Character Trait: Accustomed

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Accustomed" refers to a state of being familiar or used to something. It implies that a character has experienced a situation or circumstance multiple times, and has become comfortable with it. Characters with this trait tend to adapt easily to changes or new environments, and may have a sense of routine or predictability in their behavior. They may also be less prone to anxiety or stress in situations that others may find unsettling.

Possible causes of being accustomed

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

• Feeling uncomfortable with change or uncertainty
• Being resistant to new ideas or ways of doing things
• Feeling a sense of comfort or safety in familiarity
• Having a tendency to stick to what has worked in the past
• Valuing tradition and heritage
• Having a strong desire for stability and predictability
• Being risk-averse and preferring familiar situations
• Growing up in an environment with strict routines or traditions
• Having a preference for routines and habits

For detailed feedback on accustomed characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fictional story assessment.

Behaviors associated with being accustomed

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

• Demonstrate a lack of surprise or shock in response to familiar situations or events
• Feel at ease and comfortable in familiar environments
• Use familiar tools or resources without hesitation
• Engage in familiar routines and habits
• Show confidence and ease in performing familiar tasks or skills
• Display a sense of familiarity or intimacy with people or places

Attitudes associated with being accustomed

You may be able to show accustomed through their attitudes.

• Feeling uneasy or anxious in unfamiliar situations
• Dependence on structure and predictability
• Reluctance to take risks
• Tendency to stick to traditions
• Routine-oriented
• Preference for sameness over novelty
• Resistant to change
• Comfortable in familiar surroundings or situations
• Sense of security in the familiar
• Difficulty adapting to new environments

Thoughts and struggles associated with being accustomed

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

• Tendency to stick to what is familiar, even if it is not healthy or beneficial
• Tendency to avoid confrontation or difficult conversations
• Resistance to change or new experiences
• Struggle with making decisions that involve change or risk
• Difficulty adapting to unfamiliar situations or people
• Lack of motivation or drive to try new things
• Feeling of comfort and security in routine or familiarity
• Fear of the unknown or uncertainty
• Difficulty letting go of the past or past experiences
• Fear of failure or making mistakes

Emotions associated with being accustomed

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

• Contentment
• Habituation
• Comfort
• Predictability
• Ease
• Security
• Adaptation
• Familiarity
• Routine

Facial expressions associated with being accustomed

Here are some facial expressions your accustomed character may exhibit.

• Eyes that are comfortable and at ease
• Body language that is calm and composed
• Relaxed facial muscles
• Mouth that is slightly open or relaxed
• Raised eyebrows
• Slight smile or smirk

Body language associated with being accustomed

Here is some body language your accustomed character may exhibit.

• A tendency to use familiar gestures or facial expressions
• A confident gait, indicating ease and familiarity with the surroundings
• A tendency to lean back or recline, indicating a sense of ease and comfort
• A lack of hesitation or uncertainty in movements and actions
• A relaxed posture, indicating familiarity and comfort with the environment
• Comfortable eye contact and a relaxed facial expression

For detailed feedback on accustomed characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fictional story assessment.

Behaviors associated with being accustomed

Here are some behaviors your accustomed character may exhibit.

• Demonstrate a lack of surprise or shock in response to familiar situations or events
• Use familiar tools or resources without hesitation
• Show confidence and ease in performing familiar tasks or skills
• Engage in familiar routines and habits
• Display a sense of familiarity or intimacy with people or places
• Feel at ease and comfortable in familiar environments

Growth and evolution of accustomed characters

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

• Learn to forgive or let go of past grudges
• Challenge their beliefs or assumptions about the world
• Discover new passions or interests
• Find a new sense of purpose or meaning in life.
• Overcome a personal struggle or obstacle
• Confront and overcome their fears or weaknesses
• Develop empathy or compassion for others
• Learn to trust and rely on others
• Take on new responsibilities or roles
• Experience a change in perspective or worldview
• Develop new skills or talents

Remember, these are just some examples and there are countless ways a character can grow and evolve throughout a story. The key is to make sure their growth is meaningful and adds depth and complexity to their character.

Stereotypes of accustomed characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical accustomed character like these examples.

• Avoid using offensive or derogatory language when describing Accustomed characters.
• Avoid stereotyping Accustomed characters as passive or submissive.
• Avoid portraying Accustomed characters as ignorant or uneducated.
• Avoid making Accustomed characters solely defined by their ethnicity or cultural background.
• Avoid making Accustomed characters one-dimensional and lacking in complexity.

Negatives of being accustomed

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

• Can develop a sense of entitlement or superiority
• Can be closed-minded or intolerant of diversity
• May lack empathy for those who do not share their customs or beliefs
• May struggle to communicate effectively with those from different backgrounds
• May struggle to adapt to unfamiliar situations
• Can become resistant to change or new experiences

Positives of being accustomed

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

• Accustomed individuals may have a deeper understanding and appreciation for certain activities or cultures
• It can make certain tasks or situations feel easier and less daunting
• It can contribute to a sense of routine and structure in one's life
• Being accustomed to something can provide a sense of comfort and security

Verbal expressions of accustomed characters

Here are some potential expressions used by accustomed characters.

• Familiar with
• Routinely
• Naturally
• Comfortable with
• Usually
• Habitually
• Accustomed to
• Regularly
• Typically
• Used to
• In the habit of

Relationships of accustomed characters

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

• Difficulty asserting themselves or setting boundaries
• Tendency to prioritize others' needs over their own
• Fear of conflict or confrontation
• Strong attachment to tradition and established norms
• Preference for familiar and routine relationships
• Reliance on hierarchical structures and authority figures
• Willingness to conform to group expectations and norms
• Inclination to avoid new or unfamiliar social situations
• Dependence on others for validation or approval

Examples from books of characters who are accustomed

• Hester Prynne from "The Scarlet Letter"
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit"
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird"
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye"
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice"
• Sherlock Holmes from "Sherlock Holmes" series
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby"

Writing exercises for writing accustomed characters

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

• Describe the character's daily routine in detail, including the small habits and behaviors that they perform without thinking.
• Have the character reflect on their routine and consider whether it is serving them well or holding them back.
• Create a backstory for the character that highlights their routine and how they have maintained it over time.
• Write a scene where the character encounters a disruption to their routine and must adapt quickly to the new circumstances.
• Write a scene where the character must navigate a situation where their routine is impossible to maintain, and show how they respond to the challenge.
• Write a scene where the character is forced to break their routine and try something new, and explore their thoughts and feelings about the experience.
• Have the character interact with someone who has a very different routine and show how they react to the differences.
• Write a scene where the character is thrown into a new environment and struggles to adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings.