| 1 | A Stock Character is a character who is instantly recognizable to us from other stories: the gruff grandpa, the snooty cheerleader, the bratty younger sibling. You can sum up their role in the story in a sentence or less and people will know exactly what you're talking about. Such characters are frequently [[FlatCharacter one-dimensional in nature]]. [[Administrivia/TropesAreTools Sometimes that's okay]], because it's a storytelling shortcut. Of course, just because you use a stock character as a starting point, this doesn't mean you can't flesh them out. Indeed, [[TheProtagonist Major]], and {{Rounded|Character}} characters will likely embody more than one of these tropes, depending on the story. |
| 2 | |
| 3 | Sometimes using a stock character opens the door to PlayingWithTropes as well. Sometimes two or more character types get combined as well. For example, a [[TheBard traveling bard (medieval singer)]] may also be a joke-cracking CourtJester. |
| 4 | |
| 5 | A stock character can be an {{Archetype}}, an example of CharactersAsDevice, or just very recognizable. |
| 6 | |
| 7 | See also ArchetypalCharacter. |
| 8 | ---- |
| 9 | !!Tropes: |
| 10 | [[index]] |
| 11 | [floatboxright: |
| 12 | '''Related indexes:''' |
| 13 | + AcceptableTargets |
| 14 | |
| 15 | '''See also:''' |
| 16 | + AlwaysFemale |
| 17 | + AlwaysMale |
| 18 | + AntagonistTropes |
| 19 | + ComedicReliefCharacters |
| 20 | + CopsAndDetectives |
| 21 | + {{Criminals}} |
| 22 | + {{Elders}} |
| 23 | + HeroTropes |
| 24 | + HiredGuns |
| 25 | + HistoricalDomainCharacter |
| 26 | + IndexOfPupilsAndProteges |
| 27 | + LoserArchetype |
| 28 | + LoveInterests |
| 29 | + MentorIndex |
| 30 | ++ {{Schoolteachers}} |
| 31 | + NormalPeople |
| 32 | + OccupationTropes |
| 33 | + ProtagonistTropes |
| 34 | + PublicDomainCharacter |
| 35 | + {{Seekers}} |
| 36 | + {{Seers}} |
| 37 | + {{Sidekick}}s |
| 38 | + {{Stereotype}}s |
| 39 | + StockBritishCharacters |
| 40 | + StockJapaneseCharacters |
| 41 | + TheStoic |
| 42 | + TheTrickster |
| 43 | ++ ConMan |
| 44 | + {{Villains}} |
| 45 | + TheWannabeIndex |
| 46 | + WesternCharacters |
| 47 | + WitchesAndWizards |
| 48 | + {{Youngsters}} |
| 49 | ] |
| 50 | * AbsentMindedProfessor - Weird but intelligent. |
| 51 | * AccidentalPervert - Always ends up in situations where the average bystander may mistake him for a pervert. |
| 52 | * ActionGenreHeroGuy - The grizzled male action hero. |
| 53 | * AgentMulder - The believer. |
| 54 | * AgentScully - The skeptic. |
| 55 | * AllAsiansKnowMartialArts - The stereotype that all Asians are martial arts masters. |
| 56 | * AllChinesePeopleKnowKungFu - Same but Chinese and with Kung Fu. |
| 57 | * AllGirlsWantBadBoys - The belief that all woman want men who are on the wrong side of the law. |
| 58 | * AmbulanceChaser - Did you get hurt? You know you can sue somebody. |
| 59 | * AmoralAttorney - A sleazy lawyer that only cares about being paid, not defending the innocent. |
| 60 | * AngryBlackManStereotype - An angry black man that resents racism and the government. |
| 61 | * AngryChef - A temperamental cook with high standards. |
| 62 | * AnnoyingYoungerSibling |
| 63 | * AntagonisticGovernor - A governor (or the universe's equivalent) that serves as an antagonist in the story. |
| 64 | * AnimalStereotypes - How various species of animals are commonly seen in media. |
| 65 | * ApatheticClerk - Bored cashier who cares little for his job and even less for his customers. |
| 66 | * ApronMatron - Tough and leaderly mother figure. |
| 67 | * ArabOilSheikh - Stereotypical Arabian aristocrat that got rich by selling oil. |
| 68 | * AsianStoreowner - [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons "Thank you, come again!"]] |
| 69 | * AxCrazy - Crazy and violent. |
| 70 | * BadBoss - Boss that treats his employees badly. |
