Child Prodigy: Difference between revisions

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{{trope}}
{{trope}}
{{quote|'''Miko''': ''You know how to hack? But you're, like, two years old.''<br />
{{quote|'''Miko''': ''You know how to hack? But you're, like, two years old.''<br />
'''Raf''': ''Twelve...and a quarter.''|''[[Transformers Prime (Animation)|Transformers Prime]]''}}
'''Raf''': ''Twelve...and a quarter.''|''[[Transformers Prime]]''}}


A [[Child Prodigy]] is a young genius - in his pre-teen years, in fact; a younger version of the [[Teen Genius]]. Basically, any genius below '''12''' is eligible for the title of a [[Child Prodigy]]. Sometimes ignored or discriminated by those who consider him [[Just a Kid]].
A [[Child Prodigy]] is a young genius - in his pre-teen years, in fact; a younger version of the [[Teen Genius]]. Basically, any genius below '''12''' is eligible for the title of a [[Child Prodigy]]. Sometimes ignored or discriminated by those who consider him [[Just a Kid]].
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== Anime and Manga ==
== Anime and Manga ==


* [[Azumanga Daioh (Manga)|Chiyo-chan]] is 10 when she starts high school. While she consistently gets better grades than everyone, being 5 years younger than everyone means she has problems during P.E. and Sex Ed talks.
* [[Azumanga Daioh|Chiyo-chan]] is 10 when she starts high school. While she consistently gets better grades than everyone, being 5 years younger than everyone means she has problems during P.E. and Sex Ed talks.
* Negi in ''[[Mahou Sensei Negima]]'', kinda. He graduated from [[Wizarding School]] at the age of nine and became a teacher in Japan and mastered the language <ref> in two weeks</ref>, too. Later on, when he starts learning combat techniques and training seriously, it takes him about 9 months to become one of the most powerful combatants alive.
* Negi in ''[[Mahou Sensei Negima]]'', kinda. He graduated from [[Wizarding School]] at the age of nine and became a teacher in Japan and mastered the language <ref> in two weeks</ref>, too. Later on, when he starts learning combat techniques and training seriously, it takes him about 9 months to become one of the most powerful combatants alive.
** To be fair, Negi spent an inordinate amount of time in [[Year Inside, Hour Outside|magic resorts, scrolls, and the like]], to the point where he's now actually twelve years old.
** To be fair, Negi spent an inordinate amount of time in [[Year Inside, Hour Outside|magic resorts, scrolls, and the like]], to the point where he's now actually twelve years old.
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* Rimone from ''[[Simoun]]'' is extremely young even for a Sybilla, which doesn't prevent her from being an [[Ace Pilot]] rivaled only by Aeru and Neviril.
* Rimone from ''[[Simoun]]'' is extremely young even for a Sybilla, which doesn't prevent her from being an [[Ace Pilot]] rivaled only by Aeru and Neviril.
* Kotoko from ''[[Divergence Eve]]'',{{spoiler|The reason being that she's an advanced android}}.
* Kotoko from ''[[Divergence Eve]]'',{{spoiler|The reason being that she's an advanced android}}.
* Becky from ''[[Pani Poni Dash]]''. Graduated from the MIT and teaching high school girls... at ''eleven'' years old.
* Becky from ''[[Pani Poni Dash!]]''. Graduated from the MIT and teaching high school girls... at ''eleven'' years old.
* The 10-year old Erio Mondial from ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]] StrikerS'', who had already achieved a [[Random Power Ranking|Mage Rank of B]] before the show started while his teenage companions were still struggling to achieve the same rank.
* The 10-year old Erio Mondial from ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]] StrikerS'', who had already achieved a [[Random Power Ranking|Mage Rank of B]] before the show started while his teenage companions were still struggling to achieve the same rank.
** Rumor has it that Nanoha, Fate, and Hayate were even sillier examples, being AAA-Rank Mages under the TSAB's employ when they were younger, [http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_shoujo_lyrical_nanoha_strikers_the_comics/c005/5.html but eh... who believes such rumours]? (Link may be [[NSFW]])
** Rumor has it that Nanoha, Fate, and Hayate were even sillier examples, being AAA-Rank Mages under the TSAB's employ when they were younger, [http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_shoujo_lyrical_nanoha_strikers_the_comics/c005/5.html but eh... who believes such rumours]? (Link may be [[NSFW]])
** It's revealed in the [[Comic Book Adaptation|supplementary manga]] of ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]]'' that the math used in earth and Mid-Childa are very similar, and using advanced magic requires a firm grasp of mathematical formulas. Needless to say, Nanoha and Fate are math geniuses who always ace the subject in school, much to the chagrin of the competitive [[Those Two Guys|Alisa]], and Fate even helps Nanoha's older sister Miyuki with her school work.
** It's revealed in the [[Comic Book Adaptation|supplementary manga]] of ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]]'' that the math used in earth and Mid-Childa are very similar, and using advanced magic requires a firm grasp of mathematical formulas. Needless to say, Nanoha and Fate are math geniuses who always ace the subject in school, much to the chagrin of the competitive [[Those Two Guys|Alisa]], and Fate even helps Nanoha's older sister Miyuki with her school work.
* Ai Haibara from ''[[Detective Conan (Manga)|Detective Conan]]'' is implied to have been one: if she has a PhD and already led [[The Syndicate]]'s lab before the age of 18, she must be one in her preteen years.
* Ai Haibara from ''[[Detective Conan]]'' is implied to have been one: if she has a PhD and already led [[The Syndicate]]'s lab before the age of 18, she must be one in her preteen years.
** Hiroki Sawada from the [[Non-Serial Movie]] ''Phantom of Baker Street'' is more of a book example; he was a grad student in MIT at the age of ''ten''. However, a mixture of [[Parental Abandonment]] and [[Intelligence Equals Isolation]] means his case [[Starts With a Suicide|is not]] [[Deconstruction|played]] [[Tear Jerker|for the ]][[Woobie, Destroyer of Worlds|laughs]].
** Hiroki Sawada from the [[Non-Serial Movie]] ''Phantom of Baker Street'' is more of a book example; he was a grad student in MIT at the age of ''ten''. However, a mixture of [[Parental Abandonment]] and [[Intelligence Equals Isolation]] means his case [[Starts with a Suicide|is not]] [[Deconstruction|played]] [[Tear Jerker|for the ]][[Woobie, Destroyer of Worlds|laughs]].
** The titular character ''seems'' like a [[Child Prodigy]] to those who don't know his true identity. He's actually [[Older Than They Look|Older Than He Looks]] due to an [[Fountain of Youth|'un-aging' pill]], but even so he is a [[Teen Genius]]. And according to the OVA's, Shinichi/Conan ''was'' a [[Child Prodigy]] when he truly was a child.
** The titular character ''seems'' like a [[Child Prodigy]] to those who don't know his true identity. He's actually [[Older Than They Look|Older Than He Looks]] due to an [[Fountain of Youth|'un-aging' pill]], but even so he is a [[Teen Genius]]. And according to the OVA's, Shinichi/Conan ''was'' a [[Child Prodigy]] when he truly was a child.
* Sou Touma from [[QED]], likewise, is MIT-graduated before high school age; he is now in a [[High School]] for the needed socialization to prevent [[Intelligence Equals Isolation]].
* Sou Touma from [[Q.E.D.]], likewise, is MIT-graduated before high school age; he is now in a [[High School]] for the needed socialization to prevent [[Intelligence Equals Isolation]].
* May Chang from ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]''. She looks to be around 8 years old, but she has the mentality, mannerisms, and [[Cute Bruiser|fighting skills]] of an adult. She was even able to {{spoiler|decode Scar's brother's research notes mostly by herself}}.
* May Chang from ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]''. She looks to be around 8 years old, but she has the mentality, mannerisms, and [[Cute Bruiser|fighting skills]] of an adult. She was even able to {{spoiler|decode Scar's brother's research notes mostly by herself}}.
