History SoYouWantTo / WriteAFourTemperamentEnsemble

A staple of all genres, medium and times, it’s almost on the level of the FiveManBand. You have four diverse but clear personalities, four contrasting attitudes to the job, and four different but somehow interconnected functions. Almost always coincidental itself; but we are assuming here that you want to write one on purpose, or at least be prepared for the possibility of coincidence.

The [[ExtraversionTropes Extroverted pair]]. Expressive high, responsive delay short, Hot element. The combo that operates mainly on the front lines.

The Task-oriented pair. Responsive low, responsive duration long, Dry element. The combo that deals mainly with the mission, the goal, and the technical details in between.

The [[IntroversionTropes Introverted]] pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly behind the scenes. By their very nature the most peaceful pair, they are why anyone should BewareTheNiceOnes.

The People-oriented pair. Responsive high, responsive duration short, Moist element. The combo that deals mainly with relationships.

With this out of the way, let’s get down to creating the ensemble.

When creating the ensemble, you start with archetypes for each character and proceed from there. There are, of course, four definite archetypes: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Then create a name for each — for example, Sarah, Craig, Matt, and Paula. Then spice their personalities based on the occupied archetypes and flesh out their own personalities.

When creating the ensemble, you start with archetypes for each character and proceed from there. There are, of course, four definite archetypes: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Then create a name for each — for example, Sarah, Craig, Matt, and Paula. Then spice their personalities based on the occupied archetypes and flesh out their own personalities. Got that?

!Archetypes:

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.[[note]]All right, a ''minimum'' of four. TheOtherWiki has a section about the ''Five'' Temperaments, this fifth (neutral) one being '''leucine.''' Whether you think it works in a FiveManBand is another matter.[[/note]] Everyone has a purpose, no one is redundant, and eventually we get to know them all one-on-one. Moreover, it's another framework to set up the characters: start with their position in the ensemble and build from the ground up. It also outlines the basic relationship between characters, greatly simplifying your work. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about the issues of pseudoscientific mumbo-jumbo that have greatly cluttered the trope page and the discussion forum.

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.[[note]]All right, a ''minimum'' of four. TheOtherWiki has a section about the ''Five'' Temperaments, this fifth (neutral) one being '''leucine.''' Whether you think it works in a FiveManBand is another matter.[[/note]] Everyone has a purpose, no one is redundant, and eventually we get to know them all one-on-one. Moreover, it's another framework to set up the characters: start with their position in the ensemble and build from the ground up. It also outlines the basic relationship between characters, greatly simplifying your work.

The [[IntroversionTropes Introverted]] pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly behind the scenes. Why anyone should BewareTheNiceOnes.

Curiously, Matt and Paula are the most likely pair to be in tune with the emotions of others.

The FourTemperamentEnsemble can expect to be on a case of their own. There might not be a clear advantage or disadvantage to being down one character; however, they still have goals they need to accomplish. These scenes were already touched on in SoYouWantTo/WriteAFiveManBand; they apply to the ensemble as well.

The [[IntroversionTropes Introverted]] pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background. Why anyone should BewareTheNiceOnes.

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.[[note]]All right, a ''minimum'' of four. TheOtherWiki has a section about the ''Five'' Temperaments, this fifth (neutral) one being '''leucine.''' Whether you think it works in a FiveManBand is another matter.[[/note]] Everyone has a purpose, no one is left out, and eventually they all get a turn in the spotlight.

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.[[note]]All right, a ''minimum'' of four. TheOtherWiki has a section about the ''Five'' Temperaments, this fifth (neutral) one being '''leucine.''' Whether you think it works in a FiveManBand is another matter.[[/note]] Everyone has a purpose, no one is left out, and eventually they all get ADayInTheLimelight.

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.[[note]]All right, a ''minimum'' of four. TheOtherWiki has a section about the ''Five'' Temperaments, this fifth (neutral) one being '''leucine.''' Whether you think it works in a FiveManBand is another matter.[[/note]]

On to the in-depth analysis of each ensemble’s archetype.

