Line #2 Main/TheFace


1	->''"Hold your fire!... Daniel... Do you think you could find a language that could tell these people we're human like they are... and that we're friendly?"''
2	-->-- '''Jack O'Neill''', ''Series/StargateSG1''
3
4	In a [[TheTeam team]] character dynamic, this person is the Face of the team and they are the one you want doing the talking. They are charming, socially savvy, and otherwise know how to get things done with words. At worst they will be the least dysfunctional team member. While they might be TheLeader for this reason, it might also be that they are mistaken for being in charge simply because they are the most vocal. This is the super trope for the characters that could fit in that role.
5
6	They could be TheHeart of the group and thus its moral compass. They could be TheMentor if they're more into guiding and teaching. They could be the TagalongKid if younger and perhaps less mature but [[WiseBeyondTheirYears possessing]] [[FromTheMouthsOfBabes certain insight]]. They could be more feminine because everyone knows WomenAreWiser, and her girly clothing will contrast with the men. Together with TheBigGuy and TheSneakyGuy, they round off the CombatDiplomacyStealth trio. In a TalkerAndDoer duo, they constitute the former half.
7
8	In an action-oriented series, their role could be MissionControl so they can do their social thing without being on the front lines. Their special abilities include TalkingYourWayOut, TalkingTheMonsterToDeath and BreakThemByTalking. If they have PersonalityPowers, they will also likely manifest as PsychicPowers: {{Telepathy}}, TheEmpath etc.
9
10	!![[SuperTrope Sub-tropes include:]]
11	[[index]]
12	* CunningLinguist if they cross over to the {{Omniglot}}.
13	* TheHeart: The one to talk things out peacefully and talk team members out of something dangerous.
14	* TeamMom or TeamDad: Guidance, support, praise, discipline, etc.
15	* TheSocialExpert is the most likely one on this list to exploit their social skills for their own purpose but also to support the team's purpose.
16	[[/index]]
17
18	Not to be confused with the wrestling term {{Face}}. The name originates from the "The A-Team", an 80s TV show that features a character nicknamed "The Faceman", who is a suave, smooth-talking con man. The co-creator of the show claims "faceman" was a popular slang term used to refer to attractive male students during his high school years. It is often referenced in the tradition of ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' where a character in a PlayerParty would be the face of the group: they have stats and skill sets based on talking and resolving conflicts without fighting.
19
20	!!Examples:
21
22	[[foldercontrol]]
23
24	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
25	* ''Manga/CardcaptorSakura'': Tomoyo interacts with everyone and contrasts them with her {{Muggle}}ness. She's also emotional support for Sakura, and Syaoran too after he calms down.
26	* ''Anime/WitchHunterRobin'': Chief Inspector Shintar Kosaka represents the STNJ to other organizatons and passes on the office's reports to the parent organization, SOLOMON. He has a lot of friends in the police department and all he has to do is call one of them to get info on suspects.
27	* In ''Manga/DeliciousInDungeon'', Kabru is always the one who deals with anyone his party meets. As he's both TheCharmer and TheSocialExpert, this is pretty logical.
28	* ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs'' sets up contrasts between Shamal and her fellow Belkan knights: the most feminine, the one who can't cook, the TeamMom. She's also MissionControl because her magic is focused on communication and teleportation.
29	* One would think Maia was the Face in ''Anime/DaphneInTheBrilliantBlue'', being the friendly and helpful Chick she is, but it's actually [[TheSmartGuy Shizuka]] with the social network.
30	* ''Literature/{{Baccano}}'': Luck does most of the talking and business for the Gandor family. His friendship with Firo is also the reason the Gandors have a good relationship with the Martillo Family. His brothers are either too quiet or too aggressive for such a responsibility.
31	* ''Literature/CrestOfTheStars'' deconstructs this trope with how Jinto feels about being forced into this role. Because he seems to get along with everyone (perhaps because he wasn't born into Abh society like everyone else) he has to act as a go-between both within the Basroil's crew and with other soldiers. This means shouldering everyone's emotional baggage and translating for the one receiving the message.
32	* ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'': Jinpei, the only child on the team, certainly has a way with other children.
33	* ''Anime/CodeGeass'': Kaguya invokes the trope in her bid for Zero's hand in marriage. "You'll need a public face, right?"
34	* Rock from ''Manga/BlackLagoon''. He isn't much for violence like Revy and Dutch are, but he makes up for it by being the Lagoon Company's negotiator. He's also the most idealistic of the crew.
35	* Hajime Ichinose couples this function with TheHeart in ''Anime/GatchamanCrowds''. It is at her suggestion that the Gatchaman team reveal themselves to the world at large and she soon becomes the group's PR face. In ''Insight'', Paiman serves as the one who delivers official statements while O.D. becomes part of a television show.
36	* Lacus Clyne from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'' and ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny Destiny]]'' immediately becomes the face of pretty much every organization and faction she joins (the Clyne Faction, [[spoiler:the Three-Ship Alliance, the entirety of ZAFT in the ''Destiny'' finale]]), thanks to her oratory skills, impeccable reputation, and good looks. Because of this, the second season's antagonist recognizes ''her'', rather than a bunch of super-powered mecha pilots and political extremists as the greatest threat to his plans.
37	* In ''Manga/TheSevenDeadlySins'', the Sins look terrifying and have a (not entirely unjustified) bad reputation, so it's usually the human Elizabeth's job to ask people questions and explain the Sins' quest.
