Character Trait: Aligned

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Aligned refers to a person who is in harmony with their values, principles, and beliefs. Such a character has a clear understanding of what they stand for and what they want to achieve in life, and they are committed to pursuing their goals with integrity and honesty. An Aligned character is self-aware and authentic, and they make choices that are consistent with their innermost desires and aspirations. They are not easily swayed by external pressures or peer influence, and they stay true to themselves even in challenging situations.

Possible causes of being aligned

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

• Clear understanding of personal goals and objectives
• Focus on personal growth and development, including emotional intelligence and self-improvement
• Consistent behavior and actions that reflect personal values and goals
• Commitment to personal and professional integrity and ethical behavior
• Openness to feedback and willingness to adapt behavior accordingly
• Self-awareness and introspection to align behavior with values and goals
• Ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships based on mutual respect and understanding
• Deep empathy and consideration for others' perspectives and needs
• Strong sense of values and beliefs

For detailed feedback on aligned characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's writing style analysis.

Behaviors associated with being aligned

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

• Prioritizing actions that serve one's higher purpose
• Staying true to one's values and beliefs
• Making decisions based on principles and ethics
• Showing integrity and authenticity in all aspects of life
• Maintaining a positive attitude and mindset
• Avoiding behaviors that conflict with one's moral code
• Seeking harmony and balance in relationships and situations
• Being accountable for one's actions and their consequences
• Behaving consistently with one's moral compass

Attitudes associated with being aligned

You may be able to show aligned through their attitudes.

• Willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good
• Sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions
• Willingness to stand up for what they believe in
• Empathy and understanding towards others who share their alignment
• Consistency in values and actions
• Strong sense of purpose and conviction
• Honesty and transparency
• Self-awareness and introspection

Thoughts and struggles associated with being aligned

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

• May feel conflicted when faced with a decision that goes against their beliefs
• May experience inner turmoil when faced with a moral dilemma or ethical dilemma
• Strives to maintain a sense of integrity and consistency in their behavior
• May feel a sense of responsibility to help others and make a positive difference in the world
• May struggle with feelings of disappointment or disillusionment when others don't live up to their expectations
• May feel a sense of guilt or shame if they act in a way that goes against their values
• Believes in a specific set of values or principles that guide their actions
• May struggle with upholding their beliefs in difficult situations
• Tries to see things from different perspectives and understand others' points of view

Emotions associated with being aligned

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

• Integrity
• Sense of direction
• Connection with oneself and others
• Harmony
• Empathy
• Authenticity
• Contentment
• Self-assurance
• Conviction
• Clarity of purpose
• Balance
• Confidence
• Fulfillment
• Inner peace

Facial expressions associated with being aligned

Here are some facial expressions your aligned character may exhibit.

• A straight and steady gaze
• An open and friendly expression
• A calm and relaxed facial expression
• A sense of inner peace and contentment
• A confident smile
• A lack of fidgeting or nervous movements
• A posture that indicates confidence and certainty
• A lack of tension in the facial muscles

Body language associated with being aligned

Here is some body language your aligned character may exhibit.

• Maintaining an open posture, with arms uncrossed and legs slightly apart
• Gesturing with purpose and control
• Moving smoothly and purposefully
• Using measured and deliberate movements, rather than fidgeting or twitching
• Keeping a calm and composed facial expression
• Making direct eye contact
• Nodding or tilting the head to show interest and engagement
• Standing up straight with shoulders back
• Leaning in slightly towards the person or object of focus

For detailed feedback on aligned characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's writing style analysis.

Behaviors associated with being aligned

Here are some behaviors your aligned character may exhibit.