** Justified in that she is a [[Child Prodigy]] out of necessity rather than genetics as being the [[Fallen Princess]] and only hope of a dying clan and being charged with such clan's future, ''besides'' probably dealing with assassination attempts that Ling says are common for people in such position, makes you mature fast.
** Justified in that she is a [[Child Prodigy]] out of necessity rather than genetics as being the [[Fallen Princess]] and only hope of a dying clan and being charged with such clan's future, ''besides'' probably dealing with assassination attempts that Ling says are common for people in such position, makes you mature fast.
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*** While valid, that makes it sound even more extraordinary than it is in context; the FMA universe is more technologically advanced than ours [[Schizo-Tech|in the area of]] [[Artificial Limbs]], so it's not just a matter of Winry being a [[Gadgeteer Genius]].
*** While valid, that makes it sound even more extraordinary than it is in context; the FMA universe is more technologically advanced than ours [[Schizo-Tech|in the area of]] [[Artificial Limbs]], so it's not just a matter of Winry being a [[Gadgeteer Genius]].
**** The FMA manga clarifies that automail "mechanics" are actually closer to surgeons then the people fixing your car. So a more real-world applicable question would be "Were you successfully performing surgery on amputees when you were 11?"
**** The FMA manga clarifies that automail "mechanics" are actually closer to surgeons then the people fixing your car. So a more real-world applicable question would be "Were you successfully performing surgery on amputees when you were 11?"
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh]]!'': Seto Kaiba is not only a [[Teen Genius]], but he beat Gozaburo in a chess match in order to get him and Mokuba adopted. When he was TEN. THAT takes SKILLZ!
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!]]!'': Seto Kaiba is not only a [[Teen Genius]], but he beat Gozaburo in a chess match in order to get him and Mokuba adopted. When he was TEN. THAT takes SKILLZ!
** Also, Rebecca Hopkins; she's taking College classes by the time she reappears for the Doma arc... Even in the dub, where she was ''eight'' as opposed to twelve in her initial appearance.
** Also, Rebecca Hopkins; she's taking College classes by the time she reappears for the Doma arc... Even in the dub, where she was ''eight'' as opposed to twelve in her initial appearance.
* Megumi "Nodame" Noda in ''[[Nodame Cantabile]]'' is shown to have been a piano prodigy as a kid.
* Megumi "Nodame" Noda in ''[[Nodame Cantabile]]'' is shown to have been a piano prodigy as a kid.
* Kanon Hayashi in ''[[Kanon By Chiho Saito]]'' was a violin prodigy when she was a little girl, able to play brilliantly even without proper training.
* Kanon Hayashi in ''[[Kanon By Chiho Saito]]'' was a violin prodigy when she was a little girl, able to play brilliantly even without proper training.
* Kai of ''Piano No Mori'' is a musical genius who started play at three and doesn't receive any formal lessons until he is ten. he can play almost any piece perfectly after hearing it once.
* Kai of ''Piano No Mori'' is a musical genius who started play at three and doesn't receive any formal lessons until he is ten. he can play almost any piece perfectly after hearing it once.
* As a pre-teen nation-tan, Japan from ''[[Axis Powers Hetalia (Manga)|Axis Powers Hetalia]]'' started working on ''his own alphabet'' few moments after his brother, China, taught him to write.
* As a pre-teen nation-tan, Japan from ''[[Axis Powers Hetalia]]'' started working on ''his own alphabet'' few moments after his brother, China, taught him to write.
** Belgium was already a trading and businesses whiz as a little girl nation, according to the [[Hetalia Bloodbath 2011]].
** Belgium was already a trading and businesses whiz as a little girl nation, according to the [[Hetalia Bloodbath 2011]].
** A young Greece is depicted attempting to discuss "[http://aph.starry-sky.com/blog-entry-146.html the concept of time and our relation with moussaka]."
** A young Greece is depicted attempting to discuss "[http://aph.starry-sky.com/blog-entry-146.html the concept of time and our relation with moussaka]."
* A whole slew of characters from ''[[Naruto]]''. To name a few: Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, Neji Hyuuga, Gaara, Itachi Uchiha, and {{spoiler|Naruto's [[Disappeared Dad]]}} Minato Namikaze.
* A whole slew of characters from ''[[Naruto]]''. To name a few: Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, Neji Hyuuga, Gaara, Itachi Uchiha, and {{spoiler|Naruto's [[Disappeared Dad]]}} Minato Namikaze.
** And the most recent one is {{spoiler|Killer Bee.}}
** And the most recent one is {{spoiler|Killer Bee.}}
* In ''[[Hayate the Combat Butler (Manga)|Hayate the Combat Butler]]'', while most of the qualifiers are 13, and thus [[Teen Genius]] material, Maria entered the school at 10 and graduated at 13. Nagi, Isumi and Sakuya are most of the way through their first year of High School, meaning that they were [[Child Prodigy]] material. Nagi doesn't even attend classes and is still considered one of the top students before Hayate comes along.
* In ''[[Hayate the Combat Butler]]'', while most of the qualifiers are 13, and thus [[Teen Genius]] material, Maria entered the school at 10 and graduated at 13. Nagi, Isumi and Sakuya are most of the way through their first year of High School, meaning that they were [[Child Prodigy]] material. Nagi doesn't even attend classes and is still considered one of the top students before Hayate comes along.
* The [[Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep"|Professor]] in [[Nichijou]], despite being eight years old, has managed to build, among other things, a speech-giving scarf and a [[Ridiculously Human Robot]] (which she constantly modifies without the robot noticing).
* The [[Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep"|Professor]] in [[Nichijou]], despite being eight years old, has managed to build, among other things, a speech-giving scarf and a [[Ridiculously Human Robot]] (which she constantly modifies without the robot noticing).
* Taiki Kudou in [[Digimon Xros Wars]] who is not aware that he is this. He is both exceedingly athletic and intelligent, and has engaged various sports like a pro. Further more he is capable of forming brilliant strategies within a flash of a second in the heat of battle.
* Taiki Kudou in [[Digimon Xros Wars]] who is not aware that he is this. He is both exceedingly athletic and intelligent, and has engaged various sports like a pro. Further more he is capable of forming brilliant strategies within a flash of a second in the heat of battle.
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* Katie Lindberg from ''Alyosha'' was one of these before maturing into a [[Teen Genius]]. She achieved a near-perfect SAT score at the age of 6 and graduated at the top of her class at MIT when she was 12.
* Katie Lindberg from ''Alyosha'' was one of these before maturing into a [[Teen Genius]]. She achieved a near-perfect SAT score at the age of 6 and graduated at the top of her class at MIT when she was 12.
* Subverted in [[Kaleido Star]]. May Wong was an ice skating prodigy in the past, but she kept it only as a hobby and pursued becoming an acrobat in the Kaleido Stage instead.
* Subverted in [[Kaleido Star]]. May Wong was an ice skating prodigy in the past, but she kept it only as a hobby and pursued becoming an acrobat in the Kaleido Stage instead.
* Minoru from ''[[Chobits (Manga)|Chobits]]'' is only 12 years old but he is a computer genius who is an expert on persocoms, and knows the answers to almost all of Hideki's problems when he gets screwed over by technology.
* Minoru from ''[[Chobits]]'' is only 12 years old but he is a computer genius who is an expert on persocoms, and knows the answers to almost all of Hideki's problems when he gets screwed over by technology.


