CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

REBEL (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:
Rebels are out-of-the-box thinkers who like to push boundaries and are undaunted by chaos. Whether they're organizing a revolution, seeking revenge, or are making personal choices that challenge the status quo, these characters are often the catalyst for change.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Robin Hood (the Robin Hood legend), Lisbeth Salander (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), William Wallace (Braveheart), Ferris Bueller (Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Estella/Cruella (Cruella)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, BOLD, CREATIVE, DECISIVE, FOCUSED, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, PASSIONATE, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, PRIVATE, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SOCIALLY AWARE, SPUNKY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ANTISOCIAL, CONFRONTATIONAL, CYNICAL, DISRESPECTFUL, EVASIVE, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, JUDGMENTAL, MANIPULATIVE, PUSHY, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, STUBBORN, UNCOOPERATIVE, VINDICTIVE, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Deviating from societal norms—has their own style, refuses to conform to expectations or roles, etc.
Easily breaking laws and rules they disagree with
Being oppositional; is comfortable being at odds with others
Calling out injustice when they see it
Exhibiting loner behaviors (prefers solitude, keeps their own council, values privacy, etc.)
Respecting those who think for themselves
Engaging willingly in acts of subversion
Taking risks
Not always thinking things true (impulsivity)
Emotional volatility
Being blunt rather than sparing people's feelings or beating around the bush
Distrusting authority figures, assuming they're inept or corrupt
Difficulty following other people's processes or instructions
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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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