Trope Talk: Loners

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Loners! Those super-cool badasses who don't need nobody. Let's discuss how this trope connects with Lancers, the ever-present concept of Found Family, and all the fun storylines these lone badasses find themselves tangled up in!
Who's your favorite loner? Argue in the comments!
Our content is intended for teenage audiences and up.
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[@13KuriMaster]

"pulling a vegeta" "the Hulk effect" "Loners are a lot like cats actually" Moments like these are the reason why I always tune into any episode of Trope Talk when it comes out.

[@carlosroo5460]

Loners are usually my favorite character, which is strange, 'cause I'm a dog person.

[@dracodeanglicus3857]

Mmmm, might be pulling a Fuu tbh...

[@pn2294]

The Hulk Effect particularly infuriates me since it’s the least likely to be resolved

[@zoro115-s6b]

@@carlosroo5460 For a dog person that likes loners, I recommend you watch Inuyasha.

[@carolinelabbott2451]

@@carlosroo5460 "The Littlest Hobo." TV show. 😊

[@mythandmayhem1134]

Loner: “I hate you, leave me alone!” Friend: “I’m trying, you have to stop hugging me first.” Loner: “... No.”

[@TheJaredPunch]

Tsundere much?

[@mythandmayhem1134]

@@TheJaredPunch Man, just call out every loner like that 😂

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Reminds me of Netflix Witcher

[@agustinvenegas5238]

it's like that "meet me in the middle' says the unjust man" thing, but, like, opposite

[@shinypikagaming]

@@agustinvenegas5238 “meet me in the middle says the loner. The loner takes five steps, completely crossing the gap. Meet me in the middle says the loner.”

[@lenakennedy1213]

Red: "The Tagalong" Me: Ah, yes "Donkey"

[@Nah-ps7iy]

Amen brother, amen

[@brennahehman5579]

*DONKÆH*

[@mirceazaharia2094]

Ah yes, Sid the Sloth.

[@sebwisegamgee4215]

@@mirceazaharia2094 A lone, lonely loner.

[@TheRastawookie]

so shrek and donkey are in love?

[@shanerooney7288]

*The Loner:* "I'm going alone." *The Tag-along:* "Of course you are. And I'm coming with you."

[@linusmota9712]

That’s shrek

[@Silverwind87]

Loner: Why are you following me? Tag-along: Because I'm all alone. There's no one here beside me. My problems have all gone, there's no one to deriiiiide me!🎵But you gotta have friends-🎵 Loner: STOP SINGING! It's no wonder you don't have any friends! Tag-along: Wow. Only a true friend would be that truly honest!

[@Silverwind87]

@@linusmota9712 Shrek is a master class of storytelling.

[@Ismael-kc3ry]

LotR reference 👀

[@Logan_Roman]

@Ismael yeah, that’s the point

[@SlyJMan]

Red: "If they realize they are relying on others, it hurts their pride." Me: So, Vegeta? Red: "I like to call this "pulling a Vegeta". Me: Okay, so I'm following.

[@camwindthuggishanimates7076]

Vegeta and The Hulk Effect. Lol I love it

[@arx3516]

I wouldn't call Vegeta a loner, it's not like he wants to be alone, he's perfectly fine with working with underlings, he just doesn't like not being the boss.

[@Dragongaga]

@@arx3516 But that exactly defines him as a loner. A person who thinks that only he can stand on top and he only hangs with Goku and his gang to get stronger, so he can eventually beat Goku. In the Majin Arc, after Boo dissolves their fusion, Vegeta destroys the Potara earring, because he'd rather die fighting Boo on his own than fuse with Goku again to win. That's the ultimate loner move

[@DavidbarZeus1]

@@Dragongaga No, Vegeta was GOING to destroy the Potara, but Goku talked him out of it ... I think because of what Buu did to Bulma and Trunks

[@michaelramsey1299]

Same here also had that on the self loathing loner my immediate thought was Raven and boom there she was.

[@sebwisegamgee4215]

"I'm going to Mordor alone." "Of course you are. And I'm coming with you!"

[@moxiehokutika911]

It's great how at the beginning of the series Frodo's having an angst fest about "Oh I'm all alone" and "Woe is me, why did *I* have to be the one who got the ring" and "This secretism thing is easy but it's eating me up inside" and then Merry, Pipin and the other dude are like: Yeah, no, we've known for months and we're all packed and ready to come too! :D

[@chickenusgoddus464]

@@moxiehokutika911 bruh why did you have to do that to Sam Also they've all knew each other before but that doesn't really matter

[@moxiehokutika911]

@@chickenusgoddus464 Do what? There was one other guy, remember?

[@emilias8618]

I love Sam he’s literally the best

[@sebwisegamgee4215]

@@emilias8618 Yep! I agree. *Looks at my profile pic and username* Heh, I'm also very subtle about it.

[@ralphize5153]

From now on I’ll say anyone who’s having an ego problem is “pulling a Vegeta”

[@pn2294]

Seconded

[@gew393]

Piccolo tho

[@potatinator9831]

Fourthed

[@classarank7youtubeherokeyb63]

"Attention everyone! Your planet's a mudhole and you're all worthless. I'm going to claim my birthright."

[@kaitlnwhite6809]

You mean you weren’t already?

[@serotonin.scavenger]

A pair of loners is called an "awkward" A group of loners is called an "angst"

[@AcxaLycaonia]

This made me laugh so hard!

[@petersbananabread1631]

Checked with my local biologist and he asked how I got into his house. So it's now scientifically approved!

[@caspatrofal]

the wise words of a cosmic turtle

[@suspiciousshroudedshrub6594]

I love nature facts

[@sorensiris1381]

I saw an angst of loners walking across the street a week ago

[@nsahandler]

"It's not about being alone. It's about feeling alone." And all the loners cheered for her hitting the ball out of the park

[@perchy22]

As long as everyone remembers there's a difference between feeling alone and feeling lonely. The former is fine (even needed for some people, myself included), the latter is something to address.

[@definitelynotagenocider5204]

Im14andthatwasdeep

[@ianwarhover5390]

“This is your fate mr. jones my dear said the devil to dear mr. jones. You’ll be loved by the millions and great at your task but no one will see who is under the mask. Cover your face mr. jones my dear it gets hot as hell under the foam. And like me You will be In a crowd yet all alone”

[@Scarshadow666]

@@perchy22 Exactly this! 👏

[@kidlewinter5027]

I think some loners aren't the cheering type.

[@abusedumpster8882]

“They might be a vigilante, an outlaw, framed for a crime they didn’t commit, a typical YA protagonist” OOF

[@wokedog1799]

Why u gotta call em out like that

[@N-HTTi]

What YA again

[@zoro115-s6b]

"Hi, I'm a YA protagonist, I'm someone who the reader can project themselves onto, who the entire world is against for literally no reason. Soon though, I'll discover that I am actually special and way better than all those normal people who were picking on me. Then I'll be handed the opportunity to do something really cool without having to make any decisions of my own."

[@N-HTTi]

@@zoro115-s6b basically every 9 yo

[@zoro115-s6b]

@Ghani Ziyad Sagiansyah Yep, that's it. I'm not saying they're ALL bad, but there's some definite bad trends towards extremely passive sue-ish protagonists who are just kinda the center of the universe, despite not actually being very cool.

[@JustinY.]

Imagine arguing with someone and you just whip out "You're just pulling a vegeta" on them with no context what so ever.

[@lala170623]

Woh rea uoy yreve erehw rea ä tob

[@kity1081]

you are here, once again

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

Dude, they would get so mad they might _actually_ pull a Vegeta.

[@gamechanger8908]

Here before you get thousands of likes

[@line4169]

Everywhere I go.... I see his face .

[@eddiefirstenberg1000]

Badass loner: Huh, cute kid Writers: And, his parents are dead and he's completely alone AND in mortal danger! Badass loner: ...You're gonna make me adopt the kid, aren't you. Writer: You know me so well

[@SkittlesInYourHand]

Batman every 3 months

[@i_am_squishy6230]

Batman makes pregnant women look like a joke(r).

