The 12 signs of the Chinese cycle, in order, are: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Boar/Pig. (The Cat missed out on the Chinese Zodiac alternately because the Rat purposely gave it the wrong meeting time, or because the Rat pushed it off the Ox into the river during their crossing note .) They are governed by the 5 Eastern Elements. Earth, being the central element, governs all the signs but chiefly the Dragon, Rat, and Ox. The rest break down as follows:
Water Signs
The Pig is a sign commonly associated with fortune and good luck. The average Pig is good natured, easy going and optimistic, and generally kind, honest, open and tolerant. Though they sometimes have a temper and can be hot-headed, they dislike serious conflict and don't understand why people cannot just get along. They rarely go out of their way to harm others out of malice and most of them enjoy being of service to their fellow human beings. They seriously wish for others to like them.
This sort of attitude obviously has the drawback of inviting naiveté, and many a Pig runs the risk of letting others take advantage of them; on the other hand, Pigs are not always above manipulation and callousness themselves. Their principle desire is comfort and having a pleasant life, and they might not mind leeching off those more fortunate than them parasitically, nor do they have much problem giving the cold shoulder to strangers or those people they are not particularly fond of. The Pig is loyal, charitable and honourable- but mainly with those he already likes. Furthermore, they can be prone to jealously. If under too much stress, he can also have an explosive temper.
Pigs have a good sense of aesthetics and can sometimes be snobbish, and value good behaviour and manners. They have a good sense of furnishing and fashion; above all, they like good food and good living. Many are also very intellectual and have a thirst for knowledge. Their reputation for good fortune comes from ability with accounting and just generally making money, though they may be spendthrift and be better at making money than keeping it. They work best with firm yet loving family and friends who will keep them disciplined and push them to succeed. They are capable of long hours and hard work, but can also be quite stubborn and prejudiced in their views.
The most noble of this type will likely be peacekeepers who wish to fight conflict and suffering by making sure that everyone enjoys a good and fair standard of living, and is willing to work diligently towards that goal, as well as being devoted and forgiving towards their loved ones. They can be noble, caring, generous and capable of self-sacrifice.
The more villainous, though, can be greedy, gluttonous, hedonistic and suffer from moral indifference, willing to permit or even commit appalling crimes less out of cruelty or sadism than to keep themselves and their own clan in comfort and wealth- or worse, betray their loved ones to make things easier or right for themselves. They may further turn a blind eye to ethics if they think they get in the way of resolving a conflict or any other matter that irritates them- in short, they can think issues of Right and Wrong are more trouble than they are worth.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
- Beware the Nice Ones
- Big Eater
- Brilliant, but Lazy
- Desperately Craves Affection
- Extreme Doormat
- Glurge Addict
- Innocently Insensitive
- Laborious Laziness
- Obsessed with Food
- Passive-Aggressive Kombat
- Picky Eater
- Rage Breaking Point
- Skilled, but Naive
- Shrinking Violet
- Wide-Eyed Idealist
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
The Ox is a slow and steady, yet determined and powerful sign of the Chinese Zodiac. These stubborn and persistent people believe in the value of a hard days work, and can have the patience and fortitude to see it through. Moreover, they are principled, loyal and practical yet imaginative. Most are highly organized and thrive on hierarchy and order.
The Ox is generally herd minded and thus values security and prosperity for themselves and their loved ones. Their diligence is often set towards the goal of making sure both are achieved by the time they reach retirement, though they may strive for a cause for its own sake as well. Consequently, they sometimes have little patience with those who fail to live up to their responsibilities or are disconcerned with putting in a hard days work. The other aspect of this herd-mindedness is that Oxen are highly social creatures- that is, they prefer company and seek the approval of their peers. They might not be the life and soul of the party, and can even come across as loners, but they like to be invited and made welcome. They sometimes seem calm, even stoical on the outside, but they are often deeply sensitive souls capable of great love, and- despite their basically serious personalities- humour and mischief.
