Character Qualities
Before we start, there are two types of characters. There are the actors or people (animals,etc...) in a story. For example, in "The Three Little Pigs" the characters are the three pigs and the wolf. There are other characters but they are flat characters. The wolf has certain character qualities about him. We are going to be thinking about our character's qualities - who they are.
Characters in an interesting story usually have personalities. They have many qualities about them that make you like them, fear them or hate them. If a character is dishonest, and secretive they are usually in conflict with a character that is kind, honest and just a good person to be around. These characters may be at odds with each other. This struggle makes the plot of a story interesting.
As writers, you want you characters to be interesting. Having interesting characters that don't get along makes the plot of a story much more appealing. This makes a story much more fun to read. When planning your story, keep the character's personalities and qualities in mind. How could you use those qualities to make your story more exciting?
Before we start, there are two types of characters. There are the actors or people (animals,etc...) in a story. For example, in "The Three Little Pigs" the characters are the three pigs and the wolf. There are other characters but they are flat characters. The wolf has certain character qualities about him. We are going to be thinking about our character's qualities - who they are.
Characters in an interesting story usually have personalities. They have many qualities about them that make you like them, fear them or hate them. If a character is dishonest, and secretive they are usually in conflict with a character that is kind, honest and just a good person to be around. These characters may be at odds with each other. This struggle makes the plot of a story interesting.
As writers, you want you characters to be interesting. Having interesting characters that don't get along makes the plot of a story much more appealing. This makes a story much more fun to read. When planning your story, keep the character's personalities and qualities in mind. How could you use those qualities to make your story more exciting?
What qualities could your character have? |
Your Character's QualitiesCharacter Qualities: Extrovert This personality likes to be in social situations, and generally get a lot of energy from being part of a group of people. They appear to be positive, outgoing people. Introvert This personality likes to avoid social situations most of the time. An introvert probably would feel like his energy is being sucked out of him while participating in a social situation; instead an introvert would like to be in a quiet/solitude situation where they can find time to re-energize. Ambivert Ambiverts generally fall in between an introvert and an extrovert. They can be outgoing when the situation calls for this type of personality, but then likes to recharge by putting themselves in solitude situations like working alone in their office. Adventurous This character would not be afraid to try new things; even if it was a little scary or even a little dangerous. compassionate This character is considerate of others. This person will show kindness and concern for someone who is in need of help. He may help someone that is sick, hurt, or help someone who is not well off -poor. This character puts others needs above his own needs. confident This character believes strongly in his decisions.He believes that he will be successful with whatever he decides to do. He act without questioning his decisions. content This character is usually happy with the way things are. courageous This character has courage. He is often the first one to try new things; the first one to take a chance. cowardly This character is afraid of people or things. He does not like to take chances. He is not adventurous or daring. Sometimes his fear of situations makes others ashamed of him. cruel This character is very mean to others.He does not care how his victims feel, or the pain or suffering that he causes in others. daring This character is willing to take chances with his safety. A daring person is often adventurous. Sometimes a daring person takes chances that he should not take because he could get hurt. determined This character sets goals and works to accomplish them. He doesn't easily give up, or get discouraged. Once he makes up his mind, he doesn't let anything or anyone get in his way. eager This character gets excited or interested in things that are happening. fierce This character is intense or shows a lot of strong emotions. People may describe him as a fighter or someone who doesn't back down. suspicious This character is usually not trusting of others. He usually thinks others are up to no good. He may doubt others sincerity or truthfulness. humorous This character often makes a lot of jokes. He can be witty about what is going on at the time in terms of the references he makes. He is funny and or comical (with his hand, face and body gestures). impatient This character wants things done immediately. He gets upset if he has to wait for things to happen. loyal This character is supportive of a person, group or organization. He will defend and follow other characters, or a specific character in the story without question. Finally, this person may be protective of his friends. optimistic This character is a person who sees things as usually working out. He feels good about the future, and life in general. He is positive and motivates others around him to be positive. pessimistic This person is usually negative. He will often expect the "worst" things to happen. In an adventure story, this person usually brings other people down, with his constant complaining or negative remarks. reliable This person is the person everyone can count on to do what they say they are going to do. This character is usually the "responsible" one. resourceful This person is self reliant. He are adaptable in emergency conditions. In stories, he is often in a fight for survival and has to rely on his wits, and imagination to survive. kindhearted This person is kind to others. He is usually easy to be around. He is nice. This is a character that others usually want to have as friends. Curious This person is always wondering what is going on, or what is happening around the next corner. They are interested in things that many people don't bother ever wondering about. Because of their curiosity they can find themselves in some sort of trouble.These characters are often witty, smart, and on the go all the time looking for the next adventure. jealous This person wants what other people have. They are not content unless they have what someone else has; especially if the item is valued. This person may not always be truthful with their feelings. Shy This character may want to make friends, or want to get involved with others, but getting too much attention makes them feel embarrassed or selfish, so this type of character may hold back, and not try to stand out. |