| 71 | * BadassNormal - Unpowered character in super powered settings that can keep up with the big boys. |
| 72 | * BarbarianTribe - A tribe that is primitive and uncivilized. |
| 73 | * TheBard - Wandering poet, singer and storyteller who serves as a source of morale for the people around him. |
| 74 | * TheBartender - He serves drinks to patrons of the bar. |
| 75 | * BattleButler - A butler who is also a bodyguard. |
| 76 | * BenevolentPrecursors - The shadowy civilization that came before us was actually pretty nice. |
| 77 | * TheBerserker - Fights in an unstoppable rage. |
| 78 | * BestServedCold - He will get his revenge no matter how long he has to wait. |
| 79 | * TheBigBadWolf - The cunning, predatory wolf of fairy tale fame. |
| 80 | * BigEater - Character likes to eat a '''Lot!''' |
| 81 | * BloodKnight - Someone who enjoys fighting. |
| 82 | * BountyHunter - A man or woman who tracks down criminals for money. |
| 83 | * BrainlessBeauty - They're not very bright, but they're insanely good looking. |
| 84 | * BrattyHalfPint |
| 85 | * {{Bridezilla}} - A bitchy bride who treats other wedding goers badly and insists on getting her way. |
| 86 | * BrotherhoodOfFunnyHats - A goofy, possibly incompetent, secret society. |
| 87 | * BruceLeeClone - Martial artist inspired by Bruce Lee. Shirtlessness, bowl cut, and goofy sounding [[FunnyBruceLeeNoises kiai]] not optional. |
| 88 | * BumblingDad - The classic dumb fathers of many sitcoms. |
| 89 | * BumblingSidekick - A sidekick who contrasts with the hero by being incompetent. |
| 90 | * BunnyEarsLawyer - Quirky, but excellent at his chosen profession |
| 91 | * TheCaligula - Insane ruler whose bizarre edicts the people are forced to carry out. |
| 92 | * TheCareTaker - A character who takes care of another character incapable of taking care of themselves. |
| 93 | * TheCasanova - The resident pretty boy/lady killer. |
| 94 | * CharlesAtlasSuperpower - Unpowered character who can do superhuman things after extreme training. |
| 95 | * TheCharmer - Has the charm and seductive instinct of TheCasanova, but does not take advantage of his charms. |
| 96 | * ChattyHairdresser - A hair stylist who talks a lot. |
| 97 | * ChickMagnet - Women are attracted to him without him even trying. |
| 98 | * ChildhoodFriends - Usually double as the BestFriend and potential [[ChildhoodFriendRomance love interest.]] |
| 99 | * ChivalrousPervert - A character (usually a man) who seems sex-crazed on the surface but who is always respectful of the wishes and feelings of those they persue. |
| 100 | * ChurchMilitant - A group or person who kicks ass for their religion. |
| 101 | * CityMouse - A city-dweller thrust into rural life (willingly or otherwise) who struggles to adjust to hard work. |
| 102 | * ClassClown - A student who says stupid things intended to be funny to seek attention. |
| 103 | * ClassicallyTrainedExtra - "What is this utter drivel? I played Lear, you know! Seriously, I am firing that agent." |
| 104 | * {{Cloudcuckoolander}} - Their head's in the clouds 24/7. |
| 105 | * TheConfidant - A character who serves as the outlet for another character to discuss their problems. |
| 106 | * ControlFreak - "No, no, no! Don't you dare click that link! Keep reading, you must follow the schedule I gave you last week to the letter, understood?" |
| 107 | * TheCoroner - Middle-aged, dryly sardonic male whose daily handling of corpses has left him thoroughly desensitized to even the most horrible of deaths |
| 108 | * CorruptCorporateExecutive - An amoral, ruthless and greedy businessperson. |
| 109 | * CosmicPlaything - The universe actually ''is'' conspiring against them. |
| 110 | * CourtJester - A clown on a royal court who is often in some way more than they seem. |
| 111 | * CovertPervert - A character who seems quiet, reserved, cute, and/or innocent, but who is more pervy than they let on |