== Comics ==
== Comics ==
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* The professor's son from ''The Great Debaters'' is in college at 14.
* The professor's son from ''The Great Debaters'' is in college at 14.
* That kid from ''[[Revenge of the Nerds]]'' attending college (and joining a frat!) at age 10, his name was Wormser.
* That kid from ''[[Revenge of the Nerds]]'' attending college (and joining a frat!) at age 10, his name was Wormser.
* ''[[Real Genius (Film)|Real Genius]]'' is about a school full of these, including the main character Mitch, his friend Chris, and Lazlo, the [[Closet Sublet|guy in the closet]].
* ''[[Real Genius]]'' is about a school full of these, including the main character Mitch, his friend Chris, and Lazlo, the [[Closet Sublet|guy in the closet]].
* Josh Waitzkin in ''[[Searching for Bobby Fischer]]''.
* Josh Waitzkin in ''[[Searching for Bobby Fischer]]''.
* From ''[[Little Man Tate]]'', [[Jodie Foster|Jodie Foster's]] directorial debut, Fred Tate (played by Adam Hann-Byrd, also known for ''The Ice Storm'') reads at age two without having been taught, and in second grade paints with a mature grasp of art history.
* From ''[[Little Man Tate]]'', [[Jodie Foster|Jodie Foster's]] directorial debut, Fred Tate (played by Adam Hann-Byrd, also known for ''The Ice Storm'') reads at age two without having been taught, and in second grade paints with a mature grasp of art history.
* The title character of ''[[Matilda (Film)|Matilda]]''. At the beginning of the film she starts school and, due to her voracious appetite for books, is already able to multiply large numbers in her head and has an extensive knowledge of literature.
* The title character of ''[[Matilda (film)|Matilda]]''. At the beginning of the film she starts school and, due to her voracious appetite for books, is already able to multiply large numbers in her head and has an extensive knowledge of literature.
* Near in ''[[L Change the World (Film)|L Change the World]]'' is a mathematical genius and solves Maki's homework for her, which turns out to be the secret of the antidote to the virus she carries.
* Near in ''[[L: Change the World]]'' is a mathematical genius and solves Maki's homework for her, which turns out to be the secret of the antidote to the virus she carries.




