Character Trait: Active

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Active refers to individuals who are proactive, energetic, and tend to take charge of their lives. They are not afraid of taking risks and are always ready to face challenges. Active characters are motivated by their goals and are willing to work hard to achieve them. They are quick to take action and are not content to sit back and wait for things to happen. Instead, they are always seeking new opportunities and ways to improve themselves and their situations.

Possible causes of being active

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

• Psychological factors: Some people may have an active personality due to certain psychological traits or conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, or high levels of neuroticism.
• Environment: Upbringing, lifestyle, and social surroundings can influence a person's behavior and personality, including their level of activity and restlessness.
• Innate temperament: Some individuals are naturally more active and energetic due to their genetic makeup and physiological characteristics.
• Personal values and goals: Individuals who prioritize achievement, success, and productivity may be more likely to have an active nature.

For detailed feedback on active characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story developmental critique.

Behaviors associated with being active

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

• Making decisions quickly and confidently
• Seeking out new challenges and experiences
• Being social and engaging with others in activities or events
• Demonstrating a high level of energy and enthusiasm
• Enjoying outdoor activities and adventure
• Maintaining a busy and productive schedule
• Taking initiative to start tasks or projects
• Engaging in regular physical exercise or sports activities
• Taking risks and pushing oneself beyond comfort zones

Attitudes associated with being active

You may be able to show active through their attitudes.

• An inclination towards leadership and taking charge of situations
• An ability to multitask and handle multiple responsibilities
• A sense of urgency and a desire to get things done quickly
• A tendency to be restless or easily bored with inactivity
• A willingness to take risks and try new things
• A strong work ethic and a drive to accomplish tasks efficiently
• A preference for taking action over waiting for things to happen
• A desire for physical movement and exercise
• A proactive and goal-oriented mindset

Thoughts and struggles associated with being active

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

• They may have a tendency to act impulsively, without fully thinking through the consequences of their actions.
• They may also have a competitive nature and strive to be the best or win at everything they do.
• An active character may have a fear of missing out on opportunities or experiences, leading to a sense of urgency and a need to constantly be doing something.
• They may struggle with feeling restless or bored when not engaged in something exciting.
• They may also struggle with authority figures or rules that restrict their freedom to act.
• They may also have difficulty with relationships or commitments that require them to slow down or make compromises.
• An active character is someone who is always on the go, seeking adventure, and taking risks.
• On the flip side, an active character may also struggle with burnout or exhaustion from constantly being on the go.

Emotions associated with being active

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

• Determination
• Passion
• Energy
• Motivation
• Resilience
• Drive
• Tenacity
• Enthusiasm
• Ambition

Facial expressions associated with being active

Here are some facial expressions your active character may exhibit.

• A flared nostril or sharp inhale
• A tight jaw or clenched teeth
• A tense or raised chin
• A determined or focused gaze
• A furrowed brow or wrinkled forehead
• A smirking or confident smile
• Wide eyes and raised eyebrows

Body language associated with being active

Here is some body language your active character may exhibit.

• Moving quickly and with purpose
• Standing up straight with shoulders back
• Fidgeting or tapping feet when bored or restless
• Maintaining eye contact with others
• Gesturing with hands and arms while speaking
• Using large, expansive movements when expressing excitement or enthusiasm
• Pacing back and forth when deep in thought

For detailed feedback on active characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story developmental critique.

Behaviors associated with being active

Here are some behaviors your active character may exhibit.

• Engaging in regular physical exercise or sports activities
• Demonstrating a high level of energy and enthusiasm
• Enjoying outdoor activities and adventure
• Maintaining a busy and productive schedule
• Being social and engaging with others in activities or events
• Taking risks and pushing oneself beyond comfort zones
• Taking initiative to start tasks or projects
• Seeking out new challenges and experiences
• Making decisions quickly and confidently

Growth and evolution of active characters

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

• Forming new relationships or strengthening existing ones
• Making difficult decisions and accepting the consequences of their actions
• Confronting and overcoming obstacles or conflicts that were previously hindering their progress
• Experiencing a shift in their goals or priorities as they encounter new challenges or opportunities
• Developing new skills or abilities that they didn't possess at the beginning of the story
• Overcoming personal fears or limitations that were holding them back
• Learning to trust or rely on others, especially if they were initially independent or isolated
• Gaining a new perspective or understanding of the world around them
• Questioning their beliefs or values and potentially changing them

Stereotypes of active characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical active character like these examples.

• The "angry black man" stereotype that portrays black male characters as aggressive and violent
• The "strong, silent type" who rarely speaks or expresses emotions
• The "bad boy" who is rebellious and breaks rules without reason
• The "alpha male" who dominates and controls others
• The "damsel in distress" who constantly needs saving by others
• The "tough girl" who is emotionless and unapproachable

Negatives of being active

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

• Can be impatient and struggle with delayed gratification
• Can become easily bored and seek constant stimulation
• Can be impulsive and act without thinking things through
• Can be restless and find it difficult to sit still or relax
• May struggle with following through on commitments or finishing projects
• Can be perceived as overbearing or domineering in group settings

Positives of being active

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

• Promotes better sleep quality
• Improves mood and reduces stress
• Enhances cognitive function and mental clarity
• Increases energy levels and stamina
• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Boosts physical health and overall fitness
• Enhances immune system function
• Provides opportunities for social interaction and community building
• Helps maintain a healthy weight

Verbal expressions of active characters

Here are some potential expressions used by active characters.

• "I'll take care of that."
• "Let's go for a run."
• "I'm on it."
• "I'm always moving."
• "I have a lot of energy."
• "I can't sit still."
• "I love to be active."
• "Let's do it!"
• "I'll race you there."

Relationships of active characters

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

• Active people may have a strong drive to achieve their goals, which can lead to them being competitive with others who have similar goals.
• Active people may be drawn to others who share their interests or passions, and may form close bonds with those who are similarly driven.
• They may be independent and self-sufficient, which can lead to them being perceived as aloof or unapproachable by others.
• They may be enthusiastic and energetic, which can be infectious and attract others to them.
• Active people may also be impatient and restless, which can make it difficult for them to maintain long-term relationships.
• They may struggle to connect with people who are more passive or introverted, and may find it difficult to understand their perspective.

Examples from books of characters who are active

• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing exercises for writing active characters

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

• Show your character actively engaging with other characters in dialogue and action, rather than just observing or being passive.
• Create situations where your character takes action instead of just reacting to their environment. For example, have them make a decision that drives the plot forward.
• Start by defining what "active" means for your character. Are they physically active, socially active, politically active, etc.?
• Consider having your character take risks and make bold moves to achieve their goals.
• Think about your character's goals and motivations. How can they actively work towards achieving them?
• Create obstacles for your character to overcome. How do they actively try to overcome them?
• Write scenes where your character takes charge and leads others towards a common goal.
• Write a scene where your character stands up for themselves or for someone else in a challenging situation.