Line #93 Main/TheSmartGuy


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10	[[quoteright:300:[[Film/ANewHope https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_artoo_thesmartguy.png]]]]
11	[[caption-width-right:300:Being an actual guy is optional for the title.]]
12
13	->'''Aang:''' The question is, how are we gonna stop that thing?\
14	''[beat]''\
15	'''Sokka:''' Why are you all looking at me?\
16	'''Aang:''' You're the Idea Guy.\
17	'''Sokka:''' So I'm the ''only'' one who can ''ever'' come up with a plan? That's a lot of pressure! \
18	[He comes up with a plan 45 seconds later]
19	-->-- ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender''
20
21	This is the one on TheTeam that uses their head. As the intelligent one, they come in when the team needs deep analysis, clever tactics, or there's highly technical work to be done.
22
23	They are always be prepared, sometimes CrazyPrepared. Even under pressure they can whip up a plan at a moments notice. The Smart Guys will be at the computer doing RapidFireTyping. Expect some [[SesquipedalianLoquaciousness fancy talk]] and TechnoBabble from these characters. Usually a support unit, they may [[NonActionGuy leave the action stuff to the others.]] Of course, WeakButSkilled is always in effect for these guys. Can be expected to [[SmartPeoplePlayChess play a mean game of chess.]]
24
25	Physically they tend to be small in stature. If not [[GeekPhysiques tall and skinny]], then {{short\|erMeansSmarter}}, especially if they're the [[TeenGenius youn]][[ChildProdigy gest]] of TheTeam.
26
27	Sometimes the Smart Guys are more [[StreetSmart street savvy]] than they appear. Those who [[MinoredInAssKicking follow the path]] of the BadassBookworm are just as physically capable as they are mentally. They remain firmly planted as the Smart Guy, but are just as ready to jump in as everyone else. The results are often impressive, and usually have the advantage of surprise. Who expects the [[TheShortGuyWithGlasses little guy with glasses]] to be an asskicker?
28
29	With a personality range from the introverted and weird TVGenius, the highly technical [[TheSpock Spock]], to the improbably cool nerd, the smart guy is better defined by the skills they bring to the table rather how they act.
30
31	Common skills that you can mix and match on your way to OmnidisciplinaryScientist are:
32	* [[GadgeteerGenius Techies]] who have great skill with technology and engineering. They build and repair devices for TheTeam, and can [[HollywoodHacking hack in to any computer system.]] They may be hot wiring the terminal or disarming the bomb while the rest hold off the baddies.
33	* The MadScientist who conducts all kinds of experiments to help the team. Like the techie, you can find these characters in the lab coming up with new {{Phlebotinum}} that does whatever the plot needs it to. [[MagicIsMental Wizards and mages]] can be equivalent in fantasy, and less frequently a priest if spirits and spirituality play a big role.
34	* The booksmart guys. The guys whose EliteSchoolMeansEliteBrain. The [[EncyclopaedicKnowledge walking encyclopedia]] who can always do even more research on the situation or [[EnemyScan analyze enemy weaknesses]]. They get the job of MrExposition to break down plot, lore, or [[CombatCommentator what the heck just happened]] to other teammates (and the audience.) The StrawVulcan might just prattle on too long and [[NeverTellMeTheOdds get ignored,]] but a direct idea guy can be an invaluable [[TheStrategist planner]] and [[MissionControl even direct the group.]]
35	* Swapping book-smart genius for StreetSmart cleverness. The thief archetype, detective or StreetUrchin who has traded in knowledge and intelligence for know-how and intel. These people figure out mysteries, track down foes, and get into hard to reach places. Sometimes they're just [[TheTrickster rascals]] that outsmart their foes through sheer creativity or ingenuity, while making a fool out of them in the process. If they're good with tech too you get a PlayfulHacker.
36	* Swapping knowledge for wisdom. An older MentorArchetype, or the WiseBeyondTheirYears [[OnlySaneMan Only Sane Men]] who can keep a cool head, think their way around problems that seem too big to solve, and give really good advice.
