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Trope Talk: Loners

Overly Sarcastic Productions・2 minutes read

Loner characters are defined by their preference for solitude but often have allies, friends, and even children in their lives, showcasing a softer side. They can be categorized into different types such as the lone wanderer, lone traveler, or loner who works alone, each with unique characteristics and story arcs.

Insights

  • Loners, despite their inclination towards solitude, often develop relationships and connections with others, showcasing a multifaceted character dynamic that goes beyond the initial stereotype of complete isolation.
  • The presence of supporting characters, such as children, mentors, or tagalongs, serves to humanize and challenge loners, leading to significant character development and a deeper exploration of their motivations and values.

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Recent questions

  • What defines a loner archetype?

    A loner is characterized by avoiding or not actively seeking out other people, preferring solitude.

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Summary

00:00

"The Complexities of the Loner Archetype"

  • The loner archetype is characterized by self-reliance, working alone, and avoiding seeking out others.
  • Despite being labeled as loners, these characters often have allies, friends, and even adopt children.
  • A loner is defined as someone who avoids or does not actively seek out other people.
  • Many loners end up with company due to the necessity of character interactions in stories.
  • Loners can have allies and friends but still maintain a preference for solitude.
  • Different subcategories of loners include the lone wanderer, lone traveler, and loner who works alone.
  • The lone wanderer drifts from place to place, intervening when justice demands it, and often vanishing once their work is done.
  • The lone traveler has a specific goal, follows a structured narrative, and may have supporting characters.
  • The loner who works alone may have a team or support structure but prefers to handle serious matters alone.
  • Loners can also be characterized by their ego, self-loathing, or being on the run from the system, each leading to different story arcs.

09:37

Loners: Balancing Solitude and Altruism

  • Loners often take care of others, showing a softer side by sacrificing personal goals to care for those who can't care for themselves.
  • The relationship between a loner and a kid helps humanize the loner, showcasing their selflessness and character development.
  • The concept of "What You Are In The Dark" reveals a character's true nature when faced with morally challenging situations.
  • The Mandalorian exemplifies the loner archetype by choosing to protect Baby Yoda despite potential risks.
  • Loners often experience character development when paired with a child, showcasing their parenting instincts.
  • Loners may also have mentors who provide insight into their backstory and character evolution.
  • Loners frequently encounter other loners, leading to unique dynamics and potential conflicts or alliances.
  • Tagalongs, characters who join loners without much input, serve as foils highlighting the loner's traits.
  • The Innocent, a character in need of help, draws loners into assisting them, showcasing the loner's altruistic nature.
  • Loners, like cats, may struggle to balance their desire for solitude with forming relationships, leading to character growth and challenges.

17:52

Balancing Loners with Diverse Supporting Characters

  • Loners in stories should have a balance of social interactions without losing their loner identity, often achieved through a diverse ensemble cast of supporting characters to interact with.
  • When writing a loner protagonist, it's crucial to avoid creating a character that drifts into Mary Sue territory by ensuring varied reactions from supporting characters, preventing the protagonist from becoming one-dimensional or overly favored.
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