== Literature ==
== Literature ==


* ''[[Artemis Fowl (Literature)|Artemis Fowl]]'' counts, being an evil criminal mastermind at age 12. He began his schemes at the age of 10 though.
* ''[[Artemis Fowl]]'' counts, being an evil criminal mastermind at age 12. He began his schemes at the age of 10 though.
* The ''[[Ender's Game]]'' series. Half the IF is commanded by a bunch of prepubescent kids.
* The ''[[Ender's Game]]'' series. Half the IF is commanded by a bunch of prepubescent kids.
** Judging from Alai, puberty wreaks havoc with your political and military judgement.
** Judging from Alai, puberty wreaks havoc with your political and military judgement.
* The titular character in ''[[Matilda (Literature)|Matilda]]'' is so smart, she can multiply large numbers in her head {{spoiler|and develops psychic powers}}.
* The titular character in ''[[Matilda (novel)|Matilda]]'' is so smart, she can multiply large numbers in her head {{spoiler|and develops psychic powers}}.
* Sophie from ''[[Child of the Hive]]'' is shown at the age of seven capable of speaking near-perfect German after only three lessons. She also has knowledge of Latin by that age and is later shown reading a book in the original French. As a teenager, she is acknowledged as being a mathematical genius and being extraordinarily good at computer programming.
* Sophie from ''[[Child of the Hive]]'' is shown at the age of seven capable of speaking near-perfect German after only three lessons. She also has knowledge of Latin by that age and is later shown reading a book in the original French. As a teenager, she is acknowledged as being a mathematical genius and being extraordinarily good at computer programming.
* [[Older Than They Think]]: one of the first novels to feature a [[Child Prodigy]] was ''The Hampdenshire Wonder'' in 1911. The protagonist is not only a genius, but a truly [[Super Intelligence|superintelligent]] little kid who judges the whole human culture an "elementary, inchoate, disjunctive patchwork"... at age ''[[Up to Eleven|four and a half]]''. He's right, and [[TV Tropes]] proves it.
* [[Older Than They Think]]: one of the first novels to feature a [[Child Prodigy]] was ''The Hampdenshire Wonder'' in 1911. The protagonist is not only a genius, but a truly [[Super Intelligence|superintelligent]] little kid who judges the whole human culture an "elementary, inchoate, disjunctive patchwork"... at age ''[[Up to Eleven|four and a half]]''. He's right, and [[TV Tropes]] proves it.
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* Dairine from the ''[[Young Wizards]]'' series. At age 3 she decided that she was going to learn '''everything''', by age 4 she taught herself to read, and by age 5 was reading from encyclopedias all by herself.
* Dairine from the ''[[Young Wizards]]'' series. At age 3 she decided that she was going to learn '''everything''', by age 4 she taught herself to read, and by age 5 was reading from encyclopedias all by herself.
* Ollie of ''[[In the Keep of Time]]'' ''was'' a very precocious reader for her age; after her jaunt into the past, this has to be re-taught to her.
* Ollie of ''[[In the Keep of Time]]'' ''was'' a very precocious reader for her age; after her jaunt into the past, this has to be re-taught to her.
* A disturbingly large percentage of the Remillard clan of the ''[[Galactic Milieu (Literature)|Galactic Milieu]]'' trilogy start out at this - and that's not even counting their incredible psychic powers.
* A disturbingly large percentage of the Remillard clan of the ''[[Galactic Milieu]]'' trilogy start out at this - and that's not even counting their incredible psychic powers.
* The Blue Children from Stephen Baxter's ''[[Manifold Time (Literature)|Manifold Time]]'', transformed through the influence of a civilization in the distant future. "Prodigy" doesn't even begin to describe how frighteningly advanced (and creepy) they are.
* The Blue Children from Stephen Baxter's ''[[Manifold Time]]'', transformed through the influence of a civilization in the distant future. "Prodigy" doesn't even begin to describe how frighteningly advanced (and creepy) they are.
* Euphemia in ''My Godawful Life'' by Michael Kelly
* Euphemia in ''My Godawful Life'' by Michael Kelly
* The [[Thursday Next]] books have Tuesday.
* The [[Thursday Next]] books have Tuesday.
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* [[Sixth Ranger|River Tam]] from ''[[Firefly]]'' was once this. In the show she may be too old.
* [[Sixth Ranger|River Tam]] from ''[[Firefly]]'' was once this. In the show she may be too old.
** In the show's present and the R. Tam Sessions, she's a [[Teen Genius]]. She was definitely a [[Child Prodigy]] when she was younger, but the only time this shows up ''on-screen'' is the flashback at the beginning of "Safe".
** In the show's present and the R. Tam Sessions, she's a [[Teen Genius]]. She was definitely a [[Child Prodigy]] when she was younger, but the only time this shows up ''on-screen'' is the flashback at the beginning of "Safe".
* Micah Sanders from ''[[Heroes (TV)|Heroes]]'' shows incredible political prowess and was able to {{spoiler|lead the resistance against a [[Government Conspiracy]]}} at the age of eleven.
* Micah Sanders from ''[[Heroes (TV series)|Heroes]]'' shows incredible political prowess and was able to {{spoiler|lead the resistance against a [[Government Conspiracy]]}} at the age of eleven.
** Oddly enough, his actor [[wikipedia:Noah Gray-Cabey|Noah Gray-Cabey]] is somewhat of a prodigy in real life too. By the time he was 4 he was on Ripley's Believe It Or Not for his amazing piano skills - notably being the youngest soloist to perform with an orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. By the time he was 9 years old he was in a 9th grade math class.
** Oddly enough, his actor [[wikipedia:Noah Gray-Cabey|Noah Gray-Cabey]] is somewhat of a prodigy in real life too. By the time he was 4 he was on Ripley's Believe It Or Not for his amazing piano skills - notably being the youngest soloist to perform with an orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. By the time he was 9 years old he was in a 9th grade math class.
* [[Goodness Gracious Me]] has an [[Crowning Moment of Funny|utterly hilarious take]] on a child prodigy [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cpp71tpehg in this video].
* [[Goodness Gracious Me]] has an [[Crowning Moment of Funny|utterly hilarious take]] on a child prodigy [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cpp71tpehg in this video].
* Major Nelson had to babysit a kid with a 153 IQ once on ''[[I Dreamof Jeannie]]''.
* Major Nelson had to babysit a kid with a 153 IQ once on ''[[I Dream of Jeannie]]''.
* Janice in ''[[Head of the Class]]''.
* Janice in ''[[Head of the Class]]''.
* This is Reid's [[Backstory]] in ''[[Criminal Minds (TV)|Criminal Minds]]''; currently he's a twenty something (triple) PH.D (making him an [[Omnidisciplinary Scientist]]). Definitely suffered a bit of the [[Intelligence Equals Isolation]] (or at least bullying), as seen in at least one episode where he explains that he was "a 12 year old child prodigy at a Las Vegas public school" which is how he knows that [[Team Mom]] Hotchner "kicks like a nine year old girl." ([[It Makes Sense in Context]]) This is also why at least Gideon, the team's [[Papa Wolf]], insists on calling him ''Dr.'' Reid in front of people meeting the team so they won't see him as [[Just a Kid]].
* This is Reid's [[Backstory]] in ''[[Criminal Minds]]''; currently he's a twenty something (triple) PH.D (making him an [[Omnidisciplinary Scientist]]). Definitely suffered a bit of the [[Intelligence Equals Isolation]] (or at least bullying), as seen in at least one episode where he explains that he was "a 12 year old child prodigy at a Las Vegas public school" which is how he knows that [[Team Mom]] Hotchner "kicks like a nine year old girl." ([[It Makes Sense in Context]]) This is also why at least Gideon, the team's [[Papa Wolf]], insists on calling him ''Dr.'' Reid in front of people meeting the team so they won't see him as [[Just a Kid]].
* Also the backstory for Sheldon Cooper in ''[[The Big Bang Theory]]'' - he went off to college at 11. Another [[Teen Genius]] turned [[Omnidisciplinary Scientist]], when he went to Germany at age 15, he was a visiting professor, not a student, and he got his first Ph.D (he has two at present) at age 16.
* Also the backstory for Sheldon Cooper in ''[[The Big Bang Theory]]'' - he went off to college at 11. Another [[Teen Genius]] turned [[Omnidisciplinary Scientist]], when he went to Germany at age 15, he was a visiting professor, not a student, and he got his first Ph.D (he has two at present) at age 16.
** May possibly be seen as a Deconstructed adult version of this trope. His early successes have fueled his large ego, making him quite insufferable to those around him. He's around 30, but still has the emotional capacity of a kid since he didn't have a normal childhood. And his vast intelligence greatly alienated him from his own family.
** May possibly be seen as a Deconstructed adult version of this trope. His early successes have fueled his large ego, making him quite insufferable to those around him. He's around 30, but still has the emotional capacity of a kid since he didn't have a normal childhood. And his vast intelligence greatly alienated him from his own family.
* Will Robinson of [[Lost in Space]] was an electronics prodigy.
* Will Robinson of [[Lost in Space]] was an electronics prodigy.
* Malcolm in the earlier episodes of [[Malcolm in The Middle]], also his younger brother Dewey (though he [[Obfuscating Stupidity|plays dumb]] so he doesn't get the same harsh treatment as Malcolm).
* Malcolm in the earlier episodes of [[Malcolm in the Middle]], also his younger brother Dewey (though he [[Obfuscating Stupidity|plays dumb]] so he doesn't get the same harsh treatment as Malcolm).
** Stevie, Lloyd, Dabney, and Cynthia also fit.
** Stevie, Lloyd, Dabney, and Cynthia also fit.
* The backstory of Charlie of [[Numb3rs]] is that he is a math child prodigy. When he was three or four, he was able to multiply four digit numbers in his head.
* The backstory of Charlie of [[Numb3rs]] is that he is a math child prodigy. When he was three or four, he was able to multiply four digit numbers in his head.
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== Music ==
== Music ==