[@bunkfoss50yearsago53]

_Dies from lack of grammar._

[@dandywaysofliving]

Said child: Dies** Loner carries on. Meets a 2nd orphan child. ...but ..... ... They can kick ass. . (*the Protagonist)- 😭 Finally some help..

[@telkei3365]

To be fair We eat that shit up

[@michaellammey2543]

Ah, yes, the loner. The introvert who keeps getting befriended and attacked by extroverts

[@Saber4123]

I feel attacked

[@Silverwind87]

Is Bilbo Baggins a loner?

[@konradklukowski1009]

Hi. I’m the extrovert. I want to befriend you. I respect you as a person

[@octopussmasher2694]

You described my life

[@nayandusoruth2468]

HEAVY emphasis on the "attacked" part

[@yesyouarecorrect1315]

"Trope Talk: Loners" Every single introvert: *Ah yes, my time has come*

[@vex3414]

Your name in combo with your profile pic is perfect

[@leminjapan]

I've never clicked on an OSP notification so fast.

[@odd-ysseusdoesstuff6347]

@@leminjapan same. XDXD

[@Woodledude]

Introverts, Unite! ... Separately, in your own character arcs.

[@yesyouarecorrect1315]

@@vex3414 credits to the owner who gave me this idea, I only found it from another comment in one of Hades' videos (edit: whoever is confused i was formerly named "The Awesome Blue Dork" with Hades' photo from Red's art)

[@brableewhiddershins4536]

"Loners usually like to adopt kids" In dororo, KID adopts LONER

[@mariuchiha4664]

Finally!!! Someone else knows this show exists!

[@sheelaflower]

I mean yes, but that one was also kind of a "extrovert adopts introvert" type.

[@Ajehy]

I mean, it does happen a lot. Puck and Isidro in Berserk, Raki and young Claire in Claymore, Tim Drake in Batman media... how many times have you heard “back off kid, I work alone” before the Loner finally, grudgingly accepts the companionship? It’s a great trope too. The Loner is still TRYING to be alone and sometimes (not always) keep the kid out of their dangerous life, but then slowly defrosts enough to allow them in. Tsundere loner reluctant parents for the win!

[@luciferlui1324]

That's called being the tagalong (proly :P)

[@3asianassassin]

@@Ajehy of course in the case of dororo, the loner is also effectively a toddler due to, uh, trauma, so he needs a parent of some variety. If its a 10 year old orphan boy, so be it

[@LivingEncyclopedia]

The little sparkly blue child seeing the loner as “dad” made me unreasonably happy

[@adt4864]

Honestly every example character is just great, and I wish they were recurring instead of examples.

[@autisticdancer]

Same XD

[@Rosabella.Thorne7]

Reminds me of Cale Henituse

[@TheGhostoftheCosmos]

@Megumin Tobuna;-; yess, absolutely banging show

[@oilybat3269]

This rugged, gunslinging badass who kills people for a living, eats bricks and shits glass feeling pride over his adopted kid is never not adorable

[@notoriousd.i.g.87]

Loner: "I'm a hardened badass, kill without mercy and work alone." Story: Yeets a baby in the loner's direction Loner: Big Papa instincts intensifies

[@TSCGA]

Babies are the best way to nerf an overpowered loner. Or a good way to allow for an overpowered badass loner murder montage when that baby is harmed in the direct view of the badass loner.

[@thomaspoteete4119]

This comment is made even better by your name. 😂

[@rayanderson5797]

I think you just described the plot of the Mandalorian perfectly.

[@blinkachu05]

@@rayanderson5797 This is the way.

[@LimHuiYiHannah]

Or a kid. Like in The Last of Us.

[@ravenhunter1355]

"It's not about being alone, but feeling alone" - depressing but true

[@marocat4749]

True, another thing feeling alone in company, thats, good drama actually.

[@Scarshadow666]

@@marocat4749 Yes, oof! 0_0 It's something I think a lot of people forget about loneliness is that it's a feeling most people can have even if among friends/love ones, or in a group of people...

[@marocat4749]

@@Scarshadow666 Secrets can probably make feel very lonely, unworked trauma, or depressions that aent really shown under a fassade. Really depressing.

[@lucideandre]

I see what you did there. “Loners are a lot like cats, honestly” Very next example, that starts with “and just like cats”: Catra, the one who is actually a cat.

[@JakubWojciechowski933]

After reading that comment, I have waited all rest of video to see that moment!

[@lucideandre]

Starts at 17:33

[@kimifw58]

I don't get it.

[@lucideandre]

@@kimifw58 she says loners are like cats. Then, the very next example of a loner she puts on the video (images, not what she’s saying) is of Catra (from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, who is a catgirl, and a bit of a loner).

[@Pseud0nymTXT]

my favourite Doctor who reason for a companion is " I need an external moral compass"

[@laurdesz9050]

See, you get it

[@cab47attacks]

This is Clara. She's my carer. She cares so I don't have to.

[@DaDunge]

Donna?

[@doodle7342]

@@DaDunge Just save one person

[@yes1667]

Time lord victorious

[@Red-mg4ro]

So once again, Zuko shows how he is able to fit a plethora of character archetypes and somehow accomplish being greater than the sum of their tropes. God I miss that show.

[@slewinterful]

@@TheStartrek99 The point is they want more.

[@user-ut4tk4ph5z]

@@TheStartrek99 I like the assumption that everyone has netflix

[@TheStartrek99]

@@user-ut4tk4ph5z the assumption was that the person I was replying to may not have been aware of the fact that the show was available there. I love how you assumed that I was assuming.

[@viridianacortes9642]

Dude. His character was so good that Legend of Korra tried to have the MC have his arc. It didn’t work very well due to budget cuts and time constraints on the writers, but you can see how they were trying to do something similar with Korra.

[@skyhideaway]

@@viridianacortes9642 you mean the writers tried to make Korra like Zuko? I don't see it at all.

[@hilarymajor3983]

The fact that you got through an entire video about loners without once referring to ‘Zuko Alone’ is really impressive.

[@newsaxonyproductions7871]

I, for one, found them going the whole video without mentioning Seven from Scissor Seven impressive. Also needed more Zuko. I appreciate her trying to be diverse with her fandoms, but a little less Eastern Anime would be nice.

[@IanaBelleGE.]

Yeah, I was expecting Zuko to be referenced.

[@BonaparteBardithion]

I was waiting for him to show up when she mentioned de-lonering via bonding experiences. He does that so much Toph artificially tried to incite one so she wouldn't be left out.

[@vladimirenlow4388]

In recent videos, Red seems to be avoid ATLA even when it's appropriate. Perhaps she realizes she's referencing it too much.

[@Dami_personal]

@@vladimirenlow4388 Well it is the perfect show

[@just-trying-my-best-everyday]

I like how Red specified that loners usually adopt kids.

[@rnaa7156]

Ah yes, the batman sindrome (or was it syndrome? I don't know)

[@akindatallmidget6508]

Pretty sure it’s syndrome

[@MorganMalfoy13]

Rin, giving fangirls moral permission to lust after Sesshoumaru since 19something something.

[@rnaa7156]

@@akindatallmidget6508 thanks

[@jordan5012]

Batman and Mando are prime examples of Alone Dad™️

[@KyleRayner12]

When two loners meet: "Hey, go away! I'm trying to be alone!" "So am I! Go be alone somewhere else!" "I can't! There aren't enough places to be alone." "Damn. Well, let's just ignore each other and hope more alone-space opens up later." "Sure."

[@deadersurvival4716]

Literally the best type of social activity. Enough peopling to consistently count as socializing to the happy brain chemical, but enough lonering to not be a crisis every time someone breathes, regardless of how low the social battery is.

[@KyleRayner12]

@@deadersurvival4716 A webcomic I read made the brilliant observation that "walking near you to act as though we're friends" is the optimal situation: it looks as though you aren't alone, so people stop trying to bother you.