!!The Sanguine:

!!The Choleric:

!!The Melancholic:

!!The Phlegmatic:

When creating the ensemble, you start with archetypes for each character and proceed from there. There are, of course, four definite archetypes: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Then create a name for each archetype — for example, Sarah, Craig, Matt, and Paula. Then spice their personalities based on the occupied archetypes and flesh out their own personalities. Got that? On to the in-depth analysis of each ensemble’s archetype.

Meet Sarah. The vibrant / spunky one. She believes in getting out there and getting others on board with the group.

Meet Craig. The pragmatist. He believes in spearheading the task for the group. Where Sarah would be the GenkiGirl, he would be the OnlySaneMan.

And finally, meet Paula. TheStoic. She believes in being behind the scenes while the rest of the group is on the field. No matter what the scale for the other three, she is almost ''always'' the absolute BlueOni (and probably TheHeart) of the four.

!!Party

Meet Sarah. The vibrant / spunky one.

Meet Craig. The pragmatist. Where Sarah would be the GenkiGirl, he would be the OnlySaneMan.

Meet Matt. The sober thoughtful one.

And finally, meet Paula. TheStoic. No matter what the scale for the other three, she is almost ''always'' the absolute BlueOni (and probably TheHeart) of the four.

The FourTemperamentEnsemble can expect to be on a case of their own. There might not be a clear advantage or disadvantage to being down one character; however, they still have goals they need to accomplish. These scenes were already touched on in SoYouWantTo/WriteAFiveManBand; they apply to the ensemble as well.

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.

Meet Sarah. The vibrant one.

The [[IntroversionTropes Introverted]] pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background.

It’s almost on the level of the FiveManBand. You have four diverse but clear personalities, four contrasting attitudes to the job, and four different but somehow interconnected functions.

The [[ExtraversionTropes Extroverted pair]]. Expressive high, responsive delay short, Hot element. The combo that operates mainly on the front lines. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[ShockAndAwe static or lightning]].

The Task-oriented pair. Responsive low, responsive duration long, Dry element. The combo that deals mainly with the mission and the goal. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a [[MagmaMan volcano]].

The [[IntroversionTropes Introverted]] pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[GreenThumb plant activity or mud]].

The People-oriented pair. Responsive high, responsive duration short, Moist element. The combo that deals mainly with relationships. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[AnIcePerson ice]].

The Emotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the idealistic issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a sandstorm or tornado of dust. If any two characters aren’t at odds, at least for too long, it’s probably this pair.

The Unemotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds for an extended period, it’s most likely this pair.

!!Archetypes:
!!!The Sanguine:

!!!The Choleric:

!!!The Melancholic:

!!!The Phlegmatic:

!!Pairing:

!!!Sanguine and Choleric:

!!!Choleric and Melancholic:

!!!Melancholic and Phlegmatic:

!!!Phlegmatic and Sanguine:

!!!Sanguine and Melancholic:

!!!Choleric and Phlegmatic:

!!Example situations

!!!Party
!!!Discussion
!!!The big fight

It’s almost on the level of the FiveManBand. You have four divergent personalities, four contrasting attitudes to the job, and four different but somehow interconnected functions.

Meet Sarah. The resident ball of sunshine.

Meet Paula. No matter what the scale for the other three, she is almost ''always'' the absolute BlueOni (and probably TheHeart) of the four.

When creating the ensemble, you start with archetypes for each character and proceed from there. There are, of course, four definite archetypes: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Then create a name for each archetype — for example, Sarah, Craig, Matt, and Paula. Then spice their personalities based on the occupied archetypes and flesh out their own personalities. Got that? On to the in-depth analysis of each archetype’s ensemble.

The FourTemperamentEnsemble can expect to be on a case of their own. There might not be a clear advantage or disadvantage to being down one character; however, they still have goals they need to accomplish. These scenes were already touched on in SoYouWantTo/WriteAFiveManBand; they apply to the ensemble as well.

