History Main / ThebigGuy

* The film version of [[Film/Speed Racer]]'' presents Pops Racer as a mix of Class 2 and Class 5. A genius automotive designer and mechanic, he is also generally soft-spoken and polite even when addressing the worst sorts of people. [[PapaWolf Until someone tries to attack his sons,]] in which case he subjects them to a comprehensive wall-to-wall beat-down.

* ''Film/BloodQuantum: Bumper is a burly man who carries a large axe as his favorite weapon and is one of the group's main fighters. When someone asks who has "the most meat on them", everyone looks at Bumper.

* The ''[[Film/SpeedRacer film version of Speed Racer]]'' presents Pops Racer as a mix of Class 2 and Class 5. A genius automotive designer and mechanic, he is also generally soft-spoken and polite even when addressing the worst sorts of people. [[PapaWolf Until someone tries to attack his sons,]] in which case he subjects them to a comprehensive wall-to-wall beat-down.

'''Note''': The Big Guy may ''not'' necessarily be the strongest on the team [[ProtagonistPowerUpPrivileges (and usually isn't by the end).]] They just have to be the one who ''specializes'' in fighting or physical duties.

* Class 5: A GeniusBruiser who can also fill the role of TheSmartGuy. This character is rare, (presumably also for balance reasons) as TheSmartGuy is traditionally unimposing and the NonActionGuy. The polar opposite of the DumbMuscle, this version uses their Strength intelligently, and may be diligent in their training and studies.

* Most Big Guys tend to prefer big, heavy weapons like axes, [[CarryABigStick maces, or hammers]] ([[{{BFG}} or oversized guns like bazookas or chainguns]] if in a modern/futuristic setting).

* If it's a magical setting, they may also be adept at DishingOutDirt or have a GreenThumb, as the "earth" element can be seen as tough, strong, and/or sturdy. [[AnIcePerson Ice]] and [[ExtraOreDinary Metal]] may have similar connotations. More rarely [[ShockAndAwe electricity]] will be used since it's loud and powerful raw energy.

Originally, this trope was AlwaysMale, but in modern times, more and more women are filling this role, which used to be a rarity unless the ''[[AmazonBrigade whole team]]'' [[AmazonBrigade was composed of women]]. Since physical strength is usually a masculine trait, she may be a {{Tomboy}}, {{Ladette}}, or [[BrawnHilda mannish]]. But you can flip this on its head by making her a GirlyBruiser, allowing her to be both strong and feminine, or by making her the Amazon: [[StatuesqueStunner big]], and [[AmazonianBeauty beautiful]].

If she's playing the tough guy straight, her softer side is often [[TomboyWithAGirlyStreak a secret cache of girlish habits]] which [[HugeSchoolgirl she finds embarrassing]]. On rare occasions, she may be revealed to be a ButchLesbian, a {{Tsundere}}, or even a ViolentlyProtectiveGirlfriend. When there are TwoGirlsToATeam, the Big Girl is often the tomboyish half of a TomboyAndGirlyGirl duo.

Can have some overlap with ScaryBlackMan, TheStrongman and the ProudWarriorRaceGuy especially when dealing with [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarves.]] Due to their status as the biggest, most physically-dangerous person on The Hero's team, they often fall victim to BigGuyFatalitySyndrome. They often form a BrainsAndBrawn relationship with TheSmartGuy in the group, or will be used as a {{Foil}} for them a la BrainsVersusBrawn.

* Class 4: The PintSizedPowerhouse, a child or otherwise unimposing person that still packs a punch. If they're not a great athlete their power may come from [[TheDeterminator raw determination]]. In cases of truly great strength, you may be dealing with a cyborg, mutant, alien, or some other justification for unusual power. This type is more common with female examples who may be a CuteBruiser or GirlyBruiser.

In a fight they're often the one who holds off the army of {{mooks}} while the others challenge the BigBad. While TheLeader and TheLancer often fight [[BashBrothers side-by-side]], The Big Guy can be a OneManArmy. Against stronger enemies they might end up suffering TheWorfEffect; i.e. getting trounced to set up the villain as an unusually grave threat.

* Class 2: The GentleGiant who [[BewareTheNiceOnes you don't want to push too far.]] They can be a calming element in the group, offering both experience and wisdom, or just able to pull two others apart easily. In this case he may show signs of TheHeart or TheMentor. Despite, or because of, their size, they're among the least aggressive and nicest of the bunch. They might be a BruiserWithASoftCenter or even a LovableCoward.

* Most Big Guys tend to prefer big, heavy weapons like axes or [[DropTheHammer hammers]] ([[{{BFG}} or oversized guns like bazookas or chainguns]] if in a modern/futuristic setting).