[@deadersurvival4716]

@@KyleRayner12 I'll do you one better. One friend on the floor, back to a bed or sofa or other sitting location, on their phone. Other friend sitting near them playing games. Something I've fantasized about since I first read it in a book.

[@KyleRayner12]

@@deadersurvival4716 Make one of them reading a book uninterrupted, and it's perfect.

[@thehistoryandbooknerd8979]

This entire thread, as I’ve changed over time, is something I’d honestly kinda like - maybe with some chatting here and there, about what the other is doing or about getting food or spending the night platonically - sounds pretty nice, not gonna lie

[@nicomorgan9604]

"Zuko Alone" is one of the best loner episodes/in the dark moments in TV. I love how much of Zuko we get to see when he's separated from the expectations of the fire nation, his uncle, azula etc. He gets so much stronger as a character in 25 mins.

[@lyrehartbone1084]

Agreed, Iroh is the greatest though. I gotta say

[@yiklongtay6029]

@@lyrehartbone1084 actually, I would count all of the episodes with Iroh as still part of Zuko's loner time. He does not truly see Iroh as a solution to his loneliness as he tunnelvisions for the approval of his dad.

[@lyrehartbone1084]

@@yiklongtay6029 that is true, I suppose

[@helenmersek8554]

Iroh's his mentor through his experiences as quite a few of these types of loners including another loner in Toph (hence no field trip with Zuko for her).

[@alexjewett7455]

@@lyrehartbone1084 everybody needs an uncle Iroh in their life.

[@kakakaka3219]

“And alucard is more socially inept on the count of being Dracula’s son” Was the pun intentional?

[@guitarrcat6582]

This is osp... Of course the pun was intentional!

[@buca117]

It's "on account", so maybe not.

[@judahmatende3769]

this is OSP... even if it wasn't intentional, it definitely was

[@joewoods532]

I feel it was intentional

[@Silverwind87]

The Count Of Being Dracula’s Son, the obscure sequel to The Count Of Monte Cristo.

[@konradklukowski1009]

90% of loner arcs: 1-I’m a loner 2-Hi I’m the kid/extrovert!! I want to hang out whit you. 1-go away, I don’t want to experience X again 2-tell me about the X. You can trust me 1-we are friends now

[@m.meursault5205]

> ruthless attack by extroverts causes loner to question existence

[@emmazink3724]

*cough* tomioka

[@TheFoxfiend]

Hey, wait, that's way to similar to how I make a lot of my friends. Me: "Hey, how ya doing?" Them: ".. fine" Me: "doesn't sound fine, want to talk about it?" Them: *Insert brief explanation* Me: "Dang, that sucks, have you considered 'X'?" (some suggestion or perspective) Them: *Yes/No, then tells me more* and conversation goes from there with me offering to listen when they need someone to talk to by the end..

[@ShadowPa1adin]

Dororo, The Witcher, The Dark Tower, ect.

[@AntediluvianRomance]

And the next thing you know you have a whole team of kids and annoying mascots tailing you around.

[@luckypeanut9943]

On that last note of characters varying with feelings towards the loner, the Gaang reacting to zuko joining the team was great. Aang always had some hope for zuko and is somewhat trusting, Sokka was naturally hesitant but developed an understanding, Toph used her ability to detect lies, and Katara went absolutely bonkers with rage

[@billveusay9423]

First time I heard them called "the Gaang" and I will now weave that unto fluffing banners

[@tortis6342]

bonkers

[@BetaDude40]

I mean the reason why Katara i particular was the most upset was because she'd already given Zuko a chance to redeem himself, and he reacted by betraying Aang and eventually leading to the funny lightning moment. Aang doesn't really hold grudges (except against sandbenders for a while) and neither Sokka nor Toph were directly double-crossed by Zuko like that. So while she is more emotional and the Heart of the group so it's kind of natural that she'd have an emotional reason, her reaction of threatening to "End [Zuko's] destiny, right then and there" really makes sense

[@Anonyomus_commenter]

@@billveusay9423I swear the show calls them that at one point? Doesn’t Sokka suggest it?

[@thekoifishcoyote8762]

@@Anonyomus_commenter I remember it too but in exactly as much detail

[@sticks4632]

Batman: I work alone. Everyone: really?

[@mirjanbouma]

Robin: am I a joke to you? Alfred: *aggressively polishing the silver*

[@bencebotye3904]

Yeah, with a toolbox of sidekick. And the original British butler, Alfred Pennyworth!

[@jayoctopus8832]

@UCuoNtVo4DGMB-fdSbnnUoCA the birds of prey The justice league The GCPD Alfred Red Hood Red Robin Cat woman

[@boonraksaboonparn4988]

Ah yes, Batman, the best "I work alone" team player ever. Not just with Bat Family, but also with Justice League and any other occasional team up sometime, if the situation called for it, even with the villains! I mean in most cases he just have trust issue and prefer to get the job done by himself, in other cases he is a prick

[@mennizle]

Also called "whose writing me today?" syndrome

[@kortmann9]

"Trope Talk: Loners" Hey, that's me! LONERS UNITE! ...wait no

[@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369]

Hehe nice

[@Gospel-xm7vd]

Man I'd watch a show where the whole cast is made up of loners.

[@Barianus]

@@Gospel-xm7vd Oh, the dialogue would be real pain in the ass to write. Loner 1: "You should leave, I work alone." Loner 2: "No, you should leave. I work alone...on this case."

[@TheAnalyticalEngine]

Let's all be alone... Together

[@Gospel-xm7vd]

@@Barianus The loners would meddle in each others business 'cuz they can't trust anyone and work together when they can't beat the big baddies themselves, only to disband immediately after.

[@Jason_Altea]

Red: "...or their PRIDE." Me: OH HEY THERE, VEGETA. Red: "I like to call this 'pulling a Vegeta' because it makes people mad." Me: ...but it's ENTIRELY accurate, though.

[@Alchemy818.]

Me watching the “wandering loner” segment: so basically “I walk this empty road, the only road that I have ever known. Don’t know where it goes, but it’s home to me and I walk alone”

[@kimifw58]

"And the road becomes my bride. I am stripped of all but pride, so in her I do confide, and she keeps me satisfied. Gives me all I need!"

[@arkins1908]

The fact that Broken Dreams met Metallica is just...kisses!

[@sunbro197]

​@@kimifw58😊

[@skytra772]

“They can adopt a child” My brain: Mandolorian

[@maerinmaerin4626]

And batman and geralt

[@CraftsmanOfAwsomenes]

Sesshoumaru. Accelerator from A Certain Magical Index.

[@CheezerMouse]

My brain went piccolo

[@agustinvenegas5238]

my brain was shouting "MANDO!!!!1!1!!" throughout the video, could barely hear the actual words lol

[@punbug4721]

This is the way.

[@beausheffield1895]

I’m impressed that you managed to talk about this character trope without mentioning Zuko once. I did not expect this comment to get so big, but now that I have all your guy’s attention may I talk to you about our Loner Savior Nico Diangelo?

[@petrsevcik5044]

Is Zuko realy a loner? I guess he is a little bit from when he leaves ancle Iroh until he joins Azula and then again from when he leaves the fire nation until he's accepted by team avatar, but even then it's more of a circumstance. He dipped into Lone Wanderer after he left Iroh, but I don't see Zuko as a true Loner.

[@justanotheryoutubecommente2]

@@petrsevcik5044 A loner doesn't have to hate being with other people, they just have to choose to be alone for whatever reason or have the mindset of someone who is alone. That was definitely Zuko for a good chunk of the series

[@eliasrojas453]

Got a full laugh 😆

[@jordanguelbert7754]

Correction. Impressed she talked about any character trope without mentioning zuko or at least avatar in general

[@coldermusic2729]

@@petrsevcik5044 zuko has always felt like a loner. He was rejected by his dad, hated by his sister and abandoned by his mum. The entire time he wants to be excepted, all that honour stuff. The only person who ever loved/excepted/respected him was iroh, which zuko never realised due to the lack of said things from other members of his family. Even when he is excepted back into the family he felt like an outsider. He was lying to them, and didn’t believe in their goals anymore. He didn’t know what his destiny held for him, until he found out about his past. When he decided to help the avatar he wasn’t even excepted into that group. He was an outsider to team avatar, and took a long time before he was excepted. Even after the series (in the comics) he was a loner. He was the emperor, but never felt like he deserved it. He felt like he was becoming his dad, and so pushed away his girlfriend, pushed away team avatar and pushed away literally everyone until he finally found his mum and, surprisingly to him, his new sister. Which once again he felt alone due to her not remembering him. Zuko is a prime example of a loner character. He doesn’t want to be alone, but never feels like he is excepted. One of the best characters that has ever been made.

