CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

EXPLORER (ARCHETYPE)



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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:
Explorers thrive on adventure and discovery. These trailblazers are unafraid of new experiences or challenges, and boldly moving into the unknown is a part of their identity.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Indiana Jones (the Indiana Jones franchise), Captain Picard (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Lara Croft (Tomb Raider), Evelyn O'Connell (The Mummy franchise)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ADVENTUROUS, AMBITIOUS, APPRECIATIVE, BOLD, CONFIDENT, CURIOUS, DECISIVE, FOCUSED, IDEALISTIC, INDEPENDENT, OBSERVANT, PASSIONATE, PERSISTENT, RESOURCEFUL, SPONTANEOUS, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, COCKY, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, MACHO, MANIPULATIVE, OBSESSIVE, POSSESSIVE, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, SELFISH, STUBBORN, TEMPERAMENTAL, WITHDRAWN, WORKAHOLIC

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Nomadic tendencies (being on the move, never staying too long in one place)
Not needing much in the way of creature comforts
Having fewer attachments (to things, people, places)
Having a broad understanding of people, cultures, and customs
Knowing more than one language
Being highly spontaneous
Being a 'figure it out as I go' sort of person
Having a strong sense of purpose and a clear goal at all times
Able to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances
Being able to learn the rules of a new environment quickly
Excellent survival and navigation skills
Recovering from disappointments quickly and moving on
Being drawn in by stories
Being curious about people, places, and experiences
A desire to see and experience things first hand
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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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