CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

FUNSTER



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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 lives to make people laugh by telling jokes, playing pranks, and clowning around. For a larger-than-life version of this trope, see BIG FUNSTER.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
The Weasley twins (the Harry Potter series), Merry and Pippin (The Lord of the Rings), Matilda (Matilda), Viola (Twelfth Night), Jim Halpert (The Office)

COMMON STRENGTHS:

COMMON WEAKNESSES:

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Attending many social events and parties
Knowing a lot of people
Being a good host
Having a good sense of humour
Taking risks
Being resilient emotionally
Knowing how to read a room
Being unpredictable
Not sweating the small stuff in life
Eagerly trying new things
Appreciating the present moment
Being clever
Difficulty being serious
Being viewed as frivolous and childish
Tending not to have serious goals
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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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