• Making decisions based on principles and ethics
• Staying true to one's values and beliefs
• Maintaining a positive attitude and mindset
• Avoiding behaviors that conflict with one's moral code
• Being accountable for one's actions and their consequences
• Seeking harmony and balance in relationships and situations
• Prioritizing actions that serve one's higher purpose
• Behaving consistently with one's moral compass
• Showing integrity and authenticity in all aspects of life

Growth and evolution of aligned characters

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

• They may experience setbacks or challenges that test their commitment to their beliefs, but ultimately emerge stronger and more resilient.
• The character may become a leader or advocate for their cause, inspiring others to join their movement.
• The character may become more self-aware and reflective, recognizing their own biases and working to overcome them.
• They may develop stronger relationships with others, building trust and creating more meaningful connections.
• An Aligned character may become more confident and assertive in their beliefs and values.
• They may become more strategic and effective in their efforts, developing new skills and approaches to achieve their goals.
• They may learn to better understand and empathize with those who hold different beliefs or come from different backgrounds.
• The character may learn to balance their personal needs with the needs of their community or cause, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their actions.

Stereotypes of aligned characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical aligned character like these examples.

• The comic relief character who is only there to provide laughs and has no depth or emotional range
• The love interest who exists solely to be a romantic partner for the hero and has no independent goals or desires
• The perfect hero who never makes mistakes or faces any real challenges
• The sidekick who is only there to support the hero and has no agency or personality of their own
• The wise old mentor who only exists to dispense advice and has no flaws or personal struggles
• The villain who is evil for the sake of being evil with no clear motivation or backstory

By avoiding these stereotypes, writers can create more nuanced and interesting Aligned characters that readers will be invested in.

Negatives of being aligned

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

• Strong alignment can lead to a sense of self-righteousness, causing conflicts with those who hold different beliefs.
• Aligned individuals may become too focused on their goals, neglecting other important aspects of their lives.
• Being aligned can lead to inflexibility and an unwillingness to consider other perspectives.
• Aligned individuals may struggle with adapting to changing circumstances, as they may feel their alignment is being compromised.

Positives of being aligned

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

• It allows your character to make decisions with more clarity and purpose.
• Alignment can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for your character.
• Aligned characters tend to be more confident and assertive in their actions.
• Aligned characters are often more resilient in the face of challenges or setbacks.
• Being aligned helps your character stay focused on their goals and values.
• It can help your character maintain a sense of inner peace and satisfaction.
• It helps your character build stronger relationships with others who share similar values.

Verbal expressions of aligned characters

Here are some potential expressions used by aligned characters.

• "I trust my instincts"
• "I know what I stand for"
• "I am true to myself"
• "I am in harmony with my beliefs"
• "I feel a sense of purpose"
• "My actions reflect my values"
• "I am authentic"
• "I am living with intention"
• "I feel centered and grounded"

Relationships of aligned characters

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

• Aligned people tend to have harmonious relationships with those who share their values and beliefs.
• They tend to be supportive and encouraging of others who are also aligned with their goals and values.
• Aligned people may struggle to understand and relate to those who are not as focused or driven as they are.
• Aligned individuals often have deep and meaningful connections with others who share their sense of purpose and passion.
• They may also have difficulty with people who are overly critical or negative, as they prefer to surround themselves with positivity and optimism.
• They may find it challenging to connect with people who have opposing views or lifestyles.

Examples from books of characters who are aligned

• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Harry Potter from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" series by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing exercises for writing aligned characters

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

• Write a scene where your Aligned character stands up for what they believe in, even if it goes against the norm.
• Write a dialogue between your Aligned character and a character who holds vastly different beliefs. How do they navigate this conversation?
• Write a scene where your Aligned character faces a difficult ethical dilemma. How do they respond?
• Consider how your Aligned character interacts with their community. Do they try to make positive changes? How do they handle conflict within their community?
• Create a character who is the opposite of Aligned and write a scene where they clash. How does your Aligned character handle this conflict?
• Consider how your Aligned character handles their own flaws and mistakes. How do they learn from them and grow as a person?
• Create a character who embodies the Aligned trait. Consider their background, personality, and circumstances that led them to become aligned.
• Start by defining what "Aligned" means to you as a writer. What values and beliefs are associated with this trait?
• Create a scenario where your Aligned character must make a sacrifice for the greater good. How do they handle it?