CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

ORPHAN (ARCHETYPE)



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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:
Orphans are characterized by trauma, neglect, and/or rejection. Having lost their own family (or never having had one to begin with), they're driven by a need to belong and will go to great lengths to find acceptance. This makes orphans especially susceptible to manipulation and abuse which, over time, can result in them becoming withdrawn and further isolated.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Harry Potter (the Harry Potter series), Oliver Twist (Oliver Twist), Kya Clark (Where the Crawdads Sing), Simba (The Lion King), Will Hunting (Good Will Hunting)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ALERT, CAUTIOUS, DISCREET, EMPATHETIC, HUMBLE, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, LOYAL, OBSERVANT, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, PRIVATE, PROACTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, SPUNKY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, APATHETIC, CHILDISH, CYNICAL, DEFENSIVE, DISHONEST, EVASIVE, IMPULSIVE, INSECURE, IRRESPONSIBLE, OVERSENSITIVE, PARANOID, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, RESENTFUL, ROWDY, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, STUBBORN, UNCOOPERATIVE, VOLATILE, WITHDRAWN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being highly observant
Sticking like glue to the trustworthy people in their life
Being highly attuned to injustice, manipulation, and other forms of abuse
Fighting for justice and equality
Resiliency
Having just a few close friends
Being unable to see the faults of the people they're loyal to
Getting involved in toxic relationships (because it's what the character is used to)
Sacrificing personal beliefs or standards if it means gaining affection from someone
Difficulty setting or maintaining personal boundaries
Being too eager when someone shows them attention
Difficulty trusting others
Becoming reconciled to isolation because it's better than risking being hurt again
Being suspicious of people and their motives
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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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