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StarTropes
Since: May, 2014
11th Sep, 2023 12:19:27 AM
The useless braggart is probably a Miles Gloriosus, while the competent non-braggart is a Humble Hero.
Mac_R
(Experienced, Not Yet Jaded)
11th Sep, 2023 11:32:51 AM
Yes, thanks, Star Tropes. Miles Gloriosus and Phony Veteran are the tropes I was looking for.
Edited by Mac_R
A vainglorious character will boast about skills and deeds, then is revealed to have been lying all along. Meanwhile, the character who doesn't brag at all ends up being the superior one. i.e., there's an inverse relation between bragging and doing. There are lots of reasons the competent character doesn't brag: First, he doesn't need to, cause he can just show people his skills. Second, he doesn't need the thrill of telling people he did something because he had the actual thrill of doing it. Third, he might get in trouble if someone finds out he did something wrong (a liar can pretend he committed all sorts of crimes, but when there's no evidence he won't be in trouble. An actual criminal will keep his lips sealed). Fourth, developing the skills led him to be modest about them. Fifth, he might be conflicted about his own morality (a guy who fakes his military service will brag about all the people he "killed", while an actual veteran won't talk about it out of guilt or respect).