[@littlekuribohimposte]

"I like to call this pulling a Vegeta because it makes people mad" Red, never change

[@9Godslayer]

Why _does_ it make people mad?

[@john.harrison]

@@9Godslayer Some people build their own identity on fictional characters if you attack the fictional character your attacking their identity. "Don't you dare talk bad about my hero"

[@dracosfire7247]

@@9Godslayer a lot of people think formulaic storytelling is inherently bad, and reducing a character arc they like down to the bear essentials makes it look to some that you are calling that character formulaic.

[@9Godslayer]

@@samrevlej9331 My parents are divorced; I’ve seen it happen.

[@mannofdober873]

"This is the way." *Child exists* "Maybe the way can change..."

[@emodarkstalker001weir7]

Proceeds to shove Din into Luke

[@corykyraha4659]

"Loners are actually a bit like cats" *Shows Catra*

[@melskunk]

Even echoing Catra's tsundere catchphrase in advance

[@canskntsfalan5430]

You ruined my day, I didn't watch the series and learning her name just hurted me.

[@melskunk]

@@canskntsfalan5430 could be worse, the 80s version this was a remake of, she was just named that but was a regular lady who said Nyah a lot, no lie

[@whatthefridge1o1]

Sjdhdhhd Also when I saw wolf is choked on my soup like??!?!

[@magecat14]

@@canskntsfalan5430 Almost every name is the series is that on the nose. There is a sorceress named Castaspella. The scorpion lady you see in the clips is named Scorpia. And guess what weapon Bow specializes in! Then there's a dude who's just named Kyle.

[@nicomedesmenzies9565]

“Chuck a kid at them” Excuse me can I see that animated? Please.

[@GodKingBob]

I can’t remember which yakuza game it is, but there is a scene of just that

[@ernestcole1435]

Plot: And then *the childs name* shows up. *A child just hits the loner in the face*

[@nicholascordero6600]

@@GodKingBob it's 6,

[@zobralolz]

It really is a rule in most stories that the loner can never be alone except at the beginning of his arc and his darkest hour...

[@lizabethhampton4537]

Reminded me of Rise of the Guardians for a second.

[@Kartoffelkamm]

Can we please get a story that's, like, the opposite? Where a loner is just generally happier and overall better alone, or at least in small groups, but people keep insisting on helping them, and the darkest hour comes when they give in and give people a chance. Then there's too many people and then they have a breakdown and crash and burn. I just once want to read a story where, when a character says "I don't like people" it actually means that they don't function well/at all in large groups, and are much better in duos or trios.

[@shadowofdimentio4618]

@@Kartoffelkamm Due to how human culture and society works, those people end up being hermits, therefore they only really exist in tragedies/Grimmdark. There are plenty of characters who decide to trust again and get burned for it before dying, but dunno about any happy ones. If you just want a character being accepted as an introvert, then there are some positive examples, although even they will paint the introvert social as a positive but also acknowledge that they do need to be alone

[@Great_Olaf5]

Hatchet: Am I a joke to you?

[@LarryGarfieldCrell]

@@Kartoffelkamm As such a person, yes please! I really detest the trope that all introverts in fiction need to be "cured" by someone who is sufficiently bubbly and extroverted. I'm not a loner, I'm an introvert, and I'm OK with that, screw off and let me be. Also, too many cooks spoil the broth.

[@northborn_ranger]

Red: "If they realize they're relying on others, it hurts their pride." Me: "Wait.. Why does it feel like I'm a bit similar to that?" Red: "It's not about being alone, but feeling alone." Me: "Wait a moment..."

[@FreshZCORD]

you can found company within yourself too

[@Hartofafool]

I feel like Iroh and Zuko are the best mentor and loner example for when the mentor is always traveling with them

[@fairycat23]

"...Or just stay in your room and sit in the dark. Whatever makes you happy."

[@zoro115-s6b]

I DON'T NEED ANY CALMING TEA!

[@corhydrae3238]

Honestly, Zuko is always the best example for a trope done right as long as the trope actually applies to him.

[@SorowFame]

@@corhydrae3238 that’s true for Avatar in general, if a trope applies its done well.

[@newsaxonyproductions7871]

@@SorowFame My favourite Trope in Avatar is the Five-man Band. Same for a lot of other shows, too. Whenever I start a new show, I look it up on TV Tropes for its Five-man Band if it's not obvious.

[@Himothy_Himbo_Himson]

Talks about hurt pride and lashing out at others. Me: huh kinda sounds like Vegeta. Red: I call this pulling a Vegeta.

[@HOLDENPOPE]

For a second I thought you were making a FMAB reference but yeah

[@double_bacon_cheemsburbger3820]

Every edgy teenager sulking in the distance:

[@tricksl8r]

Wow way to call me out man xD

[@tytothetoetaker9788]

If there is anything that covid let me do is wear a homemade ornate gass mask in public without raising suspicion

[@Riggsradar69]

@@tytothetoetaker9788 nicee

[@seangregorymurray3634]

IM NOT SULKING IM BROODING!!!

[@Silverwind87]

"no talk me i angy" "wait no come back"

[@notproductiveproductions3504]

Writer: *shoehorns a baby character into the loner’s life* Underage loner: I have no such -weaknesses- qualifications

[@GrassPokeKing]

When the story takes place during a war or apocalypse: *That's where you're wrong, kiddo!*

[@theepicduck6922]

Adoptive children also exist.

[@metarcee2483]

Hilariously, that's how the fandom usually interprets Sonic and Tails meeting.

[@thetwelfth9987]

Is there such a thing as the “impaired loner” type? A hero that works alone not necessarily because he doesn’t like company but because he can’t form friendships or communicate due to lack of social skills?

[@ebonyblack4563]

I think there should be. This could also apply to someone who finds social interaction very stressful. It could fall under or evolve into one if the other types. Remember tropes are an umbrella of traits. I have a character who fits under one of the listed because he very often feels he's not able to fit in with others or is even a negative to their well-being, but he also works very well alone and his fighting style reflects that loner aspect. Essential said character could legit function as a loner just because that's his personality and how he reasons thru problems, but he also struggles to feel he deserves help. This is a mixed varient that would slot nicely under a couple of the trope forms dependant on why he's going off to be alone at the time and where he is in his development. Evolving characters into different tropes as they grow is also a good thing to keep in mind. Maybe a character was once very social and team oriented but a horrific incident now makes them avoid working with others as much as possible. That character might fall into your kind of loner type idea, but may act like a type described under the trope as presented. Edit Add-On: The impaired idea could also work for characters with disabilities that limit their connections. It really could be a type of its own, though it may be better as a modifier on the existing range.

[@courtneyhoward2370]

A lot of comic book loners fall into that depending on who's writing them. Raven has given off that vibe more than once so has Terra. It links up well with the fish out of water narrative all though when dragged out too long it tends to morph into the ego thing. Like they get so annoyed that they're bad at making friends they just accept/embrace the loner narrative. OR they eventually end up with a group that just goes "fuck your lack social skills it's game night." Basically the socially inept loner isn't narratively interesting enough for a wider audience for it to remain the case because the vast majority of the population can't relate to that complete lack of social skills

[@jakarnilson]

Yes. Should having a sentient black blade that kills off the hero's allies count here?

[@epauletshark3793]

Soooo... me?

[@zoro115-s6b]

There are definitely a lot of characters who tend to be alone a lot not by choice, but by circumstance or because they, as you said, just lack social skills. And it's always really heartwarming to see them make real friends and connections.

