History SoYouWantTo / WriteABadass

In ''Film/TheKiller'', there are several scenes where Chow Yun-Fat’s character has to have some impromptu surgery (read: taking the bullets out) done on him after the shootouts at the nightclub and the beach house. Those scenes can be rather painful to watch because he doesn’t exactly take the pain of the procedure well. Doesn’t make him any less of a badass, and in fact, he gains a lot more believability because of it.

There are many ways to a character Badass--just look at the amount of subtropes on that page. Yet, pulling it off is not always easy, in part because there are a lot of confusing images on TV and film that writers glom onto. Here are a set of guidelines--as always, not hard-and-fast rules--that can help you pull it off.

!!!'''A real badass doesn’t have to be in charge'''

In the FiveManBand, TheLancer is all too often the badass, for the simple reason that the leader is the only one with the charisma to keep them in line long enough to stop killing things for long enough to advance the plot between shoot-outs. The badass doesn't need much charisma when everything around them is dead within about twelve seconds.

One of the better indicators of whether somebody is a badass or not is how much they talk. Real badasses don’t have to say much at all. They have better things to do than jibber-jabber about how tough they are… like stay alert for trouble. Besides, most real badasses have learned that there are very few questions that can’t be answered with a cold, steely glare. If a badass does speak, his words are carefully chosen for effect and thus he tends to come off as being cool. Examples include Creator/BruceWillis in ''Film/LastManStanding'', Creator/ClintEastwood in just about anything, Creator/WesleySnipes in ''Film/{{Blade}}'', Creator/JeanReno in ''Film/TheProfessional'', Creator/ChowYunFat in ''Film/TheReplacementKillers'', and Creator/KevinKlein and Creator/ScottGlenn in ''Film/{{Silverado}}''.

Like costume design, attitude is not that important. However, you might not want to make your badass character an unsympathetic {{Jerkass}}. One thing is that the viewers will focus more on how much of an asshole he is, and not at the cool stuff he does, but being a jerk will also make your character come off as a wannabe. The only exception is if they have suffered a past that makes them act like they do, which is then fine, because people will sympathize with them, but you should then give them some CharacterDevelopment to make them popular, both for sheer badassery, but also for being a likeable character. Make sure not to make them one dimensional either, because badass characters are supposed to be interesting, for the most part at least.

However, rudeness in the character will not be good for the image the character is proposing. For example, [[DragonBallVegeta Vegeta]] is a badass, but his offensive and self-serving attitude makes people ignore his "badass" image. Piccolo, on the other hand, is much more noble and respectful, which makes him easier to acknowledge as a badass.

Even if they are villains, do not make them a CompleteMonster, because that will immediately be the downfall of your character. Every badass character should have a soft side, even if they're the BigBad. That being said, if you decide to make them an antagonist, give them at least one EvenEvilHasStandards moment.

!!!'''ChowYunFat: The Golden-Hearted Cynic'''

The main difference between them and the other guys is that [[{{Determinator}} they always get back up]]. BruceWillis has made a cottage industry of being beat to shit by the end of the movie. But if you want a classic example of the badass getting back up, watch Clint Eastwood in ''Film/{{Unforgiven}}''. Just because the character is badass does not give him a license to invulnerability. In fact, when they take it in the pants, it sort of behooves them to do it stoically.

There are a few tropes that are abseloutely neccesary for a character to come off as badass. They will ultimately help you with a good start to your character's sheer awesomeness.

* {{Determinator}}: Badasses just don't give up when it comes to what they truly desire, or they might do sometimes, but even there, they will find hope again quickly. People can tell them whatever they like about how their goals are '"impossible", but it does not shake them. No matter how hard there opponoment is hitting, they will keep getting up from the ground (though they might want to back off to avoid trouble). They won't ever stop achieving their dreams. even when hope ''seems'' lost, they know that there is always another way, and they won't back down until they finally succeeded.

* GoodIsNotSoft: If your badass character is a hero, you should really use this. They don't mess with the hero because he's nice, because they know exactly what's going to happend.
* OneManArmy: This will immidietely get people to recognize your character as a badass. Why? Because if you ever see someone take down multiple opponoments, that person IS a badass. This will also give people a good chance to see just how good of a fighter he is.

