CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

DRILL SERGEANT



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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:
Strict, demanding, and tough as nails, this character's role is to whip others into shape. While many have a military background or are in active duty, this type of character often makes an effective civilian mentor.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Sergeant Dillard (The Things They Carried), Sergeant Foley (An Officer and a Gentleman), Mickey Goldmill (the Rocky franchise), Mr. Miyagi (The Karate Kid)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ALERT, BOLD, CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS, DECISIVE, DISCIPLINED, EFFICIENT, ENTHUSIASTIC, FOCUSED, IDEALISTIC, METICULOUS, OBEDIENT, OBSERVANT, ORGANIZED, PASSIONATE, PATRIOTIC, PERSISTENT, RESPONSIBLE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, CALLOUS, CONFRONTATIONAL, CONTROLLING, CRUEL, DISRESPECTFUL, FANATICAL, HUMORLESS, IMPATIENT, INFLEXIBLE, MACHO, PERFECTIONIST, STUBBORN, VIOLENT

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Insisting on discipline and obedience
Commanding authority
Rising early in the morning
Being mentally tough
Being unforgiving of errors and mistakes
Taking care of themselves; being fit and healthy
Being highly organized
Having a loud, carrying voice
Setting firm boundaries
Being a logical (rather than creative) thinker
Living by routine and structure
Not tolerating laziness
Having lots of energy
Perfectionism
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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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