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Definition: free from agitation or disturbance; composed; level-headed Characters in Literature: Legolas, Spock, Nick Andros (The Stand), Yoda Common Portrayals: parents and grandparents, religious figures, mentors, immortals Clichés to Avoid:  the wise mentor who shows…

Definition: Responsive to stimuli; strongly susceptible to the attitudes and emotions of others Characters in Literature: Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter); Jonas (The Giver); John Coffey (The Green Mile) Common Portrayals: the…

Definition: being easily roused into a state of excitement Characters in Literature: Gilderoy Lockhart (HP and the Chamber of Secrets), Fflewddur Fflam (The Black Cauldron), Tigger Common Portrayals: children, sidekicks, crackpots Clichés…

Definition:  mental or moral resilience to face opposition, danger or difficulties, despite one’s own fear Characters in Literature: Harry Potter (Harry Potter); Hans Hubermann (The Book Thief); Frodo (Lord of…

Definition: stubbornly continuing on, despite opposition, difficulty, or danger  Characters in Literature: Scarlett O’Hara, Gollum, Andy Dufresne (The Shawshank Redemption) Common Portrayals: revolutionaries, millionnaires, CEOs, military and world leaders, valedictorians,…

Definition: fearlessness in the face of adversity or danger Characters in Literature: Batman; Captain America; Lan Mandragoran & Galad Damordred  (The Wheel of Time); Nevile Longbottom (Harry Potter and the…

Definition: an inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome or see events in the most positive light Characters in Literature: Pollyanna, Anne Shirley (of Green Gables), Cinderella Common Portrayals: little old ladies,…

Definition: marked by a desire to investigate and learn Characters in Literature: Alice (in Wonderland), Curious George, Harriet (the Spy) Common Portrayals: scientists, inventors, children Clichés to Avoid: the feeble minded but good…

Definition: watchful or careful; alert to risk Characters in Literature: Elrond (Lord of the Rings); Hermione Granger (Harry Potter); Stanley Yelnats (Holes) Common Portrayals: Parents, politicians worried about voters; health…

Readers have a lot of choice when it comes to books, and they’re looking to spend time with characters who remind them of themselves in a meaningful way. Even if…