37
38	Other common powers include:
39	* In fantasy and superhero settings, they tend to be WeakButSkilled. This can manifest as [[SquishyWizard magic ability]], PsychicPowers, or SuperIntelligence.
40	* If they're a GadgeteerGenius, they will build and customize their own weaponry, such as PoweredArmor, vehicles, or being one [[FantasyGunControl of the few gun users.]] In a magical setting they may use [[SpellBook spells]] or a MagicStaff.
41	* In both cases, [[SmartPeopleShoot they will be the best]] [[TheGunslinger shooter of the team]], often showing ImprobableAimingSkills.
42	* But if martial arts are the go to, they may use a MartialArtsStaff or an elegant sword.
43	* Their ElementalPowers are typically part of FireIceLightning. Fire as the 'birth of science' for curious types. Ice (or water) as the cold ivory towers of education and learning for bookish ones. Lightning to go along with machines for techies. Or they could be non-elementals that rely on practical knowledge if they lack the spiritual aptitude for magic.
44
45	While it was always a more gender balanced archetype in general, a wave of STEM/media partnerships brought an influx of many a coding and gadgeteering Smart Girl in TheNewTens.
46
47	In terms of relationships, The Smart Guy may be part of a LittleGuyBigBuddy or BrainsAndBrawn duo with TheBigGuy, the latter emphasizing a [[BrainsVersusBrawn contrast between intelligence and strength]]. They also make great sidekicks or advisors to TheLeader, without all the conflict a full {{Lancer}} brings.
48
49	In an ensemble, the Smart Guy is usually the last character to have a LoveInterest. When they do, expect a subplot about the geek's unrequited feelings towards an unattainable cooler love interest. [[ChildProdigy Younger]] [[TeenGenius Smart Guys]] may have a cute PuppyLove plot with someone their own age, or a PrecociousCrush on someone much older. In most cases where the geek's love interest is not "out of their league", they tend to be little more than a DistaffCounterpart.
50
51	If there's a RobotBuddy or an alien on the team, they're usually The Smart Guy.
52
53	If the Smart Guy happens to be big and strong, he has enough of TheBigGuy elements to be a GeniusBruiser. Otherwise, he's a BadassBookworm.
54
55	If you're looking for the EvilCounterpart, regardless of team structure, that's TheEvilGenius.
56
57	Oh, and he's also part of the FourManBand in a comedy ensemble.
58
59	Not to be confused with the series ''Series/SmartGuy''.
60	----
61	!!Examples
62	[[index]]
63	* TheSmartGuy/AnimeAndManga
64	* TheSmartGuy/ComicBooks
65	* TheSmartGuy/{{Literature}}
66	* TheSmartGuy/LiveActionTV
67	* TheSmartGuy/VideoGames
68	* TheSmartGuy/WesternAnimation
69	[[/index]]
70
71	[[foldercontrol]]
72
73	[[folder: Art]]
74	* ''Art/TheApotheosisOfWashington'': Minerva serves as the representative of Science among the gods and pensively points to and observes an electric generator while students and scholars observe her and write notes.
75	[[/folder]]
76
77	[[folder:Audio Plays]]
78	* Satsuma is this for ''AudioPlay/ExitTunesPresentsACTORS''' Singing Club. He thinks too much that he has to be a BigEater to make up for all the energy his brain uses.
79	[[/folder]]
80
81	[[folder:Fan Works]]
82	* [[InsufferableGenius Sherman]] of ''Fanfic/CalvinAndHobbesTheSeries''. Though he's a bungling inventor, he's still the resident MrExposition.
83	* ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'' has a number of geniuses, who rotate through their areas of expertise.
84	** Loki tends to take anything magic or politics related, though in the former regard he's superseded by Doctor Strange (who may not have forgotten more about magic than anyone else has ever learned, but only if he ever actually forgets anything).
85	** Tony takes anything tech related, while Bruce is more expert on super soldier stuff, biochemistry, and radiation.
