CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

INNOCENT (ARCHETYPE)



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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:
Innocents are goodness personified. They are morally grounded, optimistic, see the light in others, and view the world as a safe and wonderful place. They are gentle and caring, walk playfully through the world with the best intentions, and always try to do what is right.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz series), Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump), Charlie Bucket (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, AFFECTIONATE, APPRECIATIVE, CENTERED, CHARMING, COURTEOUS, CREATIVE, CURIOUS, GENEROUS, GENTLE, HAPPY, IDEALISTIC, IMAGINATIVE, INNOCENT, KIND, OBEDIENT, PLAYFUL, TRUSTING

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
FLAKY, FRIVOLOUS, GULLIBLE, NEEDY, SUBSERVIENT, VERBOSE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Gravitating to people with strength or authority
Asking questions & displaying curiosity
Noticing the little things
Appreciating small simple things
Giving others compliments
Being polite
Giving people the benefit of the doubt
Taking people at their word
Always finding the silver lining of a situation
Being less adept at picking up on sarcasm, double-speak, or deceptiveness
Voicing the positives in every situation
Smiling and acting upbeat
Being kind to everyone and everything
Rarely getting mad or upset
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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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