CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

NOVICE SLEUTH



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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 amateur detective is an Everyday Joe who's trying to solve a mystery or crime. They may actively seek out these scenarios, or the mysteries might fall into their laps.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Holly Gibney (Mr. Mercedes trilogy), Precious Ramotswe (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency), Christopher Boone (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime), Nancy Drew (Nancy Drew series), Jessica Fletcher (Murder, She Wrote)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, ANALYTICAL, BOLD, CREATIVE, CURIOUS, DISCREET, ENTHUSIASTIC, FOCUSED, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, INTELLIGENT, METICULOUS, OBSERVANT, PATIENT, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SENSIBLE, SPUNKY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
DEVIOUS, FUSSY, GULLIBLE, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, NOSY, OBSESSIVE, PERFECTIONIST, PUSHY, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, STUBBORN, SUSPICIOUS, TIMID, WORKAHOLIC, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Thinking outside the box to solve problems
Determination; seeing a problem through to the end
Needing (or getting) less sleep than is usual
Fussing over details
Trusting their gut and relying on their instincts
Being intrigued by mysteries and unanswered questions
Acting on whims; not thinking things all the way through
Ignoring naysayers and anyone who would encourage them to abandon a case
Pulling all-nighters
Being attentive and mindful of their surroundings
Not being afraid to talk to people to get information
Enjoying puzzles
Learning from their mistakes
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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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CREATE SOMETHING NEW:
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