CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

RELUCTANT MONSTER



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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:
A reluctant monster is assumed to be evil and nasty by nature, but this isn't who they are. In some cases, they don't know they're a monster at all.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
The BFG (The BFG), Frankenstein's monster (Frankenstein), Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Edward Scissorhands (Edward Scissorhands), Shrek (Shrek), King Kong (King Kong)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AFFECTIONATE, COOPERATIVE, COURAGEOUS, EMPATHETIC, FRIENDLY, GENEROUS, GENTLE, HONEST, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, INNOCENT, KIND, OBSERVANT, PERCEPTIVE, PROTECTIVE, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SIMPLE, TRUSTING, UNSELFISH

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ANTISOCIAL, COWARDLY, DEVIOUS, FOOLISH, GRUMPY, HOSTILE, IMPULSIVE, INSECURE, NEEDY, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, TIMID, UNINTELLIGENT, VOLATILE, WEAK-WILLED, WITHDRAWN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being open-minded
Being kind
Not conforming to other people's expectations
Being sensitive
Feeling empathy for others
Not wanting to stand out in a crowd
Being innocent and naïve
Trying hard not to hurt others
Not knowing their own strength
Expecting rejection
Exerting self-control to quell their monster-like impulses or abilities
Craving acceptance
Communicating differently than what's considered normal
Feeling self-conscious about their appearance
Finding joy in the little things
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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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