| 112 | * CowboyCop - The stereotypical loose cannon seen in many cop films. |
| 113 | * CrankyLandlord - A landlord or lady who hates their tenants. |
| 114 | * CrankyNeighbor - "Get out of my roses! And keep that mangy mutt out of my yard!" |
| 115 | * CrazySurvivalist - Has prepared for the worst. Is also completely bonkers and/or a total {{Jerkass}} |
| 116 | * CreepyCrossdresser - This is shown as weird or disturbing and the character is often unattractive. |
| 117 | * CreepyGasStationAttendant - The keeper of a gas-station (bonus points if it's run down and/or the only one around for miles) who looks and acts in an unsettling way. |
| 118 | * CreepyMortician - Working closely with corpses gives you an... odd perspective on death (if you didn't already have one to begin with). |
| 119 | * CreepyTwins - Identical (or occasionally half-identical) twins who move, act, and talk in very similar ways, sometimes in unison. |
| 120 | * CrookedContractor - A repairman who is at best incredibly lazy and at worst a flat out con artist. |
| 121 | * {{Crossdresser}} - A person who wears clothing associated with another gender. |
| 122 | * CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass - An idiot (not someone ObfuscatingStupidity, but an honest-to-God dumbass) who, in the right circumstances, is suddenly ready to kick some ass. |
| 123 | * CruelCheerleader - "[[Film/BringItOn I'm popular! I'm hot! I'm everything you're not!]]" |
| 124 | * CrustyCaretaker - A cranky janitor, groundskeeper, or gravekeeper. |
| 125 | * CuteBruiser - [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin A cute character who fights with a bruiser style.]] |
| 126 | * CuteMute - A cute character who doesn't or can't talk. |
| 127 | * CuteSportsClubManager - She manages a sports team at school. Pretty, kind-hearted, and beloved by the team. |
| 128 | * CutesyDwarf |
| 129 | * DaChief - The boss at the station. Strict and by the book. Often serves as a ReasonableAuthorityFigure. |
| 130 | * DadTheVeteran - He fought in the war. Now he's a father. |
| 131 | * DaEditor - "I want those pictures on my desk yesterday, damnit!" |
| 132 | * DamselErrant - A woman who walks the earth and gives quests to wandering knights (and may accompany them). |
| 133 | * DangerDeadpan - A pilot who keeps a level head even when things go horribly wrong. |
| 134 | * DarkMessiah - A ruthless figure who gains power or a fanatical following by presenting themself as a Messiah. |
| 135 | * DashingHispanic - Flamboyant, flashy, and dangerous, with a sexy Spanish accent. |
| 136 | * DastardlyWhiplash - The villain with the twirling mustache, top hat, black cape, and evil laugh. "Curses! Foiled again!" |
| 137 | * DeadpanSnarker - "Oh great. Another stock character. What a shock." |
| 138 | * DeathSeeker - A character who actively tries to die but doesn't want to commit suicide. |
| 139 | * DeceptiveDisciple - Following the teachings of an instructor for some ulterior motive and will inevitably betray both the teacher and the teachings themselves. |
| 140 | * DefectorFromDecadence - A character switches sides not because they support the views of the new side but because they have become opposed to those of the old side. |
| 141 | * DefrostingIceQueen - A (usually female) character who starts out cold and haughty, but warms up through CharacterDevelopment. |
| 142 | * DepravedDentist - This dentist loves to cause pain! |
| 143 | * DerangedTaxiDriver - Cabbies range from weird to downright psychopathic. |
| 144 | * {{Determinator}} - A character who absolutely ''will not'' give up. Ever. |
| 145 | * DirectionlessDriver - "We're not lost, damnit! No I won't stop to ask for directions, the GPS told me we're going the right way!" |
