CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

MAFIA DON



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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:
This patriarch of a crime family is cutthroat, calculating, fiercely loyal, and holds to a deeply ingrained moral code that may not translate for others.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Don Vito Corleone (The Godfather), Tony Soprano (The Sopranos), Carmine Falcone (the DC Universe)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ANALYTICAL, BOLD, CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS, DECISIVE, FOCUSED, INDUSTRIOUS, LOYAL, OBSERVANT, PATIENT, PERSISTENT, PRIVATE, PROACTIVE, PROTECTIVE, RESPONSIBLE, TRADITIONAL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, CALLOUS, CONFRONTATIONAL, CONTROLLING, DEVIOUS, EVASIVE, HOSTILE, INFLEXIBLE, MANIPULATIVE, OBSESSIVE, PREJUDICED, PUSHY, SLEAZY, STUBBORN, SUSPICIOUS, TEMPERAMENTAL, UNETHICAL, VINDICTIVE, VIOLENT

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being a strong leader
Being loyal to their family and expecting unquestioning loyalty in return
Commanding respect
Following a specific code of ethics and expecting their family to do the same
Viewing their crime family as blood family
Displaying wealth and living an opulent lifestyle
Thinking critically and strategically
Being territorial and protective of their property and people
Mentoring successors and younger members of the family
Laying out consequences, then following through
Going to any length to protect the family reputation and position
Cautiously taking only calculated risks
Being vigilant against betrayal or assassination attempts
Taking their responsibility toward the family very seriously
Reacting to crises with unflappable composure
Valuing a strict authority hierarchy within the organization
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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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