86	** Natasha is the espionage genius.
87	** Dumbledore is the magical world's resident genius, and something of a hobbyist polymath.
88	** Jane is the astrophysics genius, with her home-made stargates.
89	** Doctor Strange, meanwhile, is an ImmortalGenius who started out as a brilliant medic, sorcerer, and Mozart-plus musical prodigy, and has spent the intervening millennia becoming an expert in almost everything (in some very specific fields, similar immortals are more knowledgeable than he is.
90	* In ''FanFic/{{Horseshoes and Hand Grenades}}'' and its sidestories, we have different members. In Horseshoes alone we have [[BadassBookworm Riderman]], [[KnowledgeBroker JK]] and [[TheLeader Miu Kazashiro]]
91	** In ''Month of Sundays'' we have [[ShorterMeansSmarter Ibuki Watanabe]] for the "Cosmic Hunting Dogs".
92	* Soren in ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls''. Fitting the StreetSmart archetype to a T, he excels most in sneaking, spying, lock-picking, and gaining intel for the [[FiveManBand Five-Hunter Band]].
93	* ''Fanfic/ThePiecesLieWhereTheyFell'': Rex is highly intelligent and wiser than most, much to the surprise of people who expect less of him due to his being a Diamond Dog. He's a skilled alchemist who developed and supplied the formulae for the spell that created the items he and his business partners are selling, and easily translates Xvital's comments when she slips into [[GratuitousSpanish her native language]].
94	* ''Webcomic/PMDAnotherPerspective'': Purry is well-versed in Pokemon knowledge, including the moves they know and their stats; in her mind, it's the reason she was chosen for the mission. She uses this knowledge to help Blazy fight effectively.
95	* ''{{Fanfic/Pokempanions}}'': Minun is often called "Minerd" for being so nerdy and he's able to build machines like robots.
96	* ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'': Among Ash's traveling companions, [[spoiler:Anabel]] is the one with the most analytical mind, and she's pretty good with coming up with plans and strategies for battles. The fact that, [[PsychicPowers as a Psychic Heart Bloodliner]], [[SuperpowerLottery she has access to pretty much all standard abilities of Psychic-type Pokémon]], reinforces this even more.
97	* Leon Gilbertson fills this role as the resident animal expert of the park rescue team in both ''Fanfic/PrehistoricEarth'' and its later ContinuityReboot ''Fanfic/PrehistoricParkReimagined''.
98	* ''Fanfic/SaviorOfDemons'': [[LabcoatOfScienceAndMedicine Murai]] is [[CunningLinguist the default translator]] for the Arcosians when they [[FirstContact go to meet the Tsufuru.]] He also has elements of The Smart Guy and DeadpanSnarker.
99	[[/folder]]
100
101	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
102	* Bruce Banner in ''Film/{{The Avengers\|2012}}''. While the "[[ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk other guy]]" gets his share of action, Nick Fury brings Bruce into the plot specifically because he knows more about gamma radiation than anyone on the planet. Tony Stark, InsufferableGenius extraordinaire, doesn't even mind playing Bruce's assistant.
103	* Lucius Fox in ''Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy''. He runs Wayne Enterprises, either invents or improves upon most of Batman's tech, and can come up with an antidote to Scarecrow's fear gas in the span of a night.
104	-->'''Bruce:''' (after Lucius explains how he made the antidote) Am I supposed to understand any of that?
105	-->'''Fox:''' No. I just wanted you to know how hard it was.
106	* ''Film/NowYouSeeIt2005'': Allison is a talented puzzle-solver and is the smartest member of the teenage cast; she was the only one to decipher the trick on the reality show's poster, and later was able to help Danny uncover the secrets of the house through her intelligence alone.
107	* The SuperHero spoof film ''Film/TheSpecials'' from 2000 includes a brainy gadgeteer member of the titular superteam whose ''nom de guerre'' is simply "Mr. Smart".