The main difference between them and the other guys is that [[{{Determinator}} they always get back up]]. BruceWillis has made a cottage industry of being beat to shit by the end of the movie. But if you want a classic example of the badass getting back up, watch Clint Eastwood in ''Film/{{Unforgiven}}''. Just because the character is badass does not give him a license to invulnerability. In fact, when they take it in the pants, it sort of behoves them to do it stoically.

A lot of people equate being a badass with a license to push people around. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pushing people around creates more trouble than it solves. Experienced badasses know this. As a result, they try to avoid ordering people around as much as possible. Most are perfectly content to allow others to give the orders. {{Samurai}} and {{Ninja}} were badasses, but they usually served greater powers in exchange for priveliges and payment. Look around you at the next LARP you attend. The guy issuing the orders is probably not a real badass. The guy who he issues them to, who just nods his head and goes away, IS a badass. Especially if it results in half a dozen casualties.

Looks aren't that important, as a real badass wears whatever he likes and doesn't follow trents, but it might help your character pay more attention to how cool he is if he also ''looks'' like a badass while doing cool stuff. For example, it is long acknowledged that black and red are the universal colours of badassery. And a good quantity of leather never goes amiss. Denim can also work, especially in black or blue. Also, to give the viewers an impression that your character is may be a badass by looking at them, you might want to add something raw and punkish, like spikes. Then again, you should only give him these sets of clothes if your character ''likes'' what he's wearing, or else he'll come off as a poser. However, TsurimeEyes are the most defined eye-shape of a badass, as it ''usually'' makes it more obvious.

Like costume design, additude is not that important. However, you might not want to make your badass character an unsympathetic {{Jerkass}}. One thing is that the viewers will focus more on how much of an asshole he is, and not at the cool stuff he does, but being a jerk will also make your character come off as a wannabe. The only exception is if they have suffered a past that makes them act like they do, which is then fine, because people will sympathize with them, but you should then give them some CharacterDevelopment to make them popular, both for sheer badassery, but also for being a likeable character. Make sure not to make them one dimensional either, because badass characters are supposed to be interesting, for the most part at least.

However, rudeness in the character will not be good for the image the character is porposing. For example, [[DragonBallVegeta Vegeta]] is a badass, but his offensive and self-serving additude makes people ignore his "badass" image. Piccolo, on the other hand, is much more noble and respectful, which makes him easier to agknogledge as a badass.

Even if they are villain, do not make them a CompleteMonster, because that will immedietely be the downfall of your character. Every badass character should have a soft side, even if they're the BigBad. That being said, if you decide to make them an antagonist, give them at least one EvenEvilHasStandards moment.

There are many ways to a character {{Badass}}--just look at the amount of subtropes on that page. Yet, pulling it off is not always easy, in part because there are a lot of confusing images on TV and film that writers glom onto. Here are a set of guidelines--as always, not hard-and-fast rules--that can help you pull it off.

So many people, especially in online roleplaying, describe their characters as having a matched pair of [[KatanasAreJustBetter silver katanas]] or nickel plated Mac 10s or pearl handled .45s or some other foolishness. A real badass looks at weapons like a craftsperson looks at tools. They may have some that they favour, but they are going to use the right tool for the right job, and if the tools have to get left behind in the wake of trouble then so be it. It doesn’t pay to get killed trying to get your left-hand sword back. Also, a heavily ornate weapon draws attention to itself ''and'' marks you as an amateur to other pros. Style is all well and good, but most badasses prefer utilitarian weapons. The only real exception to this rule is Franchise/{{Batman}}.

!!SupplementaryTropes

* One-ManArmy: This will immidietely get people to recognize your character as a badass. Why? Because if you ever see someone take down multiple opponoments, that person IS a badass. This will also give people a good chance to see just how good of a fighter he is.

!Characterization and Storytelling'

!!!'''BruceLee: The Dragon Rampant'''

There are many ways to a character {{Badass}} - just look at the amount of subtropes on that page. Yet, pulling it off is not always easy, in part because there are a lot of confusing images on TV and film that writers glom onto. Here are a set of guidelines - as always, not hard-and-fast rules - that can help you pull it off.


!'''Important Tropes"

* TheAce: They've had experiences with so many things that it seems like they can do almost anything, and though there are some things they're unable to do (like everyone else) they will learn it if they want to. If they're in a group, they'll either be the prodigy of that group, or if the rest of the group is better, they'll catch up to them by their own determination and willpower. However, if you're planning on making the character believable, you might not want to make them good at ''everything''. Just be sure they'll be talented at multiple things, and look cool while they're doing it.

