CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

GIRL OR BOY NEXT DOOR



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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:
A wholesome person who is pleasant to look at but average enough to be considered attainable (though in reality, they probably aren't).

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Jane Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Ron Weasley (The Harry Potter series), Jim (American Pie series), Marcia Brady (The Brady Bunch), Gigi (He's Just Not that Into You)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
APPRECIATIVE, EASYGOING, EMPATHETIC, FRIENDLY, GENEROUS, HONEST, HONORABLE, HOSPITABLE, HUMBLE, JUST, KIND, LOYAL, OPTIMISTIC, PATIENT, PERCEPTIVE, RESPONSIBLE, SENSIBLE, SUPPORTIVE, TRUSTING, UNSELFISH, WHOLESOME

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CHILDISH, COWARDLY, FLAKY, FOOLISH, GULLIBLE, INDECISIVE, INSECURE, NAGGING, NERVOUS, NOSY, SUBSERVIENT, TIMID, WEAK-WILLED, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being approachable
Having good listening skills
Being kind to strangers
Is chaste or sexually reserved
Showing up on time to events
Having good manners
Being dependable
Not needing to be the center of attention
Being easy to get along with
Having empathy for others
Being easy to talk to
Having a good sense of humor
Being trustworthy
Having plenty of friends
Being forgiving
Is good with kids and animals
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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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