!!!Sanguine and Choleric: the [[ExtraversionTropes Extroverted pair]]. Expressive high, responsive delay short, Hot element. The combo that operates mainly on the front lines. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[ShockAndAwe static or lightning]].
!!!Choleric and Melancholic: the Task-oriented pair. Responsive low, responsive duration long, Dry element. The combo that deals mainly with the mission and the goal. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a [[MagmaMan volcano]].
!!!Melancholic and Phlegmatic: the [[IntroversionTropes Introverted]] pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[GreenThumb plant activity or mud]].
!!!Phlegmatic and Sanguine: the People-oriented pair. Responsive high, responsive duration short, Moist element. The combo that deals mainly with relationships. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[AnIcePerson ice]].
!!!Sanguine and Melancholic: the Emotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the idealistic issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a sandstorm or tornado of dust. If any two characters aren’t at odds, at least for too long, it’s probably this pair.
!!!Choleric and Phlegmatic: the Unemotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds for an extended period, it’s most likely this pair.

The FourTemperamentEnsemble can expect to be on a case of their own. There might not be a clear advantage or disadvantage to being down one character; however, they still have goals they need to accomplish. These scenes were already touched on in SoYouWantTo/WriteAFiveManBand; they apply to the ensemble as well.

!!The Sanguine:

!!The Choleric:

!!The Melancholic:

!!The Phlegmatic:

* Sanguine and Choleric: the [[ExtraversionTropes Extroverted pair]]. Expressive high, responsive delay short, Hot element. The combo that operates mainly on the front lines. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[ShockAndAwe static or lightning]].
* Choleric and Melancholic: the Task-oriented pair. Responsive low, responsive duration long, Dry element. The combo that deals mainly with the mission and the goal. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a [[MagmaMan volcano]].
* Melancholic and Phlegmatic: the [[IntroversionTropes Introverted]] pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[GreenThumb plant activity or mud]].
* Phlegmatic and Sanguine: the People-oriented pair. Responsive high, responsive duration short, Moist element. The combo that deals mainly with relationships. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[AnIcePerson ice]].
* Sanguine and Melancholic: the Emotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the idealistic issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a sandstorm or tornado of dust. If any two characters aren’t at odds, at least for too long, it’s probably this pair.
* Choleric and Phlegmatic: the Unemotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds for an extended period, it’s most likely this pair.

The FourTemperamentEnsemble can expect to be on a case of their own. There might not be a clear advantage or disadvantage to being down one character; however, they still have goals they need to accomplish. These scenes were already touched on in SoYouWantTo/WriteAFiveManBand; they apply to the ensemble as well.

* Choleric and Phlegmatic: the Unemotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds for an extended period, it’s most likely this pair.

If you took each character and paired them off with any other, you would have six different combinations. As we already know by the description of the trope on [[FourTemperamentEnsemble its own page]], each temperament shares one link with the other three. That includes the polar opposites.

* Sanguine and Melancholic: the Emotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the idealistic issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a sandstorm or tornado of dust. If any two characters aren’t at odds, at least for too long, it’s this pair.
* Choleric and Phlegmatic: the Unemotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds, it’s most likely this pair.

If you took each character and paired them off with any other, you would have six different combinations. As we already know by the description of the trope on its own page, each shares one link with the other three.

* □ Sanguine and Choleric: the Extroverted pair. Expressive high, responsive delay short, Hot element. The combo that operates mainly on the front lines. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[ShockAndAwe static or lightning]].
* □ Choleric and Melancholic: the Task-oriented pair. Responsive low, responsive duration long, Dry element. The combo that deals mainly with the mission and the goal. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a [[MagmaMan volcano]].
* □ Melancholic and Phlegmatic: the Introverted pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[GreenThumb plant activity or mud]].
* □ Phlegmatic and Sanguine: the People-oriented pair. Responsive high, responsive duration short, Moist element. The combo that deals mainly with relationships. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[AnIcePerson ice]].
* □ Sanguine and Melancholic: the Emotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the idealistic issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a sandstorm or tornado of dust. If any two characters aren’t at odds, it’s this pair.
* □ Choleric and Phlegmatic: the Unemotional pair. The combo that deals mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds, it’s most likely this pair.

It’s almost on the level of the FiveManBand. You have four divergent personalities, four contrasting attitudes to the job, and four different but somehow interconnected functions.

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.

