CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

RELUCTANTLY GIFTED



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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 character is extraordinary in some way, with a supernatural gift or exceptional talent they're reluctant to use.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Kvothe (Kingfisher Chronicle), Nina Zenik (Six of Crows), Adam Parrish (The Raven Cycle), Elsa (Frozen)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CAUTIOUS, COURAGEOUS, DISCIPLINED, EMPATHETIC, FOCUSED, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, IDEALISTIC, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, INTELLIGENT, MATURE, PROTECTIVE, RESPONSIBLE, SENSIBLE, TALENTED, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
APATHETIC, COWARDLY, EVASIVE, FUSSY, HYPOCRITICAL, INDECISIVE, INSECURE, MANIPULATIVE, MELODRAMATIC, NERVOUS, PESSIMISTIC, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, SELFISH, STUBBORN, SUSPICIOUS, UNCOOPERATIVE, WEAK-WILLED, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being a careful decision-maker
Following their intuition
Being secretive
Avoiding the spotlight
Dressing to blend in
Being a deep thinker
Underplaying their abilities and skills
Having a strong moral code
Being protective of friends and family
Tending toward modesty
Wanting to remain in their comfort zone
Being conscientious of others
Being deeply loyal
Resenting their talents and seeing them as a burden
Feeling personally responsible for things
Being a loner
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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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