History Main / CastCalculus

It's worth noting that from here on out a girl being in the group [[TheSmurfettePrinciple gets logistically easier]] and [[ThreeAmigos much more]] [[BeautyBrainsAndBrawn common]].

** ThreeAmigos

From there, the '''[[DuoTropes duos]]''' are [[{{Foil}} an even split between two traits]] in terms of body, mind, or temperament (usually all three). One is the brawn to the other's brains; [[RedOniBlueOni one is emotional and fiery while the other is more cold and analytical]]; [[BuddyCopShow one is by-the-book while the other feels rules should be flexible]].

* '''Common genres or stories:''' A trio is downright homey, and not in the sedentary sense. Three is the number where a family of friends can be born; characters can become TrueCompanions. Even if they don't see each other as a family, the dynamics between them will give viewers a sort of "safety net". Past this size, even when the group's adventures lead to them traveling the world (or galaxy), they will tend to work out of a base (or CoolShip) which often becomes something of a character in its own right. Trios work best in genres where there's room to interact both with each other and with the environment, from here on down an ensemble can hypothetically devote an entire episode or chapter just to the cast interacting. These guys are likely to be in an ActionAdventure or {{Drama|Tropes}}. Or both!

* '''Signature series:''' ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' (5), ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'' (5), ''Anime/{{Voltron}}'' (5), ''Series/{{Friends}}'' (6), ''Series/SavedByTheBell'' (6 -- 7 if you count Mr. Belding), ''Series/StartrekTheNextGeneration'' and onward (7+), ''Film/SevenSamurai'' & ''[[Film/TheMagnificentSeven1960 The Magnificent Seven]]'' [[TropeNamer (7)]], ''ComicBook/JusticeLeague'' (usually 7), ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' (7, [[SixthRanger later]] 8), ''Series/ArrestedDevelopment'' (9) ''{{Series/Firefly}}'' (9) and ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' (13).

|| '''Six''' || TheCutie, nerd/geek, or CloudCuckooLander or SixthRanger or TokenHouseguest|| Add TokenEvilTeammate || What varies from there and beyond are the types of [[WeaponTropes weapons]] and magic/skills, since every number past five will invariably get convoluted || The rules for Combat apply, probably with 10+ weapon types and no/loose rules for specific usage ||

* '''Common genres or stories:''' A trio is downright homey, and not in the sedentary sense. Three is the number where a family of friends can be born; characters can become TrueCompanions. Even if they don't see each other as a family, the dynamics between them will give viewers a sort of "safety net". Past this size, even when the group's adventures lead to them traveling the world (or galaxy), they will tend to work out of a base (or CoolShip) which often becomes something of a character in its own right. Trios work best in genres where there's room to interact both with each other and with the environment, from here on down an ensemble can hypothetically devote an entire episode or chapter just to the cast interacting. These guys are likely to be in an ActionAdventure or {{Drama}}. Or both!

The duo implies a certain level of equality: it's entirely possible for both to "share the billing" and be equal heroes. They'll likely be HeterosexualLifePartners, but if they happen to be different genders, it's practically a law there'll eventually be UnresolvedSexualTension (unless, of course, they are a BrotherSisterTeam, and even that doesn't stop some writers). If this sexual tension ''[[TheyDo is]]'' resolved, then you have a BattleCouple (cue the shipping). If the work is particuarly comedic they might be ThoseTwoGuys.

** LightFeminineDarkFeminine

** [[LightFeminineDarkFeminine Light Feminine, Dark]] [[TomboyAndGirlyGirl Girly Girl, and Tomboy]]

** [[LightFeminineDarkFeminine Light Feminine, Dark]] [[TomboyAndGirlyGirl Girly Girl and Tomboy]]

** [[LightFeminineDarkFeminine Light and Dark]] [[TomboyAndGirlyGirl Girly Girls and Tomboy]]

** [[SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan Sensitive Guy, Manly]] [[NobleMaleRoguishMale Noble Man and Roguish Male]]

** [[SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan Sensitive Guy,Manly]] [[NobleMaleRoguishMale Noble Man and Roguish Male]]

** [[SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan SensitiveGuy,Manly]] [[NobleMaleRoguishMale NobleMan and Roguish Male]]

** SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan
** NobleMaleRoguishMale

|| '''Five''' || "[[TheHeart Spirit]]" || FiveManBand || SquishyWizard (TheChick) || MagicStaff (TheChick) ||

* '''Common genres or stories:''' Again, any and all. However, duos gain a certain level of stability as compared to lone heroes. The character interaction between them will often become deep and nuanced to a degree not often seen with other ensemble numbers. Duos are likely to be in ActionAdventure shows, possibly playing Detective or [[TheyFightCrime fighting crime]].

* '''Signature series:''' ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' (5), ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'' (5), ''Anime/{{Voltron}}'' (5), ''Series/{{Friends}}'' (6), ''Series/SavedByTheBell'' (6 -- 7 if you count Mr. Belding), ''Series/StartrekTheNextGeneration'' and onward (7+), ''Film/SevenSamurai'' & ''[[Film/TheMagnificentSeven1960 The Magnificent Seven]]'' [[TropeNamer (7)]], ''ComicBook/JusticeLeague'' (usually 7), ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' (7, [[SixthRanger later]] 8), ''Series/ArrestedDevelopment'' (9) ''{{Series/Firefly}}'' (9) and ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' (13) (Shirou, Rin, Sakura, Illyasviel, Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, Berserker and Gilgamesh.)

** [[SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan Sensitive Guy, Manly]] NobleMaleRoguishMale

|| '''Six''' || TheCutie, {{Nerd}}/{{Geek}}, or CloudCuckooLander or SixthRanger or TokenHouseguest|| Add TokenEvilTeammate || What varies from there and beyond are the types of [[WeaponTropes weapons]] and magic/skills, since every number past five will invariably get convoluted || The rules for Combat apply, probably with 10+ weapon types and no/loose rules for specific usage ||