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1->''"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails."''
2-->-- '''Creator/WilliamArthurWard'''
3
4This is a trope applying to the dynamics of groups of four. While the FourTemperamentEnsemble seeks to classify members by their personality, this trope classifies members by their outlook, or life philosophy, especially as demonstrated when the Group is faced by a problem or challenge.
5
6Keep in mind that this trope crops up in more character-driven works and will probably be absent from a work where the group of heroes are more cohesive or single-minded. That is to say, if there isn't much argument within the group, then they never have much chance to demonstrate the differing traits making up this trope.
7
8The dynamics for this trope are very effective because it combines the best parts of a GoodCopBadCop or a RedOniBlueOni binary (The Cynic vs The Optimist) and a PowerTrio, (The Cynic - The Realist - The Optimist) placing The Realist in between the two opposing views, along with a fourth member (The Apathetic) to contrast all of them at once, including a fourth dimension to the argument, and even the potential for a fifth to be conflicted over the issue, often resulting in a ThreePlusTwo. All of this in a package that can even be coupled with the FourTemperamentEnsemble for double the fun. This is [[SeriousBusiness some serious]] CastCalculus.
9
10!!!A FourPhilosophyEnsemble intro:
11
12* '''The Cynic'''
13** ''Common Attributes'': Logic, practicality, criticism, ReasonBeforeHonor, [[ShootTheDog free of guilt]] in [[IDidWhatIHadToDo doing what's necessary]], DeadpanSnarker, hostility or antagonism, caution, prioritizes survival over other goals, skepticism, shoots first (''might'' ask questions later), lacks compassion for people unwilling to make painful choices, [[KillHimAlready deadly]] [[FinishHim battle-finisher]], disregard for social norms such as rules or politeness, questionable morality, book smart or street smart.
14** ''Common Characterizations'': Either [[RedOniBlueOni Oni type]], pure [[GoodCopBadCop Bad Cop]], TheCynic, TheSpock, AntiHero, KnightInSourArmor, TheSnarkKnight, TheRival, TheUnfettered, OnlySaneMan, ByronicHero, TokenEvilTeammate, either a {{Tsundere}} (harsh then sweet) or a {{Kuudere}} (the blunt variety).
15** ''Most Common Perspective'': BlackAndWhiteMorality, BlackAndGrayMorality, [[EvilVersusEvil Black-and-Black Morality]], a [[BitchInSheepsClothing hypocritical version]] of BlackAndWhiteInsanity,[[note]][[TheUnfettered fetters not much deeper]] than "avoid the SevenDeadlySins"[[/note]] a ''stickler'' for ritualistic/[[LawfulGood letter-of-law]] absolutes (but still Unfettered).
16** ''Most Common [[FourTemperamentEnsemble Temperaments]]'': in the skepticism/caution cases Melancholic; otherwise Choleric. [[note]]Since the defiance of a melancholic Cynic is generally limited to civil disobedience of an accepted norm they know to be logically/morally unsound and corrupt at its core; a melancholic cynic is otherwise rather unusual, as the ones who are morally ambiguous are usually choleric.[[/note]]
17** ''Most Common [[PersonalityBloodTypes Blood Type]] Association:'' Type A or Type O
18** ''UsefulNotes/MyersBriggs types in general'': Thinkers, generally '''E[[superscript:_]]TJ''' or '''I[[superscript:_]]TP''', as the types suppressing feelings the most.
19** ''Most Common [[FreudianTrio Freudian Mindset]]'': a [[TheDeterminator ruthless]] Id or a [[TheSpock cold, logical]] Superego.
20
21
22* '''The Optimist'''
23** ''Common Attributes'': Determination, loyalty to ideals, HonorBeforeReason, morality or friendship over rules, self-sacrifice, feelings over facts, lack of forethought, disregard for consequences, relentlessness (even stubbornness), optimism, blind faith, naivety, prioritizes 'the right thing' over survival.
24** ''Common Characterizations'': Either [[RedOniBlueOni Oni type]], pure [[GoodCopBadCop Good Cop]], TheMcCoy, ThePollyanna, TheFettered, IdealHero, NiceGuy, [[GenkiGirl Genki Girl]]/[[{{Keet}} Boy]], TheDeterminator, MessianicArchetype, PluckyGirl, Either a {{Dandere}} or [[ThePollyanna Deredere]] (or in worse cases {{Yandere}}).
25** ''Most Common Perspective'': BlackAndWhiteMorality, WhiteAndGreyMorality, [[GoodVersusGood White-and-White Morality]].
26** ''Most Common [[FourTemperamentEnsemble Temperament]]'': Sanguine or Phlegmatic usually, portrayed in a morally upstanding and [[TheIdealist idealistic]] light.
