CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

MAD SCIENTIST



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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:
Brilliant, eccentric, and often insane, the mad scientist believes their work is vitally important and supersedes conventional morals or ethics. In the pursuit of success and proving their work is valid, they'll literally do whatever it takes.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Dr. Moreau (The Island of Dr. Moreau), Dr. Frankenstein (Frankenstein), Dr. Jekyll (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Doc Brown (Back to the Future), Walter White (Breaking Bad)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AMBITIOUS, ANALYTICAL, CREATIVE, CURIOUS, DISCIPLINED, FOCUSED, IDEALISTIC, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, INTELLIGENT, INTROVERTED, METICULOUS, OBSERVANT, PASSIONATE, PENSIVE, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, QUIRKY, TALENTED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ANTISOCIAL, FANATICAL, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, OBSESSIVE, RECKLESS, STUBBORN, UNETHICAL, WORKAHOLIC

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Tending toward perfectionism
Being detail-oriented
Having eccentric habits 
Obsessing over their work
Keeping odd hours
Working in long binges
Preferring to work alone 
Believing they're ahead of their time
Refusing to give up on their experiments
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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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