| 146 | * DirtyCoward - An unsympathetic cowardly character who throws other people under the bus to save his hide. |
| 147 | * TheDitz - They're not very bright, but... |
| 148 | * DoggedNiceGuy - Persistent friendliness used in the hopes of making the object of a character's affections fall in love with them. |
| 149 | * DotingParent - Constantly express immense pride for their child(ren). |
| 150 | * DoubleAgent - Claims to work for one side but actually works for another. |
| 151 | * DreamPeople - Exist only in some sort of dream world. |
| 152 | * DrillSergeantNasty - "I WILL TURN YOU INTO REAL SOLDIERS EVEN IF IT KILLS YOU, MAGGOTS!" |
| 153 | * DropInLandlord - The protagonists have a friendly landlord who's always around for some reason. |
| 154 | * DrJerk |
| 155 | * DublinSkanger - A working class hooligan from the Dublin area in Ireland. |
| 156 | * DumbMuscle - They're not very bright, but they're very strong and probably dangerous. |
| 157 | * EducationMama - A mother who forces their kids to hit the books. |
| 158 | * TheEeyore |
| 159 | * ElegantClassicalMusician |
| 160 | * EnigmaticEmpoweringEntity |
| 161 | * EruditeStoner |
| 162 | * EthnicMagician |
| 163 | * TheEveryman |
| 164 | * EvilMatriarch - A woman who rules her family with an iron fist and very little kindness. |
| 165 | * ExecutiveExcess - An important business figure who prefers partying to actually working. |
| 166 | * FaceOfAThug |
| 167 | * FakeUltimateHero - Takes the credit when someone else saves the day. |
| 168 | * FalseProphet |
| 169 | * FarmersDaughter |
| 170 | * FatSweatySouthernerInAWhiteSuit |
| 171 | * FilleFatale |
| 172 | * FemmeFatale - An alluring woman with a hidden, or checkered past. |
| 173 | * FemmeFataleSpy |
| 174 | * TheFightingNarcissist |
| 175 | * TheFlapper |
| 176 | * ForeignFanservice |
| 177 | * ForestRanger |
| 178 | * GadgeteerGenius |
| 179 | * GeniusDitz - They're not very bright, but they're outstanding in a particular field. |
| 180 | * GirlNextDoor - She's down-to-earth, easy to talk to, and even [[UnkemptBeauty easier on the eyes.]] |
| 181 | * GloryHound |
| 182 | * GlorySeeker |
| 183 | * GoldDigger - Usually a woman, out to marry for money. |
| 184 | * {{Gonk}} - Comically and exaggeratedly ugly character. |
| 185 | * GorgeousGaijin - The tall, sexy token white foreigner in a Japanese work. |
| 186 | * GrandeDame |
| 187 | * {{Groupie}} - A musician's fangirl |
| 188 | * GuileHero |
| 189 | * HandsomeLech |
| 190 | * HalfHumanHybrid |
| 191 | * HalfIdenticalTwins |
| 192 | * HalfWittedHillbilly |
| 193 | * HardboiledDetective |
| 194 | * HeadTurningBeauty |
| 195 | * HeavenSeeker |
| 196 | * HellSeeker |
| 197 | * HeavySleeper - Nothing will wake them from their slumber. |
| 198 | * TheHermit - Old man that lives alone and away from society. |
| 199 | * HighPoweredCareerWoman |
| 200 | * HonestJohnsDealership |
| 201 | * HornyBard |
| 202 | * {{Househusband}} |
| 203 | * HumanWeapon |
| 204 | * {{Housewife}} |
| 205 | * IdiotSavant - They're not very bright, but they have an intuitive gift. |
| 206 | * IgnorantOfTheirOwnIgnorance |
| 207 | * TheIgor - I've got a hunch he helps out the MadScientist, or "marthter" as he calls him affectionately. |
| 208 | * TheInformant |
| 209 | * IntrepidMerchant |
| 210 | * {{Jerkass}} - They're mean to everyone. |
| 211 | * JerkJock - A popular, athletic, bully. |
| 212 | * JewishAmericanPrincess |
| 213 | * JewishMother |
| 214 | * KidHero |
| 215 | * KindlyHousekeeper |
| 216 | * TheKlutz - a clumsy person |
| 217 | * KnightInShiningArmor |
| 218 | * KnowNothingKnowItAll |
| 219 | * LethalChef |
| 220 | * LiteralMinded |
| 221 | * LittleJimmy |
| 222 | * LivingLegend |
| 223 | * LongJohnShoutout |
| 224 | * LoonyFan |
| 225 | * LovableSexManiac |
| 226 | * LowerClassLout |
| 227 | * LustObject |
| 228 | * {{Luvvies}} |
