Character Trait: Advanced

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. "Advanced" is not typically considered a character trait on its own. However, characters can possess traits that are advanced, such as being advanced in their knowledge or skills. An advanced character may have a high level of expertise in a particular field, possess exceptional intelligence or problem-solving abilities, or be highly skilled in a particular craft or art form. This trait can add depth and complexity to a character, making them stand out and adding interest to the story.

Possible causes of being advanced

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

• Strong work ethic and dedication to self-improvement
• Exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives
• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Access to resources and opportunities for growth and development
• Cultural or familial emphasis on excellence and achievement
• Innate intelligence or talent
• A growth mindset and willingness to take risks
• Supportive and challenging learning environments
• Positive role models and mentors

For detailed feedback on advanced characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's character arc evaluator.

Behaviors associated with being advanced

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

• Demonstrating a high level of skill and expertise in a particular field or activity.
• Making complex decisions with confidence and ease.
• Consistently seeking out new challenges and opportunities to grow and learn.
• Demonstrating professionalism and integrity in all interactions and relationships.
• Creating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
• Taking a leadership role in a team or organization.
• Maintaining a strong work ethic and consistently delivering high-quality results.
• Inspiring and motivating others to achieve their goals.
• Being able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or unexpected obstacles.

Attitudes associated with being advanced

You may be able to show advanced through their attitudes.

• Being proactive and taking initiative
• Self-awareness and understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses
• A desire for constant learning and improvement
• Being open-minded and receptive to feedback
• Being able to collaborate effectively with others
• Having a strong work ethic and dedication to achieving goals
• Being adaptable and able to navigate change and uncertainty
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems
• Willingness to take risks and try new things

Thoughts and struggles associated with being advanced

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

• They may struggle with feelings of imposter syndrome, fearing that they are not truly as skilled or competent as others believe them to be.
• They may also struggle with feelings of isolation or loneliness, as they may feel that others don't understand them or can't relate to their experiences.
• Advanced characters may have a tendency to overthink things, analyzing situations and their own reactions to them.
• They may be perfectionists, constantly striving to improve themselves and their skills.
• Advanced characters may have a strong sense of purpose or mission in life, but may also question whether they are on the right path or if their goals are truly achievable.
• They may struggle with the pressure of high expectations, whether from themselves or others.
• Advanced characters often have a deep sense of self-awareness and introspection.

Emotions associated with being advanced

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

• Self-motivation
• Mastery
• Competence
• Curiosity
• Self-awareness
• Perfectionism
• Self-discipline
• Ingenuity
• Patience
• Creativity
• Independence
• Resilience
• Pride
• Ambition
• Assertiveness
• Persistence
• Confidence
• Intellectualism
• Resourcefulness

Facial expressions associated with being advanced

Here are some facial expressions your advanced character may exhibit.

• A relaxed, yet alert expression indicating ease and readiness to tackle challenges
• An intense gaze indicating focus and determination
• A nod of the head indicating agreement or understanding
• A slight furrow of the brow indicating deep thought or concentration
• A subtle smirk indicating a clever or witty thought
• A crinkle around the eyes indicating a genuine smile or amusement
• A slight smile indicating confidence or satisfaction
• Raised eyebrows indicating surprise or interest
• A thoughtful pursing of the lips indicating consideration or reflection

Body language associated with being advanced

Here is some body language your advanced character may exhibit.

• Smooth and intentional movements, such as walking with purpose and grace
• Minimal fidgeting or nervous tics
• Controlled hand gestures, such as purposeful pointing or gesturing to emphasize a point
• Calm and composed facial expressions, even in high-pressure situations
• Relaxed body language, such as arms uncrossed and a slight lean forward
• Steady eye contact with others
• Confident posture, standing tall with shoulders back and head held high
• Speaking clearly and with conviction

For detailed feedback on advanced characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's character arc evaluator.

Behaviors associated with being advanced

Here are some behaviors your advanced character may exhibit.

• Creating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
• Consistently seeking out new challenges and opportunities to grow and learn.
• Taking a leadership role in a team or organization.
• Demonstrating professionalism and integrity in all interactions and relationships.
• Maintaining a strong work ethic and consistently delivering high-quality results.
• Inspiring and motivating others to achieve their goals.
• Making complex decisions with confidence and ease.
• Demonstrating a high level of skill and expertise in a particular field or activity.
• Being able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or unexpected obstacles.