[@JohnnyElRed]

"The Hulk Effect". Also known as "For the love of God, can life give poor Bruce Banner a respite?!"

[@ArgentumFox]

Only when is to busy destroying Peter Parker's life

[@kamikazelemming1552]

And that is why I love the MCU's take on Bruce.

[@Just_A_Dude]

@@kamikazelemming1552 Professor Hulk = Best Hulk.

[@KaosFireMaker]

Thats what happened with planet hulk. ...and then...

[@NekogamiKun127]

The tag-along in a nutshell: "I need to be alone." "Great! I'll go with you!"

[@petrsevcik5044]

Donkey

[@justanotheryoutubecommente2]

Donkey's great

[@stonecat676]

so what u sayin is Jaskier is Donkey

[@vivianoreilley9998]

Stone Cat I was searching for a comment like this 😂

[@petrsevcik5044]

@@stonecat676 I guess you could say, that witchers have layers...

[@benpepin7872]

The second you mentioned the lone Wanderer archetype my first thought was The Littlest Hobo, a Canadian made TV series about a stray German Shepherd who befriends people, helps in solving their problems, and is always gone before their plans to bring him into their life or family full-time can be realized. Basically someone in the 60's and 70's said "What if the Loner, but a dog?".

[@BetaDude40]

My brain self-destructed and I thought it was a literal German Shepherd, as in a German man who herds sheep, and how that would be interesting, helpful, or why people would want to adopt this random man in their family lol

[@rataudiobooks]

"Acting Aloner" is such a bad pun and I'm furious it got me to smile.

[@HenshinFanatic]

Would you prefer faux loner?

[@fuzzymurdermittens]

The best puns are always the worst puns

[@HenshinFanatic]

They do say cheesey jokes always pair best with plenty of whine...

[@maxcovfefe]

I like how Red talks so fast. It's like, "I've read ALL the books, now hurry up and write something new!"

[@williamlanagan3528]

I never realized how fast they actually talk until you mentioned it lol.

[@aliallail9874]

I can relate. BRING ME MORE BOOKS!

[@salanaya8718]

Ikr, that's why I need the captions, lol

[@donebydice9985]

I wouldn’t say they talk fast but more so everyone else talks too slow.

[@quartzintherough]

12:27 "Sometimes, groups of loners end up sticking together, all pretending that they're cool badass loners who don't need nobody, none of them apparently noticing the irony" That's just the Bat-family in a nutshell

[@timothymclean]

Well, depending on the writer (and specific incarnation) basically anyone in the Bat-family can be pretty chipper and sociable. And then there's Alfred, whose tender but subtle care lets all the others pretend they don't need to rely on anyone.

[@jasonkeith2832]

So, Cowboy Bebop then?

[@EmrysMerlin8807]

Eh. Nightwing kinda sticks out tho. Dude's never been a loner.

[@Jasonwolf1495]

TBH all but like 2 of them are orphans.

[@Katwind]

What about the Guardians of the Galaxy? You could say the story is about a bunch of loners learning how to become a family, and saving the galaxy in the process.

[@alexiswelsh5821]

Remember "Zuko Alone", that entire episode was an homage to Loner Westerns.

[@poppyroberts357]

Red: Talks about loners sometimes adopting kids. Mandalorian ad that suddenly came on: "I have quested to bring this one back to it's kind..."

[@thejurassicshow5928]

I can’t wait for the day when you team up with Terrible Writing Advice to dissect the Love Triangle

[@beccag2758]

Yes!!! I also want them to team up with CPGrey, not sure what they’d talk about, but he matches the whole name color deal, so how could they not?

[@ViewingChaos]

All of these are a massive hell yes to seeing! I hope this happens

[@timothymclean]

I mean, both have videos on their respective channels basically covering romantic subplots and leaving relatively little room for love triangles specifically, but it would be fun.

[@sully1492]

Bad Writing Advice has now entered the chat

[@loneronin6813]

Your idea to have the two do exactly that is something I've wanted but didn't know it until now lol Assuming most people here are avid readers, two KZbin creators I would love to see work on something together would be Dominic Noble and Krimson Rogue. If you don't know their work, I highly recommend checking out both of their channels. If you like books, movies, and adaptations of one to the other, then their respective content are worth checking out.

[@DarkDesperado25]

"It's not about being alone, it's about feeling alone." Sounds like my time in high school, and college, and middle school... and elementary school... I'm just a lonely feeling guy

[@Krahazik]

Sounds like my childhood, kids were scary and unkind and mean, so I avoided them even when surrounded by them. I never fitted into any of the 'clicks' so was frequently alone. Still really alone.

[@kingweeb3365]

🎶lonely you are so lonely ,you have nobody for your own🎶

[@dogocatostudios8719]

Hehe, same

[@NobodyDungeons]

So, for my writing class I actually created a loner character and for roughly 90% of the story the sole focus was on the loner character, and his internal thoughts as he converses within his own head. This allowed me to flesh out his personality so much that he started to gain the complexities of a full fledged human being. This actually started becoming an issue as I started to show traits of this character, and started to have issues distinguishing myself from the character. When the teacher asked me why I was acting funny I told him this, and he told me to hand in whatever I had written and that he would judge me based only on that because apparently I was freaking everyone out. Thankfully after I stopped writing the story I returned to normal, and made sure never to write a story like that ever again.

[@richardgibson8403]

you wrote too hard

[@Lilithksheh7723]

This sort of thing happening could well have some interesting therapeutic potential.

[@player0ne16]

when you write a character so well you become the character

[@WolfBoy-om6dw]

That's amazing

[@poyobotyahoo7494]

I NEED to see what you wrote

[@majesticmundanity]

The idea of a loner who’s actually alone and has to carry the story by themselves reminded me of Crime and Punishment

[@alguienanormal3040]

Same

[@helenwalter6830]

though it is almost entirely his own fault seeing as all his loved ones are trying very hard to help him out and get him to rely on them.

[@joshuag.a287]

Hes a jerk

[@eduardomartinez545]

I am reading the book as of now; Dostoyevsky was truly a gifted man. The main character is an ass though, pitiable, but an ass nonetheless.

[@Great_Olaf5]

Reminded me of Hatchet and Island of the Blue Dolphins.

[@XShadOBabeX]

"I like to call this "pulling a Vegeta" because it makes people mad." Why on Earth would that make anyone mad? It's completely accurate.

[@hadeskingoftheunderworld7010]

Because people can't take criticism of their favorite things

[@phastinemoon]

“It’s completely accurate.” You just answered your own question.

[@Umbral_Jag]

I'd guess it's cause if you hear that you'll just... stop. I mean... you're arguing a point or just pulling a Vegeta yourself, so you WANT to argue against it but you... just... can't. It's too accurate

[@christopherfleetwood5252]

This has serious “Why you booing, I’m right!” Vibes

[@THETANEMOIA]

"And just like cats!" *Here's Catra*

[@nyetloki]

Hey Adora

[@Beacuzz]

@@nyetloki the Google translate of this is amazing

[@vizthex]

@@Beacuzz but what is it?

[@sylvy16]

@@vizthex ‘hey love’ is what google translates it into

[@theresareasonthesetablesar7037]

Is there such a character that is a loner but doesn't realize they're alone? Like, a loner who believes they're friends with everyone and is generally nice but is isolated for the most part

[@Scarshadow666]

The protagonists, Kenzo Tenma and Wolfgang Grimmer, from Naoki Urasawa's Monster could probably fit that description a little bit (though I might be biased in that kind of thinking, as it's an anime I've watched recently and changed my pfp for the month to show one of the protagonists). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@ladytalksalot4097]

That's a bit tragic, all things considered :( "Oh, you thought we were friends? Nah, we just tolerate your presence. Go away now."

[@sabrinusglaucomys]

That describes a lot of the people-pleaser characters that are common in high school stories, you know, the one who's insecure/anxious and/or has a really tragic backstory and is sad inside, but no one knows that because they smile and put other people's needs ahead of their own. Sometimes they're really friendly and sometimes they're just super conscious of how others see them so they pretend to be nice. Thinking about it, it's surprising how many roles they can play--friend, love interest, protagonist, rival, villain.