| 229 | * MadScientist - Labcoat? Check. Wild hair? Check. Long gloves? Check. IT'S ALIIIVE! |
| 230 | * MaskedLuchador |
| 231 | * MasterSwordsman |
| 232 | * MayorPain |
| 233 | * MilesGloriosus - Boasts about being a badass, but shows himself as a coward when faced with a real threat. |
| 234 | * TheMostWanted |
| 235 | * MysteriousWaif |
| 236 | * {{Narcissist}} |
| 237 | * NiceGuy - They're kind to everyone. |
| 238 | * TheNicknamer |
| 239 | * NonPoweredCostumedHero |
| 240 | * NotWithThemForTheMoney |
| 241 | * OneOfTheBoys - a girl who hangs out with the guys |
| 242 | * OneNoteCook |
| 243 | * OpenMindedParent |
| 244 | * OutsideManInsideMan |
| 245 | * OverlyPolitePals |
| 246 | * PeerlessLoveInterest |
| 247 | * PersonOfMassDestruction |
| 248 | * PervertDad |
| 249 | * PintSizedPowerhouse |
| 250 | * PluckyComicRelief |
| 251 | * PluckyOfficeGirl |
| 252 | * PomPomGirl - A cheerleader who isn't a bitch. |
| 253 | * PointyHairedBoss - An incompetent leader. |
| 254 | * ProudWarriorRaceGuy |
| 255 | * PsychoSupporter |
| 256 | * TheQuarterback |
| 257 | * TheReliableOne |
| 258 | * RenaissanceMan |
| 259 | * ReplacementGoldfish |
| 260 | * TheRival |
| 261 | * TheRoadie |
| 262 | * TheRockStar |
| 263 | * RomanticRunnerUp |
| 264 | * {{Sadist}} |
| 265 | * SchoolNurse |
| 266 | * SelfMadeMan |
| 267 | * SerialRomeo |
| 268 | * {{Sexbot}} |
| 269 | * TheScrooge |
| 270 | * TheShrink |
| 271 | * ShadyScalper |
| 272 | * ShrinkingViolet - A shy, timid and/or socially awkward person. |
| 273 | * SicklyNeuroticGeek |
| 274 | * SingleIssueLandlord |
| 275 | * SleazyPolitician |
| 276 | * SmartJerkAndNiceMoron |
| 277 | * SmoothTalkingTalentAgent |
| 278 | * TheSnarkKnight |
| 279 | * TheSociopath |
| 280 | * SouthernBelle - a nice girl from the Southern US |
| 281 | * SpeedDemon |
| 282 | * SpiritedCompetitor |
| 283 | * StageMagician |
| 284 | * Standard50sFather |
| 285 | * StarvingArtist |
| 286 | * StarvingStudent |
| 287 | * StereotypicalNerd |
| 288 | * StockLightNovelCalamityPrincess - A plucky, beautiful-looking love interest with destructive magic |
| 289 | * StockLightNovelEveryman - a non-action everyman |
| 290 | * StockLightNovelHero - a everyman with supernatural abilities who is either stoic and/or snarky and has lots of admirers. Often gets transported into another world. |
| 291 | * StockShonenHero - a hot-blooded and friendly hero |
| 292 | * StockShonenRival - a cold and aloof rival who often acts as a foil to the above |
| 293 | * StockShoujoHeroine - a kindhearted and awkward heroine |
| 294 | * {{Superhero}} - A hero with supernatural abilities. |
| 295 | * {{Supervillain}} - A villain with supernatural abilities. |
| 296 | * SupremeChef - A chef known for their high-tier cooking. |
| 297 | * TallDarkAndHandsome - A tall, dark-haired, and good-looking guy. |
| 298 | * ThirdPersonPerson |
| 299 | * TokenHouseguest |
| 300 | * {{Tomboy}} |
| 301 | * TrueCraftsman |
| 302 | * {{Tsundere}} |
| 303 | * UglyCute |
| 304 | * UnsatisfiableCustomer |
| 305 | * UnstoppableMailman |
| 306 | * UpperClassTwit - They're not very bright, but they've got money. |
| 307 | * VampireLolitaArchetype |
| 308 | * VeryPunchableMan - A {{Jerkass}} that exists to be punched at. |
| 309 | * WanderingMinstrel |
| 310 | * WetBlanketWife |
| 311 | * WhiteCollarWorker |
| 312 | * WhiteMagicianGirl |
| 313 | * WholesomeCrossdresser - This is shown as perfectly normal or even positive and the character is often physically attractive. |
| 314 | * WickedWitch - Hooked nose, pointy hat, and a mean cackle? Check, check, and double check. |
| 315 | * WillingChanneler |
| 316 | * WingedHumanoid |
| 317 | * WorldsBestWarrior |
| 318 | * WorldsMostBeautifulWoman |
| 319 | * WorldsSmartestMan |
| 320 | * WorldsStrongestMan |
| 321 | * YoungFutureFamousPeople |
| 322 | [[/index]] |
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