The downside of all this is that Oxen can be prejudiced, dogmatic and narrow-minded. While they generally have a strong sense of duty and aren't above helping total strangers in need, they are not always inclined to make outsiders welcome into the safe and secure world they hope to make for themselves and their potentially exclusive group. The Ox is tradition bound and while they may or may not be hostile to other bands, cultures or clubs, they often put their own first and may tend to think that theirs is slightly more-than-equal. Furthermore, beneath their patient and tranquil exterior they have a capacity for furious anger if they are pressed too far or feel too stressed. Within their own group, they might have a tendency to think that they know best- they are generally conservative creatures, but they are not above either hostile or even revolutionary actions to achieve the reforms they think are needed.
Oxen tend towards Black-and-White Morality; if they don't believe in Good and Evil, they nearly always believe in Right and Wrong. On the heroic side of things this can make them highly ethical people, who won't balk under pressure, be easily intimidated, or abandon their posts or their causes. Further, they can be deeply compassionate, even if they don't always show it, and can be very noble and brave. In addition, they almost never give up, and will see a good cause through to the end. They won't turn their back on someone in need either.
As villains, though, Oxen are intolerant, controlling, rigid and ruthless. They will trample over anyone who gets in their way, sometimes as a show of force, sometimes to demonstrate to their own (or even just themselves) that brutality can be a virtue. They can become paranoid and egomaniacal because they believe that they, and only they, have the strength or intelligence or vision to do what needs to be done, and might be selfish enough to make sure they are well-rewarded, by hook or by crook, in return for their services and duty. They can come to detest perceived failures and weaknesses in others, and are unlikely to ever admit that they are the ones who messed up. In contrast to their heroic counterparts, they are wont to thrive on the exploitation- even destruction- of those not of their own clan. They can be tyrannical to achieve their own ends.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
- Aloof Ally
- Creature of Habit
- The Determinator
- Divided We Fall
- The Fettered
- Hidden Depths
- Innocent Bigot / Noble Bigot
- Innocently Insensitive
- The Finicky One
- Hard Work Fallacy
- More than Meets the Eye
- Not So Stoic
- Opinion Myopia
- Schedule Fanatic
- To Be Lawful or Good
Tropes associated to Virtues
- Dudley Do-Right Stops to Help
- Good Is Not Soft
- I Gave My Word
- Pragmatic Hero
- Samaritan Syndrome
- Think Nothing of It
Tropes associated to Vices
The Rat is ambitious and clan-minded; in other words, they love their friends and family and are devoted to helping them, but they also want to be the most noticed and successful member of the gang. Like Oxen, Rats are inherently social animals who love company and approval by peers, but they are less serious and very much enjoy events, parties and socializing in general. They like being popular and enjoy making new acquaintances. Also like Oxen, Rats crave security and prosperity, but they are much more likely to see it as a means for living a good, carefree life than as an end in and of itself.
Rats are often restless and fidgety, and like to be active. Be it talking, reading, traveling or whatever, they are often dissatisfied if they are not on-the-go. They live for the moment and don't have a great sense of time, yet they are often smart and organized about their own lives and can be very determined to achieve. They like fame and fortune, and sometimes power, and frequently plan and dream big. In the less moral Rats this might translate into selfishness and greed, and they can be quite ruthless and aggressive if they start to think that their conscience is getting in the way of what they really want. They also tend to like money and have a tendency to hoard, though also a tendency to spend as they love luxury and giving to those they love.
The Rat can be quite sensational to those they really care about, as they generally desire companionship and may have a tendency to spoil the people they like or are close to. As a rule they are also usually highly extroverted and can't help talking about their thoughts, their worries...and everything else in general. They might also meddle in the affairs of those they know just to satisfy their curiosity or keep themselves occupied; as stated, they tend towards organization and they can be big-headed enough to think they know best how other people should be running their own lives. This, of course, also helps to keep them at the centre of attention.