* Hugh from ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'' is an unorthodox example, given his lean physique, his usage of skill-based weapons ([[WhipSword Threaded]] {{Cane|Fu}}, [[KatanasAreJustBetter Chikage]], [[BowAndSwordInAccord Simon's Bowblade]]) rather than power-based ones like {{BFS}}s, axes or [[DropTheHammer hammers]], and his graceful fighting style instead of brute force all the way. What makes him firmly this trope is that he is mute ("dumb", but [[GeniusBruiser not stupid]]), and that among the [[FiveManBand Five-Hunter Band]], he is considered the most deadly, due to his proficiency in both swordsmanship and marksmanship that allows adaptability in close-quarters and long-ranged fights respectively.

* Several characters in ''Webcomic/TowerOfGod'' fulfil this role. Giant alligator Rak Wraithraiser is the BigGuy (and also [[HiddenDepths astonishingly keen]] and intuitive), [[DropTheHammer Kurdan]] is a really big BigGuy for [[TomboyPrincess Yuri's]] team and Kang Horyang is the BigGuy for the [[OldHeroNewPals season two team]].

* Zdeno "Z Train" Chára of the Boston Bruins is very tall for a hockey player, standing 6'9'' (in fact, he's the tallest player in NHL history). He's also quite strong, even by hockey standards, and is no stranger to fighting when someone starts with him or teammates.

* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}:''

* ''Franchise/GreenLantern:''

** In the ''ComicBook/RedDaughterOfKrypton'' storyline in which ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'' joins [[Franchise/GreenLantern Guy Gardner's Red Lanterns]]. She was tinier than her teammates... and the most powerful ''by far''.

* ''Franchise/JusticeLeague'':
** Franchise/{{Superman}} is usually considered the big guy or the big gun for the team, and is a mix of [[GentleGiant Class 2]] and [[GeniusBruiser Class 5]], although he's simultaneously TheLeader and TheHero.

** Atom Smasher (formerly Nuklon) was the BigGuy and GentleGiant for the original ComicBook/InfinityInc, an incarnation of the Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica and much of the ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica, until he did a FaceHeelTurn (he later turned back). His godbrother Damage has more or less taken up this role in the current JSA, who until [[spoiler:Gog repaired his face]] was definitely a Class 1. Atom Smasher is presumably a reserve member and still drops in on occasion, usually when the team takes on Black Adam.

** Like her sister in the Justice League, Donna Troy served this role on the team, being a FlyingBrick and LightningBruiser with martial arts training.
** Starfire, Cyborg and Donna occupied this role in the ''New Teen Titans'' era. Cyborg was a GeniusBruiser while Donna and Starfire were {{Girly Bruiser}}s. Starfire herself was a FlyingBrick and had combat training since she was a child. Donna mentions that she frequently lost to her in sparring sessions.

* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'':

* Ben aka The Thing of the ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'' is a TropeCodifier for superhero comics.

* ''Franchise/XMen:''
** Piotr aka Colossus of the ComicBook/XMen is the poster child for Class 2, who replaced Class 5 GeniusBruiser Hank [=McCoy=][=/=]The Beast when he first appeared. Sometimes they're both on the team together...at which point the bad guys should generally start running.

* Class 4: A GeniusBruiser who can also fill the role of TheSmartGuy. This character is rare, (presumably also for balance reasons) as TheSmartGuy is traditionally unimposing and the NonActionGuy. The polar opposite of the DumbMuscle, this version uses their Strength intelligently, and may be diligent in their training and studies.
* Class 5: The PintSizedPowerhouse, a child or otherwise unimposing person that still packs a punch. If they're not a great athlete their power may come from [[TheDeterminator raw determination]]. In cases of truly great strength, you may be dealing with a cyborg, mutant, alien, or some other justification for unusual power. This type is more common with female examples who may be a CuteBruiser or GirlyBruiser.

