PATRIARCH
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CHOOSE MY PLANHELPFUL 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:
FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
COMMON STRENGTHS:
COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Commanding respect, and usually deserving it
Teaching and mentoring others
Wanting to pass on a legacy
Being protective of his own family, kin, or charges
Making decisions for the family
Disciplining his “children” to correct them
Giving generously
Supporting people in need
Being experienced and knowledgeable
Leading with authority and confidence
Making great sacrifices for his family
Willingly making hard choices for the good of his family
Passing on traditions and values to others
Having integrity and a strong moral code
Having a deep sense of justice
Fighting for the underdog
Being ruthless to help his family gain advantages over others
Being possessive and territorial about what he's gained for the family
Thinking strategically
Keeping tabs on his charges
Being stern but fair
Inflexibly insisting that what he says, goes
Appearing callous to the desires of others
Taking an objective view of conflicts within the family
Forgiving the mistakes of others
FEARS THAT MIGHT LIMIT THE CHARACTER:
SITUATIONS THAT WILL CHALLENGE THEM:
Confronting a threatening force the patriarch doesn't know if he can defeat
A treasured child confronting him about his double standards and rejecting him or his teachings
Having to mediate between family members with valid arguments
INNER STRUGGLES TO GIVE THEM DEPTH:
Not wanting to cause his charge pain, but needing to teach them a lesson
Having a terminal illness and worrying about what will happen to the family after he dies
Having to meet the conflicting needs of different family members
Knowing that times are changing but being reluctant to change with them
CLICHÉS TO BE AWARE OF:
An obstinate traditionalist who won't budge, even on customs and traditions that are no longer relevant or are actively harming the family
A martyr who sacrifices his own desires for the good of the family, to his own detriment
A businessman whose pursuit of success and power outside the home means he is neglecting his family's needs
A wise grandfather who exists only to dispense advice and has no character arc, flaws, or struggles of his own
TWIST THIS TROPE WITH A CHARACTER WHO...:
Adheres to tradition but is willing to change and adapt based on new information and circumstances
Is morally gray in what they're willing to do to protect their family
Is unassuming and quiet but still commands respect and love from their family
Takes a collaborative approach to leadership, consulting with the family before making decisions, and empowering their children to act
Embraces modern values and encourages their children to keep open minds
Has an atypical trait: Weak-willed, timid, irresponsible, indecisive, unintelligent, etc.