At their best, the Rat is loyal to the end, someone who will fight to the death for the ones they love and do everything in their power to make them hale and hearty. They will also seek out noble and high-minded causes to devote themselves to and can be an excellent asset to such endeavours. The most altruistic may view everyone in general as part of their clan and act accordingly.
The wicked Rat, though, is a much more self-centered and mean-spirited person, one who takes sadistic delight in crippling rivals and obstacles- real or imagined-, and has a tendency to cronyism and looking after the interests of their own chosen gang at the expense of everyone else. They make for fiendish and unscrupulous enemies who can be intensely jealous of their own position and paranoid about securing it.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
- Attention Deficit... Ooh, Shiny!
- Brutal Honesty
- Charm Person
- Competition Freak
- Family Honor
- Glory Seeker
- Hard-Drinking Party Girl
- Hates Being Alone
- I Just Want to Have Friends
- I Just Want to Be Special
- Leader Wannabe
- Money Fetish
- Motor Mouth
- Selfish Good
- The Scrounger
- Thicker Than Water
- Work Hard, Play Hard
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
Metal Signs
The Dog is the most loyal, honourable and honest of all the zodiac signs. They are principled and idealistic, have a strong sense of duty, compassion and justice, and firmly believe in altruism and fair play. They seek out noble causes to be of service to them, and rarely turn away from those in need. Diligent, ethical and heroic are words associated with Dog people, who never feels right unless he is being of service to some other person or to the greater good.
The Dog can also be stubborn, judgemental and pessimistic. They can become jaded and disenchanted when they learn that other people don't always share their firm views or devotion to what is Right and Good. In addition, they are prone to nervousness and anxiety, as while they are basically friendly and sociable they sometimes assume too much responsibility. They are usually best suited to a small circle of intimate family and friends than big parties and large crowds, as many Dogs have a basic shyness about them.
Dogs are rarely materialistic or especially preoccupied with wealth. While they like to establish a certain level of comfortable living for their loved ones and themselves, they are generous and driven by conscience more than cash. Aside from that, Dogs are good judges of circumstance and character and have a strong sense of integrity; they can, however, be ruthless and unforgiving with people they regard as bad or evil, and can themselves be stubborn and rigid in their views and outlooks. They can get particularly mean if they come to believe the world is a hard, bleak place and may end up believing they have to resort to harsh, brutal, and even underhanded methods to defend the ones they love or the cause they believe in.
As one of the most noble signs the Dog is practically heroic by default. They are usually humble and at their best will recognise that their dogmatic and unforgiving stances may be flawed and become willing to show mercy. They are capable of immense bravery in the face of danger and adversity, intense loyalty to their family and friends, and completely open and guileless acts of charity and goodwill. The Dog dislikes deception and favours truth and righteousness.
The Dog might be the sign least likely to turn out villainous; when they do, they tend to resort to excuses and rationalizations. They might feel they were forced into it by circumstance, which in and of itself can make them even more villainous if they feel cruel and embittered about this; in other cases, they might adopt an "ends justifies the means" approach and be willing to commit the most pitiless and merciless acts in pursuit of the Greater Good. They can be especially brutal with evildoers; or sometimes, those they simply regard as such. Sometimes, their prejudices override their normally sound sense of character as well. Dogs might offer a token act of diplomacy, but if they are not accepted- or worse, betrayed- they will give no quarter.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
- Beware the Honest Ones
- Beware the Nice Ones
- Brutal Honesty
- The Determinator
- The Fettered
- Honor Before Reason
- I Gave My Word
- Jade-Colored Glasses
- Nice Guy
- Rules Lawyer
- To Be Lawful or Good
- Wide-Eyed Idealist
Tropes associated to Virtues
- Chronic Hero Syndrome
- Dudley Do-Right Stops to Help
- For Great Justice
- Good Is Not Soft
- The Paragon
- True Companions
Tropes associated to Vices
The Rooster is a fussy, security conscious individual with an altruistic side. Basically conservative regardless of politics, the Rooster tends to think things would run best if they were in charge or followed the rules they agreed with; at the same time, they chafe under authority and typically hate excessive bureaucracy and paperwork. They are a sign of order, but it is their order they prefer to follow. They are often dreamers, too, wistfully thinking of travel and adventure and freedom; yet, they are basically materialists and like to feel grounded, so this often doesn't come to much unless they feel organized and settled. Many Roosters have tremendous aptitudes in many fields, but insecurity or pragmatism can make them more career-focused to the expense of these.
