Random Character Trope Generator: Bend a Stock Character

Press New character for a stock character, a twist on it, a setting and one telltale detail.

Random Character Trope Generator: Bend a Stock Character: 30 characters

A theatre kid, exactly as expected until the last scene, on a mining asteroid. The tell: boots too clean for the job.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

Typetheatre kid
Twistexactly as expected until the last scene
Settingon a mining asteroid
The tellboots too clean for the job

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Character of the day

A theatre kid, exactly as expected until the last scene, on a mining asteroid. The tell: boots too clean for the job.
A chronicler, played for laughs, on a television cooking contest. The tell: a callus from a pen.
A flatterer, with no audience and still in character, in a glass tunnel under the sea. The tell: taps out a rhythm nobody recognizes.
A pompous doctor, when nobody needs the type any more, at a gas station in a road movie. The tell: a tune hummed on one note when thinking.
An ironist, who collects reviews of themselves, at the court of the winter king. The tell: a scarf worn in every weather.
A teacher's pet, as a best friend would describe them, at a tournament ground. The tell: boots too clean for the job.
A confidant, who keeps correcting the narrator, in a wood where the paths rearrange themselves. The tell: a compass they tap before trusting.
A clown, with everyone watching, at the headquarters of a superhero team. The tell: eats standing up.
A jester, crossed with its usual opposite, at a scout jamboree. The tell: a nose red from the cold.
A buffoon, with no irony at all, in a medieval market. The tell: hair cut by a friend.
A town crier, who winks at the audience, in a village of talking animals. The tell: hair cut by a friend.
An ironist, who has finally got what the type always wants, in a castle kitchen. The tell: a book with a train ticket for a bookmark.
A black sheep, who keeps apologizing for the role, in the locker room at halftime. The tell: a toy too small to explain.
A scheming servant, who learned the role from a book and got it slightly wrong, at a gas station in a road movie. The tell: a sunburned neck.
A wise fool, out of their depth and enjoying it, in a city of canals and masks. The tell: a squint from reading in bad light.
A wise fool, loved by the people the type usually annoys, at a gas station in a road movie. The tell: an apple they are saving.
A scheming servant, better at the paperwork than at the adventure, in a Roman forum. The tell: holds doors for people who are still far away.
An underdog, doing the job of a different stock character today, in a nature documentary. The tell: a book with a train ticket for a bookmark.
A reformed villain, with the catchphrase and nothing behind it, on a robot factory floor. The tell: never sits with their back to the door.
A straight man, turned up as far as it will go, on the bridge of a starship. The tell: a spoon in the boot.
A reformed villain, with a secret that does not fit the type, on the bridge of a starship. The tell: a pressed leaf kept in the hatband.
A philosopher king, who is proud of being a type, on a mining asteroid. The tell: looks at the sky before answering.
A wise fool, moved to the background, in a hotel where room thirteen is missing. The tell: a squint from reading in bad light.
A mentor, as the oldest plays wrote the part, in the kitchen of a giant. The tell: a list tucked up one sleeve.
A confidant, sharing the part with a twin, in a Roman forum. The tell: a thimble worn like a ring.
A greedy old merchant, played by someone who read for a different part, aboard a comet turned into a hotel. The tell: a thimble worn like a ring.
A know-it-all, who knows exactly what they are, in the kitchen of a giant. The tell: looks at the sky before answering.
A pompous doctor, who is waiting for a cue, in the mail room of a secret service. The tell: holds doors for people who are still far away.
A judge, better at the paperwork than at the adventure, on a mining asteroid. The tell: says "we" when they mean "I".
A miser, played for laughs, in a village of talking animals. The tell: never finishes a drink.

Next step Design what this character looks like Give this character a past

Type: all 79 character types

Heroes 16

action hero The lead of a story built on chases and stunts. A torn sleeve and a run toward the viewer.
antihero A lead who lacks the standing and polish of a traditional hero. Collar up, eyes down, doing the right thing anyway.
child prodigy A young person with the skill of an adult expert. A small figure at a piano or a blackboard built for grown-ups.