108	* ''Film/TheStandoffAtSparrowCreek'': Beckmann is a teacher and radio expert who is GenreSavvy about what happens in mass shootings (both in terms of police responses when they suspect terrorism and how most shooters commit suicide at the scene). [[spoiler:Keating proves to be even smarter once he finally drops his mute act. He nearly graduated from college when he was nineteen and is an eloquent speaker with an eidetic memory, a wide range of arcane knowledge, and keen social insight. That being said, he is also far more dangerous and unstable than Beckmann]].
109	* ''Franchise/StarWars'': There's a reason C-3PO refers to R2-D2 as his counterpart: They split the usual Smart Guy duties between them, with R2 handling the practical side and 3PO handling the exposition side.
110	* Donald Poultry is the pre-teen version of this trope in ''Film/SummerCampNightmare'', as he goes about the camp carrying a tape recorder and a suitcase full of tools, and put his technical knowledge to good use, even if in one circumstance (as in fiddling around with the rec room's TV set's channel reception) it gets him into trouble with the DeanBitterman camp director. He also narrates a good deal of the movie's story.
111	* Kevin Sandusky of ''Film/TropicThunder'' is the one who knows what is going on the most. He recognized the Heroin Processing plant, can read the map, and he's the only one of the actors who had actually read the script and the book.
112	* Hank [=McCoy=]/Beast from the ''Film/XMenFilmSeries'', is incredibly intelligent and a brilliant scientist who has invented most of the nifty tools and gadgets (X-Jet, Cerebro, etc.) that the X-Men use.
113	[[/folder]]
114
115	[[folder:Religion & Mythology]]
116	* In Myth/ClassicalMythology, Athena is this among the Olympians, being TheStrategist.
117	** Hermes sometimes fill this role in a trickster-ish sort of way.
118	** Apollo, as the god of knowledge, reason and arts.
119	* Among mortals, Odysseus is the "ideas man" for the [[strike:Greeks]] Achaeans in Literature/TheTrojanCycle (including ''Literature/TheIliad'' and his very own story, ''Literature/TheOdyssey''). Pretty much every actual ''strategy'' mentioned in relation to UsefulNotes/TheTrojanWar starts with him, including (ironically) both one of the reasons for the war (the Achaean kings agreeing to protect whoever married Helen, to keep them from fighting over her) and the reason it ends (the TrojanHorse, of course). Naturally, Athena favors him and helps him out a lot (against the wishes of her uncle Poseidon, whom he had somehow offended).
120	* The [[Literature/TheBible Biblical prophet]] Daniel (aka Belteshazzar) was a brilliant scholar and a top-notch administrator.
121	* In the Caucasian Myth/NartSagas, Setenay -- as brainy as she is [[WorldsMostBeautifulWoman beautiful]] -- demonstrates an affinity for observing and investigating the world around her. She is credited with revealing the life-giving power of water to the first people, and in one tale assesses the properties of a magical apple through experimentation.
122	* In Irish mythology, Ogma is the wisdom/eloquence god, creator of the Ogham writing system, and Tuatha dé Dannan's wrestling champion.
123	[[/folder]]
124
125	[[folder:Toys]]
126	* The [[DishingOutDirt Toa of Earth]] (such as [[GeniusBruiser Onua]] or [[GadgeteerGenius Nuparu]]) tend to fill this role on their respective Toa teams in ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}''. Nuju and Kopaka also serve this role on their respective teams, with Kopaka doubling as TheLancer.
127	[[/folder]]
128
129	[[folder:Web Comics]]
130	* Hod, god of darkness and winter, is The Smart Guy to the Norse kids in ''Webcomic/BratHalla'', although he is a CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass as well.
131	* ''Webcomic/DubiousCompany'':
132	** Walter starts out as this to [[BrainsAndBrawn Tiren]] and after they pick up [[BeautyBrainsAndBrawn Elly]]. But when the team picks up Sal, she then becomes the The Smart Girl and Walter functionally shifts to TheLeader.
