CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

PSYCHOPATH



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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 narcissistic and antisocial character lacks empathy and will cross any line to get what they want.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Anton Chigurh (No Country for Old Men), Annie Wilkes (Misery), Amy Dunne (Gone Girl), the Joker (The Dark Knight), Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ADVENTUROUS, CHARMING, CONFIDENT, FOCUSED, OBSERVANT, PRIVATE, SPONTANEOUS

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ANTISOCIAL, CALLOUS, CONTROLLING, CRUEL, DISHONEST, EVIL, HAUGHTY, HOSTILE, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, MANIPULATIVE, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, SELF-INDULGENT, SELFISH, UNCOOPERATIVE, UNETHICAL, VAIN, VIOLENT

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Remaining cool under pressure
Acting assertively and decisively
Maintaining a singular focus on their goals
Being highly adaptable
Communicating strongly and effectively
Paying keen attention to details
Being confident
Showing resiliency in the face of setbacks
Lacking empathy
Being superficially charming
Exhibiting narcissistic tendencies
Manipulating others by exploiting their vulnerabilities
Playing mind games
Using others for their own benefit
Acting impulsively
Lying easily and convincingly
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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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UNEXPECTED OCCUPATIONS FOR THIS CHARACTER:
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CREATE SOMETHING NEW:
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