CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

TRAGIC HERO



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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 character shares many of the traditionally heroic traits: courage, honorability, ambition, and persistence. But despite their good intentions, they have a fatal flaw that they're unable to overcome and results in their ultimate demise.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Hamlet (Hamlet), Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones), Tony Soprano (The Sopranos), Anakin Skywalker (the Star Wars franchise)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, AMBITIOUS, BOLD, CONFIDENT, DECISIVE, FOCUSED, HONORABLE, IDEALISTIC, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, LOYAL, OBSERVANT, PASSIONATE, PENSIVE, PERCEPTIVE, PERSISTENT, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, CALLOUS, CHILDISH, COCKY, COMPULSIVE, CONFRONTATIONAL, CONTROLLING, DEVIOUS, FANATICAL, GREEDY, HYPOCRITICAL, IMPULSIVE, IRRATIONAL, MANIPULATIVE, OBSESSIVE, POSSESSIVE, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, STUBBORN, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being a good leader
Taking any risk if it will bring the closer to their goal
Being responsible
Tending toward introspection (and possibly over-thinking)
Having a strong code of honor
Having high expectations of themselves and others
Preferring to work alone
Thinking carefully before they speak
Believing they have a purpose, and working toward it
Enjoying a challenge
Being willing to sacrifice for the good of their loved ones
Having a healthy work ethic; doing what needs to be done to accomplish the goal
Being ego-driven
Struggling with personal demons
Arrogance
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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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CREATE SOMETHING NEW:
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