CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

RELUCTANT HERO



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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 protagonist doesn't want to be a hero and actively works to avoid becoming one. Throughout the course of their arc, they eventually embrace and grow into their role as the hero of the story.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings franchise), Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games trilogy), Vianne Mauriac (The Nightingale), Sarah Connor (The Terminator)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ALERT, CAUTIOUS, COURAGEOUS, EMPATHETIC, GENEROUS, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, INDEPENDENT, INTROVERTED, JUST, LOYAL, PENSIVE, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SENSIBLE, TALENTED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
APATHETIC, COWARDLY, CYNICAL, EVASIVE, HOSTILE, INDECISIVE, NERVOUS, PARANOID, SELFISH, STUBBORN, SUSPICIOUS, TIMID, UNCOOPERATIVE, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being self-reliant
Having high moral standards
Disliking being the center of attention
Enjoying solitude 
Preferring to be seen as ordinary
Being self-serving or self-centered (initially)
Having a strong sense of justice
Being soft-spoken and mild-mannered
Thriving on routine
Keeping any unusual skills or interests a secret
Dressing to blend in
Carefully considering all options before making a decision
Overthinking things
Fearing the unknown
Living in denial rather than facing the reality of a situation
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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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