CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

UNDERDOG



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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:
At the start of the story, this competitor is woefully outmatched and has no chance of winning. They typically begin as a reluctant participant who eventually dedicates themselves wholeheartedly to coming out on top.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games series), Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings series), Maximus Decimus Meridius (Gladiator), Margaret “Maggie” Fitzgerald (Million Dollar Baby), Rocky Balboa (the Rocky franchise), Vince Papale (Invincible)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADAPTABLE, ALERT, AMBITIOUS, APPRECIATIVE, CAUTIOUS, CENTERED, CURIOUS, DISCIPLINED, EFFICIENT, EMPATHETIC, FOCUSED, HONORABLE, HUMBLE, IDEALISTIC, INDUSTRIOUS, INSPIRATIONAL, JUST, PASSIONATE, PATIENT, PERSISTENT, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SIMPLE, SPUNKY, WISE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
APATHETIC, GULLIBLE, IGNORANT, IMPULSIVE, MARTYR, NERVOUS, RECKLESS, RESENTFUL, STUBBORN, UNCOOPERATIVE, VINDICTIVE, WITHDRAWN, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Starting out at a disadvantage
Displaying determination and grit
Persevering when times are tough
Being resilient in the face of setbacks and opposition
Being humble and teachable
Adapting to new situations quickly
Keeping their eye on the prize
Being courageous
Finding creative solutions to problems
Sticking to their principals
Challenging assumptions people make about them
Standing up for what they believe is right
Having empathy for others who are misunderstood or undervalued
Being a person of action
Having integrity
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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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