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Line 1: {{trope}} A [[Signature Trait]] -- sometimes called "a gimmick" -- is a feature that distinguishes a character from the competition (with strong connotations of not adding any functionality or value). The sheer power of such a trait, when properly used, cannot be underestimated; a properly executed [[Signature Trait]] can make a character truly memorable. ~~There are two parallel definitions of a gimmick:~~ The true definition of a ~~gimmick~~Signature Trait is if an [[Alternate Universe]] or [[ReContinuity ~~Boot~~Reboot]] equivalent (or a [[Captain Ersatz]]) isn't "really" that character without the ~~gimmick~~trait, then that's this.▼ * A cheat; either a method of doing something that appears impossible, or some device used for cheating. * A feature that distinguishes something (in this case, a character or series) from the competition (with strong connotations of not adding any functionality or value). Most common in [[Comic Books]] and [[Professional Wrestling]], but can show up elsewhere. See also [[Idiosyncrazy]], for when a character's ~~gimmick~~Signature Trait is driven by his insanity, rather than out -of -universe considerations.▼ ~~This is about that second, as applied to characters.~~ Because this is also called a "gimmick" it is not to be confused with [[Gimmick]], a trope about encrustations added to a work in the process of overhyping it. ~~The power of sheer gimmickry, when properly used, cannot be underestimated; a properly executed gimmick can make a character truly memorable.~~ ▲The true definition of a gimmick is if an [[Alternate Universe]] or [[Re Boot]] equivalent (or a [[Captain Ersatz]]) isn't "really" that character without the gimmick, then that's this. ~~<!-- %% If somebody wants to put a definition of Pro Wrestling "Gimmick" here, go right ahead. %% -->~~ ▲Most common in [[Comic Books]] and [[Professional Wrestling]], but can show up elsewhere. See also [[Idiosyncrazy]], for when a character's gimmick is driven by his insanity, rather than out of universe considerations. {{examples\|Examples:}}▼ ▲{{examples~~\|Examples:~~}} == [[Comic Books]] == * [[Batman]]'s ~~gimmick~~Signature Trait in the [[Justice League of America\|Justice League]] is either his detective skills, or his sheer intellect. ** He's also [[The Cowl]] in a team of [[The Cape (trope)\|Capes]]. * Batman's [[Rogues Gallery]] is filled to the brim with these. To name some particularly famous cases: [[The Joker]] provides an example of how far you can go without going outside your ~~Gimmick~~Signature Trait: outside of the [[Silver Age]], he defines the human version of the [[Complete Monster]] [[Monster Clown]]. Within the [[Silver Age]] and [[Silver Age]] styled settings, he's merely a prankster [[Villainous Harlequin]]. The Riddler, in some versions, is actually an interesting case, in that his ~~gimmick~~trait is also explicitly his motivation and downfall: His superiority and inferiority complexes are such that he has to leave clues, to prove that he's smarter then everybody else. ** Most Batman villains are like this to either a small extent (Catwoman is fond of going after ~~Cat~~ cat-related valuables) or a huge extent (the Riddler as previously mentioned). Appropriately, Two -Face can't seem to decide whether his theme is opposites or the number two. Maybe he should just flip for it. * Toyman is an excellent example of a character whose only real continuity between versions is his Gimmick. * An example of a poorly implemented ~~gimmick~~Signature Trait: Paste -Pot Pete. (Pete later changed his name, because it was too silly, even for the [[Silver Age]].) * [[Spider -Man]]'s gimmick, in universe, is his spider theme (less important) and sharp wit (more important); but out of series, his gimmick is [[One of Us]]: he's an average person who got hit with the superpower stick, and now has an extra set of responsibilities. * [[Captain America (comics)\|Captain America]]'s gimmick is Patriotism and embodying the American Fighting Spirit. * [[Green Arrow]] has a whole [[Robin Hood]] and Bow And Arrow gimmick going. ** As well as his very outspoken left-wing political views, which, since the '70s, have been a defining character trait of his. Line 39 ⟶ 31: * [[Jake Roberts\|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]], whose gimmick was being a [[Complete Monster]]. And having a snake. ** However, he may end up being just as well known for his born-again Christian gimmick in the 90s, as it led to [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] delivering his Austin 3:16 promo, and the [[Attitude Era]] at large. * Prolific in the late '80s and early '90s ~~[[WWE\|~~WW]]<s>~~[[WWE\|~~F]]</s>[[~~WWE~~World Wrestling Entertainment\|E]], when every character would be gimmicky. See [[Wrestling Doesn't Pay]] for examples. == [[Video Games]] == * ''[[Monster Rancher]]'' differentiates itself from other [[Mons Series]] in that you can create monsters to raise by "unlocking" them from CDs or DVDs that you already own. {{reflist}} Line 49 ⟶ 41: [[Category:Professional Wrestling]] [[Category:Villains]] [[Category:~~The~~Signature ~~Gimmick~~Trait]]