CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

TROUBLED VET



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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 war veteran is so scarred by their experiences and resulting mental health conditions that they have difficulty integrating into civilian life.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
John Rambo (First Blood), Ron Kovic (Born on the Fourth of July), Michael (The Deer Hunter)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CAUTIOUS, DECISIVE, DISCREET, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, INDEPENDENT, INDUSTRIOUS, JUST, OBSERVANT, PERSISTENT, PRIVATE, PROACTIVE, PROTECTIVE, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, TRADITIONAL

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, ADDICTIVE, ANTISOCIAL, APATHETIC, CONFRONTATIONAL, CYNICAL, EVASIVE, HUMORLESS, IMPULSIVE, IRRATIONAL, MORBID, PARANOID, REBELLIOUS, RESENTFUL, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, TEMPERAMENTAL, UNCOOPERATIVE, VOLATILE, WITHDRAWN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Values hard work, being responsible, and doing what's right
Being resourceful
Having strong opinions (that they don't necessarily share)
Sizing up a room or situation before speaking or taking action
Frequently reliving traumatic scenes from their past
Feeling emotionally disconnected from others
Having difficulty being present
Startling easily; being jumpy
Suffering with insomnia
Experiencing frequent nightmares or flashbacks
Difficulty regulating their anger
Experiencing frequent mood swings
Living with depression and anxiety
Difficulty relating to others
Abusing substances as a way to numb pain or disturbing memories
Experiencing physical symptoms of unresolved trauma, such as headaches, digestive problems, and muscle tension
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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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