133	** This also occurs on the [[AntiVillain Imperial side]], with [[TheDragon Izor]] shifting the responsibility to [[HyperCompetentSidekick Gary]] once he becomes a prominent character.
134	* Tedd of ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'' is knowledgeable and skilled in {{Magitek}} and the [[SufficientlyAnalyzedMagic science of magic]] to the point of being able to create magic watches out of mundane toy watches that can cast spells for even {{Muggle}} users.
135	* In ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', some of the Sparks are even identified by the Jagers as "da schmot guy". In Gil's case, it's even on his hat.
136	* ''{{Webcomic/Homestuck}}'':
137	** Rose is the beta kids' main Smart Guy and the primary [[MrExposition Miss Exposition]] when it comes to explaining the mysteries of Sburb. Even her mythological role as the Seer of Light marks her as a quester after knowledge. Jade is also very brainy, but her intelligence isn't as central to her character or role in the story as Rose's is.
138	** In the alpha session, Dirk (Rose's genetic father) takes on the Smart Guy role as the team's chief strategist (though he does have an AI double to help him out).
139	* ''WebComic/ImNotYourFriend'': Natalie likes doing homework and math.
140	* ''WebComic/MagickChicks'': [[StudentCouncilPresident Faith]] recognized [[{{meganekko}} Sandi's]] talents as a {{technopath}}, when she was young, and [[http://www.magickchicks.com/strips-mc/she_looks_out_for_us helped her learn to properly control her abilities.]] Now, she's so adept at her gift that she can [[http://www.magickchicks.com/strips-mc/slipped_past_our_defenses predict the probability of future events with 97.09% accuracy]]; so long as she has all the available data. What's more, the cast page of the comic's print edition describes her as "a living Website/{{Google}}", which is why Faith chose her as her personal secretary and is genuinely surprised whenever Sandi ''[[http://www.magickchicks.com/strips-mc/the_dollar_store can't]]'' find intel on something.
141	* In ''[[{{Webcomic/Morphe}} morphE]]'', Asia Ellis fills the role of smart guy through being the analytical thinker of the FiveManBand who takes notes, makes maps when introduced to new areas and studies every text she can find to discover the many truths of the awakened world. Despite not being the most intellectual member of the party Asia fits this trope perfectly.
142	* Vaarsuvius fills this role in ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick''. Although Roy Greenhilt has more common sense and Haley Starshine is more observant, V's sheer 18 INT has them beat. Besides, Roy and Haley are TheHero and TheLancer respectively.
143	* ''Webcomic/SleeplessDomain'':
144	** Sylvia fills this role on Team Alchemical, as the most mature and technical of the group, and the member most concerned with the [[CelebritySuperhero media]] and [[OnlyInItForTheMoney commercial]] aspects of being a MagicalGirl. Off the field, she's the one keeping track of her team's earnings, or [[BoxingLessonsForSuperman researching new applications for her and her teammates' powers in combat]]. According to WordOfGod, she also has the highest grades out of her teammates.
145	** Vedika later serves as this to the Magical Girl Power Training Club. Undine recognizes her right away as the top student at Future's Promise, and she often volunteers at a local hospital. Her powers as a magical girl tie into this role -- as Mindful Eye, she has a basic form of {{telepathy}} and can form {{Psychic Link}}s with her allies. These powers aren't very useful for fighting monsters, however, something [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway she's rather self-conscious about]].
146	* Riff from ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'' is both The Smart Guy and TheLancer, being a MadScientist with a [[TimTaylorTechnology penchant for]] [[MoreDakka destruction]].
147	* ''WebComic/StandStillStaySilent'': This is split between Tuuri and Mikkel. Tuuri was the one officially hired for this quality, but Mikkel being TheMedic, more than a decade older than her, and having expertise in things in which Tuuri does not causes him to frequently override her in that domain.
148	* In ''Webcomic/SuperBrothers'' Kamek is Bowser's Royal Advisor and generally more level-headed than his king.
