Character Trait: Accepting

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Accepting refers to a person who is open-minded and non-judgmental towards others, regardless of their differences or flaws. An accepting character embraces diversity and understands that everyone has their own unique qualities and experiences that shape who they are. They are not easily offended or defensive when faced with opposing viewpoints or criticism, and they are willing to listen and learn from others. An accepting character values empathy, kindness, and inclusivity.

Possible causes of being accepting

You might want to weave these into your character's back story to build a more believable character.

• Developing a practice of mindfulness or meditation that cultivates an attitude of non-judgment and equanimity
• Being exposed to diverse cultures and perspectives through travel or education
• Facing challenges or obstacles that require them to be flexible and adaptable to change
• Having positive role models who embody the values of acceptance and inclusivity
• Experiencing a personal transformation or spiritual awakening that leads to greater empathy and compassion for others
• Growing up in a family or community that values tolerance and open-mindedness
• Overcoming personal biases or prejudices through self-reflection and education

For detailed feedback on accepting characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's creative writing analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being accepting

You may be able to show your character's trait of accepting by using these.

• Being willing to admit and learn from one's own mistakes or shortcomings
• Being open-minded and willing to consider new ideas and viewpoints
• Respecting others' beliefs and values without judgment or criticism
• Refraining from making assumptions or stereotypes about individuals or groups
• Offering support and encouragement to others, especially during challenging or difficult situations
• Avoiding discrimination or bias towards others based on their identity or background
• Demonstrating empathy towards others' perspectives and experiences
• Being patient and tolerant towards others, even when they may have different opinions or behaviors
• Listening actively and attentively to others' thoughts and feelings

Attitudes associated with being accepting

You may be able to show accepting through their attitudes.

• Readiness to forgive and let go of grudges
• Recognition of the value and worth of all people
• Willingness to listen to others' opinions and perspectives
• Willingness to embrace change and adapt to new situations
• Avoidance of judgment and preconceived notions
• Tolerance for diversity and individual differences
• Openness to different lifestyles and beliefs
• Avoidance of discrimination and prejudice
• Ability to empathize with others' experiences and emotions

Thoughts and struggles associated with being accepting

Here are some ideas for things your accepting character may think or struggle with.

• They may struggle with the fear of rejection or judgment, but they work to overcome these feelings and accept themselves for who they are.
• An accepting character is able to see things from multiple perspectives and acknowledge the validity of different opinions and ideas.
• They may have a desire to help others accept themselves and find peace and happiness in their lives.
• They may have a strong sense of empathy and be able to understand and accept people's flaws and imperfections.
• They may struggle with accepting certain truths about themselves or their situation, but they ultimately embrace them and move forward.
• They are open-minded and willing to learn from others.

Emotions associated with being accepting

Here are some ideas for emotions your accepting character may experience.

• Respectful
• Open-mindedness
• Compassion
• Non-judgmental
• Forgiving
• Supportive
• Tolerance
• Understanding
• Empathy

Facial expressions associated with being accepting

Here are some facial expressions your accepting character may exhibit.

• A gentle nod
• Open eyes
• Relaxed muscles in the face
• A soft smile
• Relaxed eyebrows
• A warm and inviting expression
• A calm and peaceful expression
• Lack of tension in the jaw and forehead
• A slight tilt of the head

Body language associated with being accepting

Here is some body language your accepting character may exhibit.

• Softening facial expressions
• Avoiding defensive or aggressive stances
• Maintaining eye contact
• Smiling or nodding
• Leaning forward slightly
• Avoiding interrupting or talking over others
• Open arms and relaxed posture

For detailed feedback on accepting characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's creative writing analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being accepting

Here are some behaviors your accepting character may exhibit.

• Being willing to admit and learn from one's own mistakes or shortcomings
• Respecting others' beliefs and values without judgment or criticism
• Offering support and encouragement to others, especially during challenging or difficult situations
• Refraining from making assumptions or stereotypes about individuals or groups
• Avoiding discrimination or bias towards others based on their identity or background
• Listening actively and attentively to others' thoughts and feelings
• Being open-minded and willing to consider new ideas and viewpoints
• Demonstrating empathy towards others' perspectives and experiences
• Being patient and tolerant towards others, even when they may have different opinions or behaviors

Growth and evolution of accepting characters

Here are some ways that your accepting character may grow and evolve over time.