Roosters are observant. They pay attention to people and events and take mental notes, so they are usually either quiet and alert or chatterboxes openly interested in everything. They are also concerned with appearances, sometimes to the exclusion of substance- they like to dress well and keep their homes in good shape, and they can be irritated if they can't afford nice things or if their loved ones don't live up to their stylistic standards. They also can be tight-fisted when it comes to money, which they are generally good at handling but sometimes worry about losing. Many Roosters keep an eye out for bargain buys.
Roosters are not uncharitable, though, and can be very devoted to their family and friends. They prefer to be generous with their time more than their money, but they are unlikely to turn away someone they love in times of need. They do not, however, like to be taken advantage of, and can be suspicious and guarded against this possibility. Despite this, they can be meddlesome and at times, controlling; yet, they do not tolerate much interfering in their own lives. They like to feel independent, and don't mind argument or fighting for their opinions.
The benevolent Rooster is generous and loyal. They like helping others and have a strong sense of duty; they also enjoy seeing people happy. They will likely try and encourage you to improve yourself and push you to succeed in life or become a better person, which can sometimes come across as intrusive but generally comes from a good place. They are also honest- sometimes brutally honest- and capable of being fiercely loyal. They are generally wilful and dauntless and capable of great acts of self-sacrifice.
The bad guy Rooster, though, can be a harsh, domineering, mean-spirited bully. The need for order combined with a hostility to outside authority lends the Rooster to fanaticism and extremism. They have a tendency to feel wronged and put-upon, and will likely blame others for their own shortcomings and feel that life or other people have done them or those they care about some great wrong; they may even feel robbed, which may lead them to envy and greed. They can be dangerous enemies as they can be paranoid and vengeful and the more radical may resort to reckless, destructive and even suicidal tactics to get even or take their opponents with them.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
The Monkey is one of the more intelligent and cunning zodiac signs. They hold a positive attitude towards everyone, cope with any problem, help others, and generally possess excellent courage and leadership skills.
The most enviable strength of the Monkey lies in their competence of solving problems: they can always come up with novel ways to catch the key points of problems through the complex surface phenomena and pull through at last. They can be the outstanding businesspeople, reaping huge successes by patiently allowing small profits to add up over time.
Monkeys generally perform very well on academic subjects they feel passionately about, garnering praise from teachers at an early age. However, this is offset by their love of playing and lack of restraint, making them short-sighted on matters that do not hold their interest.
Benevolent monkeys are very hospitable, treating friends frankly and sincerely, and respecting equal contacts; also, they love to defend against injustice and are ready to help others.
Villainous monkeys, however, tend to be selfish and vain, only taking actions which are beneficial to them and using others as stepping stones to their own success. They are so convinced of their superiority that they show no respect to others, but are still prone to jealousy when someone else has something they don't have.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
Fire Signs
Also represented as a goat or ram, depending on who you ask. Like pigs, Sheep are considered auspicious animals and are believed to herald prosperity, symbolizing wealth and plenty. People born in the year of the Sheep are among the kindest and most gentle of the signs. They're creative, passionate and well-liked, but prefer to keep a low profile and take things steady.