* The typical tough guy. Gruff, mean, sometimes scarred and withdrawn warrior. Could go so far as to be a [[TheBerserker Berserker]]. In an entire FiveManBand of ass-kickers, their big guy will most likely be ready to punch you in the face for smiling at him.
* The GentleGiant who [[BewareTheNiceOnes you don't want to push too far.]] They can be a calming element in the group, offering both experience and wisdom, or just able to pull two others apart easily. In this case he may show signs of TheHeart or TheMentor. Despite, or because of, their size, they're among the least aggressive and nicest of the bunch. They might be a BruiserWithASoftCenter or even a LovableCoward.
* The BoisterousBruiser, whose [[LargeHam presence is larger than his physical size]]. This can range from being BigFun, to an EmotionalBruiser, BloodKnight, or generally being HotBlooded and loud. This guy can be as large as the other types, but those with short and StoutStrength are usually here.
* A GeniusBruiser who can also fill the role of TheSmartGuy. This character is rare, (presumably also for balance reasons) as TheSmartGuy is traditionally unimposing and the NonActionGuy. The polar opposite of the DumbMuscle, this version uses their Strength intelligently, and may be diligent in their training and studies.
* The PintSizedPowerhouse, a child or otherwise unimposing person that still packs a punch. If they're not a great athlete their power may come from [[TheDeterminator raw determination]]. In cases of truly great strength, you may be dealing with a cyborg, mutant, alien, or some other justification for unusual power. This type is more common with female examples who may be a CuteBruiser or GirlyBruiser.
* TheBrute, an exaggerated tough guy to the point of being a bully, and normally EvilCounterpart to any of the other Big Guys. He may be [[DumbMuscle dumb]], or too savage to do anything else for the team, but he's kept around because he's good in a fight.

* Magnus of ''Podcast/TheAdventureZoneBalance'' is this.

** ''ComicBook/RobinSeries:'' In Tim's group of civilian friends Callie Evans is the one the others turn to for protection if they think they are going into a situation where they might be attacked. At least two of her basketball teammates feel the same way, asking her assistance when confronting a football player that tried to rape a classmate.

* The Big Guy will often be the band's [[AnAdventurerIsYou "tank"]]; a MightyGlacier who serves as the strongest physical fighter, but also the slowest and least proficient at magic or other specialized skills. Alternatively, he's just a StoneWall taking the hits for others. The lucky ones are those who are [[LightningBruiser as fast as they are strong]].

Originally, this trope was AlwaysMale, but in modern times, more and more women are filling this role, which used to be a rarity unless the ''[[AmazonBrigade whole team]]'' [[AmazonBrigade was composed of women]]. Since physical strength is usually a masculine trait, she may be a {{Tomboy}}, {{Ladette}}, or [[BrawnHilda mannish]]. But you can flip this on its head by making by making her a GirlyBruiser, allowing her to be both strong and feminine, or by making her the Amazon: [[StatuesqueStunner big]], [[BoobsOfSteel and]] [[AmazonianBeauty beautiful]].

Recently more and more women are filling this role, which used to be a rarity unless the ''[[AmazonBrigade whole team]]'' [[AmazonBrigade was composed of women]]. Since physical strength is usually a masculine trait, she may be a {{Tomboy}}, {{Ladette}}, or [[BrawnHilda mannish]]. But you can flip this on its head by making by making her a GirlyBruiser, allowing her to be both strong and feminine, or by making her the Amazon: [[StatuesqueStunner big]], [[BoobsOfSteel and]] [[AmazonianBeauty beautiful]].

* WebOriginal/FortniteLoreSociety: The Holonet News prides himself in being a gym bro.

* ''ComicBook/{{Cossacks}}'': Vika is the tallest and strongest man in the Cossack settlement where the protagonist is GoingNative.

* Chewbacca in ''Franchise/StarWars''. Class 2 or 3, depending on how you look at Wookiees. True to form, Chewbacca was portrayed by the 7'2" Peter Mayhew, although his official height is 4" more than that.

** Diana also fills this role for Steve Trevor's team in ''Film/{{Wonder Woman|2017}}'', being the TokenSuper in it.

* {{Inverted}} in ''WebAnimation/{{Lackadaisy}},'' with the diminutive, [[OlderThanHeLooks baby-faced]] Freckle, whom his cousin Rocky claims "provides the muscle" for their CaperCrew of late night [[VenturousSmuggler booze-runners]] Much to Freckle's horror, he doesn't just mean heavy lifting, as he presents Freckle with a Tommy gun stored in his [[SenselessViolins violin case]], exploiting Freckle's tendency to become TheBerserker around [[GunNut guns]], and thereafter pressganging him into the role of team heavy in a CarChaseShootout.

* ''WebAnimation/{{Dreamscape}}'': Vampire Lord is TheBigGuy of the FiveManBand. He is very strong and strong-willed, and he's also a bit of a smartass.

* Mr. Mighty from ''Webcomic/EverydayHeroes'', at least in his current team. He could be either Class 2 or Class 5; in practice bouts with his teammates, he wins by [[http://eheroes.smackjeeves.com/comics/1895750/follow-the-instructions/ strategy]] rather than pure strength. Has often fought solo in the past, and has learned to [[http://eheroes.smackjeeves.com/comics/1991164/off-the-cuff-strategy/ outsmart]] opponents.

