Spotlight Character Exercise

Steroetype--------------------------Associations-----------------------------Uses/Examples



Physically handicapped----helpless----------------------------------------------------mastermind, genious (a la Stephen Hawking)

Elderly-------------------------------------weak, dependent, invalid and irrelevant-----------------Mob boss, political heavyweight

Underprivileged Minority-------------Listless, slack, unambitious, apathetic--------------Highly motivated academic, humanitarian

Dog/Domestic Animal----------------Loyal, friendly, blundering innocence, cluelessness, dependence-----Using these assumptions
                                                          as cover, pets plan to assert themselves as the pinnacle of a new world order, make things
                                                          "right" (a la Animal Farm)

Super Hero------------------------------Invincible, altruistic, centered, selfless, perfect-------------------Presenting heroes in a vulnerable
                                                          or self-serving or apathetic light has become the norm; underdog, imperfection

Doctor-------------------------------------Caring, intelligent, dedicated or Arrogant and detatched-----------Patch Adams: absolute
                                                        dedication, solid sense of right/wrong, positivity...House[/i}: Arrogant, bitter, condescending
                                                        and negative

Monster-----------------------------------Evil, rabid, dark, menacing, heartless, unpleasant--------------------James P. Sullivan: Fuzzy,
                                                          open-minded, kind, caring, big heart...Beowulf: Vengeful, uncompromising, wicked

Nerd--------------------------------------Pitiful, intelligent, for the most part friendless, bookish, weak, powerless, socially inept------------
                                                        Mark Zuckerberg: Largest, most profitable social network in history...Jared Loughner:
                                                        Disenchanted, delusional lunatic whose actions bring (hopefully) widespread/lasting change

Celebrity----------------------------------Likeable, wealthy, endlessly successful, charismatic, intelligent, attractive----------------------------
                                                          A washed up celebrity cannot accept that he/she is irrelevant and goes to any length to prove it
                                                          to themselves and the world...A seemingly talented young star begins to believe all of the hype
                                                          about themselves and becomes an incorrigible asshole.  Learns valuable lessons about karma

Alien---------------------------------------Elusive, genius, good or evil, mysterious, advanced, intimidating-----------Yuplings: A
                                                          diminutive alien race approaching extinction as a result of intergalactic overharvesting.  Turns
                                                          out they are a delicacy.