CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

SAVANT



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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:
Savants are gifted in a certain field but deficient in other areas. They might have studied hard to hone their talent, or the skill may come naturally with little work or practice at all.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Sherlock Holmes (the Sherlock Holmes series), Beth Harmon (The Queen's Gambit), Raymond Babbit (Rain Man), Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CREATIVE, CURIOUS, DECISIVE, FOCUSED, IMAGINATIVE, INDEPENDENT, INTROVERTED, METICULOUS, PASSIONATE, PENSIVE, PERSISTENT, PRIVATE, QUIRKY, STUDIOUS, TALENTED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, APATHETIC, COMPULSIVE, DISORGANIZED, FORGETFUL, FUSSY, HUMORLESS, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, INATTENTIVE, INFLEXIBLE, OBSESSIVE, TACTLESS, TEMPERAMENTAL, UNCOMMUNICATIVE, UNCOOPERATIVE, WITHDRAWN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being exceptionally talented or skilled in a particular area of knowledge
Focusing intently on one thing for long periods of time
Striving for mastery in their area of expertise
Having exceptional recall abilities
Preferring to work alone
Identifying patterns easily or subconsciously
Obsessing about the thing they're good at
Struggling with, neglecting, or needing help with everyday tasks beyond their scope of genius
Not picking up on social cues from others
Lacking emotional empathy
Having memorable quirks
Not recognizing emotions in others
Difficulty relating to others
Having a difficult time forming social connections
Displaying compulsive behavior
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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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