* WeDoTheImpossible: The point of badassery. They do what everyone thinks cannot be done. The word "Impossible" is not a word they know of, because they'll succeed some time or other due to their bravery and willpower. This is also another example similar to the {{Determinator}} above.

!'''Characterization and Storytelling'''

This applies from a writing standpoint, too - the old rule of ShowDontTell. If you talk about how badass someone is, but we don't see it in action, that's InformedAbility (and if the character is female, makes her into a FauxActionGirl).

So many people, especially in online roleplaying, describe their characters as having a matched pair of [[KatanasAreJustBetter silver katanas]] or nickel plated Mac 10s or pearl handled .45s or some other foolishness. A real badass looks at weapons like a craftsperson looks at tools. They may have some that they favour, but they are going to use the right tool for the right job, and if the tools have to get left behind in the wake of trouble then so be it. It doesn’t pay to get killed trying to get your left-hand sword back. Also, a heavily ornate weapon draws attention to itself AND marks you as an amateur to other pros. Style is all well and good, but most badasses prefer utilitarian weapons. The only real exception to this rule is Franchise/{{Batman}}.

Bruce Lee was one of the greatest fighters the world has ever seen. He was pure, dedicated to his art, an angel of righteous death. Always somewhat uncomfortable in everyday social situations, his reason for existence was the moment of battle. It was only when fighting that he managed to find peace. His skills were unparalelled, but he did not waste energy with the impossible. When overwhelmed, as he occasionally was, he would surrender - and live to fight again later.

However, rudeness in the character will not be good for the image the character is porposing. For example, [[DragonBallVegeta Vegeta]] is a badass, but his offensive and self-serving additude makes people ignore his "badass" image. Piccolo, on the other hand, is much more noble and respectful, which makes people focus both on that and when he does badass stuff that people get the hype of.

* TheAce: They've had experiences with so many things that it seems like they can do almost anything, and though there are some things they're unable to do (like everyone else) they will learn it if they want to. If they're in a group, they'll either be the prodigy of that group, or if the rest of the group is better, they'll catch up to them by their own determination and willpower.

However, if you're planning on making the character believable, you might not want to make them good at ''everything''. Just be sure they'll be talented at multiple things, and look cool while they're doing it.

!!SuplementaryTropes

!!'''TheAce"

They've had experiences with so many things that it seems like they can do almost anything, and though there are some things they're unable to do (like everyone else) they will learn it if they want to. If they're in a group, they'll either be the prodigy of that group, or if the rest of the group is better, they'll catch up to them by their own determination and willpower.

!!'''{{Determinator}}'''
Badasses just don't give up when it comes to what they truly desire, or they might do sometimes, but even there, they will find hope again quickly. People can tell them whatever they like about how their goals are '"impossible", but it does not shake them. No matter how hard there opponoment is hitting, they will keep getting up from the ground (though they might want to back off to avoid trouble). They won't ever stop achieving their dreams. even when hope ''seems'' lost, they know that there is always another way, and they won't back down until they finally succeeded.



!!'''WeDoTheImpossible"
The point of badassery. They do what everyone thinks cannot be done. The word "Impossible" is not a word they know of, because they'll succeed some time or other due to their bravery and willpower. This is also another example similar to the {{Determinator}} above.

!!''' TheAce "

!!''' WeDoTheImpossible "

Like costume design, additude is not that important. However, you might not want to make your badass character an unsympathetic {{Jerkass}}. One thing is that the viewers will focus more on how much of an asshole he is, and not at the cool stuff he does, but being a jerk will also make your character come off as a wannabe. The only exception is if they have suffered a past that makes them act like they do, which is then fine, because people will sympathize with them, but you should then give them some CharacterDevelopment to make them interesting, both for sheer badassery, but also for being a likeable character

Looks aren't that important, as a real badass wears whatever he likes and doesn't follow trents, but it might help your character pay more attention to how cool he is if he also ''looks'' like a badass while doing cool stuff. For example, it is long acknowledged that black and red are the universal colours of badassery. And a good quantity of leather never goes amiss. Denim can also work, especially in black or blue. Also, to give the viewers an impression that your character is may be a badass by looking at them, you might want to add something raw and punkish, like spikes. Then again, you should only give him these sets of clothes if your character ''likes'' what he's wearing, or else he'll come off as a poser. However, TsurimeEyes are the most defined eye-shape of a badass, as it ''usually'' makes it more obvious.