• Recognize their own biases and prejudices and work towards overcoming them
• Develop a stronger sense of self-worth and accept themselves for who they are, flaws and all
• Embrace vulnerability and learn to express their emotions and needs more clearly
• Learn to handle criticism and rejection with grace and without taking it personally
• Develop empathy and understanding towards people who are different from them
• Become more open-minded and willing to listen to diverse perspectives
• Learn to let go of past traumas or grudges and embrace forgiveness towards themselves and others
• Learn to trust and rely on others, building stronger relationships

Stereotypes of accepting characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical accepting character like these examples.

• Being overly self-sacrificing
• Being passive or submissive
• Being overly emotional or dramatic
• Being indecisive or wishy-washy
• Being a doormat or pushover
• Being overly dependent on others
• Lacking ambition or motivation
• Being too trusting or gullible
• Being too forgiving or naive
• Being too eager to please others

Remember, your Accepting character can still be strong, independent, and capable while also displaying a willingness to accept others and their differences. It's important to avoid falling into the trap of relying on stereotypes to create your characters and instead strive for depth and complexity in their personalities.

Negatives of being accepting

Here are some potential negatives of being accepting. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as positives depending on the context.

• Accepting toxic behaviors or relationships can be harmful to one's mental and emotional well-being.
• Accepting everything and everyone without questioning or discerning can result in being naive or gullible.
• Being overly accepting can prevent one from standing up for their own beliefs and values.
• Being too accepting can lead to being taken advantage of by others.

Positives of being accepting

Here are some potential positives of being accepting. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as negatives depending on the context.

• Allows for personal growth and self-awareness.
• Reduces conflicts and misunderstandings in personal and professional settings.
• Helps to build stronger and more meaningful relationships.
• Enhances problem-solving skills by considering multiple perspectives.
• Encourages empathy and understanding towards others' differences.
• Increases the ability to adapt to change and overcome challenges.
• Creates a more peaceful and harmonious environment.
• Fosters a non-judgmental and inclusive attitude.
• Promotes open-mindedness towards new ideas and perspectives.

Verbal expressions of accepting characters

Here are some potential expressions used by accepting characters.

• "I don't hold grudges"
• "I'm open to hearing more about your experiences"
• "I appreciate your differences"
• "I understand where you're coming from"
• "I value your opinion"
• "I respect your perspective"
• "I forgive easily"
• "I don't judge you for who you are"
• "I embrace diversity"

Relationships of accepting characters

Here are some ways that being accepting could affect your character's relationships.

• Accepting people are often seen as great listeners, as they are more interested in understanding others than imposing their own beliefs or opinions.
• Accepting people are able to provide a safe and comfortable space for others to be themselves, which can foster intimacy and trust in relationships.
• They are able to empathize with others and understand their perspectives, which helps them build strong, supportive relationships.
• Accepting people are non-judgmental and open-minded towards others, which often leads to them having a diverse group of friends and acquaintances.
• They are able to forgive and move past conflicts, as they prioritize maintaining positive relationships over being right.

Examples from books of characters who are accepting

• Baba from "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Ma Joad from "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Marmee March from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Sydney Carton from "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens
• Anne Elliot from "Persuasion" by Jane Austen
• Miss Honey from "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

Writing exercises for writing accepting characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write accepting characters.

• Write a scene where the character has to apologize for something they did wrong. How do they take responsibility for their actions without making excuses or deflecting blame?
• Create a dialogue between the character and someone who has a completely different worldview. How does the character listen and respond to the other person's opinions?
• Write a scene where the character is faced with a situation that challenges their beliefs and values. How do they react? Do they push back or try to understand the other person's perspective?
• Imagine the character in a group setting where they are the minority opinion. How do they handle being in the minority? Do they try to convince others or do they respectfully listen to opposing views?