People born in the year of the Sheep are marked by stark contrast between their external demeanor and internal character. They are agreeable and amicable, but possess firm mental fortitude and perseverance. They don't like to make waves or be the center of attention, but usually have strong, uncompromising ideals and opinions. They're charming and pleasant, but their inborn shyness can make them seem aloof. Indeed, they usually prefer the company of friends or peers to complete solitude, yet stick to the sidelines rather than take center stage. They may seem a bit timid, but are intense and indomitable when they need to be. Beneath their soft facade, they have an iron will and can muster the determination to see projects through without any fuss.
Despite their calm nature, those born in the year of the sheep have a passion for the finer things. They enjoy artistic, aesthetic and material luxuries, though they aren't flamboyant or elitist in their tastes and are never irresponsible with their money. They are gifted with creativity and have a discerning eye for artistic and professional endeavors alike. They are naturally inclined to pursuits some might call superfluous or ostentatious, but also pick up practical skills easily and have good work ethic and sharp focus.
Sheep are famous for their generosity and empathy, and are said to always think of the less fortunate before themselves. They are quick to give what they can to someone in need, be it money, food, shelter or a kind word of advice. Sheep can have rich tastes, but they are sensible with money and work hard to earn what they have. That aside, they are uniquely lucky with money, always seeming to find bargains and opportunities without trying, but they're never greedy or selfish with what they have. They believe that paying into good yields good in their own lives, and are always happy to lend a hand or any resources at their disposal.
Sheep may be gentle and warm, but they certainly have less favorable tendencies and traits beneath the surface. Sheep are often short-sighted and stubborn. The more you challenge one of their beliefs, the deeper they dig themselves in. They are fiercly resistant to change, be it to their lifestyle or perspective. They can also be difficult to connect to, as they hold their own counsel and don't like to show their hand. A Sheep can get defensive about constructive criticism, and sometimes take things too personally. They're indecisive and don't like responsibility or accountability, so they leave big decisons to others and pass them the blame when things go awry. Sheep are squeamish about conflict and hardship, so they generally to avoid or deny their own interpersonal issues or the problems in the world around them. They're prone to neurotic and defeatist thinking, and can slip into pessimism or even fatalism when things don't go their way.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
- Consummate Professional
- Creature of Habit
- The Determinator
- Hidden Depths
- The Idealist
- Mellow Fellow
- Not So Stoic
- Pacifist
- The Quiet One
- Reclusive Artist
- I Work Alone
- Work Hard, Play Hard
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
The Snake is the most enigmatic animal among the 12 zodiac animals. People born in a year of the Snake are said to be the most intuitive. They possess deep wisdom of both themselves and of the world around them.
Snakes learn by doing and from their own mistakes, rather than basing their lives on the judgements of others. They appreciate and crave all that is fine and beautiful, having a unique and well-honed style. They can be talented and very successful in the arts. They are intelligent, witty, and patient, smart with money, and can succeed at most things.
Snakes are humorous and sophisticated, but tend to dislike small talk or thinking about small, everyday problems. They tend to be somewhat materialistic and love keeping up with the Joneses. Their greatest fault is their jealousy. However, with the proper social support, they can channel this into a motivation to work harder and become better.
It takes Snakes a long time to form intimate, intense relationships because they don’t trust easily. They tend to be loyal friends once their trust has been earned.
Benevolent Snakes are generally brave and decisive in their actions. They are born leaders who have a balanced mix of strictness and freedom.
Villainous Snakes, however, are suspicious of others and their motivations, almost to the point of paranoia. They do not forgive easily and are capable of long-term revenge against those who have angered them.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
People born in a year of the Horse are extremely animated, active and energetic. Horses love to be in a crowd, and they can usually be seen on such occasions as concerts, theater performances, meetings, sporting events, and parties. With good humor and geniality, they are extremely comfortable to get along with as they have the ability to instantly put people at ease.