Like costume design, additude is not that important. However, you might not want to make your badass character an unsympathetic {{Jerkass}}. One thing is that the viewers will focus more on how much of an asshole he is, and not at the cool stuff he does, but being a jerk will also make your character come off as a wannabe. The only exception is if they have suffered a past that makes them act like they do, which is then fine.

It is long acknowledged that black and red are the universal colours of badassery. And a good quantity of leather never goes amiss.

In ''TheKiller'', there are several scenes where Chow Yun-Fat’s character has to have some impromptu surgery (read: taking the bullets out) done on him after the shootouts at the nightclub and the beach house. Those scenes can be rather painful to watch because he doesn’t exactly take the pain of the procedure well. Doesn’t make him any less of a badass, and in fact, he gains a lot more believability because of it.

The main difference between them and the other guys is that [[{{Determinator}} they always get back up]]. BruceWillis has made a cottage industry of being beat to shit by the end of the movie. But if you want a classic example of the badass getting back up, watch Clint Eastwood in ''{{Unforgiven}}''. Just because the character is badass does not give him a license to invulnerability. In fact, when they take it in the pants, it sort of behoves them to do it stoically.

In ''{{Unforgiven}}'', Gene Hackman has this long speech about the importance of coolness under fire as opposed to speed on the draw. This idea is absolutely true. Those who rely on speed or strength or funky powers in battle tend to get into a state of mental passivity. Unfortunately, mental passivity WILL GET YOU KILLED! Staying calm in battle is not about looking cool (although it does make you look cool), it’s not even about staying cool so your troops will follow your example and stay cool too (although that, too, is a happy side benefit), it’s more about keeping your mind active and alert for threats and opportunities. In battle, those threats and opportunities can present themselves and pass in moments.

!!!'''SeanConnery: The Cultured Avenger'''
Sean Connery created the screen JamesBond, and has never really left him behind. He's suave and sophisticated, with a darkly ironic sense of humor. He is very competent indeed, and totally ruthless, but also extremely charming, with a strong moral code. He always takes his work seriously, and you never find him messing around or getting drunk. Most important of all, though, he is always scrupulously polite, even as he's murdering someone. There is never any excuse for crassness.

!!!'''ArnoldSchwarzenegger: The Force of Nature'''

One of the better indicators of whether somebody is a badass or not is how much they talk. Real badasses don’t have to say much at all. They have better things to do than jibber-jabber about how tough they are… like stay alert for trouble. Besides, most real badasses have learned that there are very few questions that can’t be answered with a cold, steely glare. If a badass does speak, his words are carefully chosen for effect and thus he tends to come off as being cool. Examples include Bruce Willis in ''LastManStanding'', ClintEastwood in just about anything, Wesley Snipes in ''{{Blade}}'', Jean Reno in ''TheProfessional'', Chow Yun Fat in ''TheReplacementKillers'', and Kevin Klein and Scott Glenn in ''{{Silverado}}''.

So many people, especially in online roleplaying, describe their characters as having a matched pair of [[KatanasAreJustBetter silver katanas]] or nickel plated Mac 10s or pearl handled .45s or some other foolishness. A real badass looks at weapons like a craftsperson looks at tools. They may have some that they favour, but they are going to use the right tool for the right job, and if the tools have to get left behind in the wake of trouble then so be it. It doesn’t pay to get killed trying to get your left-hand sword back. Also, a heavily ornate weapon draws attention to itself AND marks you as an amateur to other pros. Style is all well and good, but most badasses prefer utilitarian weapons. The only real exception to this rule is {{Batman}}.

!!'''The Epic Fails'''

So many people, especially in online RPGs, describe their characters as having a matched pair of [[KatanasAreJustBetter silver katanas]] or nickel plated Mac 10s or pearl handled .45s or some other foolishness. A real badass looks at weapons like a craftsperson looks at tools. They may have some that they favour, but they are going to use the right tool for the right job, and if the tools have to get left behind in the wake of trouble then so be it. It doesn’t pay to get killed trying to get your left-hand sword back. Also, a heavily ornate weapon draws attention to itself AND marks you as an amateur to other pros. Style is all well and good, but most badasses prefer utilitarian weapons. The only real exception to this rule is {{Batman}}.