CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

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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 character is highly intelligent but socially oblivious and awkward.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Charlie (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Harold Lauder (The Stand), Brian Johnson (The Breakfast Club), Lewis Skolnick and Booger (Revenge of the Nerds), Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AMBITIOUS, ANALYTICAL, CAUTIOUS, COOPERATIVE, COURTEOUS, CURIOUS, DISCIPLINED, EFFICIENT, FOCUSED, GENTLE, INDUSTRIOUS, INNOCENT, INTELLIGENT, INTROVERTED, KIND, METICULOUS, OBEDIENT, ORGANIZED, PENSIVE, PHILOSOPHICAL, PRIVATE, QUIRKY, RESPONSIBLE, STUDIOUS

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
COWARDLY, FORGETFUL, FUSSY, GULLIBLE, HUMORLESS, INHIBITED, INSECURE, JUDGMENTAL, KNOW-IT-ALL, NERVOUS, PERFECTIONIST, SCATTERBRAINED, TACTLESS, TIMID, UNCOUTH, VERBOSE, WHINY, WITHDRAWN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Excels academically and likes to read
Is adept with technology
Has vast knowledge of certain subjects and enjoys sharing it with others
Doesn't move on from interests when most peers do (reads comics after others in the same age group have quit, is loyal to a game that others no longer play, etc.)
Has difficulty reading the social and emotional cues of others
Comes off as trying too hard (being a people pleaser, overly agreeable, etc.)
Is unaware of or unconcerned with current popular trends
Falls short of typical beauty standards
Tends to make friends with others who fit this trope
Spends a lot of time alone
Yearns to be accepted
Is awkward around the opposite sex
Is aware of their differences, which contributes to lower self-esteem
Actively avoids being targeted by bullies or opportunistic people
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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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