[@deadersurvival4716]

@@ladytalksalot4097 Ah, yes, the high school friendships.

[@deadersurvival4716]

@@sabrinusglaucomys Alright, I'm gonna need you to stop calling high school me out.

[@TheCrabReal]

the ”loner dad” stereotype hits especially true with most men as it taps into the primordial `daddy instincts`

[@chadsims5090]

Specifically the instinct to protect. I thinks it's also the same instinct that is drawn upon for the innocent.

[@lukekent9386]

I'm one of those, "reluctant protector" types. It'll be like, "Crap...nobody is supervising that child. Not a soul around except for me. Damn...now I have to do something about it." And when when the parents finally show up, they always freak out at you. "Hey! Chill. You're lucky it was me and not a real bad guy, and this is your fault to begin with!"

[@simonschnedl]

@@lukekent9386 that's why I'm afraid of stranger kids. And hanging out with my niece in public, a little bit.

[@soapthesoap]

Those dynamics are just 🤌 my favorite

[@MrKingfisher]

That is extremely cursed when taken out of context

[@Outlaw7263]

Red: **talks about the lone traveler** Me: **suddenly realizes EVERY Fallout protagonist is essentially a lone traveler INCLUDING the lone wanderer**

[@hyperon_ion9423]

Loners are _very_ handy for stories where the audience is expected to insert themselves into the protagonist’s role.

[@Outlaw7263]

@@hyperon_ion9423 fair enough

[@loganrenfrow2544]

Yeah lots of video games have that kind of protagonist but I'll admit the Fallout games fit the trope particularly well.

[@Jikkuryuu]

It does seem like a good basis for a wrpg protagonist.

[@zachbahamutson5477]

Not just fall out but Elder Scrolls too. I was also say any Western role-playing video game with qualify since most of the time your character gills in and out of quests around these times.

[@Yannis1a]

Fallout 3 protagonist's name: "The Lone Wanderer" All seven speaking companions: "Hey!" (Edit: There are eight companions in total, but Dogmeat can't talk so instead he would say "Woof!")

[@audriusfrankonis6862]

Me who doesn't take companions along so they don't alert every enemy I ever try to sneak up on: "What?"

[@pianoguy222]

@@audriusfrankonis6862 I did that... Up until Fawkes. He was just so perfectly distracting.

[@theblancmange1265]

I knew about Fawkes and the bad boy in Nuked Town, but not about anyone else.

[@Yannis1a]

@@theblancmange1265 there is also Dogmeat, Sergeant RL-3, Paladin Cross, Butch, Cover and Caron

[@Yannis1a]

Because many of them have a karma requirement, except for Caron (who you buy his contract) and Dogmeat (a stray dog that follows you), I think it still follows the “Lone Wanderer” trope as the companions choose to follow you, so it’s more like they’re deciding to follow you, than you recruiting them

[@haininhnguyen398]

"just chuck a kid in and let the parenting take over" is my all time fav trope

[@Hawkatana]

Why would calling it "Pulling a Vegeta" make people mad? That's exactly his arc in the Buu Saga.

[@timothymclean]

The larger the fandom, the louder the voices of people with dumb opinions about it.

[@Mcl_Blue]

Rabid Vegeta fans that won't take any marginally negative comment about him sitting down.

[@Hawkatana]

@@Mcl_Blue It's not even negative, it's literally his arc. The guy himself admitted as much in the show.

[@rogerogue7226]

Eh, there are some nuances to that arc that his detractors aren't always capable or willing to acknowledge, so some of his fans (like me) are a little trigger happy about making sure that they are acknowledged.

[@AjiraCtelin1993]

Because the larger the fandom, the louder the fan*dumb*.

[@vgamer4993]

Red: “I like to call this, ‘Pulling a Vegeta,’ because it makes people mad.” Also Red: “Why are you booing me, I’m right!”

[@Outlaw7263]

Piccolo who has been a loner from the original Dragon ball down to the end of the cell games saga: am I a joke to you?

[@tybuss6211]

Why not pulling a piccolo

[@camiblack1]

Red: Hey Vegeta look at me. Vegeta: -looks- Red: You are not alone.

[@theoleadfoot2864]

@@tybuss6211 Piccolo didnt revert back to murder

[@timothymclean]

@@Outlaw7263 Heck, Piccolo even did the adopt-an-orphan thing! (Does it count if the orphan's dad already has a plan to come back to life?)

[@Mechawizard]

As an introvert I’d like to see more representation of “being by yourself is fine too” as a counterpoint to the constant talk about the power of friendship and whatnot.

[@reddoxey7326]

YES! The only example I've ever seen of this was the Winnie the Pooh episode where everyone was trying to cheer Eeyore up. He wasn't depressed. He was just enjoying sitting by himself watching the clouds.

[@thechevyferrari9559]

Less compelling of a story though. More of a Pixar short. But I get you.

[@marocat4749]

Or introverted friends beinc fine from not annoy each other all the time.

[@hersheysbar28]

As an introvert, I actually have composed narratives about that sort of thing. Be alone is totally okay sometimes

[@catbatrat1760]

YES!!! The only thing I can think of that does this is the Lion Guard episode "Fuli's New Family"! In it, the Guard starts to worry that letting Fuli the cheetah be by herself makes them bad friends, so they keep bugging her when she's trying to hunt. Finally, she gets mad enough to tell them to back off, and they realize their mistake. "Maybe we were being better friends when we just let Fuli be Fuli." -Kion I really hate it when cartoons act like being introverted is some kind of character flaw or makes people be evil or something. Introversion isn't a disease, guys! That's why I love "Fuli's New Family" so much: It teaches kids that introverts exist and that 1) if you are one, there's nothing wrong with that, and 2) you're not helping them or being a good friend by forcing them to be something they're not.

[@sploog]

Loner: "I'm gonna go out there alone, do a backflip, snap the bad guy's neck, and save the day" Tag Along: "Of course you are, I'm in"

[@angisanders7953]

Super easy, barely an inconvenience

[@gamehero6816]

@@angisanders7953 oh, really?

[@AnakinFury]

@@gamehero6816 yeah yeah yeah

[@Door227]

@@AnakinFurythis comment section is tight

[@JahanaraBegum-gl1sf]

​@@AnakinFurywow wow wow wow wow wow wow.

[@professorbutters]

I’m an introvert, and the nicest compliment I can give someone is, “wow, being with you is like being alone.” But I really mean that I can relax and not feel all stressed out in their presence. This is why cats are awesome. You can just read and they can sit on you and that’s about enough interaction for either of you. I’m surprised no one has brought up Harry Dresden, who just screams Loner but is somehow always surrounded by crowds of people. The Lone Hero in those books is Butters, imo.

[@williamwhitehouse8741]

Would Marcone fit the magnificient bastard trope? Also side note im getting tured of "Marcone is a horrible person" being said whenever whenever Harry's around

[@deadersurvival4716]

This is actually on point, OP. A lot of extroverts don't realize how great it is to just sit, doing different things, just existing in the presence of someone you trust. Ironically, it's such an underused activity IRL, and yet, it's literally the best of both worlds. Introverts who need downtime can get it, while their extrovert friend can keep them company. When an introvert has the social battery to deal with other people, extrovert is right on hand to be that other people or to accompany the introvert through their people-ing.

[@lukekent9386]

This does make sense in a way. But no, you can't read around cats. They are always trying to steal the book, or lay on it.

[@Mossy-Kat]

@@lukekent9386 Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on whether the cat is in a "pet me now" mood or a "we're just vibing" mood.

