Character Trait: Adaptive

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "adaptive" refers to a person's ability to adjust to new situations and circumstances, to be flexible and open-minded in the face of change and uncertainty. An adaptive person is able to learn from their experiences, to problem-solve creatively, and to remain calm and rational when faced with challenges or obstacles. They are resilient and resourceful, able to adapt to new environments and social situations, and willing to try new things. In short, an adaptive character is one who is able to thrive in a constantly changing world.

Possible causes of being adaptive

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

• Experiencing frequent changes or challenges in life that require adaptation
• Having a growth mindset and the willingness to take risks and try new things
• Having a strong sense of empathy and the ability to understand and adapt to others' needs
• Being exposed to diverse cultures and ways of thinking, which fosters openness and adaptability
• Being raised in an environment that values adaptability and flexibility
• Experiencing failures or setbacks and using them as opportunities to learn and adapt
• Having a strong desire to learn and grow, which leads to the development of adaptability skills

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

Behaviors associated with being adaptive

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

• Embracing change and being open to new ideas
• Learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth
• Being willing to compromise and find common ground in difficult situations
• Being flexible and able to work with a variety of people and personalities
• Being resourceful and finding creative solutions to problems
• Being able to think on your feet and make decisions under pressure
• Adjusting to new situations quickly and efficiently

Attitudes associated with being adaptive

You may be able to show adaptive through their attitudes.

• Open-mindedness
• Resilience
• Ability to adjust to new situations
• Patience
• Flexibility
• Willingness to take risks
• Resourcefulness
• Ability to learn quickly
• Willingness to change
• Creativity
• Problem-solving skills
• Positive attitude

Thoughts and struggles associated with being adaptive

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

• They may experience a sense of loss or confusion when faced with unexpected changes, but will work to find a way forward.
• They may face resistance or pushback from others who are resistant to change or who prefer the status quo.
• They may struggle with finding balance between adapting to new situations and staying true to their core values and beliefs.
• An adaptive character may struggle with feelings of insecurity or self-doubt when faced with new challenges, but will strive to overcome these obstacles.
• An adaptive character may struggle with feelings of guilt or regret if they feel like they have compromised their integrity in order to adapt to a new situation.
• An adaptive character may have to navigate complex relationships and social dynamics in order to fit in or succeed in a new environment.
• An adaptive character is open to change and willing to adjust to new circumstances.
• They may have a tendency to over-analyze situations in order to make the best possible decisions.

Emotions associated with being adaptive

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

• Open-mindedness
• Readiness to change
• Resourcefulness
• Creative problem-solving
• Ability to think on one's feet
• Ability to adjust to new situations
• Willingness to learn and grow
• Flexibility
• Resilience

Facial expressions associated with being adaptive

Here are some facial expressions your adaptive character may exhibit.

• Head tilted to one side
• Soft, approachable gaze
• Eyebrow furrow with a smile
• Wide eyes
• Gently nodding
• Smiling
• Relaxed facial muscles
• Raised eyebrows
• Open mouth

Body language associated with being adaptive

Here is some body language your adaptive character may exhibit.

• Quick thinking and decision-making in response to unexpected challenges
• Willingness to collaborate and work with others to find solutions
• Comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
• Ability to adjust to changing circumstances and situations
• Flexibility in approach and problem-solving
• Willingness to learn from mistakes and failures
• Openness to new ideas and perspectives
• Willingness to listen and observe before acting

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

Behaviors associated with being adaptive

Here are some behaviors your adaptive character may exhibit.

