CHARACTER TYPE AND TROPE THESAURUS

SNOB



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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:
Snobs look down on people below their own social or financial station. They often display an exaggerated sense of elitism and condescension because they believe they're superior in some way.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES:
The Malfoys (the Harry Potter series), Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Pride and Prejudice), Tom Buchanan (The Great Gatsby), Regina George (Mean Girls), Frasier and Niles Crane (Frasier)

COMMON STRENGTHS:
AMBITIOUS, CENTERED, CHARMING, CONFIDENT, METICULOUS, PASSIONATE, PROPER, SOPHISTICATED

COMMON WEAKNESSES:
CATTY, CRUEL, FUSSY, GOSSIPY, HAUGHTY, HUMORLESS, INFLEXIBLE, JUDGMENTAL, KNOW-IT-ALL, MATERIALISTIC, NOSY, PREJUDICED, PRETENTIOUS, SELF-INDULGENT, SPOILED, VAIN

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES:
Having a strong sense of personal identity
Not being easily swayed by the opinions of others
Paying meticulous attention to detail
Dressing stylishly
Being self-possessed and appearing confident
Being driven to achieve greater success and importance through self-development
Having discerning tastes
Having a deep understanding about their area of interest—art, fashion, literature, or even more mundane things, like coffee or wine
Associating with people they believe are worthy of their attention
Indulging in extravagant displays of wealth or personal achievement
Putting others down—publicly or privately—because of a lack of personal taste
Having a superiority complex
Believing their friends or wealth makes them worthier or more respected than others
Ensuring everyone around them knows how smart or accomplished they are
Dropping names
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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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