27** ''Most Common [[PersonalityBloodTypes Blood Type]] Association:'' Type B or Type AB
28** ''UsefulNotes/MyersBriggs types in general'': Feelers, generally '''E[[superscript:_]]F[[superscript:_]]''' and '''[[superscript:__]]FP''' types. Also '''[[superscript:__]]FJ''' types can qualify.
29** ''Most Common [[FreudianTrio Freudian Mindset]]'': usually either a [[SuperGullible gullible]] Id or an [[WideEyedIdealist idealistic and kind-hearted]] Ego - sometimes also a Superego, in [[SugarBowl lighter characterizations]].
30
31
32* '''The Realist'''
33** ''Common Attributes'': Takes the middle ground or TakeAThirdOption, mediation, objectivity, decisiveness, balance between the group's well-being and the goal, personal code, disciplinarian, calm or quiet, leadership, experience, adaptability, and willingness to bend the rules.
34** ''Common Characterizations'': Usually a [[RedOniBlueOni Blue Oni]], either [[GoodCopBadCop Cop type]], TheKirk, TheCaptain, SupportingLeader, TheFettered (or alternatively TheUnfettered), OnlySaneMan (in certain ways), TeamMom / TeamDad, MentorArchetype, ReasonableAuthorityFigure, level-headed variety of the NiceGuy, can either be a more grounded Deredere, a less cynical {{Kuudere}} (the remote variety) or a less anxious {{Dandere}}.
35** ''Most Common Perspective'': GrayAndGreyMorality, {{Black|and Gray Morality}}/{{White|and Grey Morality}} and Gray Morality,[[note]]These characters will often have the perspective that because both sides are fighting, a) neither side is truly good, or b) both sides honestly believe in what they fight for, but that the better choice would be to compromise[[/note]] {{Blue and Orange|Morality}} (optional) included in a MoralityKitchenSink
36** ''Most Common [[FourTemperamentEnsemble Temperaments]]'': Phlegmatic or Melancholic qualify most often. A more levelheaded Choleric may qualify as well.
37** ''Most Common [[PersonalityBloodTypes Blood Type]] Association:'' Type AB or Type A
38** ''UsefulNotes/MyersBriggs types in general'': Variable; often '''[[superscript:__]]FJ''', '''I[[superscript:__]]J''' or '''E[[superscript:__]]P''' (which, despite their differences, are generally well-balanced types between logic and feeling).
39** ''Most Common [[FreudianTrio Freudian Mindset]]'': a [[TheSmartGuy wise]] Superego or a [[TheLeader commanding]] Ego.
40
41
42* '''The Apathetic'''
43** ''Common Attributes'': Aloof or busy, uninvolved or neutral, different background or culture from other characters, different goals or priorities than other characters, perhaps enigmatic and lacking apparent goals at all, mysterious, ambivalent or not invested in the outcome, just along for the ride, silly or crazy, inactive, observer, support member.
44** ''Common Characterizations'': Pure [[RedOniBlueOni Red Oni]], either [[GoodCopBadCop Cop type]], CloudCuckoolander, SupportingProtagonist; a) in more [[TheSmartGuy Smart Guy]] cases TheQuietOne, NonActionGuy; b) in more stolid, carefree cases TheUnfettered, {{Jerkass}}, SociopathicHero, WildCard, StrawNihilist, TheHedonist, TokenEvilTeammate, either a {{Tsundere}} (sweet then harsh) or [[ThePollyanna Deredere]] (or in worse cases {{Yandere}}).
45** ''Most Common Perspective'': GreyAndGrayMorality, BlueAndOrangeMorality, ItAmusedMe, BystanderSyndrome
46** ''Most Common [[FourTemperamentEnsemble Temperaments]]'': Either Choleric [[LackOfEmpathy for lack of regard for others' affairs]], Sanguine for being a CloudCuckoolander, or more rarely, Phlegmatic for [[LazyBum general laziness]].
47** ''Most Common [[PersonalityBloodTypes Blood Type]] Association:'' Type O or Type B
48** ''UsefulNotes/MyersBriggs types in general'': '''[[superscript:__]]TP''' or any '''[[superscript:_]]S[[superscript:_]]P'''.
49** ''Most Common [[FreudianTrio Freudian Mindset]]'': a [[EnigmaticMinion detached]] Ego or a [[FriendlyScheming scheming]] Superego.
50
51
52!!!Occasionally the group will be joined by a fifth, called The Conflicted, or The Conflicted will replace The Apathetic.
53
54* '''The Conflicted'''
55** ''Common Attributes'': Indecisive and [[ShapedLikeItself conflicted]], changeable, doesn't have or voice strong opinions, empathy, good morality, prioritizes peace and cohesion among the group, appeasement, self-doubt, lack of confidence, fear, need for approval, dependent, blind trust of others (or at least open-minded).
