CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

WORKING GIRL OR BOY



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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 is young, ambitious, and ready to take on the world. Whether they're working their first job post-school or are starting out in a new career field, they're driven to succeed.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Andy Sachs (The Devil Wears Prada), Nick Carraway (The Great Gatsby), Peggy Olson (Mad Men), Tess McGill (Working Girl)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AMBITIOUS, APPRECIATIVE, CONFIDENT, COOPERATIVE, COURTEOUS, CREATIVE, DISCIPLINED, EFFICIENT, ENTHUSIASTIC, FOCUSED, FRIENDLY, HONEST, HUMBLE, IDEALISTIC, INDUSTRIOUS, KIND, OBEDIENT, OPTIMISTIC, PERSISTENT, PROACTIVE, PROFESSIONAL, PROPER, RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SENSIBLE, SPUNKY, WHOLESOME

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
GULLIBLE, NEEDY, NERVOUS, OVERSENSITIVE, PERFECTIONIST, WORKAHOLIC

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being goal-oriented
Viewing their circumstances with optimism
Having big dreams
Being idealistic
Pursuing their goals with energy and determination
Having something to prove
Putting in long hours; working hard
Having fresh ideas to share
Boldly seizing new opportunities that arise
Building relationships with others in their field, especially those who can help them succeed
Learning new skills to develop and improve their chances of success
Being unafraid to clash with superiors or colleagues who are stuck in their ways
Adapting to new challenges
Being resilient in the face of adversity
Making sacrifices (with their time, relationships, personal comforts, etc.
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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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