As much as I do love reading books and manga and watching my anime or other TV shows, there are tropes that I find quite annoying and wish to not see them as often.
Whether the trope has something to do with the plot, a character, the concept, the...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Look, I enjoy reading about smart characters. When I say smart, I don't just mean book-smart, but also characters who actually have common sense and can think for themselves. Unfortunately, I find that what the media portrays to be intelligent is too oversimplified and in some cases, very unrealistic.
• • •
Many characters who are perceived as geniuses just so happen to be a know-it-all. About everything. Whether it's theoretical physics or botany to art history and geek culture, this person happens to be acquainted to all fields.
Yes, people who are a jack of all trades do exist. Just because someone has that label, doesn't mean they aren't gifted in all their fields. However, that doesn't mean they know everything there is. No one does.
Entertainment likes to treat genius (or any "intelligent" character really) as someone who knows everything about everything (looking at you Sheldon Cooper). They might specialize in one particular field, but they just do happen to be competent in a several dozen more. I get you want to show that your character is smart, but this isn't realistic. Even if it is a comedy or a sitcom, having a character who feels more real makes the experience more effective.
Genius characters are also portrayed as being socially incompetent (or dare I say, showing signs of ASD). Yes, there are plenty of intelligent people out there who have trouble interacting with other people, but not all of them are like that. Intelligent people can be amazing that socializing (and no, it doesn't have to be in an arrogant manner like Tony Stark).
• • •
Or, perhaps this character is only a genius in one particular field. They are not a know it all, but the author tries so hard to push the fact that they are smart. Despite being labeled a genius, they fail to have basic common sense and make some of the dumbest decisions ever.
If only they were to think things through, so many things would go more smoothly. But wait, the author needs to make the plot interesting, so any signs of intelligence go out the window!!!
• • •
Yes, we all make mistakes. We're human. Yes, we all have gifts and talents that we might be considered "geniuses" in. However, I wish media would portray these intellectual characters as being more human than superhuman. No one knows everything, and not every person who seems intelligent is terrible at socializing. If you make a character that you heavily emphasize as being smart, show it. Don't just use their field of expertise as the proof. Make their actions and words also prove that they can think things through.