Show all 79 character types (76 more)

Heroes, continued

everyman An ordinary, humble character the audience can see themselves in. Plain clothes, an open face and nothing in the hands.
folk hero A hero whose name and deeds live on in songs and tales. Draw one bold shape and one famous prop.
gentleman detective The detective of golden age crime fiction, often from the gentry. A cane, a calm eye and a clue held between two fingers.
hardboiled detective The detective of hardboiled crime fiction, seeking justice in a corrupt city. A coat collar, a hat brim and rain.
knight-errant A knight of medieval romance who wanders in search of adventures to prove his virtues. Armour, a road and no fixed address.
plucky orphan A child of the kind found in the novels of Dickens, who gets through life on determination and self-reliance. A cap too big and a level stare.
principal boy The young hero of a British pantomime, played by an actress in boy's clothes. Hands on hips and a stride to match.
reluctant hero An ordinary person pushed into heroism, or a gifted one who would sooner not use the gift. One foot still points home.
rightful king A just ruler who has been pushed from the throne and whose return puts things right. A plain cloak over one glimpse of gold.
superhero A costumed character with abilities beyond ordinary people, who hides an identity and uses the powers to help. A cape, a mask and an emblem.
swashbuckler A daring, idealistic hero of adventure stories, acrobatic and full of guile. A wide hat, a rope to swing on and a grin.
tragic hero The protagonist of a tragedy. Fine clothes, a straight back and a shadow longer than the figure.
underdog The one everybody expects to lose. Worn kit and a place at the starting line anyway.

Helpers 16

apprentice A younger person learning a trade under an experienced one. An apron too long and a tool held the wrong way round.
butler The head of a large household's serving staff. A tray held level, white gloves and a face that gives nothing away.
clever servant The zanni of old Italian comedy: an astute servant and a trickster. An apron, a quick sideways glance and a plan.
comic relief character The humorous character in an otherwise serious story, there to ease the tension. A dropped tray in the middle of a duel of stares.
confidant The character the lead trusts and confides in. Draw them leaning in, listening, with nothing in their hands.
fairy godmother A fairy with magical powers who acts as mentor or stand-in parent. A wand, a shawl and a practical look.
fairy-tale donor The figure in a fairy tale who tests the hero and then gives magical help. An old traveller by the road with one hand held out.
foil A character who contrasts with another to show that one more clearly. Stand them beside the lead and reverse every choice.
governess A woman employed as a private tutor in the home of the children she teaches. A book, a chalk slate and sensible shoes.
imaginary friend The invisible companion of a lonely or misunderstood person, often a child. A dotted outline beside a solid one.
mentor Someone who teaches and advises a less experienced, often younger person. One hand on a shoulder and the other pointing ahead.
muse The person who inspires an artist, writer or composer. Draw them half turned away, with the artist in the corner at work.
nanny The person who looks after the children in the family home. A coat with deep pockets and a bag that holds everything.
sidekick A close companion who is counted as second to the one they go with. Half a step behind, carrying the bags and the good idea.
straight man The comedy partner who keeps composure while the other behaves oddly. A neat suit and one slowly raised eyebrow.
wise old man A figure known for wisdom and sound judgment. A long coat, a staff or a book and a pause before every answer.

Rogues 15

black knight A knight who hides his identity by showing no heraldry. A plain dark shield and a closed visor.
black sheep The member of a group, often a family, who does not fit in with the rest. One figure facing the other way in a family portrait.
braggart The boaster of ancient Greek comedy, who sees himself as greater than he is. Chest out, chin up and nothing to show for it.
braggart soldier The swaggering captain of old comedy, whose bravado hides a cowardly nature. A huge plumed hat and a step backward.
busybody Someone who meddles in the affairs of others. A twitching curtain and a nose just past the edge of it.
flatterer The sycophant, who praises insincerely to gain an advantage. A deep bow, with one eye still on the purse.
harlequin The best-known comic servant of Italian comedy, light-hearted, nimble and astute. A costume of checks and a foot in the air.
lovable rogue A rule-breaker who defies convention and still keeps the sympathy of the audience. A crooked grin and a hat pushed back.
miser Someone so unwilling to spend that they go without comforts. A thin coat, a cold hearth and a very full strongbox.
picaro The roguish but appealing hero of a picaresque novel, who lives by his wits. A patched coat and a borrowed loaf.
red herring The character in a mystery who only looks suspicious. Shifty eyes, an alibi and a perfectly innocent parcel.
reformed villain One who was truly bad at the start and then changed sides. The old dark coat, with a new badge pinned on.
romantic outlaw The outlaw as stories like to tell it, in the line of Robin Hood. A hood, a forest edge and a purse being handed to someone poorer.
scheming servant The servant of Italian comedy who fools his master. One finger to the lips and a letter that has been steamed open.
trickster A clever figure of myth and folklore who plays tricks and breaks the normal rules. A sideways look and something hidden behind the back.

