Chess is quite possibly the oldest, deepest, most well known and widely played board game in the world. It should come as no surprise, then, that it’s often used as a motif in works of fiction. The interesting thing is how well the pieces fit some of the classic character archetypes: The King is like… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Chess Motifs
Tag: tropes and cliches
Trope Tuesday: True Neutral
The True Neutral is something of an enigma. They generally take no side, either because they have moved beyond good and evil, or because they simply don’t see good and evil the way we do. Or because this isn’t their war and they just want to be left alone. Or…well, let’s get to it. From the… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: True Neutral
Trope Tuesday: Lawful Neutral
Unlike the Lawful Good, the Lawful Neutral has no qualms about committing heinous acts to maintain order. Whether for country, for position or for the preservation of the English language, these characters believe in law above all else, giving stern chase or sacrificing their own personal feelings to achieve it. From the easydamus character alignment page:… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Lawful Neutral
Trope Tuesday: Neutral Evil
Have you ever encountered a villain who you just hated? One who only cares about himself (or herself), who has no real loyalties and will sell out his friends, or even his master? One who treats people as means to an end, and will use whatever means necessary to achieve those ends? Chances are, that… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Neutral Evil
Trope Tuesday: Chaotic Neutral
If you’ve ever read a space adventure with smugglers and pirates, or a sword & sorcery with rogue thieves and master-less swordsmen, or a western with gritty outlaws and mountain men, you know this character alignment. If you’re a fan of any of these genres, chances are you love him, too. The Chaotic Neutral‘s one consistent… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Chaotic Neutral
Trope Tuesday: Neutral Good
Arguably the best of the good-aligned characters, the Neutral Good can always be counted on to do the right thing, whether that means working within the system or rebelling against it. Whether young or old, soft or shrewd, nice or not so nice, these are the guys (and girls) most likely to save the world and defeat the enemy… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Neutral Good
Trope Tuesday: Lawful Evil
If the term “villain” applies to anyone, it applies to the Lawful Evil. Whether the evil overlord, his trusted right-hand man, or one of his devoted minions, these characters are dedicated wholeheartedly to their cause, whether they believe it will lead to a better world or not. Taking over the world is often a major obsession,… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Lawful Evil
Trope Tuesday: Chaotic Evil
If a character in a story scares the hell out of you, chances are he’s a Chaotic Evil. From ax-crazy psychopaths to nightmarish clowns, from cold-hearted monsters to eldritch abominations, these guys are known for their complete lack of empathy, their nihilistic outlook on life, and their sick sense of humor. From the easydamus character alignment page: A chaotic… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Chaotic Evil
Trope Tuesday: Chaotic Good
Wherever you find the evil empire, dirty cops, or a misguided crusade, chances are there’s a Chaotic Good somewhere in the shadows fighting against it. From barbarian heroes to freedom fighters, rebellious princesses to ethical sluts, these free-spirited, noble-minded rebels are constantly at war with the man, robbing the rich to give to the poor. From the easydamus… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Chaotic Good
Trope Tuesday: Lawful Good
Lawful Good is the character alignment that is the most unambiguously heroic. These are the white hats, the caped crusaders, the knights in shining armor who fight for Truth, Justice, and the American way. They might not always be smart, and they might not always be nice, but you can always count on them to do the… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Lawful Good