Horses are passionate about beginnings but don’t always stay beyond the first flush of enthusiasm – there’s always another challenge beckoning them. Since Horses can crave intimacy, love, and belonging as much as they’re repelled by feeling fettered, their major challenge is often unraveling their own psyche to help them find and sustain what truly nourishes and fulfills them.
Horses are full of imagination. They look at everything from a unique perspective and always want to express their ideas. Although their affable nature tends to make it easy for them to make new friends, they can occasionally be too straightforward and blunt, hurting others without realizing.
Like Dogs and Rabbits, Horses are rarely malevolent, but in their worst moments, they can be impatient, impulsive, and self-centered.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
Wood Signs
The Rabbit is also known as a cat note or hare depending on the country in question and which terminology is preferred. Out of all the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, Rabbits are the most fragile. They are often timid around other people, while caring deeply about what they think. Their innate sensitivity makes them easily hurt, while their retention of their emotions keeps them from letting others know they’ve been hurt. For all their tenderheartedness, all they want is to be loved and accepted, even while maintaining an illusion of seclusion.
In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Their ability to look at outside problems objectively makes them fairly decent leaders and diplomats.
With an inborn love for the plain and comfortable life, Rabbits do not have the lofty ideal like people under other animal signs and their primary goal in life is self-protection. This desire for remaining in safe, comfortable environments keeps Rabbits from taking risks which sometimes causes them to miss out on good opportunities.
The introverted nature of Rabbits can lead to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy situations. Prudent and private, they can be contradictory when their moods and unexplained fears take over. Even though Rabbits don’t usually get visibly upset or stressed, they do tend to keep these feelings inside and resort to escapist coping mechanisms. When they do not properly express these feelings, they risk being overwhelmed, causing detriments to their health.
Villainous Rabbits are generally rare but not unheard of: They have allowed their self-preservation to override their altruism, though some are embittered by past associations and experiences. They will eliminate anything or anyone that demands too much from them, and their definition of "too much" is very rigid and unforgiving. Though polite when interacting with a rival, they are secretly plotting to destroy them in the most malicious way possible.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
People born in a year of the Tiger are brave, competitive, unpredictable, and confident. They are born leaders, and they have the energy, charisma, and the audacity to pull it off.
Tigers rarely feel tired and have rich emotions. Sometimes though, they make brash decisions and are hard to control. But no matter how many difficulties or obstacles they face, they will never give up.
In social relationships, Tigers always have a dominant role. Due to mistrust and over confidence, Tigers do not like to communicate with others so they are not good at coordinating in social circles. They are inclined to use commanding means to deal with interpersonal relationships.
Benevolent Tigers may have a certain innocence and optimism. They can be genuine humanitarians with a deep desire to help those in need, and their enthusiasm can be contagious to others.
Villianous Tigers, on the other hand, tend to be overly aggressive, impulsive, and short-sighted.
Tropes associated to Common Traits
Tropes associated to Virtues
Tropes associated to Vices
Although known as a Dragon in most countries where the Eastern Zodiac is practiced, in Thailand, it is known as a Naga. People born the year of the Dragon possesses a certain presence that they carry with them no matter where they go. People notice when they enter a room. Most of the time, Dragons use this power to accomplish great things. They are determined perfectionists with themselves, and it pays off.
With power and influence can come pride, and Dragons have this in spades; as natural leaders brimming with self-assurance, they don’t like deferring to others. Dragons have an infamous reputation for being a hothead and possessing a sharp tongue.
Honest and direct, Dragons crave to be of use and need to find a purpose or goal in life. Instead of following tradition, they strive for a smooth future.
Benevolent Dragons are positive and cheerful. They do not fear enemies and do not bully the weak. Villainous Dragons, however, are arrogant and inflexible, and can become downright tyrannical if they have unchecked power. Dragons do not typically tolerate any form of critique which can make them hard to get along with at times.
The Dragon is easily considered the most desired sign for children, especially sons. It is to the point that there is a noticeable increase in births during the years ruled by this sign, so much that natal wards are sometimes overburdened.