Fools and scholars 20

absent-minded professor A brilliant scholar who forgets and fumbles everything else. Glasses pushed up on the forehead and a search for them.
bard A poet and singer who performs verse for a patron or a crowd. A stringed instrument on the back and a mouth open on a high note.
boffin A scientist or engineer seen as odd and quirky and very bright. A pencil behind each ear and a diagram on a tablecloth.
buffoon The witty, coarse joker of ancient Greek comedy, who talks straight to the audience. Turned to the viewer, hand beside the mouth.
chronicler The studious one who writes down the adventures of the hero or digs through old maps. Glasses, ink and a book bigger than the head.
clown A performer of physical comedy in distinct makeup and costume. A painted face and shoes that arrive first.
dandy A man who sets great store by appearance, grooming and refined speech. A perfect cravat and gloves carried, never worn.
fool The simple or lucky fool of stories and folklore. A wide smile, a wrong turn and a safe arrival.
fop A man of 17th-century England who is too concerned with his clothes. Ribbons, lace and a mirror in the hand.
hermit Someone who lives in seclusion. A hut, a long beard or a long shawl and a door that opens one inch.
ironist The eiron of ancient Greek comedy, who brings down the braggart by understating his own abilities. A modest shrug and a small smile.
jester An entertainer kept at a court, in bright clothes and an eccentric hat. Motley colours and a caper in front of a throne.
know-it-all Someone who offers expert opinions without having the expertise. A raised finger and an open mouth.
pierrot The sad clown of pantomime and old Italian comedy, with a whitened face and a loose white blouse. Big buttons and a tilted head.
pompous doctor The Doctor of Italian comedy, who loves the sound of his own voice and spouts mock Latin. A black gown and a pointing finger.
snob Someone who feels superior because of class or education. A raised chin and a glance down the nose.
starving artist An artist who gives up comfort to keep making the work. A cold garret, a thin coat and a very large canvas.
teacher's pet The pupil the teacher favours most, not always to the liking of the others. A front seat, a raised hand and an apple.
theatre kid A young actor with an open passion for performing. A script under one arm and a pose for no reason.
wise fool A character taken for a fool who turns out to carry the wisdom. A daft hat and a very steady gaze.