* [[Lady Gaga (Music)|Lady Gaga]] taught herself how to play piano by ear at the age of four. She went on to become classically trained and wrote her first ballad at thirteen (after prodigy age, but still)
* [[Lady Gaga]] taught herself how to play piano by ear at the age of four. She went on to become classically trained and wrote her first ballad at thirteen (after prodigy age, but still)
* [[The Heart|Noodle]] of the [[Gorillaz (Music)|Gorillaz]] arrived in the UK in a Fed-Ex crate at age ten, with nothing but the clothes on her back and speaking no English. She promptly stepped out and began playing guitar like a virtuoso, and instantly won her position in the soon to be famous band. [[Social Services Does Not Exist|Despite technically being an underage illegal immigrant living with a bunch of dysfunctional rockers]].
* [[The Heart|Noodle]] of the [[Gorillaz]] arrived in the UK in a Fed-Ex crate at age ten, with nothing but the clothes on her back and speaking no English. She promptly stepped out and began playing guitar like a virtuoso, and instantly won her position in the soon to be famous band. [[Social Services Does Not Exist|Despite technically being an underage illegal immigrant living with a bunch of dysfunctional rockers]].


== Newspaper Comics ==
== Newspaper Comics ==
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== Tabletop Games ==
== Tabletop Games ==
* ''[[KULT]]'' suggests this as an archetype for a [[Player Character]].
* ''[[Kult]]'' suggests this as an archetype for a [[Player Character]].




