Character Trait: Appreciative

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Appreciative" refers to the ability to recognize and express gratitude for the positive aspects of life. People with this trait tend to have a positive outlook and a deep sense of appreciation for the things they have, the people around them, and the experiences they've had. They are often able to find joy and contentment in the simple things and are quick to express their gratitude to others. This trait is closely related to mindfulness and can lead to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment in life.

Possible causes of being appreciative

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

• They have had positive role models who demonstrated appreciation.
• They have been influenced by cultural or religious values that emphasize gratitude and thankfulness.
• They have experienced the benefits of expressing gratitude in their own lives.
• They have developed a habit of looking for the good in people and situations.
• They believe that showing appreciation is a sign of strength and maturity.
• They understand the power of appreciation in building relationships and strengthening connections.
• They have gone through a difficult experience that has taught them the importance of appreciating what they have.
• They have a natural inclination towards positivity and optimism.

For detailed feedback on appreciative characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fiction manuscript feedback.

Behaviors associated with being appreciative

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

• Being humble and recognizing that success is often a result of teamwork and support from others
• Saying "thank you" often and expressing gratitude towards others
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others, even in difficult situations
• Focusing on the positives and finding joy in the present moment
• Acknowledging and valuing the contributions of others
• Recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of oneself and others
• Being generous with compliments and kind words towards others

Attitudes associated with being appreciative

You may be able to show appreciative through their attitudes.

• Gratefulness
• Empathy
• Open-mindedness
• Acknowledgement
• Contentment
• Joyfulness
• Respect
• Positivity
• Recognition
• Humility
• Thankfulness
• Generosity
• Compassion
• Admiration

Thoughts and struggles associated with being appreciative

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

• They may struggle with expressing their gratitude and appreciation, feeling like they can never fully convey how much they appreciate someone or something.
• An appreciative character is someone who recognizes and values the good qualities and actions of others.
• They may also struggle with feeling like they don't deserve the good things that happen to them, leading to feelings of guilt or imposter syndrome.
• They may have a tendency to downplay their own accomplishments or attribute their success to others, rather than taking credit themselves.
• On the flip side, they may also struggle with feeling like they are taken for granted or overlooked, leading to feelings of resentment or frustration.
• They may constantly seek out ways to show their appreciation, through acts of service, gifts, or words of affirmation.
• They may also be very sensitive to criticism or negativity, as they place a high value on positivity and gratitude.

Emotions associated with being appreciative

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

• Acknowledgment
• Respect
• Thankfulness
• Admiration
• Praise
• Recognition
• Gratitude
• Satisfaction
• Contentment

Facial expressions associated with being appreciative

Here are some facial expressions your appreciative character may exhibit.

• Thumbs up
• Smiling
• Tilting of the head
• Raised eyebrows
• Nodding
• Clapping
• Eye contact
• Touching the heart
• Softening of facial muscles

Body language associated with being appreciative

Here is some body language your appreciative character may exhibit.

• Saying "thank you" or expressing gratitude verbally
• Using open and welcoming gestures, such as arms outstretched or palms up
• Nodding in agreement
• Making eye contact with the person being appreciated
• Clapping or giving a thumbs up
• Leaning forward towards the person being appreciated
• Giving a hug or pat on the back
• Showing positive facial expressions, such as raised eyebrows or a relaxed forehead
• Smiling or grinning

For detailed feedback on appreciative characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fiction manuscript feedback.

Behaviors associated with being appreciative

Here are some behaviors your appreciative character may exhibit.