Authority 12

angry old man The senex iratus of ancient comedy, the cross old father who stands in the way. A shaken stick and a red face.
greedy old merchant The Pantalone of Italian comedy, who stands for money at the top of the social order. A purse on the belt and a hand always over it.
judge The list of stock characters gives the judge a powdered wig and a gavel, and a nature either kindly or stern. Draw the wig first.
military officer A leader who joins bravery to a mind for strategy. A map table, a pointing baton and polished boots.
philosopher king A ruler in whom the skill to govern is joined to a love of knowledge. A crown worn crooked over a book.
ringmaster The master of ceremonies who introduces the acts of a circus. A black top hat, a red tailcoat and one arm flung wide.
schoolmaster A male teacher. The list of stock characters gives him a bow tie and a tweed jacket with elbow patches.
sea captain A rugged, confident leader who stays cool under pressure. A peaked cap, a telescope and feet planted on a tilting deck.
security guard The uniformed guard who patrols a public building and helps visitors. A flashlight, a ring of keys and a folding chair.
sheriff The one who upholds the law and protects the innocent in a western. A star badge, a wide hat and a level look.
town crier An officer who makes public announcements, also called a bellman. A bell, a scroll and a mouth wide open.
tyrant An absolute ruler held back by no law. A throne too big for the room and a very small audience.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is a stock character under its plain name. The name and the meaning in each note were checked on 2026-09-30 against the Wikipedia article of the type, or against the entry for it in the list of stock characters; a type with neither was left out. The articles are at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ followed by: Stock_character, List_of_stock_characters, Everyman, Reluctant_hero, Antihero, Tragic_hero, Folk_hero, Action_hero, Swashbuckler, Superhero, Underdog, Child_prodigy, Gentleman_detective, Hardboiled, Knight-errant, Principal_boy, Sidekick, Wise_old_man, Confidant, Foil_(narrative), Straight_man, Comic_relief, Donor_(fairy_tale), Fairy_godmother, Zanni, Butler, Governess, Nanny, Mentorship, Lovable_rogue, Trickster, Alazon, Il_Capitano, Harlequin, Scapino, Picaresque_novel, Outlaw_(stock_character), Black_knight, Miser, Black_sheep, Busybody, Sycophant, Absent-minded_professor, Wise_fool, Fool_(stock_character), Jester, Pierrot, Boffin, Know-it-all, Il_Dottore, Bomolochus, Clown, Starving_artist, Dandy, Fop, Snob, Bard, Eiron, Teacher's_pet, Hermit, Schoolmaster, Tyrant, Philosopher_king, Pantalone, Ringmaster_(circus), Town_crier. The visual shorthand in each note is our own drawing advice. Left out by rule: any type defined by ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, body size, sexuality or seduction, every label coined by a fan wiki, and every name of a character, show or game. Licence: own work

Twist: all 70 twists

Played straight or pushed 14

as the oldest plays wrote the part Stiff pose, simple mask and one clear gesture.
by the book in a story with no rules A rule book held open in the middle of chaos.
exactly as expected until the last scene Draw the last scene. One thing in it is wrong.

Show all 70 twists (67 more)

Played straight or pushed, continued

in a brand-new classic costume Fold lines still show in the cloth.
played completely straight No wink and no apology. Draw the type exactly as the audience expects.
played for laughs Catch them just after the dignity has gone.
played for sympathy Draw them alone, after everyone else has left the stage.
played so quietly that it is almost missed Shrink every signal until one small detail carries the type.
straight out of a pantomime Big makeup, big gestures and a painted backdrop.
turned up as far as it will go Double the size of the famous prop and the famous gesture.
with every cliche ticked off in order Put the whole checklist in one picture and label none of it.
with no irony at all A sincere face, straight on, with both hands open.
with the catchphrase and nothing behind it An open mouth and empty eyes.
with the famous prop and nothing else A plain figure and one object that explains everything.

Aware of the role 14

who collects reviews of themselves A scrapbook, glue and one cutting kept folded small.
who explains the trope as it happens A pointer and a small diagram.
who is proud of being a type A badge with the name of the type on it.
who is saving up for a better costume A jar of coins and a drawing pinned above it.
who is waiting for a cue In the wings, counting on the fingers.
who keeps apologizing for the role A wince, with both palms up.
who keeps correcting the narrator One finger raised toward the top of the page.
who knows exactly what they are A small bow to the viewer.
who learned the part by watching through a window Every gesture is right and slightly reversed.
who suspects there is an audience A slow look over one shoulder, straight at you.
who thinks they are the lead Front and centre, blocking the actual lead.
who winks at the audience One eye shut, and the scene carrying on behind.
who wishes they had been cast as somebody else A long look at the costume rail.
who would like one scene without the catchphrase Lips pressed shut and a pleading look.

Reversed 14

better at the paperwork than at the adventure A desk, a neat stack of forms and a dusty prop on the wall.
cast against every expectation Keep the costume and change everything inside it.
feared by the people the type usually helps A crowd drawing back from an outstretched hand.
gentle where the type is usually harsh The same hard outline, with a soft gesture inside it.
loved by the people the type usually annoys A crowd leaning in.
played by someone who read for a different part The costume is a size out, and the wrong script is in a pocket.
secretly excellent at the opposite The hidden talent shows in one hand, behind the back.
who does the right thing for an unusual reason A good deed and a shrug.
who learned the role from a book and got it slightly wrong One detail is from the wrong chapter.
who refuses the costume The costume on a chair, and the figure in a plain shirt.
who wants the opposite of what the type always wants Walking away from the prize.
with no audience and still in character An empty room and a full performance.
with the famous prop broken Two halves, tied together with string.
with the usual flaw turned into the strength Draw the flaw saving the day.

