CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

GENTLE GIANT



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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 is strong and physically intimidating, with an over-sized heart to match.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Fezzik (The Princess Bride), Lennie (Of Mice and Men), John Coffey (The Green Mile), Rubeus Hagrid (the Harry Potter series)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AFFECTIONATE, COURAGEOUS, GENEROUS, GENTLE, HONEST, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, INNOCENT, INTROVERTED, JUST, KIND, LOYAL, PROTECTIVE, SIMPLE, TRUSTING, UNSELFISH, WHOLESOME

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CHILDISH, GULLIBLE, IGNORANT, INHIBITED, INSECURE, SUBSERVIENT, TIMID, UNCOMMUNICATIVE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being physically powerful
Playing the part of the peacemaker or peacekeeper in a group
Protecting and caring for others
Not wanting to be the center of attention
Being sensitive to the feelings of others
Being too trusting of people's motives
Having good listening skills
Being highly loyalty
Being eager to help others
Shyness and introversion
Having a simple outlook on life
Being an easy target because people think the character is unintelligent or ignorant
Staying calm in stressful situations
Being accustomed to being stared at
Lacking discernment due to an eagerness to be accepted and understood
Being well aware of their strength and actively working to control it
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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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