[@kuronaialtani]

Thank you for starting off with the distinction between “loner” and “alone” Same goes for “alone” and “lonely” So many people switch them up or don’t know the difference

[@Syurtpiutha]

Exactly. I'm perfectly capable of feeling lonely when surrounded by people (even ones I know and care about) and perfectly capable of not feeling lonely when not having seen or spoken to someone for a day or two. It really depends on where my minds at at the moment and the context of surroundings. I'm an introvert but wouldn't call myself a loner. I like working with people but need my time to myself as well. Can't get any reading done otherwise. :p

[@AnInsideJoke]

@@Syurtpiutha You might just actually be an ambivert, like me. People tend to so overtly focus on the introverts vs extroverts thing that they completely forget that our middle ground exists.

[@Syurtpiutha]

@@AnInsideJoke Well, I'm pretty social, but I do always find it draining. When I'm tired I definitely need my alone time. Since I always understood the whole extro/introversion in the sense of what energizes you I've never understood the idea of ambiversion. Not to be dismissive of it, mind you.

[@loethefox6938]

@@Syurtpiutha You could be a 'social' introvert. They want to and like hanging out with people but it does drain them after awhile.

[@Syurtpiutha]

​@@loethefox6938 That'd be my take, yeah (and I have no doubts about that). Still curious how one would define ambiversion and if that works with a different take on extroversion and introversion than I'm familiar with

[@lane_m]

Whoa, she got through a whole episode without mentioning Avatar. That must've taken strength.

[@WickedKnightAlbel]

Herculean strength

[@moralsupport1582]

I was so sure and excited that she would mention Zuko in any moment but it just did not happen...what an odd feeling

[@elineverstraeten1872]

@@moralsupport1582 Same, but when you think about it, Zuko isn't really a loner (except in Zuko alone)

[@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776]

Iroh: _I abandoned my nephew for tea_

[@maggiem6209]

"The Tag-along." Me: Dandelion. "They invited themselves along," Me: Dandelion. "They play off the main character," Me: Dandelion. "...and contrast their personality," Me: Dandelion. Red: *Shows Jaskier/Dandelion.* Me: Your Honor, I rest my case.

[@longshot9757]

HAH

[@stephanielester7571]

Heck you could say this for John Watson to loner Sherlock Holmes, it would work perfectly haha

[@daviddaugherty2816]

Is it sad that I was thinking about Dandelion when she was talking about the loner adopting a kid even though he's (ostensibly) an adult?

[@--------04]

​@@daviddaugherty2816I mean, in the show he seems like it, but in the books I don't think so

[@shauryajain5474]

“It’s not about being alone, it’s about feeling alone” *I felt that*

[@dynamicworlds1]

Which is why those characters work.

[@epauletshark3793]

Me

[@RWAsur]

"I like calling this a Vegeta because it makes people mad." *chef's kiss*

[@jasonfurumetarualkemisto5917]

I wonder how anyone would get mad by that, it's literally Vegeta's entire personality.

[@connorschultz380]

@@jasonfurumetarualkemisto5917 at least he's grown past it

[@robgruner247]

This was hilarious to me cause even though I know who vegeta is its also a polish seasoning pack and when you said chefs kiss I broke out laughing

[@HydeTheSturdy]

Man, the points at the end about characters just being cool and having people fawn over them just screamed Sasuke to me

[@zoro115-s6b]

Uggghhh, Sauske is the worst. He treats everyone like garbage from day one, and despite that Sakura still worships him and Naruto will still do anything for him. Granted, that's sort ofa consistent character trait of Naruto... but still. Sauske is an asshole and he gets away with everything.

[@mrwindupbird101]

I got the same vibes. Man literally threatened to kill or nearly killed just about everyone close to him and they all just pretend like it didn't happen or blow it off. Like you don't blow off attempted murder, domestic violence, death threats and assault. That isn't being a friend, that's being obsessed and makes the characters close to Sasuke (namely Naruto and Sakura) come off as just weird as hell. Even the other Leaf ninja were ready to kill him, and rightly so. By the end of the series he made some of earlier villains look like softies yet all is forgiven because Naruto punched him real good or something.

[@SBJ_Tube]

Cough, Kirito, cough.

[@zoro115-s6b]

@@mrwindupbird101 At least for Naruto it fits his overall characterization, however weird it may be. He'll try to make friends with ANYONE no matter how obviously evil. Sakura, on the other hand, has an explosive temper and is ready to fly off the chain at anyone (usually Naruto) at the slightest provocation. And yet she lets Sauske walk all over her. What the heck?

[@pn2294]

Sasuke is in a weird place In Part 1, he was arguably the first kid to respect Naruto (besides Hinata obviously) He broke Kakashi’s rules to help Naruto out. When they were fighting Zabuza for the first time, he went along with Naruto’s plan without question. When Naruto was seemingly about to be killed Haku, he jumped in to take the bullet. While Sasuke might not think much of these moments, it actually makes me understand why Naruto considered Sasuke a friend.

[@scalarknight]

"I work alone." "You tell 'em, buddy!"

[@generaljackson5741]

Character 1: "So you're a loner?" Loner: "Whenever it is feasibly possible, yes. And that doesn't mean I'm cold heated. I'm just slow to trust."

[@ToxicWaffle183]

Stoic badass man: i am a loner, I don’t need anything or anyone Stoic badass man: *adopts kid* Me: 👁👄👁 💧 💧

[@donanthebarbarian5177]

He's very correct that he doesn't need the kid, but arguably more important is the fight between his morals and his desire to be alone because the kid clearly needs somebody and thanks to the badass qualities most loner characters get they are very qualified to help.

[@ellentheeducator]

I still really want a Loner who does the whole "I'm not safe or healthy to be around, my life is too dark" but does it with the actual gravitas of someone with serious issues, who is terrified of hurting the people they care about because of those issues. They know they get grumpy after more than a few days with someone, and they know they lash out, so they say "I appreciate you and your work with me, but I need space, and I hope you'll still be happy to see me in a few weeks when I'm fit for human consumption again".

[@DreamTravelerZenddrex]

Guts from Berserk is a lot like that.

[@spacecat_scribbles]

Not really a dark/dealing with issues character, but Snufkin from the Moomin franchise does something like that. He has friends and enjoys their company, but he's a wanderer at heart and often has to go on journeys alone, otherwise he feels confined and stressed in his support system

[@zoro115-s6b]

Raven.

[@ldees3505]

Bro... I hate to say it... but Elsa

[@carnivoriousleaf]

Eda the owl lady? Not quite... But there's some elements

[@justalittleme]

My favorite version of this type of trope: the loner who says, acts and thinks like they're a loner, but accidentally acquires an entire family of people who follow them around like baby ducklings that they grudgingly accept

[@metarcee2483]

So, Batman.

[@justalittleme]

@@metarcee2483WHICH VERSION

[@metarcee2483]

Fandom.

[@cernunnos8344]

Guts

[@justalittleme]

@@cernunnos8344 WHO IS THAT!?!

[@fullmetaltheorist]

"Loners usually like to adopt kids." Me looking at my story : **Abort mission. Abort mission.**

[@BlackCover95]

Hey, don’t avoid it just because. Tropes aren’t bad, and conscientiously eschewing them could be as damaging as bad clichés are thought to be.

[@zoro115-s6b]

Don't abort, go full ahead.

[@JenamDrag0n]

I will never ever get tired of stories of adults taking on a parental role for kids that aren't theirs.

[@andresmartinezramos7513]

@@JenamDrag0n They are easily one of the most heartwarming stories one can write

[@Jikkuryuu]

Ideas: 1. Make the kid an "acting aloner" and now your loner has to convince them to form a bond in order to properly look after them. 2. Have the kid adopt the loner. One of those "8 year old housewife" types that fusses over the loner and stays with them to take care of them. 3. "Child is required to function." Your loner is significantly weaker without something the kid provides. These have all been done, but like these guys are saying, tropes are tools. Your plot tropes are too familiar? Subvert/invert or add another. Examples: 1. Every teenager. Street rat/rat king. Slave that hasn't broken yet. 2. Eh, this one's more of a foil. I'm sure there's lots of it, but I can't think of any names. 3. FF:U - the ma-gun just doesn't work. World of Quest - (inverted) the titular character is actually stronger alone but can't disobey the prince due to a royal curse. Maybe the loner gets special privileges by safeguarding a noble child (diplomatic immunity, go anywhere passport, "it's this or prison").