Mixed and moved 14

as a best friend would describe them Kinder lighting and a better hat.
as a rival would describe them The same figure, drawn slightly too small.
at the end of a very long career in the part The costume is faded and the gesture is perfect.
crossed with its usual opposite Split the costume down the middle.
doing the job of a different stock character today The right face over the wrong uniform.
given a medal for the wrong thing A ribbon on the chest and a puzzled look at it.
moved to the background Small, at the edge, still doing the whole act.
sharing the part with a twin Two of them, halfway through one gesture.
standing in for the real one who is late A glance at the door between lines.
who inherited the role from a parent An older portrait behind, in the same pose.
who is two types at once and cannot choose Two hats, one in each hand.
who used to be a different type and misses it An old prop kept in a pocket.
with the edges sanded off for a family audience Round every corner and brighten every colour.
written by someone who has only heard about the type The outline is right and the details are guesses.

Under pressure 14

asked to explain themselves to a child Crouched down to eye level, searching for words.
at the moment they consider giving it up The hat held over a trunk.
facing a much better example of the same type Two of a kind, one a head taller in every way.
forced to play against type for one scene The wrong gesture, done with great care.
on the one day the usual trick does not work The famous gesture, and nothing happening.
on the worst day of their career The costume is torn and the chin is up.
out of their depth and enjoying it Water to the chin and a grin.
when nobody needs the type any more A sign in the window that says "closed".
who has finally got what the type always wants The prize in hand and no idea what comes next.
who has just been found out A hand going to the mask.
who has just lost the famous prop An empty hand, held as if it were still full.
with a secret that does not fit the type Something small and out of place showing at a pocket.
with everyone watching A ring of faces and one figure very still.
with the thing they stand for in doubt The emblem held in the hands and looked at.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is a way to play, bend or reverse a type, written to follow its name after a comma. The notes are our own advice. Licence: own work

Setting: all 60 settings

Other times 15

at a royal court A long hall, a carpet and people standing in order of importance.
at a tournament ground Banners, a painted fence and a stand full of hats.
at a trading post on a frozen river A log cabin, sleds outside and furs on a rail.

Show all 60 settings (57 more)

Other times, continued

at a travelling circus A striped tent, a wagon and a ring of sawdust.
in a bronze age hill fort Round huts inside a ring of earth banks.
in a castle kitchen A hearth big enough to stand in and a table like a road.
in a frontier town Board sidewalks, a water trough and a lot of dust.
in a medieval market Awnings on poles, baskets and a muddy lane.
in a newsreel from long ago Black and white, jerky poses and a title card.
in a Roman forum Columns, steps and togas.
in a Victorian parlour Heavy curtains, a fern on a stand and a clock under glass.
in an ancient library Scrolls in pigeonholes and a ladder on a rail.
on a pirate ship A tilted deck, a patched sail and a parrot.
on a river steamboat A tall stack, a paddle wheel and a railing to lean on.
on a wagon train Canvas hoops in a line across a plain.

Science fiction 15

aboard a comet turned into a hotel An icy lobby with a tail of light out of the window.
aboard a time machine Brass, dials and a calendar spinning.
at the customs desk of a spaceport A line of very different travellers and one stamp.
in a city of flying cars Lanes of traffic at every height.
in a domed city on a red planet Glass overhead and dust outside.
in a glass tunnel under the sea A walkway, and fish going over the top.
in a hotel on the moon A lobby with the Earth in the window.
in a laboratory full of copies of the same cat Cats on every surface, identical.
in an orbital greenhouse Vines against the stars.
inside a virtual world A grid floor and a sky made of numbers.
on a mining asteroid Low gravity, long jumps and a very close horizon.
on a robot factory floor A row of half-built figures on a moving belt.
on a space station at shift change A round window with a planet in it and a corridor full of yawns.
on a train that crosses a whole planet A window, and a landscape changing colour.
on the bridge of a starship A big chair, a big screen and a ring of smaller chairs.

