CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

FATHER FIGURE



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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 plays the role of a protective, attentive, nurturing, and wise caregiver to the protagonist. Though the father figure often has no children of his own (or he's estranged from them), this isn't always the case.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Mr. Murry (A Wrinkle in Time), Albus Dumbledore (the Harry Potter series), Alfred Pennyworth (the Batman franchise, Uncle Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: A New Hope)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CONFIDENT, EMPATHETIC, FRIENDLY, GENEROUS, HONORABLE, INDUSTRIOUS, INSPIRATIONAL, INTELLIGENT, KIND, LOYAL, NURTURING, PERCEPTIVE, PERSUASIVE, PROTECTIVE, RESPONSIBLE, SENSIBLE, SUPPORTIVE, UNSELFISH, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CONTROLLING, GULLIBLE, GRUMPY, IMPATIENT, KNOW-IT-ALL, MANIPULATIVE, NOSY, OBSESSIVE, PUSHY

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being protective of their charge
Sharing their wisdom
Taking or creating opportunities to teach
Being supportive of the people in their care
Being authoritative when necessary
Making sacrifices for the people in their care
Offering guidance to others
Respecting people's boundaries
Having a strong moral compass
Living the morality they want to instill
Mentoring the protagonist; providing gentle pushes and feedback
Offering perspectives that may not align with their charge's
Knowing when not to speak 
Reserving judgment or comment until the appropriate moment
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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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