38	* ''Literature/RebuildWorld'':
39	** As far as TheSquad of PrivateMilitaryContractors Akira works with goes, Elena is generally this, trusted by her HeterosexualLifePartner TheBigGirl Sara for it in their daily life as well. Elena is also usually TheLeader and always TheSmartGirl of said teams.
40	*** Carol, being a FemmeFatale, basically helps Elena negotiate contracts as she’s better at negotiations than her. Although she’s no slouch in combat.
41	** With regard to much of the protagonist Akira’s daily life, he basically pushes every social task he can onto Sheryl, who's perpetually indebted (and a DoggedNiceGirl) to him. Sheryl is a dedicated GuileHero, and SupportingLeader of the Hunter Gang the two build in the slums, with a special talent for charming information out of hunters.
42	** When Akira reaches [[FantasticRankSystem level 50]] in the [[AdventureGuild Hunter's Office]], he gets Hikaru assigned as essentially his talent agent and general liaison with the Corporate Government, which she takes to the point of being his physical proxy at points out of fear of Akira going on a rampage.
43	[[/folder]]
44
45	[[folder:Comic Books]]
46	* ''ComicBook/ArchieComics'': Veronica Lodge. Her skills are mostly social instead of practical, but she contributes by being the only one with unlimited wealth and resources.
47	* Among not just the Franchise/{{Bat\|man}}family, but the entire [[Franchise/TheDCU DCU]], ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}. He is friends with every hero in the ''universe'', able to call on help from anyone from the ''Franchise/{{Justice League\|OfAmerica}}'', ComicBook/TeenTitans, and anyone else who knows him, even those on Oa and in Hell. He's even teamed up with his enemies, just because he asked nicely.
48	* Superman is this in the Justice League as highlighted in Creator/GrantMorrison's ''JLA: New World Order''. [[spoiler: After TheTeam realizes that fire is the key to defeating the Martians, he makes a TV announcement telling the people of Earth to all light matches, cigarette lighters, etc.]]
49	* ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1987'': After Ares' HazyFeelTurn he has Harmonia represent him at meetings of the Olympians and when he wants to aid the Amazons, because she is ''much'' better at getting along with people than him or the others allied with him. Also he can't really stand any Olympians besides Aphrodite anyway.
50	* During Creator/JossWhedon's run on ''ComicBook/AstonishingXMen'', Cyclops brought ComicBook/KittyPryde onto the team for largely this purpose, as she was the most personable member of the team, and the most human in appearance (Cyclops forced to hide his eyes behind shades, Beast being blue and leonine, Emma Frost being a former criminal and Wolvering being, well, Wolverine). Years later, Storm convinced Kitty to become the team's leader during the ''ComicBook/XMenGold'' era for much the same reason. As leader of the X-Men, Kitty appeared before Congress and on TV talk shows to promote mutant/human coexistence.
51	[[/folder]]
52
53	[[folder:Fan Works]]
54	* ''Blog/BetterBonesAU'':
55	** While Tigerstar is the leader of the Dark Forest cats during their plan to overthrow their leadership and take over as the dominant afterlife, it's Hawkfrost who acts as the diplomat able to accomplish the near-impossible task of uniting the Dark Forest cats with [[WeAreStrugglingTogether wildly differing ideologies]] towards a common goal.
56	** [[CunningLinguist Bumble]] serves as this for ancient [=ThunderClan=], with her outgoing and warm personality and knowledge of three languages allowing her to create diplomatic relations with other groups effectively.
57	* ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'': When she isn't fulfilling her duties as [[CombatMedic healer]], Lily serves as the affable presence among the [[FiveManBand five hunters]]. Especially so when one is a [[TheSpeechless mute]], another is a NervousWreck, and the other two (TheLeader included) are [[BrutalHonesty blunt]] to a fault. If there is anyone who can manage [[TheSocialExpert the social elements]] for TheTeam (e.g. mediating, relaying, etc.), that's Lily.
58	* In ''Fanfic/ThePowerOfSeven'', Susan Bones appears to be adopting this role for the harem, given her political experience and social status as the last heir to the Bones family, such as acting as the RulesLawyer to find loopholes to justify Harry's actions to wizarding society beyond 'saving his life'.
59	* Much like her role in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition,'' Josephine serves this function for the eponymous school in ''Fanfic/SkyholdAcademyYearbook''. Her position is so unique that it doesn't really have a name; she's a combination of deputy headmistress, guidance counselor, treasurer, and public relations expert. Much of the ongoing work to find both funds and students for the school falls on her desk.
60	[[/folder]]
61
62	[[folder:Film]]
63	* ''Film/GalaxyQuest'': Parodied like [[AffectionateParody everything else in the movie]]. The fact that Gwen has no technical specialty is lampshaded: Her 'social skills' amount to "repeating everything the computer says." [[BuxomBeautyStandard And two other things]].
64	* ''Film/{{Ghostbusters 1984}}'': Janine is the receptionist for the four man organization; a notably interpersonal role. One scene in the movie has her trying to convince a customer of their professionalism.
65	* ''Film/MysteryMen'' has two versions:
66	** The Sphinx is TheMentor who guides everyone.
67	** The Invisible Boy is more or less a [=Tagalong Kid=], and until the climax his only contribution is networking and idealism.
