOPERATIVE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Having special birth circumstances or lineage
Being driven by purpose
Being highly responsible
Eagerly accepting new challenges
Being respected or well-liked by supporters and allies
Feeling like they were made for more
Having a powerful sense of duty
Being generally optimistic
Being especially gifted in some way
Working hard to achieve their goals
Having a strong moral code
Having a strong sense of justice
Self-sacrificing
Becoming a good leader over the course of the story
Taking on more personal responsibility than is reasonable
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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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