Growth and evolution of advanced characters

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

• Overcoming a personal flaw or weakness
• Changing their perspective or beliefs about something important
• Letting go of negative emotions or past traumas
• Making amends for past mistakes or wrongdoings
• Facing and overcoming their fears
• Confronting and overcoming obstacles or challenges
• Forgiving someone who has wronged them
• Gaining a deeper understanding of themselves or others
• Discovering a new purpose or meaning in life
• Developing new skills or abilities
• Learning to trust or rely on others

Stereotypes of advanced characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical advanced character like these examples.

• The hacker who is socially awkward and lacks basic hygiene.
• The successful businessperson who is ruthless and lacks empathy.
• The scientist who is cold and calculating.
• The artist who is tortured and self-destructive.
• The teacher who is strict and unapproachable.
• The politician who is corrupt and power-hungry.
• The genius who is socially inept and lacks emotional intelligence.
• The detective who is an alcoholic and has a troubled past.
• The doctor who is arrogant and dismissive of patients' concerns.
• The athlete who is arrogant and selfish.

Remember, while these character traits may have been used in the past, they can come across as clichéd or unoriginal. Instead, strive to create well-rounded characters with unique personalities and motivations.

Negatives of being advanced

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

• It can be challenging to learn new things when one already has a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area.
• Advanced individuals may become overconfident and arrogant, leading to a lack of empathy and understanding towards those who are less advanced.
• Advanced individuals may feel pressure to constantly perform at a high level, leading to burnout and stress.
• Advanced individuals may struggle to connect with people who have different levels of understanding or knowledge.
• It can be difficult to accept feedback or constructive criticism, leading to a lack of growth and development in certain areas.
• It can be challenging to find peers who are at a similar level of expertise, which may lead to isolation and loneliness.

Positives of being advanced

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

• They are confident in their skills and can take on leadership roles.
• Advanced individuals have a deeper understanding of their craft and can produce high-quality work consistently.
• They have a broader perspective on their field and can see the bigger picture.
• Advanced individuals are able to tackle complex problems and find creative solutions.
• They can inspire and mentor others to reach their full potential.
• They have a strong work ethic and are motivated to continually improve.
• Advanced individuals are often respected and valued by their peers and colleagues.
• They can effectively communicate their ideas and collaborate with others.
• They are able to set and achieve ambitious goals.

Verbal expressions of advanced characters

Here are some potential expressions used by advanced characters.

• Persuasive tone
• Poetic phrasing
• Fluent speech
• Sophisticated vocabulary
• Thought-provoking ideas
• Articulate communication
• Nuanced arguments
• Commanding language
• Profound insights

Relationships of advanced characters

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

• They may have a strong desire for growth and self-improvement, which can lead to a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction with their current situation.
• They may also have high expectations of the people around them, which can sometimes lead to disappointment when those expectations are not met.
• Advanced people may be more empathetic and understanding of others' perspectives, but may also struggle with setting boundaries to protect their own well-being.
• Advanced people may have a tendency to be more independent and self-sufficient, which can sometimes lead to a sense of detachment from others.

Examples from books of characters who are advanced

• Sherlock Holmes from the series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Huckleberry Finn from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

These characters are complex and multidimensional, with unique personalities, motivations, and flaws that make them memorable and relatable.

Writing exercises for writing advanced characters

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

• Use sensory details to describe how your character's Advanced trait manifests physically. How do they carry themselves? What gestures do they use?
• Start by identifying what the Advanced trait means to you. What qualities or behaviors do you associate with this trait? Use this as a guide when creating your character.
• Write a scene where your character demonstrates their Advanced trait. This could be in a professional setting, in a personal relationship, or in a moment of crisis.
• Consider the ways in which your character's Advanced trait could both benefit and hinder them. How does it impact their relationships and their approach to problem-solving?
• Think about people in your life who embody the Advanced trait. What characteristics do they have that you could incorporate into your character?
• Create a backstory for your character that explains how they developed their Advanced trait. What experiences or challenges did they face that led them to develop this quality?
• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who possesses the opposite trait. How do they clash or complement each other?