CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

PROFESSIONAL KILLER



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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 hired assassin makes a career out of killing people (as opposed to the ones who do it for fun, personal reasons, or just because they've had a bad day). They might be hired by clients to target certain people, or they may have been forced to work by an agency or as part of a program.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Jason Bourne (the Jason Bourne series), Celaena Sardothien (Throne of Glass series), Nikita (La Femme Nikita), John and Jane Smith (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), John Wick (the John Wick franchise)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ALERT, ANALYTICAL, BOLD, CALM, CONFIDENT, DECISIVE, DISCIPLINED, DISCREET, EFFICIENT, FOCUSED, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, INTELLIGENT, INTROVERTED, METICULOUS, ORGANIZED, PATIENT, PERSISTENT, PRIVATE, RESOURCEFUL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ANTISOCIAL, APATHETIC, CALLOUS, CONFRONTATIONAL, CRUEL, CYNICAL, DEVIOUS, DISHONEST, EVASIVE, EVIL, HOSTILE, HUMORLESS, MANIPULATIVE, NOSY, OBSESSIVE, PARANOID, PERFECTIONIST, SELFISH, SLEAZY, UNCOOPERATIVE, UNETHICAL, VIOLENT, VOLATILE, WITHDRAWN, WORKAHOLIC

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Thinking strategically
Exhibiting superior intelligence
Being an exceptional marksman
Being skilled in hand-to-hand combat
Having knowledge of a wide range of weapons
Being loyal to a person or organization
Adhering to a personal code of conduct
Being a meticulous planner
Thinking ahead; always having an escape plan
Being resourceful
Getting the job done
Thinking fast on their feet
Having a strong sense of self-preservation
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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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UNEXPECTED OCCUPATIONS FOR THIS CHARACTER:
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CREATE SOMETHING NEW:
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