Fantasy and fairy tale 15

at a goblin market Stalls of strange fruit and a lot of small hands.
at a school for young wizards Pointed hats on a row of pegs.
at an inn for travellers between worlds A sign with too many languages on it.
at the court of the winter king Ice pillars and courtiers in furs.
in a castle in the clouds Turrets on a white floor and stairs going down into blue.
in a city of canals and masks Bridges, boats and half-covered faces.
in a kingdom under a hill A round door, roots for rafters and lamps of glowing moss.
in a marsh of floating lights Dark water, and small lamps with nobody holding them.
in a tower with no stairs A round room, one window and a very long view.
in a village of talking animals Small doors, and a badger sweeping a step.
in a wood where the paths rearrange themselves A signpost with its arms spinning.
in the kitchen of a giant A spoon like an oar and a table leg like a tree.
in the library of a dragon Books stacked like treasure, and a tail between the shelves.
on a flying ship Sails, a keel and nothing underneath.
on an island that moves A beach, a palm and a wake behind.

Modern genres 15

at a gas station in a road movie A car with the hood up and a horizon.
at a roadside pie stand A hand-painted sign and a pie under a dome.
at a scout jamboree Tents in rows, a flagpole and neckerchiefs.
at the headquarters of a superhero team A round table and too many capes on one coat rack.
in a courtroom drama A witness box, a bench and a held breath.
in a detective's office in the rain Blinds, a desk lamp and a name painted backward on the glass.
in a high school cafeteria Trays, long tables and a seating plan nobody wrote down.
in a hotel where room thirteen is missing A corridor of numbered doors, with a gap.
in a nature documentary Long grass, a long lens and a hushed voice.
in a newsroom at deadline Paper in the air and a clock with a red hand.
in the locker room at halftime Benches, a chalkboard and a row of tired shoulders.
in the mail room of a secret service Pigeonholes with no labels at all.
in the middle of a song in a musical Everyone on the same foot, with one arm out.
on a daytime talk show A sofa, a mug and an audience on cue.
on a television cooking contest A counter, a clock and a judge with a fork.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is a place or a kind of story with its preposition, written to follow the twist after a comma. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

The tell: all 70 tells

Hands and cuffs 14

a bandaged thumb A white wrap that gets in the way of every gesture.
a callus from a pen A bump on the side of the middle finger.
a knuckle tapped on every doorframe A raised hand in a doorway.
a list tucked up one sleeve A corner of paper showing at the cuff.

Show all 70 tells (66 more)

Hands and cuffs, continued

a ring worn on a chain instead of a finger A small circle at the collar.
a thimble worn like a ring A small metal cap on one finger.
a watch worn on the inside of the wrist The hand turns over to read it.
boots too clean for the job A bright shine where everyone else has mud.
chalk dust on one sleeve A pale smear from elbow to wrist.
flour under the fingernails Pale crescents at the fingertips.
gloves that do not match One leather and one wool.
ink on the cuffs Blue smudges at both wrists.
paint that never quite washes off A faint colour round the nails.
sleeves rolled to different heights One at the elbow and one at the wrist.

Clothes 14

a badge worn where nobody will see it Pinned inside the lapel.
a belt on its last hole A long tongue of leather hanging free.
a cloak that is clean only at the hem Dust on the shoulders and a bright edge below.
a coat with the label cut out A neat square of missing stitches inside the collar.
a collar turned up on one side One point up and one down.
a hat that has been sat on A crease across the crown that will not come out.
a hole in the glove at the index finger One fingertip showing.
a patch sewn with the wrong colour of thread Bright stitches round a dull square.
a pressed leaf kept in the hatband A flat brown shape against the ribbon.
a ribbon tied round one wrist A small bow, faded.
a scarf worn in every weather Wool at the neck on the hottest day.
a uniform with one button from another uniform A row of matching dots and one stranger.
pockets that rattle Draw small marks of sound beside the coat.
shoes mended with string A neat knot over the toe.

