Tired of the Overused Protagonist Tropes: A Call for a New Kind of Hero

Have you ever sat through a TV sitcom where the mother seems to have it all arranged, with an uncanny ability to balance the household budget, cook gourmet meals, and stay endlessly youthful, all while managing the kids' every emotional need? Meanwhile, the father is portrayed as a vague, beer-swilling oaf who has no clue about his kids but can spout off endless NFL statistics and throw a fit if he can't catch the big game. These are just a few examples of the overused tropes that have become tiresome in pop culture. Let's take a closer look at what's been worn out and what kind of fresh characters we need.

Common Overused Tropes in TV and Literature

Within sitcoms, the mother is the ever-wise, ever-responsible parent, always cooking gourmet meals and keeping track of her kids' every want and need. Her over-the-top physical attractiveness and flawless parenting is a stark contrast to the forgettable father, portrayed as a clueless beer-loving man-child, with no interest in his children beyond sports.

Another classic is the all-knowing informant who spouts off details of global criminal activities. Though this character type can add intrigue, it often feels cliché. Phrases like "Huggy Bear, what's the word on the street?" or "There's a Syrian arms shipment bound for Berlin on a Tasmanian freighter" can become predictable and lose their impact.

The Bold Protagonist: Harry Potter, Tris Prior, and Eragon

When we talk about protagonists, several names come to mind: Harry Potter, Tris Prior, and Eragon. These characters are often portrayed as boldly outspoken and na?ve, making significant mistakes. Harry Potter, for instance, makes constant errors, with Hermione being the sole smart one in his trio. This is frustrating because the narrative often shifts to her making wise decisions instead. Tris Prior is celebrated for her boldness and intellect but frequently acts impulsively. Similarly, Eragon's teenage antics include an unwelcome and creepy pursuit of a comrade, making his character questionable.

The question arises: How boring would these stories be if these characters had played their roles differently? A better alternative would be for them to refuse to speak up or to face their fates as martyrs, which could make them more relatable and compelling.

The New Type of Protagonist: The Cold Calculating Hero

It's time to shift our focus to a different kind of protagonist: the cold, calculating hero. This character type is more reserved in opinions and feelings and often appears emotionless on the outside. The character is hesitant in sharing opinions, possesses few friends, and maintains a distance even when forming friendships. Cold protagonists are driven by their intellect and decision-making skills, often in environments emphasizing physical strength, stealth, and cunning.

Examples of these characters include Artemis Fowl, Ender Wiggins, Arya Stark, and Vin. Artemis Fowl is always planning and trying to catch fairies or assist them. Ender Wiggins is a genius in logic puzzles and develops a flexible mind. Arya Stark and Vin are skilled fighters and maintain emotional and physical distance from others. These characters are similar in intelligence and their hesitance to open up, usually aligning with the INTJ personality type.

I personally relate to the INTJ archetype. Like these characters, I often prefer solitude and relate more to thoughtfulness than boldness. Being labeled as "cold" by friends and family, this character type resonates with me in a profound way.

In conclusion, it's time for a change. We need to see more protagonists who are reserved and thoughtful, like the cold calculating heroes. This change can bring fresh perspectives and relatable characters that align with more nuanced and real human experiences. It's high time we move away from the overused and tired tropes and embrace new, exciting possibilities.