CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

STORYTELLER



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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:
Part historian, entertainer, and conscience, this character has a knack for storytelling through oration, song, poetry, the written word, or other creative means. Their stories often challenge societal norms and raise important questions for listeners.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Scheherazade (One Thousand and One Nights), Jaskier (The Witcher), Karen Blixen (Out of Africa), Clopin Trouillefou (Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CREATIVE, CURIOUS, EMPATHETIC, ENTHUSIASTIC, FOCUSED, IMAGINATIVE, INSPIRATIONAL, INTELLIGENT, PASSIONATE, PENSIVE, PERCEPTIVE, PERSUASIVE, PHILOSOPHICAL, PLAYFUL, SPONTANEOUS, WHIMSICAL, WISE, WITTY

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CATTY, CONFRONTATIONAL, GOSSIPY, MANIPULATIVE, MELODRAMATIC, MISCHIEVOUS, TEMPERAMENTAL, VAIN, VERBOSE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being gifted at distilling complicated ideas down to a message people can understand
Being comfortable addressing a crowd
Liking the sound of their own voice
Using their gift to shine a light on injustice and right wrongs
Enjoying being the center of attention
Dominating conversations
Honing their storytelling skills
Always looking for ideas and inspiration
Being an avid reader
Empathizing strongly with the people whose story is being told
Keeping up with current events
Not being afraid to ruffle feathers with their narratives
Being able to hold people's attention
Hanging out in creative venues (bookstores, cafés, poetry readings, etc.)
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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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