CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

THUG



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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 brutish henchman or gang member engages in criminal activity and excels at violence. They're usually strong, aggressive, street-smart, and intimidating, as well as unquestioningly loyal to the party they work for.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Bill Sikes (Oliver Twist), the orcs (the Lord of the Rings trilogy), Luca Brasi (The Godfather), Tommy DeVito (Goodfellas), Tuco Salamanca (Breaking Bad)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ALERT, BOLD, CALM, CAUTIOUS, CENTERED, COOPERATIVE, DECISIVE, DISCIPLINED, DISCREET, EFFICIENT, FOCUSED, LOYAL, OBEDIENT, OBSERVANT, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, PROACTIVE, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SIMPLE, SUPPORTIVE, TRADITIONAL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, CALLOUS, COCKY, CONFRONTATIONAL, CONTROLLING, CRUEL, DISHONEST, HOSTILE, HUMORLESS, INFLEXIBLE, MACHO, PARANOID, PREJUDICED, SLEAZY, SUBSERVIENT, TEMPERAMENTAL, UNCOUTH, VINDICTIVE, VIOLENT

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being a man of action
Purposely intimidating others
Being physically imposing and aggressive
Lacking traditional morals
Being strong and tough
Seeing the world in a simple, uncomplicated way
Having a short fuse
Acting erratically
Easily participating in criminal activity
Being loyal to their employer or organization
Resorting to violence without thinking too much about it
Resolving confrontations through brute force
Being resourceful when solving problems
Having a fragile ego
Being fiercely protective of their “tough guy” image
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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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