CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

CHRIST FIGURE



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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 someone who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save someone else. They may be symbolic of Jesus Christ or simply model his characteristics, such as selflessness, generosity, mercy, and forgiveness. 

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Aslan (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), John Coffey (The Green Mile), Gandalf (the Lord of the Rings trilogy), Simon (Lord of the Flies)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CALM, CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS, DECISIVE, EMPATHETIC, FOCUSED, GENTLE, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, IDEALISTIC, INSPIRATIONAL, JUST, KIND, LOYAL, MATURE, MERCIFUL, PROTECTIVE, RESPONSIBLE, SPIRITUAL, TRUSTING, UNSELFISH, WHOLESOME, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
FANATICAL, HUMORLESS, HYPOCRITICAL, INFLEXIBLE, JUDGMENTAL, KNOW-IT-ALL, MANIPULATIVE, MELODRAMATIC, OBSESSIVE, RECKLESS

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being a good listener
Being counter-cultural
Being innocent or even naïve 
Not being ego-driven
Being willing to make sacrifices to help others
Frequently standing up for what they believe in
Being a natural leader
Having a strong spiritual side
Enjoying solitude 
Defending the vulnerable
Remaining calm in high-pressure situations
Thinking of the greater good rather than their personal desires
Valuing justice
Speaking wisely; giving good advice
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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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