== Video Games ==
== Video Games ==


* ''[[Commander Keen (Video Game)|Commander Keen]]'', an 8-year old genius. He's already built a rocketship capable of interstellar travel (Dubbed the 'Beans-with-Bacon-Megarocket!)
* ''[[Commander Keen]]'', an 8-year old genius. He's already built a rocketship capable of interstellar travel (Dubbed the 'Beans-with-Bacon-Megarocket!)
** According to the first game, the thing runs on (Dad's) everclear, gets power from (Mom's) car battery, and uses (Mom's) vacuum cleaner (modified) for ion propulsion.
** According to the first game, the thing runs on (Dad's) everclear, gets power from (Mom's) car battery, and uses (Mom's) vacuum cleaner (modified) for ion propulsion.
** Other things Keen built include an interstellar transceiver (the reception was bad, but it did get a signal worth investigating) and a fully-functioning wrist computer (complete with a Pong clone!).
** Other things Keen built include an interstellar transceiver (the reception was bad, but it did get a signal worth investigating) and a fully-functioning wrist computer (complete with a Pong clone!).
** Keen's archenemy - Mortimer McMire. The final boss in the original trilogy; Keen's got an [[You Fail the IQ Test|IQ]] of 314, Mortimer has an IQ of 315.
** Keen's archenemy - Mortimer McMire. The final boss in the original trilogy; Keen's got an [[You Fail the IQ Test|IQ]] of 314, Mortimer has an IQ of 315.
** His spiritual successor, Andy of ''[[Heart of Darkness (Video Game)|Heart of Darkness]]'', one-ups him by building an INTERDIMENSIONAL craft... and a plasma-cannon. (Keen's zap-gun is not his own invention - he 'borrowed' it from the Vorticon base on Mars.)
** His spiritual successor, Andy of ''[[Heart of Darkness (video game)|Heart of Darkness]]'', one-ups him by building an INTERDIMENSIONAL craft... and a plasma-cannon. (Keen's zap-gun is not his own invention - he 'borrowed' it from the Vorticon base on Mars.)
* {{spoiler|Jennifer}} of ''[[Disgaea]]'' is said to have been a child prodigy and quite a technology genius, but by the time the plot happens {{spoiler|she}}'s no longer a child.
* {{spoiler|Jennifer}} of ''[[Disgaea]]'' is said to have been a child prodigy and quite a technology genius, but by the time the plot happens {{spoiler|she}}'s no longer a child.
* The protagonist is apparently a battling prodigy in ''[[Pokémon (Franchise)|Pokémon]]''. S/He begins their journey years before most other people, at age 10 - 14 ([[Word of God|RBYG FRLG for eleven]]) years old. You not only beat everyone in your region (two for GSC and HGSS) with ease, including the [[That One Boss|Elite Four]] and [[To Be a Master|Champion]], but take down a gang of terrorists (two gangs in Emerald).
* The protagonist is apparently a battling prodigy in ''[[Pokémon]]''. S/He begins their journey years before most other people, at age 10 - 14 ([[Word of God|RBYG FRLG for eleven]]) years old. You not only beat everyone in your region (two for GSC and HGSS) with ease, including the [[That One Boss|Elite Four]] and [[To Be a Master|Champion]], but take down a gang of terrorists (two gangs in Emerald).
* In ''[[The Sims]] 2'', the highest aspiration ranking<ref>A sort of mood-meter that measures how many of their wants and/or fears have come true lately</ref> for child Sims is "Child Prodigy". However, the game's not programmed to let children do things like go to college or write novels, so it's not really possible to make a legitimate [[Child Prodigy]] without using mods.
* In ''[[The Sims]] 2'', the highest aspiration ranking<ref>A sort of mood-meter that measures how many of their wants and/or fears have come true lately</ref> for child Sims is "Child Prodigy". However, the game's not programmed to let children do things like go to college or write novels, so it's not really possible to make a legitimate [[Child Prodigy]] without using mods.
** Sim children in the Sims 3 can write novels, though.
** Sim children in the Sims 3 can write novels, though.
* Genis from [[Tales of Symphonia (Video Game)|Tales of Symphonia]] is right on the border between this and [[Teen Genius]]. Rita from [[Tales of Vesperia]] ''is'' a [[Teen Genius]], but she started researching blastia technology and magic when she was ''ten''.
* Genis from [[Tales of Symphonia]] is right on the border between this and [[Teen Genius]]. Rita from [[Tales of Vesperia]] ''is'' a [[Teen Genius]], but she started researching blastia technology and magic when she was ''ten''.
* Tails from [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]
* Tails from [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]
* Sunny from ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4]]'' is a computer prodigy. She was raised by a computer for most of her developmental years.
* Sunny from ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots]]'' is a computer prodigy. She was raised by a computer for most of her developmental years.
* Relm from Final Fantasy VI. She's so good at painting that Owzer, the world's biggest art collector, wants a painting from her. She's also the best Magic user of the game, but to many this doesn't make up for her otherwise useless attributes in battle.
* Relm from Final Fantasy VI. She's so good at painting that Owzer, the world's biggest art collector, wants a painting from her. She's also the best Magic user of the game, but to many this doesn't make up for her otherwise useless attributes in battle.
* Mechanic Puck from [[Vanguard Bandits]]. He works faster than the best engineers in a nation and is small enough to fit under the seat of one the [[A Mech By Any Other Name|ATACs]] he works on.
* Mechanic Puck from [[Vanguard Bandits]]. He works faster than the best engineers in a nation and is small enough to fit under the seat of one the [[A Mech by Any Other Name|ATACs]] he works on.
* [[Magnificent Bastard|Albert Wesker]] of the [[Resident Evil]] series is eventually revealed to have been one of these.
* [[Magnificent Bastard|Albert Wesker]] of the [[Resident Evil]] series is eventually revealed to have been one of these.
* Raz from [[Psychonauts (Video Game)|Psychonauts]] is often considered a [[Child Prodigy]], what with all of that [[Million-to-One Chance|"One in a million"]] talk from Oleander, and Sasha's willingness to work with him.
* Raz from [[Psychonauts]] is often considered a [[Child Prodigy]], what with all of that [[Million-to-One Chance|"One in a million"]] talk from Oleander, and Sasha's willingness to work with him.
* We meet [[Fire Emblem the Sacred Stones (Video Game)|Prince Innes]] as an adult in his early-to-mid 20's, but Moulder's supports with Vanessa explain that he was one of these. At age 10-12 he was already defeating famous adult archers with ease ''and'' doing so via his own efforts. (i.e., he refused help or advantages when he was offered., etc.)
* We meet [[Fire Emblem the Sacred Stones|Prince Innes]] as an adult in his early-to-mid 20's, but Moulder's supports with Vanessa explain that he was one of these. At age 10-12 he was already defeating famous adult archers with ease ''and'' doing so via his own efforts. (i.e., he refused help or advantages when he was offered., etc.)
* Leon Gheste from ''[[Star Ocean the Second Story (Video Game)|Star Ocean the Second Story]]'' is a prime example of this trope. Aside from being a doctor at age 12, he is also the sharpest mind in the largest country on the planet and the creator of the [[Wave Motion Gun|Lancour Hope.]]
* Leon Gheste from ''[[Star Ocean the Second Story]]'' is a prime example of this trope. Aside from being a doctor at age 12, he is also the sharpest mind in the largest country on the planet and the creator of the [[Wave Motion Gun|Lancour Hope.]]
* [[Professor Layton|Luke Triton]] is a bit of a puzzle master for his age. {{spoiler|It is assumed that [[Professor Layton and The Unwound Future|Clive]] was a [[Child Prodigy]], as well, as after his adoptive mother died, he went straight into business with a newspaper and then used the woman's money to create an underground London.}}
* [[Professor Layton|Luke Triton]] is a bit of a puzzle master for his age. {{spoiler|It is assumed that [[Professor Layton and the Unwound Future|Clive]] was a [[Child Prodigy]], as well, as after his adoptive mother died, he went straight into business with a newspaper and then used the woman's money to create an underground London.}}
* Pearl "Pearly" Fey from ''[[Ace Attorney (Visual Novel)|Ace Attorney]]''. Her cousin Maya has said that she's the most powerful medium '''ever''' in the Fey clan, and she's ''9''. {{spoiler|1=Too bad her mother Morgan is a total [[Evil Matriarch]]/[[Stage Mom]] who tries to use Pearl as her ticket to take leadership of the clan...}}
* Pearl "Pearly" Fey from ''[[Ace Attorney]]''. Her cousin Maya has said that she's the most powerful medium '''ever''' in the Fey clan, and she's ''9''. {{spoiler|1=Too bad her mother Morgan is a total [[Evil Matriarch]]/[[Stage Mom]] who tries to use Pearl as her ticket to take leadership of the clan...}}