Habits 14

checks the way out Eyes on the door in every scene.
counts the people in every room Lips moving and a finger twitching.
eats standing up A plate held under the chin.
holds doors for people who are still far away An arm out, a door open and a figure small in the distance.
hums when not telling the truth Small notes drawn beside a straight face.
is always the first to yawn A hand going up to the mouth.
knows the name of everyone in the room A nod to each face in turn.
laughs a beat late Everyone else has finished.
looks at the sky before answering A chin tipped up and a pause.
never finishes a drink A row of half-full cups behind them.
never sits with their back to the door The chair is always turned a little.
says "we" when they mean "I" A lone figure gesturing at an empty space beside them.
straightens the pictures in other people's houses A hand on a frame.
taps out a rhythm nobody recognizes Fingers on a tabletop.

Things carried 14

a bell kept muffled in a pocket A bulge wrapped in a handkerchief.
a book with a train ticket for a bookmark A stub sticking out of the pages.
a coin they keep turning over Draw it between two knuckles.
a compass they tap before trusting One finger on the glass.
a key on a string round the neck It shows when they bend down.
a letter they have not opened The edge of an envelope, gone soft.
a map folded to one particular square Worn white along the same creases.
a notebook that is never opened in public A hand resting flat on the cover.
a pencil stub behind one ear Short enough to be forgotten there.
a pocket full of string A loose end hanging out.
a spoon in the boot A handle showing above the ankle.
a toy too small to explain A tiny shape closed in a fist.
an apple they are saving A round shape in a coat pocket, polished.
spectacles pushed up and forgotten Two lenses in the hair.

Face and voice 14

a frown that clears a moment too soon Draw the moment just after it.
a laugh that fills the room Heads turning at the edges of the picture.
a look over glasses that are not there The chin goes down and the eyes come up.
a nose red from the cold One warm spot in a pale face.
a small scar on the chin with a dull story One short pale line.
a smudge of ink on the nose One dark dot, off centre.
a squint from reading in bad light Lines at the outer corners of the eyes.
a sunburned neck A line of colour above the collar.
a tune hummed on one note when thinking Lips shut, eyes far away, and one note going on.
a voice that drops when it matters A lean forward and a hand half raised.
a yawn hidden behind a hat A hat held in front of the face.
eyes that go to the food first A sideways look at a table.
hair cut by a friend An edge that slopes.
one eyebrow that does all the work Keep the rest of the face still.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is one small detail to draw, written to follow the words "The tell". The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

How it works

Each result takes a character type everyone knows, such as the reluctant hero or the wise fool, and bends it: a new angle, a setting that changes the costume and one small visible tell.

Read the full guide

Type first, then the twist

Four parts lock separately: type, twist, setting and tell. Read the note for the type in the list under the tool first. It says what the type means and how an audience knows it at a glance, and the twist works against that.

Draw the shorthand

A straight man is a neat suit and one raised eyebrow. A ringmaster is a black top hat and a red tailcoat. Keep that shorthand, move it to the setting you were dealt, and put the tell where the eye lands second.

Draw the type as a silhouette first. If it reads, add the twist.
Deal two results and make them a double act.
Print 30 for a writing group and trade the tells.

Questions and answers

What is a character trope?

A character type that turns up in story after story and that an audience recognizes quickly. It is also called a stock character: the everyman, the sidekick, the braggart, the absent-minded professor. This page deals one of them with a way to bend it.

Where do the types come from?

From the theatre and from fiction: ancient Greek comedy, old Italian comedy, pantomime, fairy tales and genre stories. Each name and meaning was checked against Wikipedia's articles on stock characters. Labels coined on fan sites are not used.

Why are some well-known types missing?

Types defined by a nationality, an ethnic group, a religion, a disability, a body size or seduction were left out on purpose. They are stereotypes of people, and a drawing exercise does not need them.

Can I get only the heroes?

No. The tool deals from the whole of each list and cannot filter by group. Lock the type when one you want comes up, then keep pressing for the other three parts.