History Main / TheSmartGuy

This is the one on TheTeam that uses their head. This one is even used to be as [[TheStrategist the born Strategist]] thanks to their intelligent.

* [[GadgeteerGenius Techies]] who have great skill with technology and engineering. They build and repair devices for TheTeam, and can [[HollywoodHacking hack in to any computer system.]] As you push towards pure sci-fi they may have an innate higher reasoning capacity than normal humans, either because they're of an alien race or they're robotic and have technology literally as part of their bodies.

This is the one on TheTeam that uses their head.

* Nepta from ''{{Webcomic/Tinyraygun}} is a brilliant young space explorer. Unfortunately, her intellect's somewhat limited to what she learned in books.

They are always be prepared, sometimes CrazyPrepared. Even under pressure the can whip up a plan at a moments notice. The Smart Guys will be at the computer doing RapidFireTyping. Expect some [[SesquipedalianLoquaciousness fancy talk]] and TechnoBabble from these characters. Because their role is about ideas they initially [[NonActionGuy leave the action stuff to the others.]] Of course, WeakButSkilled is always in effect for these guys.

This is the guy in the FiveManBand whose focus is on intellectual pursuits. This is TheTeam member who will always be prepared, sometimes CrazyPrepared. The Smart Guys will be at the computer doing RapidFireTyping. Expect some [[SesquipedalianLoquaciousness fancy talk]] and TechnoBabble from these characters. Because their role is about ideas they initially [[NonActionGuy leave the action stuff to the others.]] Of course, WeakButSkilled is always in effect for these guys.

* The MadScientist who conducts all kinds of experiments to help the team. Like the techie, you can find these characters in the lab coming up with new {{Phlebotinum}} that does whatever the plot needs it to. The wizard can be equivalent in fantasy, and less frequently a priest if spirits and spirituality play a big role.

* Because of the prevalence of ShorterMeansSmarter, some teams go as far as to replace the smart guy with a ''small'' guy for the [[GeekPhysiques visual]] [[TagalongKid contrast]] [[MiniatureSeniorCitizen with the rest]] of TheTeam without being particularly more intelligent.

In terms of relationships, The Smart Guy may be part of a LittleGuyBigBuddy duo with TheBigGuy, or [[BetaCouple a less volatile foil pair]] than TheHero and TheLancer. Alternatively the smart guy can act as a loyal sidekick under TheLeader, to contrast with TheLancer whose force of personality and vocal dissent is more of a partner on equal footing.

As casts have become more gender-balanced, TheSmartGirl is the one most likely to swap genders. Since the character type is not stereotypically masculine, turning them into The Smart Girl is not a big stretch. During TheNewTens, the prevalence of media partnerships with STEM also encouraged many a SmartGirl especially for the GadgeteerGenius archetype. When used in this way, she's usually much less girly than TheChick.

If there's a RobotBuddy on the team, he's usually The Smart Guy.

* Lucius Fox in ''Film/TheDarkKnightSaga''. He runs Wayne Enterprises, either invents or improves upon most of Batman's tech, and can come up with an antidote to Scarecrow's fear gas in the span of a night.

[[folder:Literature]]
* RamaII: All the scientist astronauts, which they get to prove when they variously become lost aboard the spaceship, and get to interact with other sentients in tense situations.
[[/folder]]

If you're looking for his EvilCounterpart, it's typically TheEvilGenius.

* ''Film/NowYouSeeIt'': Allison is a talented puzzle-solver and is the smartest member of the teenage cast; she was the only one to decipher the trick on the reality show's poster, and later was able to help Danny uncover the secrets of the house through her intelligence alone.

This is the guy in the FiveManBand whose focus is on intellectual pursuits. This is TheTeam member who will always be prepared, sometimes CrazyPrepared. The Smart Guys will be at the computer doing RapidFireTyping. Expect some [[SesquipedalianLoquaciousness fancy talk]] and TechnoBabble from this character. Because their role is about ideas they initially [[NonActionGuy leave the action stuff to the others.]] Of course, WeakButSkilled is always in effect for this guy.

This is the guy in the FiveManBand whose focus is on intellectual pursuits. This is TheTeam member who will always be prepared, sometimes CrazyPrepared. They will be at the computer doing RapidFireTyping. Expect some [[SesquipedalianLoquaciousness fancy talk]] and TechnoBabble from this character. Because their role is about ideas they initially [[NonActionGuy leave the action stuff to the others.]] Of course, WeakButSkilled is always in effect for this guy.

Physically if not [[GeekPhysiques tall and skinny]], they are usually {{short|erMeansSmarter}} [[TheShortGuyWithGlasses and wear glasses]]. They may even be [[TeenGenius a]] ChildProdigy. The Smart Guy is sometimes written as mousey and withdrawn. If not antisocial, at least non-social, sliding into TVGenius. Can be expected to [[SmartPeoplePlayChess play a mean game of chess.]]

