CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

CONVENTIONAL GRANNY



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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 is the traditional grandmother. She's loving, supportive, full of wisdom, and can bake like nobody's business.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Big Mama (The Secret Life of Bees), Granma Joad (The Grapes of Wrath), Grandmother Fa (Mulan)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AFFECTIONATE, CAUTIOUS, COURTEOUS, GENTLE, HOSPITABLE, KIND, NURTURING, PATIENT, PROPER, PROTECTIVE, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SENSIBLE, SENTIMENTAL, SIMPLE, SUPPORTIVE, THRIFTY, TRADITIONAL, UNSELFISH, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, CONTROLLING, FORGETFUL, FUSSY, GRUMPY, GULLIBLE, INFLEXIBLE, JUDGMENTAL, KNOW-IT-ALL, MARTYR, NAGGING, NEEDY, NOSY, STINGY, STUBBORN, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Valuing family traditions
Reminiscing about the past
Wanting to share about events from their past
Fussing over their children and grandchildren
Forgetfulness
Attending all their grandchildren's important events
Having rules but often looking the other way for minor infractions
Seeing only the best in their grandkids
Showing love through acts of service (cooking meals, doing laundry, mending clothing, etc.)
Offering (sometimes unwanted) advice
Complaining about how the world is different now
Struggling with technology
Insisting on good manners
Listening to oldies music
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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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