68	* Loki was the face of Film/{{Thor}}'s group of warriors before his FaceHeelTurn. The others remark on his silver tongue and he's the one who did the talking in Laufey's court.
69	* Maddie Bowen in ''Film/BloodDiamond'' is able to help negotiate everyone through situations that would require a lot of risky trickery. This includes pretending to interview a soldier guarding equipment so Danny can sneak behind him, and stopping a group of bandits simply by asking them if they'd like their pictures taken. FridgeBrilliance says she would be expected to have some PR skills as a journalist.
70	* As an ad agency boss turned Army PR agent, Major William Cage from ''Film/EdgeOfTomorrow'' not only acts as international liaison between forces, but when paired with the Full Metal Bitch, is the one that gets to know others and recruit people to their side. However this is also CharacterDevelopment as when the movie starts he's a shallow and insincere PR officer who tries to blackmail a general into keeping him off the frontline and gets sent there as a grunt instead.
71	* ''Film/JusticeLeague2017''. Bruce Wayne/Batman is trying to recruit superheroes for the League, but knows that his stoic nature tends to grate on people, so he'd rather Diana Prince take on the role -- she's beautiful, charming, and her superhero persona is inspirational in a way that the Dark Knight of Gotham is not. The movie opens with Superman giving an impromptu 'interview' [[CutenessProximity for some children]], showing how much better he was at this trope.
72	[[/folder]]
73
74	[[folder:Literature]]
75	* ''Literature/HaruhiSuzumiya'':
76	** Haruhi herself; always out to promote the SOS Brigade and Kyon notes that she 'knows how to get answers' peacefully from the apartment keeper during the investigation of Asakura's disapperance. In practice the trope is inverted as she either steamrolls people with blackmail or [[GenkiGirl her personality]] if she's not outright ignoring them.
77	** Asakura is a very nice and helpful ClassRepresentative when she doesn't have a knife.
78	* In the ''Literature/HIVESeries'', Lucy Dexter gradually takes over this role, primarily because of her [[spoiler:CompellingVoice]]. With such a talented person on your team, why ''wouldn't'' you want them to do the talking?
79	* ''Literature/GoingPostal'': Moist for the Post Office staff. It's what Vetinari hired him for. Stanley's considered weird ''[[EvenNerdsHaveStandards even by other pin collectors]]'', and Groat is... eccentric. Moist, however, [[BoxedCrook is a con man]], so he knows how to sell an idea.
80	* Sir Dinadin from Myth/ArthurianLegend. He doesn't like fighting and thinks CourtlyLove is a waste of time. The other things he's noted for is [[PluckyComicRelief good humor]] and being more sociable than his fellows: he's the only one that can recognize all of them by their face in addition to their shield crest. This ability is naturally helpful for knights who otherwise might not recognize their own king.
81	* ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix''.
82	** Dolores Umbridge exploited this trope. She doesn't want Hogwarts students trained in offensive magic so she fills the Defense Against the Dark Arts class with lessons like 'negiotation' and 'non-retaliation' on the premise that these skills are just as important for future Auror teams as curses and counter-curses. While this might not sound like a bad idea, the fact that she is imposing these restrictions while a wizarding civil war is brewing in the background make it clear that, in this case, being The Face is less useful than knowing how to defend yourself from homicidal lunatics. It's also clear from what happens a couple of books later that she's deliberately watering down the students' skill-set so that they'll be less of a threat to face when there's a coup.
83	** Hermione Granger frequently acts as such, which comes in handy when dealing with older and arrogant wizards since she is also TheSmartGuy.
84	* Xuanzang of ''Literature/JourneyToTheWest'' does all the talking with {{muggles}} etc because he is a [[GoodShepherd courteous monk]] and his companions are scary-looking (and in Wukong's case, very rude) demons.
85	* Strickland is this in ''Literature/KillDecision'', though he becomes painfully aware that he doesn't have the same tech-savvy as the rest of his team.
86	* [[MeaningfulName Perhaps unsurprisingly]], Garik "Face" Loran of the ''Literature/XWingSeries'''s Wraith Squadron serves as the squad's general-purpose fast-talker and people person. Even when he becomes TheCaptain, he prefers to handle things like recruitment and dealing with bystanders himself.
87	* ''Literature/TheExecutioner''. In the HeroesRUs group ''Able Team'', Rosario "The Politician" Blancanales earned his nickname from his ability to fulfill this trope.
88	* Piper in ''Literature/TheHeroesOfOlympus'' has "being charming" as a superpower, and can persuade people to do things they're dead-set against. Deconstructed in that she isn't comfortable being the team's "pretty face" while others handle the combat stuff, so she's involved in battle a lot more as the series progresses.
89	[[/folder]]
90
91	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
92	* ''Series/{{Angel}}'' has Cordelia play this role for Team Angel. She's the secretary for Angel's detective biz but she can't even use the phone properly. On the other hand, she's the only link to the [[ThePowersThatBe people he really needs to be in touch with]].
93	* ''Series/TheATeam'': Not surprisingly, Face fulfills this role by procuring rides and equipment for the team. You need a towtruck/limo/cab company? The Faceman can get that for you with some smooth moves and a silver tongue. He once even procured a expensive luxury car in the jungles of Vietnam. How did he do it? [[NoodleIncident Professional secret]].