149	* Nepta from ''{{Webcomic/Tinyraygun}}'' is a brilliant young space explorer. Unfortunately, her intellect's somewhat limited to what she learned in books.
150	* ''Webcomic/WeakHero'':
151	** Eugene is the NonActionGuy of the main group, and instead contributes with his general intelligence and his vast knowledge of the [[StandardEvilOrganizationSquad Yeongdeungpo Union]] members. [[BookDumb Ironically, his grades suck.]]
152	** Not only is Timothy a whiz with computers, but he's adept at analysing people's past actions and predicting how they'll act in the future.
153	[[/folder]]
154
155	[[folder:Web Animation]]
156	* While not part of a FiveManBand, computer programmer Raimi definitely fulfills this function in ''WebAnimation/BrokenSaints''.
157	* ''WebAnimation/{{Dreamscape}}'': Keela is The Smart Guy of the FiveManBand. She is very observant, extremely clever, and not very expressive.
158	* Iridescence from ''WebAnimation/DusksDawn'', sort of. It's inferred that she's an expert in the medical field by her Cutie Mark, and she senses something bad is happening in the De Noir's castle.
159	* While he is not in a five man band, Sniffles from ''WebAnimation/HappyTreeFriends'' could definitely qualify as he is a tech wiz, an avid scientist, and knows his way around power tools.
160	* ''WebAnimation/MinecraftEndventures'': Red Stone is an inventor who makes redstone machines for his group, including a potion making machine.
161	[[/folder]]
162
163	[[folder:Web Original]]
164	* Felix from WebVideo/TheBenHeckShow has become an EnsembleDarkhorse because of his software-savvyness, especially in Linux.
165	* In "Literature/CaelumLex" Cyrus, the Dionysian's engineer and resident tech nerd, is often one step ahead of everyone else, coming up with ideas and plans and solutions that no one else on the crew considered.
166	* While not intelligent to a superlative degree, Chip from the web fiction serial ''Literature/DimensionHeroes'' proves on several occasions that his reservoir of book knowledge can prove beneficial in making it out of various tight spots the heroes get into.
167	* ''WebVideo/EconomyWatch'': Since all the members of the Economy Watch are nerds, most of them fall under this trope.
168	* James in ''Literature/LightningDust'': safe to say that Klaus can go to him to ask about certain monsters/baddies in town and would probably go to him for inventions to help him while fighting if James knew about LD.
169	* Eugene, [[WebVideo/MatthewSantoro Matt Santoro's]] nerdy clone. WordOfGod (Matt himself) says that, if Matt's clones had a fight to the death, Eugene would win -- despite being physically weak, he could build something like a tank to defend himself, because he's the only clone intelligent enough to do so.
170	* PHILLIPS from ''The Last Stage'' by WebVideo/NatOneProductions switches between this and NaiveNewcomer. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the paranormal due to his lifetime of research, but is inexperienced in the field. When [[TheLeader PATRICK]] needs to know what something is or does, though, PHILLIPS is the one he looks to.
171	* Open to debate, since none of the characters are all that bright, but in ''WebAnimation/RedVsBlue'', Simmons is arguably the smartest member of either team when it comes to pure common sense.
172	* ''WebVideo/UnwantedHouseguest'': Doctor Wolfula is a variant. The information he gives the Houseguest is accurate, so he isn't a KnowNothingKnowItAll, but he usually forces his zombie servant Ghoulash to do the research for him, and merely claims the credit.
173	* On the group Team Kimba in the ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'', Phase is probably the smart one, even if Chaka seems to be best at coming up with ideas in the middle of a fight. Phase is over-educated for a freshman in high school, is most likely to use the big words, and is a smart aleck, too. The smart guy they go to for gadgets is Bugs, who is a scientist.
174	* Carlos from Podcast/WelcomeToNightVale is an OmniDisciplinaryScientist and possibly the only person in Night Vale who knows basic science. Thus, it often falls on him and his team of fellow scientists to save the town or figure out what weird thing is going on this week.
175	[[/folder]]

Context Main / TheSmartGuy