CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

GOOD SAMARITAN



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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, usually secondary or a bystander, steps up to help someone who isn't their responsibility. They may play this role in a general sense throughout the course of a story, or they could take advantage of one Samaritan opportunity that ends up being a key moment in the plot or the protagonist's journey.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Bishop Myriel (Les Misérables), Esmerelda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Sydney Carton, (A Tale of Two Cities), Zeus (Die Hard With a Vengeance)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CALM, COURAGEOUS, DECISIVE, EMPATHETIC, GENEROUS, HONEST, HONORABLE, HOSPITABLE, HUMBLE, KIND, MERCIFUL, NURTURING, OBSERVANT, OPTIMISTIC, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, SOCIALLY AWARE, SPIRITUAL, SUPPORTIVE, UNSELFISH

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
FOOLISH, GULLIBLE, IMPULSIVE, IRRATIONAL, MARTYR, NOSY, PUSHY, RECKLESS, STUBBORN, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Paying close attention to their surroundings
Being generous with their time
Thinking more about others than themselves
Living a simple life
Appreciating the small moments in life
Being willing to sacrifice themselves for others
Having a strong sense of justice
Having a clear moral code
Showing kindness regardless of the personal cost
Frequently offering to help
Being a good listener
Having a strong sense of duty
Not being afraid to stand up for what they believe in
Being quick to forgive
Not being ego-driven
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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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