94	* ''Series/BetterCallSaul'': Howard Hamlin's role at Hamlin, Hamlin and [=McGill=]. He isn't a skilled litigator but he's the one the partners turn to when they need someone to don a smart suit and charm a potential client over an expensive lunch:
95	-->'''Jimmy [=McGill=]:''' You're a shitty lawyer, Howard. But you're a great salesman. So get out there and sell.
96	-->'''Howard Hamlin:''' [[PrecisionFStrike Fuck you]], Jimmy.
97	-->'''Jimmy [=McGill=]:''' There you go. Use that.
98	* ''Series/TheBigBangTheory'': In the first couple of seasons, Penny served as this because, besides being the only female lead, she was the only one of the five who not a socially incompetent nerd.
99	* The core cast of Series/{{Bones}} is four [[LabRat "Squints"]] and a smooth talking FBI agent. While the former collects and analyzes evidence in private the latter's gathering information from people related to the Crime of the Week and interrogating suspects.
100	* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'': Xander is TheHeart and lacks the supernatural powers of his teammates, but is best friends with Buffy and Willow to the end. His storylines tends to revolve around interpersonal relationships, and, as the most consistent of the Scooby Gang, he interacts with everyone.
101	* ''Series/{{Community}}'': reluctant TeamDad Jeff Winger tends to be saddled with whatever talking and negotiating needs to be done since he's a former lawyer who's skilled at coming up with awesome speeches off the cuff.
102	* The Doctor's companions often serve as this on ''Series/DoctorWho'', given that the main character is a LargeHam, {{Cloudcuckoolander}}, GibberingGenius, and SociallyAwkwardHero (to varying degrees in varying incarnations), while the companions are TheWatson and usually have better understanding of human social norms (since they're usually human).
103	* ''Series/{{Firefly}}'':
104	** Officially, Inara's role on the ship is to use her social contacts to "open doors that would otherwise be closed" to a group like Captain Mal and the crew.
105	** Jayne, but in a different way. His official job title on the ship is "Public Relations" and considering the ''Serenity's'' relations with the public this usually means hurting people... or on the rare occasions when things don't go off the rails, standing around looking hard and deterring anyone from starting trouble.
106	** Simon's knowledge of the Alliance, politeness, and ability to be diplomatic also count.
107	* ''Series/{{House}}'' - Cameron is TheHeart variety. She goes out of her way to 'get to know' the patients, as opposed to the other members of her department who more or less don't care and only ask for diagnostics information.
108	* ''Series/TheITCrowd'': Jen is the socially capable NerdNanny for the IT Department. She has no computer skills but, unlike the rest of the cast, she has social skills.
109	* Dennis from ''Series/ItsAlwaysSunnyInPhiladelphia'' is this, relative to the rest of the group. He frequently proves himself to be the only member of the group who can function in certain social situations, though he is hardly a social person.
110	* ''Series/KamenRiderFourze'': As club president of the Kamen Rider Club, Miu's is level headed in a crisis, and unlike the others who have their own quirks, she gives an air of respectability to the club.
111	* In the game world of ''Series/LevelUp'', the Never Fail guild lets Wyat do all the talking with other players because he's TheCharmer. In the real world, however, he's a dork and Lyle's the one with school-wide friends.
112	* Sophie, the grifter from ''Series/{{Leverage}}''. She stands out as the stable and emotionally competent one of the group (though she does have her own issues), and her job goes beyond manipulation and grifting. She's usually the one next to Nate talking to the clients, and she's the one reassuring them, not just asking for the facts. When she leaves, each member of the team separately calls her for advice, either on how to deal with the con, or on personal issues.
113	--> "We trust Nate to run the con. We trust you to keep us safe."
114	* ''Series/TheMysticKnightsOfTirNaNog'': Deirdre is the only female of five knights, and also the only one to regularly do more than fight. When making alliances who is the local head man going to listen to: The thief, the druid apprentice, the princes from the Land of Never-Heard-Of-It, or the local princess?
115	* ''Series/{{NCIS}}'' Abby, though crossed with TheSmartGuy, is the cutie who interacts with all four of Gibbs' group.
116	* Leslie is this in ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', which is part of the reason why she takes on a leadership role, despite Ron technically being her boss. Leslie is almost always the one giving speeches and for good reason. If she delegates to Tom or Ron, the speeches are either shameless self-promotion (Tom) or blunt dismissals (Ron).
117	* ''Series/PersonOfInterest'': Finch, lacking martial arts or gun play skills, frequently serves to socialize with whatever person he and Reese have to protect that episode.
118	* ''Series/PowerRangersMysticForce''
119	** Subverts this trope with Xander, who thinks of himself as TheCharmer. "Plan Xander" never works, and the Rangers have to bust out the weapons.
120	** Madison has more success but doesn't feel any better about it.
121	* ''Series/PowerRangersRPM'': Ziggy can barely fight, but he gets along well with everyone; even forming his closest bonds with brooding rebel Dillon and, eventually, BrokenBird Dr. K.
122	* In ''Series/{{Primeval}}'' Jenny Lewis fills this role only in season 2. She is hired to act as the team's liason with the public and essentially come up with cover stories for them.
123	* Most of the main cast of ''Series/{{Scorpion}}'' are socially-incompetent geniuses, except for two: their government liaison, Agent Gallo, and a waitress named Paige, whom they met in the first episode when they had to commandeer use of the diner she was working in (ItMakesSenseInContext). Her ability to work with their quirks in stressful situations led to her being hired specifically for this trope. Tellingly, in the first-season finale, attempting to take charge of the situation without Gallo's authority or Paige's people skills ends with Toby and Happy getting arrested.
