CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

DARK LORD OR LADY



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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:
Evil personified and seemingly invincible, this antagonist is out to rule the world. They often use fear, intimidation, and the extensive resources (magical, military, or otherwise) at their command to dominate and control others.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Sauron (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), the White Witch (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), Voldemort (the Harry Potter series), Thanos (the Marvel Universe), Emperor Palpatine (the Star Wars franchise)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ALERT, AMBITIOUS, ANALYTICAL, BOLD, CONFIDENT, DECISIVE, EFFICIENT, FOCUSED, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, INTELLIGENT, METICULOUS, PENSIVE, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, PROACTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, TALENTED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CALLOUS, COCKY, CONTROLLING, CRUEL, DEVIOUS, DISLOYAL, EVIL, GREEDY, HAUGHTY, IMPATIENT, INFLEXIBLE, JUDGMENTAL, MANIPULATIVE, OBSESSIVE, PERFECTIONIST, POSSESSIVE, PRETENTIOUS, RESENTFUL, SUSPICIOUS, TEMPERAMENTAL, UNETHICAL, VINDICTIVE, VIOLENT, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Having a strategic mindset
Being single-minded in their pursuit of the ultimate goal
Carefully controlling their emotions
Having a big presence that fills the room
Wearing clothing meant to make them more intimidating
Walking confidently with long strides
Taking quick, decisive actions
Believing they know what's best
Setting strict mandates
Quickly sizing up and removing threats
Not caring what others think
Micro-managing their underlings
Hiding their own weaknesses
Despising vulnerability (in others and themselves)
Using manipulation, fear, and intimidation tactics to control others
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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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CREATE SOMETHING NEW:
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