From Writers Helping Writers:
DESCRIPTION: This character is new (in town, at work, to school, etc.) and has to learn the rules for fitting in. The newcomer is frequently used as a narrative device to introduce the reader to the world and explain its various aspects in an organic manner.
FICTIONAL EXAMPLES: Bella Swan (Twilight), Claire Fraser (Outlander), Dorothy Gale (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), Robert Langdon (The Da Vinci Code), Thomas (The Maze Runner trilogy)
COMMON STRENGTHS: Alert, Cautious, Courteous, Curious, Diplomatic, Independent, Innocent, Introverted, Objective, Observant, Patient, Pensive, Private, Resourceful, Responsible, Sensible
COMMON WEAKNESSES: Apathetic, Childish, Evasive, Gullible, Ignorant, Insecure, Needy, Nervous, Suspicious, Timid, Withdrawn, Worrywart
ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES
- Having a fresh perspective
- Being curious about their surroundings
- Not knowing or understanding the rules of the new environment
- Standing back and observing rather than jumping right into things
- Adaptability; learning quickly
- Noticing everything; being highly observant
- Keeping to themselves until they get the lay of the land
- Naïveté
- Being an easy target due to their innocence or lack of knowledge
- Trying (and failing) to understand the new world through the perspective of their old world
SITUATIONS THAT WILL CHALLENGE THEM
Meeting someone new and not knowing if they’re a friend or foe
Facing hostility and rejection simply because of their outsider status
Being expected to meet certain standards before they’ve developed the skills needed to do so
Getting lost in the new environment
. . . .
CLICHÉS TO BE AWARE OF
The intern who must master the skills they’ll need to be successful in the industry
The “chosen one” newcomer who is the only person who can solve the the new world’s problems
Link to the rest at Writers Helping Writers