124	* ''Series/SecondChance2016'': Mary for her twin brother Otto. It's public knowledge that Otto is behind the technology of Looking Glass, but Mary is the CEO of the company.
125	* Carl is the liason of ''Series/SpecialUnit2'' to the link underworld. He's not personable or friendly to say the least but he does have useful connections and considering other links want nothing to do with SU2 he's a step up.
126	* Daniel from ''Series/StargateSG1'', is the Team's diplomat. He's the one putting the polite and peaceful foot forward in negotiations. It was his idea to find enemies of the Goa'uld and create [[MyCard a box containing information about Earth and SG-1 to give to such aliens if they found them]]. Jack references this trope by calling Daniel SG-1's 'Voice' and cueing him when he should do his thing: "Daniel, you're up."
127	* ''Series/WhiteCollar'': As a [[HeelFaceRevolvingDoor sometimes reformed, highly charismatic thief and con artist]], [[LovableRogue Neal Caffrey]] is the one who tends to have any role involving persuasion of a target, whether for operations with the FBI (where he's a CI), or as part of a con with his friends.
128	[[/folder]]
129
130	[[folder:Music]]
131	* In most pop/rock bands, the lead singer is usually this because they are front and center during performances. In groups with [[VocalTagTeam multiple "lead" singers]], the most commercially appealing (often the best looking) can be this.
132	* If we go by the traditional definition, Roland Orzabal is the frontman of Music/TearsForFears because he's the main songwriter and the lead vocalist of most of their discography. However, it's the opinion of Ian Stanley (former TFF keyboardist) and Chris Hughes (producer of TFF albums ''Music/TheHurting'' and ''Music/SongsFromTheBigChair'') in [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7zz1vh?start=117 this interview]] that Curt Smith fulfills the role of TheFace for the band, especially during the early part of their career (e.g. only Smith appears the front cover of the [[https://vintagerock.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/tearsforfearsmar83prog.jpg 1983 tour program]]). Moreover, Smith -- who is more extroverted and is regarded as being [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJTQRggks1Y&t=2m16s more amiable]] (and more attractive) by the press than the introverted Orzabal -- also dealt with the media more often, magazines occasionally put Smith on the [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/1692609f47786a0cc32ce7104cc2de59/tumblr_mmyxf22m841s7rip0o1_500.png front]] [[https://i.imgur.com/Q3XB0xj.jpg cover]] [[https://i.imgur.com/7NNue1I.jpg alone]] (or at least have Smith [[https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49242871376_05019ff2de_o.jpg in focus]]) even when he and Orzabal were both featured in the interview, plus Smith was the only band member who made a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC3h6cn1YN0&t=2m31s thank you speech at the 1986 BRIT Awards]] despite Orzabal being present.
133	-->'''Marc Almond (narrator)''': As time went on, many saw [Orzabal] as the band's driving force.\
134	'''Stanley''': Roland was always the sort of brilliance of the group. Curt was the face, definitely.\
135	'''Hughes''': Curt was very, very good at the being the kind of pop star front, and in the earlier songs, he was fronting the group in a sense.
136	[[/folder]]
137
138	[[folder:Roleplay]]
139	* In ''Roleplay/DinoAttackRPG'', Dr. Wallace Breen is the Face of XERRD. Despite his scientist background, this was specifically the reason why Dr. Breen was recruited by Dr. Rex, since his true strength lay in his use of rhetoric and he had prior experience as a CEO and a politician.
140	[[/folder]]
141
142	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
143	* In ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' (and by extension, all other {{RPG}}s), this character role is known as The Face. Also called "the party face" and "[[{{Whatevermancy}} diplomancer]]". This is the character that handles the public relations for the party. They have skills in Diplomacy and/or Bluff, and only rarely in Sense Motive/Insight. Traditionally, bards, rogues, or paladins fit well in this role (and, surprisingly, sorcerers and warlocks, if only because Diplomacy skills synergize well mechanically with Charisma being the stat that improves their spellcasting). The basic idea is that bards are charming and know to work an audience, rogues are deceptive, and paladins channel the awe/fear of their deity to inspire or intimidate (as the case may be). The next best options are those who, due to their Background or Race, had Proficiency in Charisma based Skills, like Persuasion, Deception, Intimidation, and/or Performance, to say nothing about those whose races had a boost in their Charisma scores. After all, Nobles and Guild Artisans (and Merchants) know how to talk to others, and it seems that, despite their reputation for being bull-headed, Minotaurs are very skillful speakers, also there's a reason that Tieflings are known as silver-tongued devils. Oddly enough, this could possibly lead to someone of an unexpected class, such as a Barbarian, with the right background/race makeup being the party's Face.
144	* ''TabletopGame/CallOfCthulhu''. The Field Manual of the Theron Marks Society (in the supplement ''Terror from the Stars'') recommended having one of the [=PCs=] be a Communication Specialist - a charismatic character who is a good talker. They would have a high Appearance and high percentages in the skills Bargain, Credit Rating, Fast Talk and Persuade.
145	* ''TabletopGame/GeniusTheTransgression'': Scholastics serve this purpose in a Player Party. This is important, since a Genius' ever worsening ScienceRelatedMemeticDisorder causes jabir which makes talking to normal humans rather difficult.