Sometimes the Smart Guy is more street savvy than they appear. If this is the case it usually makes The Smart Guy physically as well as mentally capable. This is the path of the BadassBookworm, or one who MinoredInAssKicking. They remain firmly planted as the Smart Guy, but are just as ready to fight as everyone else. The results are often impressive, and usually have the advantage of surprise. Who expects the little guy with glasses to be an asskicker?

* The MadScientist who conducts all kinds of experiments to help the team. Like the techie, you can find them in the lab coming up with new {{Phlebotinum}} that does whatever the plot needs it to. The wizard can be equivalent in fantasy, and less frequently a priest if spirits and spirituality play a big role.
* The booksmart guy. They're busy doing research (if they're not already a [[EncyclopaedicKnowledge walking encyclopedia]]), [[EnemyScan analyzing enemy weaknesses]], and generally serve as MrExposition breaking down plot, lore, or [[CombatCommentator what the heck just happened]] to other teammates (and the audience.) As the idea guy, they can [[TheStrategist plan]] and [[MissionControl direct missions.]] But if they fall into [[TechnoBabble over-analysis]] and [[SesquipedalianLoquaciousness prattle]] they're just as likely to be ignored.
* Swapping book-smart genius for street-smart [[TheTrickster cleverness]]. A thief archetype, detective or StreetUrchin who has traded in knowledge and intelligence for know-how and intel. They figure out mysteries, track down foes, and get into hard to reach places. If they're good with tech too you get a PlayfulHacker. Sometimes, they're just weirdos or rascals that are capable of outsmarting their foes through sheer creativity or ingenuity, while making a fool out of them in the process.
* Swapping knowledge for wisdom. An older MentorArchetype, or the WiseBeyondTheirYears OnlySaneMan who can keep a cool head, think their way around problems that seem too big to solve, and give really good advice.

If you're looking for his EvilCounterpart in the FiveBadBand, it's TheEvilGenius.

* Brain from ''Fanfic/MyLittleUnicorn'', [[InformedAttribute in theory anyway]].

* [[GadgeteerGenius Techies]] who have great skill with technology and engineering. They build and repair devices for TheTeam, and hack in to steal from and sabotage the enemy. As you push towards pure sci-fi they may have an innate higher reasoning capacity than normal humans, either because they're of an alien race or they're robotic and have technology literally as part of their bodies.

* The booksmart guy. Their knowledge allows them to [[EnemyScan find enemy weaknesses]], do research (if they're not already a [[EncyclopaedicKnowledge walking encyclopedia]]), and serve as MrExposition (sometimes with TheBigBoard in tow) in order to explain plot points to the less intelligent members of the team (and the audience). As the idea guy, they can [[TheStrategist plan]] and [[MissionControl direct missions.]] But their over-analysis and prattle is just as likely to be annoying.

* Their ElementalPowers are typically part of FireIceLightning. Fire as the 'birth of science' for curious types. Ice (or water) as the cold ivory towers of education and learning for bookish ones. Lightning to go along with machines for techies. Or as a mage they could use all three.

As casts have become more gender-balanced, TheSmartGirl is the one most likely to swap genders. Since the character type is outwardly sexless and non-masculine, turning them into The Smart Girl is not a big stretch. When used in this way, she's usually much less girly than TheChick.

* Swapping book-smart genius for street-smart [[TheTrickster cleverness]]. A thief archetype, detective or StreetUrchin who has traded in knowledge and intelligence for know-how and intel. They figure out mysteries, track down foes, and get into hard to reach places. If they're good with tech too you get a PlayfulHacker. Sometimes, they're just weirdos or rascals that are capable of overcoming their foes (while making a fool of them) through sheer creativity or ingenuity.

* Swapping book-smart genius for street-smart [[{{Trickster}} cleverness]]. A thief archetype, detective or StreetUrchin who has traded in knowledge and intelligence for know-how and intel. They figure out mysteries, track down foes, and get into hard to reach places. If they're good with tech too you get a PlayfulHacker.

Sometimes the Smart Guy is more street savvy then they appear. If this is the case it usually makes The Smart Guy physically as well as mentally capable. This is the path of the BadassBookworm, or one who MinoredInAssKicking. They remain firmly planted as the Smart Guy, but are just as ready to fight as everyone else. The results are often impressive, and usually have the advantage of surprise. Who expects the little guy with glasses to be an asskicker?

* Hank [=McCoy=]/Beast from the ''Film/XMen'' films, is incredibly intelligent and a brilliant scientist who has invented most of the nifty tools and gadgets (X-Jet, Cerebro, etc.) that the X-Men use.