diff --git a/capa/features/extractors/cape/models.py b/capa/features/extractors/cape/models.py
index c37eddd2a..71e2e3c06 100644
--- a/capa/features/extractors/cape/models.py
+++ b/capa/features/extractors/cape/models.py
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ class Signer(ExactModel):
     aux_valid: Optional[bool] = None
     aux_error: Optional[bool] = None
     aux_error_desc: Optional[str] = None
-    aux_signers: Optional[list[AuxSigner]] = None
+    aux_signers: list[AuxSigner] = []
 
 
 class Overlay(ExactModel):
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ class File(FlexibleModel):
     ep_bytes: Optional[HexBytes] = None
     entrypoint: Optional[int] = None
     data: Optional[str] = None
-    strings: Optional[list[str]] = None
+    strings: list[str] = []
 
     #
     # detections (skip)
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ class CapeReport(FlexibleModel):
     # static analysis results
     #
     static: Optional[Static] = None
-    strings: Optional[list[str]] = None
+    strings: list[str] = []
 
     #
     # dynamic analysis results
@@ -401,8 +401,8 @@ class CapeReport(FlexibleModel):
 
     # post-processed results: payloads and extracted configs
     CAPE: Optional[Union[Cape, list]] = None
-    dropped: Optional[list[File]] = None
-    procdump: Optional[list[ProcessFile]] = None
+    dropped: list[File] = []
+    procdump: list[ProcessFile] = []
     procmemory: Optional[ListTODO] = None
 
     # =========================================================================