146	* ''TabletopGame/PrincessTheHopeful:'' The Grace will fall into this role in a typical group of Princesses. She is the one whose Calling is to bring people together and inspire them to be better, and she is the one with affinity for Charms related to communication and social connections.
147	* ''TabletopGame/{{Shadowrun}}'': TheFace is one of the essential shadowrunner archetypes, alongside the StreetSamurai, [[TheCracker the Decker]] and [[WizardsAndWitches the Mage]]. Pure Faces tend to dip into both adept powers and bioware, use a lot of [[LuckManipulationMechanic Karma/Edge]] to throw ludicrous amounts of dice at social skill tests (ThePornomancer was named for a third edition Face build that could throw 50+ dice in casual conversation), [[ConMenHateGuns tend to avoid the heaviest combat]] and live and die on [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections their ability to contact the right people]]. Though any character with a high Charisma and Social Skills like Etiquette, Interrogation, Leadership and Negotiation can do in a pinch.
148	* ''TabletopGame/{{Earthdawn}}''. Having a high Charisma is essential for each of the following.
149	** The Troubador Discipline was good for this, with Talents like First Impression, Lasting Impression and Haggle.
150	** Characters with other Disciplines can fill this role by choosing General Skills such as Acting, Bribery, Conversation, Engaging Banter, Etiquette, Fence, Flirting, Seduction, Streetwise and Trading.
151	* In ''TabletopGame/LegendOfTheFiveRings'' Courtiers are explicitly designed to play this role, as even though most [=PCs=] should have basic social skills to survive Rokugan's complicated system of etiquette and conversation, it helps to have someone who can recruit allies and deal with gossip and slander. In a pinch, Air Shugenjas and more politically oriented Magistrates and Bushi (particularly from the Scorpion or Crane Clans) can fill this role.
152	* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'':
153	** [[ScaryDogmaticAliens T'au]] expeditions will often have [[FantasticCasteSystem a member of their diplomat caste]] around that can do all the talking when they have to meet with members of another species.
154	** As well as being the de facto leader of the [[SpaceElves Aeldari]] faction known as the Ynnari, [[TheChosenOne Yvraine]] is also their most prominent diplomat, dealing extensively with alien races who could prove useful and spreading the hope of Ynnead, God of Death, to the other Aeldari cultures.
155	** There is a branch of the Adeptus Custodes (aka the Emperor's personal bodyguards) that act as the Custodian diplomats on the extremely rare occasions they're needed. Otherwise, the Captain-General of the Custodes is their Face Man, as he is the one who interacts with the High Lords of Terra.
156	* In the ''TabletopGame/BattleTech'' RPG one of the premade character archetypes is called the Faceman, basically a mix between a public relations manager and a lawyer, who works for a mercenary company. While he is next to useless in any fight it is mentioned that merc commands that don't have one of these guys usually go under within a year, often before seeing a single battle, thanks to legal, bureaucratic and monetary issues.
157	** The [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Clans']] merchant caste generally plays this role for the Clans who are willing to deal with the Inner Sphere. Merchants still see the Spheroids as destructive primitives but are able put this aside and hide their feelings during negotiations, unlike the other castes (''especially'' the [[SmugSuper warriors]]), to score a good deal.
158	* ''TabletopGame/HeroSystem''
159	** ''TabletopGame/{{Champions}}''. This type of character would have a high Presence score and skills based on that Characteristic, such as Acting, Bribery, Bureaucratics, Conversation, High Society, Interrogation, Oratory, Persuasion, Seduction, Streetwise and Trading.
160	** ''TabletopGame/DangerInternational''. This type of character was called a "Con Man". They were otherwise the same as in ''TabletopGame/{{Champions}}''.
161	* ''TabletopGame/BleakWorld'' has this role going to anyone with a high PR skill, usually looking human rather than monstrous. It is widely agreed that an Intrepid Reporter working for a corporation can simply talk and buy their way through a module.
162	* The Slide playbook in ''TabletopGame/BladesInTheDark'' is inherently geared towards social actions and special abilities, but the Spider can cover for them in a pinch, as well. Generally speaking, the Slide is most at home [[ConMan fast-talking in the moment]] of a dangerous situation, while the Spider [[TheChessmaster prefers to slowly weave the web of connections]] behind the scenes.
163	[[/folder]]
164
165	[[folder:Theatre]]
166	* In the Theatre/{{Mrs Hawking}} play series, this is Nathaniel's contribution to the team, as it turns out he has a talent for getting people talking and coming up with stories on the fly.
167	** Mary occasionally is called upon to do this, such as when she pretended to be the niece of the viceroy of India in [[http://www.mrshawking.com/?page_id=98 Mrs. Hawking]], but it is primarily Nathaniel's job.
168	[[/folder]]
169
170	[[folder:Toys]]
171	* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'':
172	** From Generation One, Optimus Prime's right hand man [[NumberTwo Jazz]] is a friendly, likable sort who gets along well with just about everyone. In cases where he's unsuitable (since he's also the Autobot director of Special Operations), there's also Blaster and Hound, both of whom enjoy Earth's culture and learn a lot about it. Bumblebee, on the other hand, works best as the Face when dealing with younger humans, as in terms of maturity he's closer to their age. One of the Autobots' major advantages on Earth is their large number of demographic-appropriate representatives who are also reasonably responsible individuals and therefore can be trusted with the task; for instance, they can call on Streetwise and Groove for working with police departments, Inferno and Hot Spot for first responders, First Aid and Ratchet to speak with medical personnel, and so forth.
