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 a master manipulator who uses their skills to exploit and swindle others.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Tom Ripley (The Talented Mr. Ripley), Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), Littlefinger (A Song of Fire and Ice), Thenardier and his wife (Les Misérables)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ALERT, AMBITIOUS, ANALYTICAL, BOLD, CHARMING, CONFIDENT, COOPERATIVE, CREATIVE, DISCREET, EXTROVERTED, INDEPENDENT, METICULOUS, OBSERVANT, PATIENT, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, RESOURCEFUL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CALLOUS, COCKY, COMPULSIVE, DEVIOUS, DISHONEST, DISLOYAL, GREEDY, MANIPULATIVE, MATERIALISTIC, OBSESSIVE, SLEAZY, UNETHICAL, VERBOSE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Thinking quickly
Knowing how to make a good first impression
Observing changing circumstances and being able to adapt and blend in
Changing their looks to fit each scenario
Speaking persuasively
Being agreeable and easy to get along with
Being a master of disguise
Planning meticulously
Being a name-dropper
Being secretive
Choosing their words carefully
Being willing to lie to get what they want
Not really caring about other people's feelings
Only making friends with people who can do things for them
Being comfortable using people
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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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