56** ''Common Characterizations'': Either [[RedOniBlueOni Oni type]] and [[GoodCopBadCop Cop type]], TeamPet, ReluctantWarrior, SadClown, TheIngenue, TheEeyore, TheDitherer, ClassicalAntiHero, TheUnfettered (similarly to the Apathetic), either Dere type (with the Dandere often being an example). Can be a FallenHero (in more villainous cases).
57** ''Most Common Perspective'': GreyAndGrayMorality, MoralityKitchenSink (although binds self to BlackAndWhiteMorality)
58** ''Most Common [[FourTemperamentEnsemble Temperament]]'': Either temperament for their lack of alignment with a particular one, and for that reason often Leukine. However, Phlegmatics easily qualify as well, due to their typical conflict aversion.
59** ''Most Common [[PersonalityBloodTypes Blood Type]] Association:'' Either blood type
60** ''UsefulNotes/MyersBriggs types in general'': Variable, but quite often introverts (TheDitherer and overthinker types), mostly '''IN[[superscript:__]]''' and '''I[[superscript:_]]FJ''' types.
61** ''Most Common [[FreudianTrio Freudian Mindset]]'': a [[MysteriousWatcher spectating]] Ego (rarely an Id or Superego).
62
63
64A variation on this trope involves there being a group of four with a Cynic and an Optimist who are always as such, but the remaining two members trade among themselves the roles of Realist, Apathetic and Conflicted, or do away with two of the roles, simply having them share the same role (Realist or Conflicted), with one being the main holder and the other in a supporting role or crossed with aspects of the Apathetic.
65
66It is possible to expand the group beyond four or five members using this trope as a template and fitting additional characters into each slot, portraying different parts of the role, four is simply the minimum to qualify for this trope. Beyond that the number of members is unimportant so long as the group involves not a significant amount of Apathetic members, a case that would pretty much defeat the purpose of the trope, which is group conflict. If only a small part of the group (such as just the leader and his lancer) is ever involved in the conflict then it's not this trope, and probably a more job or role-oriented ensemble trope, such as FiveManBand or MagnificentSeven. When the group uses the full five philosophy roles, it is common for them to form a ThreePlusTwo group.
67
68[[folder: Example of this Trope in Action]]
69
70Situation: Our group is on an Adventure InSpace, when suddenly they get pelted with space debris, their propulsion system is destroyed and they realize they are on a collision course with a meteor with very little maneuvering capabilities.
71
72* The Cynic proposes they dump the ship and all their belongings and escape in space pods, even if it means leaving that urgently needed medicine they are transporting on board to be destroyed.
73* The Optimist finds this idea appalling and insists that either they will fix the ship in time to get out of the way or what maneuvering capability they have will be enough, usually without any evidence to support this idea.
74* The Realist goes over the pros and cons of the situation, calming down the argument to the point where actual decision making can happen. Eventually they choose a side or propose a third option everyone can live with. This may lead to acting on whatever plan they supports.
75* The Apathetic may be a mechanic running about in the background, frantically trying to fix the propulsion systems with little time to think of anything else. Another portrayal is as an enigmatic passenger, watching the proceedings with bemusement, seemingly unaware of the danger. Alternatively they are gathering up their things, hopping in an escape pod without consulting anyone and saying "It's been real guys, see ya." Then again, they might just be insane.
76* The Conflicted, should there be one, will be on the verge of tears throughout the ordeal. They may be in the corner quietly worrying, wanting to believe in The Optimist, but unable to stay strong when faced with everything that can go wrong. It might be that rather than distress over the situation, just as bad or worse is the way it has split the members of the group against each other. Conversely, they might just opt to scream "What are we going to do!?" in the background without contributing anything constructive.
77[[/folder]]
78
79Compare CastCalculus, MoralityKitchenSink, SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism, FourTemperamentEnsemble, ThreePlusTwo, FiveManBand.
80----
81
82!!!Example subpages:
83
84[[index]]
85* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/AnimeAndManga
86* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/{{Film}}
87* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/{{Literature}}
88* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/LiveActionTV
89* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/VideoGames
90* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/{{Webcomics}}
91* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/WebOriginal
92* FourPhilosophyEnsemble/WesternAnimation
93[[/index]]
94
95----
96
97[[foldercontrol]]
98
99[[folder:Card Games]]
100* TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering: Black is Cynic, Blue is Cynic/Realist, Green is Apathetic/Realist, and White and Red are [[OrderVersusChaos two wildly different versions]] of Optimist.
101[[/folder]]
102
103[[folder:Comics]]
104* ''Comicbook/{{Empowered}}'': Emp (Optimist), Ninjette (Cynic), Thugboy (Realist) and Caged Demonwolf (Apathetic). Sistah Spooky probably counts as a second Cynic.
105* ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'': Reed is the Optimist (science can fix it!), Ben the Cynic (that never works, Stretcho), Sue the Realist (will you boys stop arguing?) and Johnny the Apathetic (...sorry, what did you say?)
106** It can also be noted that on the rare occasions when they have nothing to do and no one to fight, they usually slide out of these roles (and become utterly dysfunctional): Johnny is the Optimist (Let's go out and have some ''fun'' guys!), Sue is the Cynic (This blows. I hate everything. Why is everyone around me a jackass?), Ben is the Realist (We need to fight someone or we're all going to kill each other, Stretch!), and Reed is the Apathetic (''Do Not Disturb. Deep In Thought'').
107* In ''ComicStrip/GetFuzzy'': Bucky is the Cynic, Satchel is the Optimist and Rob is both the Realist and the Apathetic.
108* In ''ComicStrip/PearlsBeforeSwine'': Rat is the Cynic, Pig is the Optimist, Goat is the Realist, Zebra is the Apathetic.
109* ''{{ComicBook/Watchmen}}'': Nite Owl (Optimist), Silk Spectre (Realist), The Comedian (Cynic), Dr. Manhattan (Apathetic), and Rorschach (Conflicted).
110* By the early '80s under Creator/ChrisClaremont, the Comicbook/XMen had developed this, with Charles Xavier (Optimist), Magneto (Cynic), Wolverine (Realist), Cyclops (Apathetic and currently retired), and Storm (Conflicted and used as a way to explore each of the other three's philosophies).
111* ''Franchise/{{Tintin}}'':
112** Tintin is the Optimist, who always [[JumpedAtTheCall jumps into adventure]] and assumes the best in people.
113** Captain Haddock is the Cynic, being Tintin's {{Foil}} as a SourSupporter who does not forgive others easily.
114** Professor Calculus is the Realist, who is often unaware of what goes on around him, but his intelligence and inventing skills drive the plot of several albums.
115** Thomson and Thompson are the Apathetic, as they are well-meaning detectives, but are usually not directly involved in the plot, and tend to cause more problems than they solve.
116* The ''Franchise/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'': Raph is Cynical (fatalist, prefers fighting to talking), Mikey is the Optimist (assumes the best in people, wants to have fun above all), Leo is the Realist (as a leader, needs to create plans and mediate conflicts), and Donnie is Apathetic (frequently apart to research and develop his gadgets).
117[[/folder]]
118
119[[folder:FanWorks]]
120* ''Fanfic/TheStoryOfApolloDaphneAndLucaAnItalianTragedy'': Brooding [[{{Tsundere}} Vincenzo]] is the Cynic, level-headed [[OnlySaneWoman Bianca]] is the Realist, hopeless romantic [[ThinksLikeARomanceNovel Rosa]] is the Optimist and mischievous [[TheGadfly Carlos]] is the Apathetic.
121[[/folder]]
122
123[[folder:Manhwa]]
124* ''Manhwa/CielTheLastAutumnStory'': Yvienne (the Apathetic), Lariatte (the Realist), Daughter (the Cynic), and January (the Optimist).
125[[/folder]]
126
127[[folder:Music]]
128* Music/TheBeatles: Music/JohnLennon as the Apathetic, Music/PaulMcCartney as the Optimist, Music/GeorgeHarrison as the Cynic, and Music/RingoStarr as the Realist.
129* Music/TheDoors: Jim Morrison was the Apathetic, Ray Manzarek was the Realist, John Densmore is the Cynic and Robby Kreiger is the Optimist.
130* Music/{{Gorillaz}}: Murdoc is the Cynic, Noodle is the Optimist, 2D is the Realist and Russel is the Apathetic.
131* Music/TheKinks: Ray Davies as the Cynic, Dave Davies as the Optimist, Pete Quaife as the Realist and Mick Avory as the Apathetic.
132* Music/TheRamones: Johnny was the Cynic, Dee Dee was the Optimist, Joey was the Apathetic and Marky was the Realist.
133* Music/PanicAtTheDisco: Ryan Ross as the Cynic, Brendon Urie as the Optimist, Jon Walker as the Realist, and Spencer Smith as the Apathetic.
134* Music/{{Queen}}: Music/FreddieMercury as the Cynic, Roger Taylor as the Optimist, Music/BrianMay as the Realist and John Deacon as the Apathetic.
135* Music/TheWho: Roger Daltrey as the Optimist, Pete Townsend as the Cynic, John Entwistle as the Realist and Keith Moon as the Apathetic.
136[[/folder]]
137
138
139[[folder:Radio]]
140* ''Radio/CabinPressure'': Douglas as the Cynic, Arthur as the Optimist, Carolyn as the Realist, Martin as the Conflicted. (In later episodes, complemented by Herc as the Apathetic.)
141[[/folder]]
142

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