** In the ''ComicBook/RedDaughterOfKrypton'' storyline in which ''Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}'' joins [[Franchise/GreenLantern Guy Gardner's Red Lanterns]]. She was tinier than her teammates... and the most powerful ''by far''.

* Hugh from ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'' is an unorthodox example, given his lean physique, his usage of skill-based weapons ([[WhipSword Threaded]] [[CaneFu Cane]], [[KatanasAreJustBetter Chikage]], [[BowAndSwordInAccord Simon's Bowblade]]) rather than power-based ones like [[{{BFS}} BFSs]], axes or [[DropTheHammer hammers]], and his graceful fighting style instead of brute force all the way. What makes him firmly this trope is that he is mute ("dumb", but [[GeniusBruiser not stupid]]), and that among the [[FiveManBand Five-Hunter Band]], he is considered the most deadly, due to his proficiency in both swordsmanship and marksmanship that allows adaptability in close-quarters and long-ranged fights respectively.

* Achmed from ''FanFic/TheSecretLifeOfTheBackyardKids''. He's not "big" or "strong" but he's definitely a BoisterousBruiser [[TheRockStar Rock Star]], putting him squarely in Class 4.
* Rika, Ryo, Beelzemon, Kazu and, surprisingly enough [[spoiler: Jeri]] all fit this role in the ''FanFic/TamersForeverSeries'', being the best straight up fighters on the team.

* ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' has two, Class 1 Drax and Class 2 Groot.

* ''Film/{{Tremors1}}'' and it's sequel have a unique example in Burt Gummer, local survival expert and gun nut, when the giant worms attack. The reputation of the series of him being the main character would make some forget that he was the big guy in the first two films. A combination of him having some of the most iconic moments in the films, notably gunning down one of them with a WallOfWeapons alongside his wife, and Creator/MichaelGross willing to return to the role led to him being TheHero of the franchise.

* Most Toa of [[DishingOutDirt Stone]] fill this role on their respective teams in ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}''. They tend to be BoisterousBruiser types. Toa of Earth may also qualify, but they tend to be {{GeniusBruiser}}s and better suited to being TheSmartGuy.

[[folder:Web Comics]]

Recently more and more women are filling this role, which used to be a rarity unless the ''[[AmazonBrigade whole team]]'' [[AmazonBrigade was composed of women]]. Since physical strength is usually a masculine trait, she may be a tomboy, {{Ladette}}, or [[BrawnHilda mannish]]. But you can flip this on its head by making her the Amazon: [[StatuesqueStunner big]], [[BoobsOfSteel and]] [[AmazonianBeauty beautiful]].

If she's playing the tough guy straight, her softer side is often a secret cache of girlish habits which [[HugeSchoolgirl she finds embarrassing]]. On rare occasions, she may be revealed to be a ButchLesbian, a {{Tsundere}}, or even a ViolentlyProtectiveGirlfriend. Most of the time, the Big Girl is the tomboy and the Chick is the girly girl.

* The GentleGiant who [[BewareTheNiceOnes you don't want to push too far.]] They can be a calming element in the group, offering both experience and wisdom, or just able to pull two others apart easily. In this case he may show signs of TheHeart or TheMentor. Despite, or because of, their size, they're among the least aggressive and nicest of the bunch. In an extreme case they may be a LovableCoward.
** [[BruiserWithASoftCenter A ''closet'' Gentle Giant]] may also look like the typical tough guy.

If she's playing the tough guy straight, her softer side is often a secret cache of girlish habits which [[HugeSchoolgirl she finds embarrassing]]. On rare occasions, she may be revealed to be a ButchLesbian, a {{Tsundere}}, or even a ViolentlyProtectiveGirlfriend. When there are TwoGirlsToATeam, the Big Girl and TheChick commonly form a TomboyAndGirlyGirl pair. Most of the time, the Big Girl is the tomboy and the Chick is the girly girl.

** Justin, while not yet physically adept as Grace or Nanase, shows signs of becoming a Class 2 [[spoiler:as of New and Old Flames giving him non-illusory magical powers, seemingly related to punching]], when he is not acting as a back-up TheSmartGuy or TheChick instead.

While most are passionate and unflinchingly loyal, what holds them back from [[TheLeader leadership]] among the core team is being DumbMuscle. They know how to [[PutTheirHeadsTogether knock heads together]] but don't do much in the way of strategy. Despite this, [[AsskickingEqualsAuthority as renowned warriors]], they may still exercise authority over the [[RedShirtArmy supporting]] [[MenOfSherwood troops]].