When creating the ensemble, you start with archetypes for each character and proceed from there. There are, of course, four archetypes: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Then create a name for each archetype — for example, Sarah, Craig, Matt, and Paula. Then spice their personalities based on the occupied archetypes and flesh out their own personalities. Got that? On to the in-depth analysis of each archetype’s ensemble.

Meet Sarah. The resident ball of sunshine.

Meet Craig. The pragmatist. Where Sarah would be the GenkiGirl, he would be the OnlySaneMan.

Meet Matt. The sober thoughtful one.

Meet Paula. No matter what the scale for the other three, she is almost ''always'' the absolute BlueOni (and probably TheHeart) of the four.

If you took each character and paired them off with any other, you would have six different combinations. As we already know by the description of the trope on its own page, each shares one link with the other three.

* □ Sanguine and Choleric: the Extroverted pair. Expressive high, responsive delay short, Hot element. The combo that operates mainly on the front lines. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[ShockAndAwe static or lightning]].
* □ Choleric and Melancholic: the Task-oriented pair. Responsive low, responsive duration long, Dry element. The combo that deals mainly with the mission and the goal. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a [[MagmaMan volcano]].
* □ Melancholic and Phlegmatic: the Introverted pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[GreenThumb plant activity or mud]].
* □ Phlegmatic and Sanguine: the People-oriented pair. Responsive high, responsive duration short, Moist element. The combo that deals mainly with relationships. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[AnIcePerson ice]].
* □ Sanguine and Melancholic: the Emotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the idealistic issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a sandstorm or tornado of dust. If any two characters aren’t at odds, it’s this pair.
* □ Choleric and Phlegmatic: the Unemotional pair. The combo that deals mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds, it’s most likely this pair.

It’s almost on the level of the FiveManBand. You have four divergent personalities, four contrasting attitudes to the job, and four different but somehow interconnected functions.

''But why would I want such a cliched scheme?'' Well, like the FiveManBand, it works ''precisely'' for that reason (and probably others). However, ''unlike'' the Five Man Band (whose purest depiction has a SmurfettePrinciple in place for TheChick), it has no pure or anachronistic designation. Long as you have exactly four, it doesn’t matter whether they’re all male, all female, or somewhere in between.

When creating the ensemble, you start with archetypes for each character and proceed from there. There are, of course, four archetypes: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Then create a name for each archetype — for example, Sarah, Craig, Matt, and Paula. Then spice their personalities based on the occupied archetypes and flesh out their own personalities. Got that? On to the in-depth analysis of each archetype’s ensemble.

Meet Sarah. The resident ball of sunshine.

Meet Craig. The pragmatist. Where Sarah would be the GenkiGirl, he would be the OnlySaneMan.

Meet Matt. The sober thoughtful one.

Meet Paula. No matter what the scale for the other three, she is almost ''always'' the absolute BlueOni (and probably TheHeart) of the four.
If you took each character and paired them off with any other, you would have six different combinations. As we already know by the description of the trope on its own page, each shares one link with the other three.

* □ Sanguine and Choleric: the Extroverted pair. Expressive high, responsive delay short, Hot element. The combo that operates mainly on the front lines. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[ShockAndAwe static or lightning]].
* □ Choleric and Melancholic: the Task-oriented pair. Responsive low, responsive duration long, Dry element. The combo that deals mainly with the mission and the goal. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a [[MagmaMan volcano]].
* □ Melancholic and Phlegmatic: the Introverted pair. Expressive low, responsive delay long, Cool element. The combo that operates mainly in the background. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[GreenThumb plant activity or mud]].
* □ Phlegmatic and Sanguine: the People-oriented pair. Responsive high, responsive duration short, Moist element. The combo that deals mainly with relationships. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate [[AnIcePerson ice]].
* □ Sanguine and Melancholic: the Emotional pair. The combo that grapples mainly with the idealistic issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate a sandstorm or tornado of dust. If any two characters aren’t at odds, it’s this pair.
* □ Choleric and Phlegmatic: the Unemotional pair. The combo that deals mainly with the practical issues. In an elemental setting, they would combine to generate steam. If any two characters are at odds, it’s most likely this pair.