CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

SNARKY MCSNARKERSON



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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 highly sarcastic and often cynical character is known for their quick comebacks and deadpan delivery. Skilled at wordplay with a knack for finding the irony in any situation, they employ satire, sarcasm, and humor—often to convey social commentary and criticisms.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Artemis Fowl (the Artemis Fowl series), Sherlock Holmes (the Sherlock Holmes franchise), Tony Stark (Iron Man), Chandler Bing (Friends)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
BOLD, CALM, CONFIDENT, CREATIVE, FUNNY, HONEST, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, OBJECTIVE, OBSERVANT, PERCEPTIVE, PHILOSOPHICAL, PLAYFUL, QUIRKY, SPONTANEOUS, SPUNKY, UNINHIBITED, WITTY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, CONFRONTATIONAL, CYNICAL, DISRESPECTFUL, PRETENTIOUS, PUSHY, RECKLESS, SELF-INDULGENT, SELFISH, TACTLESS

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Exhibiting high intelligence
Knowing how to get a laugh
Being sharp-witted
Naturally resorting to sarcasm
Being observant
Being funny
Making cutting observations
Freely speaking their mind
Being authentic; not posturing or pandering to what others think
Using humor to defuse escalating situations
Making self-deprecating remarks
Using humor as a weapon—say, when someone opposes the character
Being emotionally guarded
Excelling at wordplay
Having good comedic timing
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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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