== Visual Novels ==
== Visual Novels ==


* In ''[[Maji De Watashi Ni Koi Shinasai (Visual Novel)|Maji De Watashi Ni Koi Shinasai]]'', Monshiro has skipped grades to enter Kawakami High. She also accepts challenges from, and bests, everybody in her class (1-S, so no pushovers) at everything from running a race to a cooking duel. The only thing she's no good at is fighting, for which she has her [[Battle Butler|overwhelmingly powerful bodyguard]] to cover for.
* In ''[[Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!|Maji De Watashi Ni Koi Shinasai]]'', Monshiro has skipped grades to enter Kawakami High. She also accepts challenges from, and bests, everybody in her class (1-S, so no pushovers) at everything from running a race to a cooking duel. The only thing she's no good at is fighting, for which she has her [[Battle Butler|overwhelmingly powerful bodyguard]] to cover for.


== Web Animation ==
== Web Animation ==


* Sudoku in ''[[Banana Nana Ninja]]'' is a [[Gadgeteer Genius]] who fights with a [[Transformation Ray]].
* Sudoku in ''[[Banana-nana-Ninja!]]'' is a [[Gadgeteer Genius]] who fights with a [[Transformation Ray]].
** In later episodes he might be a [[Teen Genius]] since the voice actor sounds like he's hitting puberty.
** In later episodes he might be a [[Teen Genius]] since the voice actor sounds like he's hitting puberty.


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== Western Animation ==
== Western Animation ==


