CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

GROTESQUE



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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 grotesque is a character whose deformities mask their likable personality and arouse pity and sympathy from others. They have extreme physical or behavioral features that can be unsettling, disturbing, or even repulsive. Because of this, grotesques can challenge preconceptions of what is beautiful and acceptable.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Frankenstein's monster (Frankenstein), Erik/the Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera), the Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Edward Scissorhands (Edward Scissorhands)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ALERT, CAUTIOUS, CREATIVE, CURIOUS, FOCUSED, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, INTROVERTED, LOYAL, OBSERVANT, PASSIONATE, PENSIVE, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, PRIVATE, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SIMPLE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ANTISOCIAL, CALLOUS, COMPULSIVE, HOSTILE, JEALOUS, JUDGMENTAL, MORBID, OBSESSIVE, PARANOID, POSSESSIVE, RESENTFUL, SUSPICIOUS, UNCOMMUNICATIVE, UNCOUTH, VOLATILE, WITHDRAWN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Withdrawing from society and living an isolated life
Attempting to hide their deformity
Approaching new people and situations with caution
Expecting a negative reaction from new people
Obsessing about a person or ideal they perceive to be perfect
Obtaining a sense of connection by observing social interactions from a distance 
Being alert to potential threats
Emotional volatility
Always keeping their guard up
Showing staunch loyalty to anyone who shows them kindness
Being possessive of a friend's time and affection 
Exhibiting extreme responses in socially awkward situations (shutting down, fleeing, lashing out physically, etc.)
Doggedly pursuing an objective that could soothe their pain
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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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