CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

SAGE (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:
Sages are wise, always seeking knowledge, but they also are willing to impart their learnings to others. This makes them ideal mentors and parental figures (and subtly different from MAGICIANS).

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Mother Abagail (The Stand), Merlin (The Once and Future King), Obi-Wan Kenobi (the Star Wars franchise), Mr. Miyagi (The Karate Kid), Mr. Keating (Dead Poets Society)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CALM, CENTERED, CONFIDENT, COOPERATIVE, CURIOUS, DECISIVE, DISCIPLINED, DISCREET, GENEROUS, GENTLE, HONORABLE, INTELLIGENT, JUST, KIND, LOYAL, MATURE, OBSERVANT, PHILOSOPHICAL, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SPIRITUAL, STUDIOUS, TALENTED, UNINHIBITED, UNSELFISH, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CONTROLLING, FUSSY, KNOW-IT-ALL, PERFECTIONIST, POSSESSIVE, PUSHY, WORKAHOLIC, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being highly curious
Seeking truth
Being a lifelong learner
Having a specific insight that others lack
Being specialized in an area of expertise (the Force, magic, math, baseball, etc.)
Being quirky
Holding a job that is well below their potential because it allows them to help others
Considering different viewpoints (instead of dismissing or being threatened by them)
Eagerly trying new things
Thinking before speaking; weighing their thoughts and words carefully
Being a good teacher
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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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