CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

JESTER (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:
Jesters are the comedians and tricksters in the story. Their job is to make light of serious things and provide comic relief, but they also can impart wisdom through their shenanigans.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Puck (A Midsummer Night's Dream), the Fool (King Lear), Brer Rabbit (of African American folklore), Timon and Pumbaa (The Lion King), the Genie (Aladdin)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CONFIDENT, EASYGOING, ENTHUSIASTIC, FLAMBOYANT, FRIENDLY, FUNNY, HAPPY, IMAGINATIVE, OBSERVANT, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, PHILOSOPHICAL, PLAYFUL, QUIRKY, SPUNKY, SUPPORTIVE, UNINHIBITED, WHIMSICAL, WISE, WITTY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, ADDICTIVE, CHILDISH, DISRESPECTFUL, EVASIVE, FOOLISH, FRIVOLOUS, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, MISCHIEVOUS, RECKLESS, TACTLESS

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Encouraging others and lifting their spirits when they're down
Cracking jokes (even in in appropriate situations)
Using self-deprecating humor
Being able to laugh at themselves
Finding humor in every situation
Laughing often
Being able to say things with a humorous twist
Changing the subject when a conversation gets too serious
Pranking others
Spontaneity; trying new things
Living each moment to the fullest rather than planning for the future
Not holding grudges or living in the past; letting things go
Taking things in stride; not being easily ruffled
Remaining neutral rather than taking sides
Exploring or broaching deep topics in a roundabout way—e.
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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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