• Adjusting to new situations quickly and efficiently
• Being flexible and able to work with a variety of people and personalities
• Learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth
• Being able to think on your feet and make decisions under pressure
• Being resourceful and finding creative solutions to problems
• Embracing change and being open to new ideas
• Being willing to compromise and find common ground in difficult situations

Growth and evolution of adaptive characters

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

• They may learn to take calculated risks and make strategic decisions, becoming more confident and decisive as a result.
• An adaptive character may learn to adjust to new environments, situations, and challenges, becoming more flexible and resilient over time.
• An adaptive character may also learn to let go of old habits or beliefs that no longer serve them, becoming more open-minded and receptive to new ideas and perspectives.
• They may develop new skills or acquire new knowledge that allows them to adapt to changing circumstances.
• They may become more self-aware, recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses and learning how to use them to their advantage.
• An adaptive character may also develop stronger relationships with others, learning how to navigate different personalities and communication styles.

Stereotypes of adaptive characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical adaptive character like these examples.

• Avoid using disability or mental illness as a shorthand for adaptability, as this can perpetuate the harmful idea that disabled individuals are inherently inspiring or heroic simply for existing.
• Avoid portraying Adaptive characters as overly passive or submissive, as this can reinforce harmful stereotypes about marginalized groups who are often expected to adapt to oppressive systems.
• Avoid portraying adaptive behavior as a flaw that must be overcome or fixed, as this can further stigmatize individuals who engage in adaptive behavior in order to navigate a world that is often hostile to them.
• Avoid reducing Adaptive characters to mere plot devices or supporting characters who exist solely to help other characters grow or succeed.

Negatives of being adaptive

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

• Can be perceived as passive or lacking in assertiveness
• May struggle with long-term planning or goal-setting
• Tendency to prioritize others' needs over their own
• Difficulty in making decisions due to constantly changing circumstances
• Difficulty in establishing personal boundaries
• May appear indecisive or lacking in conviction

Positives of being adaptive

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

• Able to learn quickly and apply new knowledge effectively
• Able to easily adjust to new situations and environments
• Comfortable with change and uncertainty
• Resourceful and creative in problem-solving
• Versatile and able to take on a variety of tasks and roles
• Open-minded and willing to consider multiple perspectives
• Strong communication skills, able to effectively collaborate with others
• Empathetic and understanding towards others' perspectives and experiences
• Resilient in the face of adversity and setbacks

Verbal expressions of adaptive characters

Here are some potential expressions used by adaptive characters.

• "I can be flexible when needed"
• "I can think on my feet"
• "I can adjust to new situations easily"
• "I'm open-minded"
• "I'm comfortable with change"
• "I can roll with the punches"
• "I'm willing to try new things"
• "I can adapt to different personalities"
• "I can handle unexpected challenges"

Relationships of adaptive characters

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

• They may have difficulty maintaining boundaries and saying "no" to requests or demands from others.
• They may struggle with asserting their own opinions and needs, and instead prioritize the wants and needs of others.
• They may have a fear of conflict and avoid confrontation, leading to passive-aggressive behavior or bottling up their emotions.
• They may feel drained or exhausted by social interactions, as they expend a lot of energy adapting to others' expectations and needs.
• They may be skilled at reading and responding to nonverbal cues and emotions, making them empathetic and supportive friends.
• They can be chameleons who blend in with different social groups and personalities.
• They may be prone to people-pleasing or seeking validation from external sources, such as social media or romantic partners.

Examples from books of characters who are adaptive

• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing adaptive characters

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

• Write a story where your character is forced to confront a personal weakness or flaw. How do they adapt and grow from the experience?
• Create a character who has to navigate a new environment or culture. How do they adapt to the unfamiliar surroundings?
• Write a scene where your character is faced with unexpected circumstances. How do they react? Do they adapt quickly or struggle to adjust?
• Write a story where your character has to confront a fear or phobia. How do they adapt and overcome their anxiety?
• Develop a character who has to overcome a physical or mental challenge. How do they adapt to their limitations and find ways to succeed?
• Create a character who is forced to make a difficult decision. How do they adapt to the consequences of their choices and the impact on those around them?
• Imagine a scenario where your character is in a leadership role, but their plans fall apart. How do they adapt and motivate their team to keep going?