CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

SHREW



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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 cantankerous, nagging (often elderly) woman who's never satisfied and always seems to be mad about something. Shrews are often used to challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations placed upon women.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Mrs. Dubose (To Kill a Mockingbird), Katherine Minola (The Taming of the Shrew), Cersei Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AMBITIOUS, BOLD, CONFIDENT, DECISIVE, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, OBSERVANT, PASSIONATE, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, SOCIALLY AWARE, SPUNKY, UNINHIBITED, WITTY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, ANTISOCIAL, CALLOUS, CONFRONTATIONAL, CYNICAL, DISRESPECTFUL, GRUMPY, HOSTILE, HUMORLESS, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, INFLEXIBLE, JUDGMENTAL, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, RESENTFUL, ROWDY, STUBBORN, UNCOOPERATIVE, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Having a sharp tongue and wit
Being cunning
Being short-tempered
Being strong-willed
Being independent and self-reliant
Being critical of mistakes and hypocrisies
Challenging traditional gender stereotypes of feminine behavior
Having strong opinions and being unafraid to share them
Assertiveness
Being passionate about her ideas and beliefs
Speaking bluntly
Mistrusting authority until it is proven trustworthy
Determination and tenacity
Being resourceful in the pursuit of her goals
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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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