[@stephenjames3377]

As bill Hicks always said "People who hate people, COME TOGETHER!" Everyone: "NO!!!!" Bill Hicks "damnit, it's so hard getting my kind of people together' 🤣🤣🤣👍👌👌👌😋

[@willstew7336]

What you reading for? So I don't end up a fucking waffle waitress!

[@trajectoryunown]

"I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out." Never expected a Hicks quote here. I love you guys.

[@willstew7336]

@@trajectoryunown love you too mate

[@pinkdisaster804]

“It’s not about being alone, its about FEELING alone” What a Mood

[@zaneex4043]

Favorite loner has to be Samurai Jack, sometimes the show would give you 3 or 4 minutes of Jack just walking calmly to his next destination. Something that's exceedingly rare in a kids show (what with their short attention spans)

[@fjhatsu]

"Loners are like cats actually" So Princess connect went a step further and presents a catgirl loner

[@sanjeethmahendrakar]

Never in a million years would I have expected someone to mention Kyaru/Karyl beneath an OSP video.

[@fjhatsu]

@@sanjeethmahendrakar i guess i'm just weeb enough lol.

[@axelwust9376]

Goddangit, it was already obvious how meticulously constructed the waifu's are... But now I realize why EXACTLY they made the Tsundere a cat...ugh!

[@ActuallyMiggle]

I really wish terrible writing advice would do a collab with overly sarcastic productions. Imagine: the formal and informative teachings of OSP with J.P's sarcasm.

[@savvivixen8490]

Love it, print it, sell it!

[@marocat4749]

Red, jp and ???

[@idontknowanythingbut8615]

Every fourteen year old goth: Finally they talk about me -plays crawling in my skin-

[@AxxLAfriku]

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated? I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else. Gets me frustrated. Just admit that you love the videos I make, my dear ana

[@AnonYmous-db2yy]

Crawling in my crawl*

[@fpedrosa2076]

@@AnonYmous-db2yy Skinning in my crawl*

[@dogocatostudios8719]

@@fpedrosa2076 crawl skining my in

[@blue_light_bot]

THESE WOUNDS THEY WILL NOT HEAL

[@Falcon-doing-doodles]

The weird thing I don't see done very often is a character that is the "likes being alone but still has a social life because they also like people" trope (aka the intorvert) and then stays that way by the end of the story. It's like no one can understand wanting be spend time with just yourself if you have friends, and the closest I've seen of this is Bilbo Baggins. Sure, he's a bit more sociable, but he still enjoys spending time alone

[@mostlynormal9467]

“...The Lone wanderer...” ‘YEAH I’m the type of guy who doesn’t settle down. I roam from place to place. I roam from town to town. They call me the wanderer’ (Fallout 4 flashbacks)

[@michaelralphs5593]

Yeaaah wanderer. I roam around around around around around aroun~

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

Red- a suggestion: Tragic Backstories- & the contrast between the hero with the tragic backstory, & the villain with the tragic backstory- the positive & negative aspects of both in stories...

[@cmdrblaze6487]

I would love to see an episode about this

[@ggt47]

Yes!

[@jayalbertcastigador9274]

DM: The well lit round tavern is lively and bustling with festivity and cheer. Rogue: *internal screaming* I have no dark corner to sulk in!

[@thesquishedelf1301]

I mean, the rogue will usually love the chance to pick some pockets... if somebody is gonna be sulking my bet’s on the warlock, or maybe the spoiled wizard

[@jayalbertcastigador9274]

@@thesquishedelf1301 It all depends on player personality tbh. I've had a cheery Rogue and an edgy Druid in a game before. I'm just working on common stereotypes

[@jazzfan1994]

I know “rouge” is probably a typo but I prefer to think of it as a rogue played by Red

[@jayalbertcastigador9274]

@@jazzfan1994 Fixed it. Thanks

[@zoro115-s6b]

@@jazzfan1994 Hon Hon Hon, I am le rouge, I am not teh be confuzed with ze rouge, I ver ze very bright colors and speak vit a french accent.

[@panlis6243]

It's funy how loners in stories have this magical property of attracting all the other characters

[@bucky937]

I’m a tad bit sad she didn’t talk about Guts: One of, if not, the GREATEST Loner to ever exist.

[@jungleguardian3174]

I was thinking that the whole time

[@badassbillyb]

What about D? From vampire hunter D. Or afro from afro samurai?

[@InnerVacancy]

Spike Spiegel from cowboy bebop is the greatest, hands down, no comparison.

[@badassbillyb]

@@InnerVacancy but he has a team

[@InnerVacancy]

@@badassbillyb the video legit says loners can have teams it more about their personality and from what I took from cowboy bebop was that spike was alone running from his past and it eventually caught up with him.

[@Stratelier]

"Loners are a lot like cats" Coming from a cat family, I can relate to this personally.

[@watchermagic5325]

For a moment my tired brain thought you meant coming from a *family of cats,* instead of a *family that likes* cats. From now on, I'm going to believe the first interpretation XD

[@rachelthornton4442]

I’m not sure if this counts but I think Toph in ATLA is a really cool subversion of the “loner” trope. She’s not introverted, dark or broody; she’s cocky, tough, sociable and extroverted as they come. However, her self-reliant, “striking out from the group” mindset directly clashes with Katara’s community-oriented mindset. She is 100% capable of taking care of herself, yet she lets it clash with her desire to make friends and connect with people who treat her as an equal. Hell, she even invents metalbending on her own, but as soon as she does, she rushes back to help her friends. She even does the whole “go-it-alone” thing in one episode before returning. Not to mention, a lot of her loner attitude comes from her stifling upbringing. A lot of her arc is about letting the people who love her help and working as a part of a group.

[@ryanmoran8787]

I was also thinking of early-to-mid-book-2 Zuko.

[@ghostphantom8453]

Honestly in my dnd campaign I'm basically playing a loner...who's also a child...best way to mess with the loner trope

[@GustavoLeaoValente]

When suddenly the dm throws a mid aged man at you lol

[@adrianbaisden7655]

@@GustavoLeaoValente the casual I need an adult I am an adult

[@pianoguy2747]

Best example of this trope I can think of is Kirito from SAO Abridged. The entirity of the 1st season is focused on Kirito growing out of this trait and opening himself up to others. The Christmas special has some excellent jokes related to the archetype.

[@amberdawn868]

That is the best way to explain how Abridged Kirito overshadows the original Kirito by miles!

[@justanotheryoutubecommente2]

@@amberdawn868 There are 50 ways that abridged kirito outshines original kirito

[@mrwindupbird101]

Abridged SAO is the only SAO I recognize at this point lol

[@justanotheryoutubecommente2]

@@mrwindupbird101 I frequently forget that that's not what his voice originally sounded like

[@ManiaMac1613]

I literally have only watched SAO abridged and completely ignore the original. It has better character writing than most actual anime series.

[@jalapenoofjustice4682]

in the words of the Tick: "Alone" is a pathetic predicament. "Lone" is an aesthetic choice

[@mintbrownieangelfish-6114]

I read a fanfiction recently that pulls off the self loathing loner VERY well, and a unique thing they did was write about the loner from the 'groups' perspective for most of the story. It helped me get to know the surrounding characters and understand on a deep level why they hung out with him. It was a 4 part series, and only on the last part did we get the point of view of the loner. Once that happened, we could see what he thought of all the characters and get a deeper understanding of why he was the way he was, and he had great internal dialogue that kept him interesting even when he was off on his own. If you're curious, the fic series is called Demon Alchemist, and it's for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It's on Archive of our Own. Absolutely incredible fic series.

[@UmBelenense]

thank you

[@jesmiscellaneous8938]

Why thank you for including the sauce.

[@gwenminor9244]

20:03 !!!! People dynamics are different from groups to groups. Make some of your characters dislike your main, some being indifferent and some like, even love them. It brings out the qualities and flaws of your character's personality in a natural way Such a cool explanation, ma'am!