CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

RIGHTFUL RULER



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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:
In a kingdom that's going from bad to worse, this character has a legitimate claim to the throne and is the only one who can make things right. But first they'll have to come out of protective hiding, stop running from fate, or be made aware of their destiny. This early part of the character's arc is the focus of this entry. For information on this character once they've become the ruler they were meant to be, see GOOD KING OR QUEEN.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Aragorn (the Lord of the Rings series), King Arthur (The Once and Future King), Daenerys Targaryen (A Song of Ice and Fire), King T'Challa (the Marvel Universe), Queen Elsa (Frozen)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, CALM, CAUTIOUS, CHARMING, DISCREET, EASYGOING, EMPATHETIC, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, INSPIRATIONAL, INTELLIGENT, JUST, KIND, LOYAL, OBSERVANT, PATIENT, PERSUASIVE, PRIVATE, PROTECTIVE, RESPONSIBLE, SOCIALLY AWARE, SUPPORTIVE, TALENTED, TRADITIONAL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
APATHETIC, CHILDISH, COWARDLY, DEFENSIVE, DISHONEST, EVASIVE, FRIVOLOUS, HUMORLESS, INHIBITED, INSECURE, STUBBORN, TEMPERAMENTAL, WEAK-WILLED, WITHDRAWN, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Valuing justice
Fighting for underdogs and the oppressed
Being courteous and respectful
Seeking to right wrongs
Making sacrifices in the name of justice or doing the right thing
Being generally liked and respected by others
Other people being naturally drawn to the character
Listening to wise counsel
Having a strong personal code of honour
Showing compassion and mercy to others
Being humble
Flying under the radar; avoiding activities or actions that will draw unwanted attention
Connecting with the land or their people (emotionally or supernaturally)
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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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