CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

PIRATE



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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:
The traditional pirate lived on the high seas, attacking other ships and robbing people. Historically, these characters were portrayed exclusively as male, so many of the traits and tendencies associated with pirates follow suit.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Long John Silver (Treasure Island), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), Captain Jack Sparrow (the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ADVENTUROUS, BOLD, CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS, INDUSTRIOUS, LOYAL, OBSERVANT, PLAYFUL, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SPONTANEOUS, SPUNKY, TRADITIONAL, WITTY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, ADDICTIVE, ANTISOCIAL, APATHETIC, CALLOUS, CHILDISH, COCKY, CONFRONTATIONAL, CRUEL, DISHONEST, GREEDY, HOSTILE, IGNORANT, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, MACHO, PUSHY, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, ROWDY, SELF-INDULGENT, SLEAZY, UNCOUTH, UNETHICAL, VIOLENT, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being a skilled swordsman
Being a good shot with a pistol
Loving to brawl
Being single (or having a woman in every port)
Wearing ragged clothing
Having a prosthetic or missing body parts (a leg, eye, hand, etc.)
Rebelling against societal norms
Living according to a strict personal code
Having a strong sense of adventure
Being a capable seaman
Acting spontaneously
Disdaining hygiene routines
Being loyal to their crew members
Trusting in their own abilities and skills
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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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