CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

LOVER (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:
Lovers are passionate, sensual, and devoted, seeking the bliss of togetherness and love. They live life in full, show their heart in relationships, and focus on building closeness and intimacy with those they care about. Often this involves a romantic partner, but it can also manifest as strengthening core bonds with friends or family, making them feel loved and valued. Gone too far, their emotions can become volatile, leading to obsession. 

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Romeo and Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Ross Geller (Friends); Alex Forrest (Fatal Attraction)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AFFECTIONATE, CHARMING, EMPATHETIC, FLIRTATIOUS, FOCUSED, FRIENDLY, GENEROUS, GENTLE, KIND, LOYAL, NURTURING, PASSIONATE, PATIENT, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, PLAYFUL, PROTECTIVE, SENSUAL, UNINHIBITED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ADDICTIVE, CONTROLLING, EXTRAVAGANT, FOOLISH, FRIVOLOUS, GULLIBLE, IMPULSIVE, IRRATIONAL, JEALOUS, MELODRAMATIC, NEEDY, OBSESSIVE, OVERSENSITIVE, PERFECTIONIST, POSSESSIVE, SUBSERVIENT, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being tuned into the emotions of others
Showing attentiveness and thoughtfulness
Accommodating loved ones and their needs
Seeing the best in someone
Seeking closeness and intimacy
Showing closeness through honesty and trust
Showing love through gifts, words of affection, acts of service, touching, and quality time
Encouraging others to open up and share their feelings
Displaying jealousy of rivals
Being envious of another's close bonds or loving relationships
Yearning for (and seeking out) the perfect loving relationship
Close contact with others, frequent touching
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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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