CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

WALLFLOWER



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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:
Awkward and shy, wallflowers typically stick to the fringes. Some are happy being in the background while others wish they could break out of their shell and into the spotlight.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice), Anne Elliot (Persuasion), Penelope Featherington (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton), Charlie (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Willow Rosenburg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
CAUTIOUS, COURTEOUS, CREATIVE, DIPLOMATIC, DISCREET, GENTLE, HUMBLE, IMAGINATIVE, INDEPENDENT, INTROVERTED, KIND, OBSERVANT, PENSIVE, PERCEPTIVE, PRIVATE, RESPONSIBLE

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
COWARDLY, EVASIVE, GULLIBLE, INHIBITED, INSECURE, NERVOUS, OBSESSIVE, OVERSENSITIVE, PESSIMISTIC, RESENTFUL, TIMID, UNCOMMUNICATIVE, WEAK-WILLED, WITHDRAWN, WORRYWART

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being introverted
Being shy
Disliking small talk
Being a good listener
Having keen observation skills
Choosing hobbies and activities that allow the character to shine privately
Preferring to watch the fun instead of participating in it
Having a vivid imagination
Being introspective
Being compassionate
Expressing their rich inner world through a creative means, such as art, music, or writing
Analyzing their actions and words after a social interaction
Avoiding social interaction when possible
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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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