CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

SUPERHERO



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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 hero is equipped with specific superpowers or resources that are used to protect the human race—usually from a parade of supervillains.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Wonder Woman (DC comics), Superman (DC comics), Spiderman (Marvel comics), Black Widow (Marvel comics), Bob and Helen Parr (The Incredibles)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, ALERT, BOLD, CALM, CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS, DECISIVE, DISCREET, FOCUSED, HONEST, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, IDEALISTIC, INDEPENDENT, JUST, LOYAL, OBSERVANT, OPTIMISTIC, PRIVATE, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, TALENTED, UNSELFISH

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
COCKY, CONFRONTATIONAL, IMPULSIVE, INFLEXIBLE, MACHO, OBSESSIVE, PERFECTIONIST, RECKLESS, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, STUBBORN, VIOLENT, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Putting themselves at risk to help others
Wanting to help people
Having a strong sense of justice
Being shy about their accomplishments
Having a strong moral code
Being an effective leader
Thinking about the long-term rather than the short-term
Having few close relationships
Being responsible with a strong sense of duty
Controlling their emotions
Being driven by purpose
Eagerly facing challenges
Preferring to work alone
Thinking fast on their feet
Adapting to new problems
Being open to learning new things
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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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