CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

MATRIARCH



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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:
A female elder who rules over her family, tribe, or clan.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Catelyn Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire), Lady Jessica (Dune), Mother Abagail (The Stand), Madea Simmons (the Madea franchise), Abuela Alma (Encanto)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, AMBITIOUS, ANALYTICAL, BOLD, CALM, CAUTIOUS, CONFIDENT, DECISIVE, DISCIPLINED, DISCREET, FOCUSED, INSPIRATIONAL, JUST, LOYAL, NURTURING, ORGANIZED, PERSUASIVE, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, TRADITIONAL, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CONFRONTATIONAL, CONTROLLING, COWARDLY, FANATICAL, HUMORLESS, INFLEXIBLE, MANIPULATIVE, OBSESSIVE, OVERSENSITIVE, PARANOID, PERFECTIONIST, PUSHY

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being a wise guide and counselor
Teaching her family about moral standards
Taking care of the needs of her family
Knowing what she believes and standing firm on those ideals
Making important decisions for her family
Being able to make hard choices that are best for the group
Not being afraid to take risks
Being largely respected
Mediating conflicts within the family
Preserving cultural and family traditions
Passing on knowledge and rituals
Knowing when to speak and when to let consequences do the talking
Having longevity, which has earned her a great deal of experience
Supporting her family members
Sacrificing her own needs for her family—but only when it's warranted
Being self-aware of many of her flaws and shortcomings
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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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