173	** The Decepticons have their own Face Man in the form of the Combaticon Swindle. His bio outright states that he'd be able to "sell oil to an Arab sheik", and in ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' there's one memorable instance where when the Decepticons needed to negotiate, they immediately called him in. The only problem is Swindle's name ''isn't'' for show, and if not closely monitored (i.e. Megatron isn't pointing his fusion cannon right at him) he's prone to prioritising his own benefit over the Decepticons as a whole.
174	[[/folder]]
175
176	[[folder:Video Games]]
177	* In the 'Subspace Emissary' campaign in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl'', [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Peach]] makes herself useful by [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQec6eEcXyc breaking up fights]] and turning [[Platform/GameAndWatch potential enemies]] into [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BrrpEbj7mA friends]] (as well as mysteriously producing cups of tea), in contrast with the {{Action Girl}}s [[Franchise/{{Metroid}} Samus]] and [[Franchise/ThelegendOfZelda Sheik]].
178	* Emil from ''VideoGame/NieR'', who is also TheHeart and a [=Tagalong Kid=], does what he can to keep an upbeat attitude and help his friends get along.
179	* Stocke, the protagonist of ''VideoGame/RadiantHistoria'' starts off as TheStoic, but also starts off with a growing circle of friends who he cares about dearly. He helps his party members through a variety of internal and external conflicts, and is always sensitive to their issues. And at one point, he helps his best friend Rosch and an NPC with [[MatchmakerQuest relationship advice]].
180	* In the majority of post-''VideoGame/{{Fallout\|1}}'' [[WesternRPG CRPGs]] (though, really, this tradition goes all the way back to ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}''), TheFace of the PlayerParty is inevitably the [[FeaturelessProtagonist customizable]] PlayerCharacter--if only because no NonPlayerCompanion can ever strike up a conversation with another NPC on their own. This often has an unfortunate side effect of making Charisma a [[OneStatToRuleThemAll must-grind stat]] for any PC not [[RPGsEqualCombat hell-bent on violence]]--and the DumpStat for everyone else. Examples include:
181	** ''VideoGame/PlanescapeTorment'' heavily encourages you to give the Nameless One high social and mental scores, because playing him this way leads to a much richer and more nuanced experience.
182	** Commander Shepard from the ''Franchise/MassEffect'' series is this for their party, but in ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', Shepard essentially becomes this for the entire Alliance, as well, as lampshaded by Admiral Hackett.
183	** ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' contains a notable aversion: having [[TheSpymaster Varric Tethras]] in the active party lets you avoid several big fights by letting him take over the negotiations for you. In fact, WordOfGod is that the instant you let Varric start talking, ''he's won''. And you know things are really bad if he decides to start shooting instead of trying to talk first. Subverted if you have him ''and'' Merrill in the party; in every single one of these situations, she will cluelessly talk the party back ''into'' trouble the second he has things settled down.
184	** Josephine Montilyet is this in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'', serving as the ambassador of the newly reformed Inquisition. While Leliana tracks down useful information and Cullen directs the military branch, Josephine is the one who interacts with nobility and Chantry representatives, trying to paint the organization (and the Inquisitor) in the best possible light at all times in order to encourage financial contributions and other forms of support. Being nobility herself helps a lot, since she has the education and the connections to allow her to do what needs to be done.
185	** ''VideoGame/DivinityOriginalSin'' puts an interesting spin on this trope in its CoOpMultiplayer: both playable characters (but not the [[NonPlayerCompanion henchmen]]) have equal rights in dialogue, so both players can make their PC into TheSocialExpert and run around, talking with [=NPCs=] and solving quests, independently of each other. Of course, it is just as possible for one player to be TheFace while the other focuses on a different skill set, or for the party to have [[NoSocialSkills no Face at all]].
186	* In ''VideoGame/EnsembleStars'', in most cases the face is simply the leader, and thus also the one who makes all the decisions for the unit. However, during the war, fine deliberately chose Tsumugi to be the 'leader' of the unit (even though Eichi was the one actually controlling things), because he seemed down to earth, friendly, and approachable, while the rest of the unit were elites, and they wanted the unit to feel relatable to ordinary people. It ''also'' had the added benefit of making him seem responsible for fine's actions to the general public, making him an easy scapegoat.
187	* ''VideoGame/{{Persona 5}}'': Continuing through Ann Takamaki's LevelUpAtIntimacy5 side-quest allows her to smooth over failed negotiations with enemies.
188	* ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'': After joining the party, [[spoiler:Special Inquisitor Mòrag]] uses political power and connections to cut through a lot of the party's diplomatic problems with ease.
189	[[/folder]]
190
191	[[folder:Visual Novels]]
192	* In ''VisualNovel/HalloweenOtome'', the Count fills this roll, seeing as Mr. Wolf is too shy and Mr. Bandages is too cold. Possibly proven during one of their challenges, if chosen for the task.
193	[[/folder]]
194
195	[[folder:Web Comics]]
196	* ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'': Grace ''tries'' to be this when dealing with the boar, [[spoiler: and fails, which may have been foreshadowed in an early series of gag strips where she fails to negotiate keeping the squirrels out of the bird feeder.]]
197	* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' has Elan the Bard, whose highest stat is his charisma. In the first arc, this was invoked when Roy told Elan to convince a teen goblin to assist them.
