CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

LOOSE CANNON



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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 categorized by volatility and unpredictability. No one knows exactly what they'll do, but one thing is certain: their actions will put themselves and others at risk.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
Harry Bosch (the Bosch series of novels), Tyler Durden (Fight Club), Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad), Doug Ross (ER), Estella (Cruella), Peter Venkman (Ghostbusters), Maverick (Top Gun)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
ADVENTUROUS, BOLD, CONFIDENT, COURAGEOUS, CREATIVE, DECISIVE, EXTROVERTED, FLAMBOYANT, GENEROUS, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, PASSIONATE, PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, QUIRKY, RESOURCEFUL, SPONTANEOUS, SPUNKY, UNINHIBITED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
ABRASIVE, ANTISOCIAL, COCKY, CONFRONTATIONAL, DISORGANIZED, EXTRAVAGANT, IMPATIENT, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, MACHO, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, STUBBORN, UNCOOPERATIVE, UNETHICAL, VIOLENT, VOLATILE

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Being emotionally unstable
Having a big mouth
Acting in unexpected ways
Tending to create chaos
Unreliability and irresponsibility
Being confrontational
Embracing spontaneity
Impulsivity; lacking self-control
Breaking the rules if doing so achieves their goals
Difficulty respecting boundaries and establishing boundaries for themselves
Being charismatic
Rejecting authority
Thinking for themselves
Standing up for themselves
Taking risks (maybe even seeking them out)
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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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