• Focusing on the positives and finding joy in the present moment
• Recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of oneself and others
• Being humble and recognizing that success is often a result of teamwork and support from others
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others, even in difficult situations
• Saying "thank you" often and expressing gratitude towards others
• Being generous with compliments and kind words towards others
• Acknowledging and valuing the contributions of others

Growth and evolution of appreciative characters

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

• Become more generous: An Appreciative character might become more generous with their time, resources, and attention, as they learn to appreciate the value of giving back to others.
• Become more empathetic: Appreciative characters may learn to see the good in others and appreciate their unique qualities, which can lead to a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
• Learn to focus on the positive: Characters with an Appreciative trait may learn to focus on the positive aspects of situations, rather than dwelling on the negative, which can lead to a more optimistic and hopeful outlook.
• Develop a greater sense of gratitude: An Appreciative character might learn to appreciate the people, opportunities, and experiences they have in their life, leading to a greater sense of contentment and happiness.
• Find new opportunities: By focusing on the positive and appreciating what they have, an Appreciative character may be more open to new opportunities and experiences that come their way.
• Develop stronger relationships: Appreciative characters may learn to express their appreciation for others, leading to stronger and more meaningful relationships.

These are just a few examples, but I hope they give you a good sense of the ways an Appreciative character might grow and evolve during a story!

Stereotypes of appreciative characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical appreciative character like these examples.

• Avoid making your Appreciative character too saccharine or insincere, as this can make them feel disingenuous or fake.
• Avoid making your Appreciative character too passive or overly agreeable, as this can make them come across as weak or lacking in agency.
• Avoid making your Appreciative character too one-dimensional, as this can make them feel flat or uninteresting.
• Avoid making your Appreciative character too dependent on others, as this can make them seem needy or clingy.

Negatives of being appreciative

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

• Being too appreciative can make someone appear insincere or disingenuous.
• Constantly appreciating others can create an unbalanced power dynamic in relationships.
• Focusing too much on the positive can lead to ignoring or dismissing negative or problematic behaviors or situations.
• Over-appreciating others can lead to a lack of self-confidence or self-esteem.

Positives of being appreciative

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

• They are grateful for what they have and show appreciation for the people around them.
• They are able to find joy in the simple things in life and don't take things for granted.
• They are more likely to have a growth mindset and be open to learning new things.
• Appreciative individuals are often more resilient in the face of adversity, as they are able to focus on the positive aspects of a situation.
• Appreciative individuals are more likely to have fulfilling relationships with others.
• Appreciative people tend to be more content with their lives and feel a greater sense of satisfaction.
• Appreciative people tend to have a positive outlook on life.

Verbal expressions of appreciative characters

Here are some potential expressions used by appreciative characters.

• You've made my day
• I couldn't have done it without you
• Your kindness is much appreciated
• Thank you
• You're amazing
• You're a true gem
• I appreciate it
• You have my heartfelt thanks
• I'm grateful for your help
• I'm deeply grateful
• That means a lot to me
• I'm so lucky to have you in my life
• Your support is invaluable
• I'm so touched by your generosity

Relationships of appreciative characters

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

• They often show gratitude and express appreciation for the contributions of others.
• They tend to value and recognize the strengths and positive qualities of others.
• They are often good listeners and seek to understand others' experiences and feelings.
• They strive to build positive, supportive relationships and seek to understand others' perspectives.
• They often look for opportunities to collaborate and work together towards shared goals.
• They are open to feedback and willing to learn from others.
• They tend to be optimistic and positive, which can create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
• They tend to be empathetic and compassionate, and show concern for others' well-being.

Examples from books of characters who are appreciative

• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Anne Shirley from "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery
• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Wilbur the pig from "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

Writing exercises for writing appreciative characters

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

• Consider how your character's appreciation might influence their goals or desires. What do they want to achieve or experience because of their appreciation?
• Explore how your character's appreciation manifests in their relationships with others. Do they go out of their way to show their appreciation, or do they struggle to express it?
• Write a scene in which your character's appreciation is tested. How do they respond when something they appreciate is threatened or taken away?
• Create a character who has trouble appreciating things. Write a scene in which your appreciative character tries to help this character see the value in something.
• Begin by brainstorming a list of things your character appreciates. This could include people, objects, experiences, or emotions.
• Use sensory details to bring your character's appreciation to life. How does the character experience the things they appreciate? What does it feel, smell, or taste like?
• Write a scene in which your character expresses gratitude towards someone or something they appreciate. This could be a conversation, a letter, or a simple gesture.