198	[[/folder]]
199
200	[[folder:Western Animation]]
201	* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'':
202	** ''[[WesternAnimation/BeastWars Transformers Beast Wars]]'': [[KnightInShiningArmor Silverbolt]] stands out in the group by being a wolf/eagle chimera and he's even social with his enemies. One of them {{Heel Face Turn}}ed because of his social chivalry.
203	** [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers The original Transformers]] had Bumblebee who is the youngest of the Autobots and gets along with humans the best.
204	*** Likewise in ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'', he is the first to make friends with Sari, and he and Bulkhead are the ones closest to her.
205	*** The same goes for Bumblebee's incarnation in ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime''.
206	*** [[KidSidekick Jack]] once [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] the fact that the humans functioned as "Face Men" for the Autobots.
207	* Princess Carolyn from ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman''. Whenever there's some talking, negotiation or dealing the group has to do, she is always at the front, detailing the conditions, the basic requirements and bargaining with the other representatives in order to get the most beneficial deal she can make.
208	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Captain Planet\|and the Planeteers}}'': Ma-Ti is the heart variety because no matter where the Planeteers go, he is instantly liked; he can also communicate with animals, knowing how they feel and asking for their help. Kwame, however, is usually the one ending group conflicts.
209	* ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb'': Phineas is the one talking with whomever the group needs for their latest "Best day ever", from city officials to delivery guys to [[ScoutOut the Fireside Girls]]. The best example is persuading Love Handel to reunite for a concert while directing the girls to make a stage. This stands out even more compared with his brother Ferb, who rarely ever talks.
210	* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
211	** [[Characters/FriendshipIsMagicFluttershy Fluttershy]] fills this role for the mane cast but only for non-ponies. Otherwise she's a ShrinkingViolet. For example, in ''Dragonshy'' Twilight's {{plan}} for dealing with a dragon boils down to: 1.) Escort Fluttershy to the dragon's cave and 2.) Have her talk with it.
212	** [[Characters/FriendshipIsMagicApplejack Applejack]] is this for the Apple Family in Ponyville due to Big Macintosh's quiet demeanor.
213	** [[Characters/FriendshipIsMagicRarity Rarity]] fills this role most often amongst the Mane Six, due to being an expert social manipulator. Because of her charm and beauty, others are often compelled to help her and attend to her. This is shown in the series premiere where she chops off part of her own tail to give to a sea dragon who had lost his mustache - knowing the dragon would help them cross the river in return.
214	* In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', believe it or not, it's [[Characters/AvatarTheLastAirbenderTophBeifong Toph Beifong]]. She is the rudest member of the Gaang, and yet the most social savvy among them. Technically, being the Avatar, it should be Aang at the customs office and the Earth King's birthday, etc.; but she's the one doing the talking. Even though she lived her life secluded and spoiled, without anyone even knowing that she exists (or maybe ''because'' of this), she knows how to get things done with words as well as rocks.
215	* Peter Venkman in ''WesternAnimation/TheRealGhostbusters'': Most of the other characters let him do the talking and he seems in charge of public relationships. Of course it helps that he has a big ego and is also TheCasanova.
216	* In an unsual example of this trope, Eddy is this in ''WesternAnimation/EdEddNEddy'', despite being the least liked of the Eds. He's the one who tries to persuade the other kids to try out that episode's scam - Double D is too [[ShrinkingViolet shy]] and Ed is [[TheDitz too dumb to understand what's happening]].
217	* ''WesternAnimation/ReadyJetGo'': Sydney. She's the resident social expert of the gang, and provides her friends with wisdom and moral support.
218	* ''WesternAnimation/XavierRiddleAndTheSecretMuseum'': Yadina is the resident social expert of the time travel trio, who uses her knowledge to resolve conflicts.
219	[[/folder]]
220
221	[[folder:Real Life]]
222	* Some would say that Anastas Mikoyan was the most likeable (and stable!) of Stalin's inner circle; a man who went for much more practical (and much less brutal) measures to revive Russia after the Civil War than Stalin. He was also seen as a fairly genteel "traveling salesman" by the West, in comparison to the bombast of those he answered to.
223	* Creator/StanLee was indisputably this for Marvel, even though his position with the company was eventually strictly honorary. This did not sit will with his coworkers like Creator/SteveDitko and Creator/JackKirby, who felt that their contributions to the comics were being overlooked by the public and they eventually left.
224	* Some high intensity team sports (like roller derby, rugby, or hockey) will have a designate "team voice" in play. This is a player who has enough experience to see how the game is progressing and can call out strategy during the game when the players wouldn't be able to consult the coach (or can't hear the coach yelling from the sidelines). It's especially common in amateur sports where teams are made up of players of varying skill and experience levels. Some sports teams will also formalize the role by making one player their official captain, who is not only involved with strategy but may also represent the rest of players to the media and coaching staff.
225	* In a production if you visit a set you will likely see someone moving around barking orders and instructions to different departments, handling visitors or coordinating the production assistants. More than likely this is not the Director, but the First Assistant Director (1st AD). The hierarchy is designed so that the Director can be inside their own head and contemplate what is needed when the cameras are rolling, and the First Assistant Directors' job is to relay that to the department heads. While the quality of the final product is often down to the direction, the 1st AD is key to a smooth production.
226	[[/folder]]

Context Main / TheFace