* In ''[[Arthur (Animation)|Arthur]]'' all the kids act like the Brain is a super-genius, and he uses big words his parents have to look up, but he's really just much more knowledgable than average for his age.
* In ''[[Arthur (animation)|Arthur]]'' all the kids act like the Brain is a super-genius, and he uses big words his parents have to look up, but he's really just much more knowledgable than average for his age.
* Chester McTech of ''[[Beverly Hills Teens]]''.
* Chester McTech of ''[[Beverly Hills Teens]]''.
* A.J. of the [[Fairly Oddparents]]. He is in fifth grade and only ten years old and not only does he have the highest I.Q. in his school and his town of Dimmsdale, he frequently invents items which that are futuristic such as a suspended animation tube in one movie. He also can make several clones of himself and is apparently an adviser to the government concerning technology issues.
* A.J. of the [[Fairly Oddparents]]. He is in fifth grade and only ten years old and not only does he have the highest I.Q. in his school and his town of Dimmsdale, he frequently invents items which that are futuristic such as a suspended animation tube in one movie. He also can make several clones of himself and is apparently an adviser to the government concerning technology issues.
* Dexter of ''[[Dexters Laboratory (Animation)|Dexters Laboratory]]'' along with his [[The Rival|rival]] Mandark.
* Dexter of ''[[Dexter's Laboratory|Dexters Laboratory]]'' along with his [[The Rival|rival]] Mandark.
* [[Phineas and Ferb]] .
* [[Phineas and Ferb]] .
** Perhaps due to the show rule that nobody is "a jerk or an idiot", even [[Friendly Enemy|Buford]], whose theme song claims that "he's got the IQ of gum", is shown to have [[Genius Bruiser|a fondness for Voltaire and existentialism]].
** Perhaps due to the show rule that nobody is "a jerk or an idiot", even [[Friendly Enemy|Buford]], whose theme song claims that "he's got the IQ of gum", is shown to have [[Genius Bruiser|a fondness for Voltaire and existentialism]].
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* Stewie from ''[[Family Guy]]'' can build time machines and a multi-verse transporter and yet he is only one year old.
* Stewie from ''[[Family Guy]]'' can build time machines and a multi-verse transporter and yet he is only one year old.
* Gretchen Grundler from ''[[Recess]]''
* Gretchen Grundler from ''[[Recess]]''
* [[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (Animation)|Twilight Sparkle]].
* [[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic|Twilight Sparkle]].
* ''[[Western Animation]]/Cyberchase Inez''. Case in point: this 9-year-old girl knew the scientific family that hawks belong to.
* ''[[Western Animation]]/Cyberchase Inez''. Case in point: this 9-year-old girl knew the scientific family that hawks belong to.
* ''[[Hey Arnold]]''
* ''[[Hey Arnold]]''
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** Toph is 12 years old and already the self-proclaimed “Best earthbender in the world”. She backs this talk up by beating the crap out of people twice her size and who have much more experience. She is also the inventor of {{spoiler|metalbending}}, a skill previously thought to be [[Beyond the Impossible]].
** Toph is 12 years old and already the self-proclaimed “Best earthbender in the world”. She backs this talk up by beating the crap out of people twice her size and who have much more experience. She is also the inventor of {{spoiler|metalbending}}, a skill previously thought to be [[Beyond the Impossible]].
** At a very young age, Azula was shown pulling off firebending techniques her older and relatively skilled brother Zuko had problems with. She is also one of three characters in the original series knows how to use lightning.
** At a very young age, Azula was shown pulling off firebending techniques her older and relatively skilled brother Zuko had problems with. She is also one of three characters in the original series knows how to use lightning.
** The sequel series ''[[The Legend of Korra (Animation)|The Legend of Korra]]'' episode "Welcome to Republic City" shows us Aang's successor, young Avatar Korra of the Water Tribe, who manages to out-prodigy even ''Aang'' himself. She is introduced having taught herself rudimentary [[Making a Splash|Waterbending]], [[Dishing Out Dirt|Earthbending]] and [[Playing With Fire|Firebending]] by the tender age of four, in a universe where an Avatar is traditionally not notified of their status and multiple [[Elemental Powers]] until their [[Dangerous Sixteenth Birthday]].
** The sequel series ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'' episode "Welcome to Republic City" shows us Aang's successor, young Avatar Korra of the Water Tribe, who manages to out-prodigy even ''Aang'' himself. She is introduced having taught herself rudimentary [[Making a Splash|Waterbending]], [[Dishing Out Dirt|Earthbending]] and [[Playing with Fire|Firebending]] by the tender age of four, in a universe where an Avatar is traditionally not notified of their status and multiple [[Elemental Powers]] until their [[Dangerous Sixteenth Birthday]].
* The Broflovski brothers in ''[[South Park]]'' are this, Ike moreso and more blatant than his older brother.
* The Broflovski brothers in ''[[South Park]]'' are this, Ike moreso and more blatant than his older brother.
** Ike's entered kindergarten 2 years early, watches conservative political commentary, makes a macaroni replica of The Last Supper, has been hired to help cover up a massive jewel heist and is a knight in Canada. As of seasons 15ish he's only 4.
** Ike's entered kindergarten 2 years early, watches conservative political commentary, makes a macaroni replica of The Last Supper, has been hired to help cover up a massive jewel heist and is a knight in Canada. As of seasons 15ish he's only 4.
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* Seiyuu [[Hiroko Kasahara]] debuted in a lead role when she was 12 years old.
* Seiyuu [[Hiroko Kasahara]] debuted in a lead role when she was 12 years old.
** Same goes to [[Yoko Honna]], who was around 10 when she started her career.
** Same goes to [[Yoko Honna]], who was around 10 when she started her career.
* A few [[Chess (Tabletop Game)|Chess]] grandmasters, specially world champions. Small example: Jose Raul Capablanca learned to play chess at the age of 4 and had beaten the Cuban national champion by the age of 12!
* A few [[Chess]] grandmasters, specially world champions. Small example: Jose Raul Capablanca learned to play chess at the age of 4 and had beaten the Cuban national champion by the age of 12!
* Sho Yano, who started university by age 9 and is in medical school and studying for a PhD on the side by age 12.
* Sho Yano, who started university by age 9 and is in medical school and studying for a PhD on the side by age 12.
** To be more specific, according to [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-boy-wonder-20120603,0,7796464.story news reports], he was (deep breath....) reading by age 2, writing by age 3, composing music at age 5, scored 1500 on his [[SATs]] (out of 1600) at age 8, entered college at age 9, entered medical school at age 12, finished his Ph.D. in three years, and this year got his M.D. from the University of Chicago at age 21. His IQ is estimated at over 200. Oh, and he's also a concert pianist who's played at the Ravinia festival. Do you have an inferiority complex yet?
** To be more specific, according to [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-boy-wonder-20120603,0,7796464.story news reports], he was (deep breath....) reading by age 2, writing by age 3, composing music at age 5, scored 1500 on his [[SATs]] (out of 1600) at age 8, entered college at age 9, entered medical school at age 12, finished his Ph.D. in three years, and this year got his M.D. from the University of Chicago at age 21. His IQ is estimated at over 200. Oh, and he's also a concert pianist who's played at the Ravinia festival. Do you have an inferiority complex yet?
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