Character Trait: Artful

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Artful" refers to someone who is skilled in or adept at creative endeavors such as writing, painting, music, or any other form of art. An artful character is typically imaginative, inventive, and able to create things that are beautiful, meaningful, or thought-provoking. They possess a keen sense of aesthetic and are often able to see the world in a unique and creative way. An artful character may also be cunning or sly, able to use their creativity to deceive or manipulate others.

Possible causes of being artful

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

• A preference for introspection and reflection, allowing them to explore their inner selves and emotions
• A natural curiosity and openness to new experiences and perspectives
• A need for self-expression or a way to cope with emotions or stress
• A willingness to take risks and experiment with new ideas or techniques
• Personal experiences that have shaped their worldview and perspective on life
• Innate creativity and imagination
• Exposure to artistic influences during childhood or formative years
• A desire to express themselves through various forms of art, such as writing, painting, music, etc.
• A fascination with beauty, aesthetics, and the human experience

For detailed feedback on artful characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's manuscript critique service.

Behaviors associated with being artful

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

• Paying attention to detail and striving for excellence in one's work
• Using creativity to solve problems or come up with new ideas
• Collaborating with others to create something greater than the sum of its parts
• Expressing oneself through art, music, writing, or other creative outlets
• Communicating complex ideas or emotions through simple yet powerful means
• Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and innovate in the face of challenges
• Finding inspiration in unexpected places
• Creating something beautiful or meaningful
• Crafting a unique and original perspective on the world

Attitudes associated with being artful

You may be able to show artful through their attitudes.

• A tendency toward introspection and reflection
• A willingness to appreciate and learn from the work of others
• A sense of playfulness and experimentation
• A focus on beauty and aesthetics
• A desire to challenge norms and conventions
• Attention to detail
• A sense of curiosity and wonder
• A willingness to take risks and try new things
• A desire for creativity and self-expression

Thoughts and struggles associated with being artful

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

• They may also experience periods of intense inspiration and creative flow, followed by bouts of creative block or burnout.
• Artful characters may struggle with finding their place in society, feeling like outsiders or rebels who don't fit in with mainstream culture.
• They may also be highly attuned to the beauty and wonder of the natural world, drawing inspiration from their surroundings.
• Artful characters often grapple with the tension between their creative vision and the practical realities of the world around them.
• Artful characters may struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, wondering if their work is truly original or valuable.
• They may feel torn between the desire to create something truly unique and the pressure to conform to established conventions or expectations.
• Artful characters may have a deep connection to their emotions and inner world, using their creativity as a way to process and express their feelings.

Emotions associated with being artful

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

• Imagination
• Resourcefulness
• Creativity
• Intuition
• Craftsmanship
• Skillfulness
• Inventiveness
• Expressiveness
• Sensitivity
• Ingenuity
• Originality
• Aesthetic appreciation
• Playfulness
• Experimentation

Facial expressions associated with being artful

Here are some facial expressions your artful character may exhibit.

• Smirking
• A sly grin
• A shrug with one shoulder
• Raised eyebrows
• A quirked eyebrow
• Winking
• A knowing look
• A tilted head
• A finger placed over the lips (shushing)
• Narrowed eyes
• A playful or mischievous smile

Body language associated with being artful

Here is some body language your artful character may exhibit.

• Playing with or twisting an object in their hands
• Using subtle facial expressions to convey emotions
• Shifting weight from one foot to another while standing
• Smiling with a slight tilt of the head
• Using hand gestures to emphasize points
• Nodding in agreement or understanding
• Crossing arms loosely in front of the body
• Maintaining eye contact while speaking
• Leaning in to show interest

For detailed feedback on artful characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's manuscript critique service.

Behaviors associated with being artful

Here are some behaviors your artful character may exhibit.

• Paying attention to detail and striving for excellence in one's work
• Crafting a unique and original perspective on the world
• Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and innovate in the face of challenges
• Creating something beautiful or meaningful
• Collaborating with others to create something greater than the sum of its parts
• Expressing oneself through art, music, writing, or other creative outlets
• Using creativity to solve problems or come up with new ideas
• Communicating complex ideas or emotions through simple yet powerful means
• Finding inspiration in unexpected places

Growth and evolution of artful characters

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

• Gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around them
• Learn to embrace vulnerability and express their emotions more freely
• Overcome self-doubt and find the courage to share their work with others
• Discover new techniques or mediums that allow them to expand their artistic abilities
• Learn to balance their art with other aspects of their life, such as relationships or career aspirations
• Develop a deeper understanding of their own creative process and what inspires them
• Learn to take risks and push the boundaries of their art form
• Develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others, which can inform their work

Stereotypes of artful characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical artful character like these examples.

• Being shallow or superficial with no depth of character or emotional complexity
• Having a lack of empathy or concern for other people's feelings
• Being too predictable or one-dimensional in their actions and motivations
• Being too focused on personal gain at the expense of others
• Being dishonest or untrustworthy without any redeeming qualities
• Being overly dramatic or theatrical without reason
• Being manipulative or deceitful just for the sake of it

Negatives of being artful

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

• Being manipulative
• Lacking empathy for others
• Being prone to addiction and substance abuse
• Being deceptive and dishonest
• Being impulsive and reckless
• Being selfish and self-centered
• Using people for personal gain
• Having a disregard for rules and laws

Positives of being artful

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

• They can be resourceful and adaptable, able to find unique solutions to problems that others may not have considered.
• Artful people often possess a deep understanding and appreciation for art and literature, which can help them to create well-rounded and nuanced characters in their writing.
• Artful individuals are often creative and imaginative, able to think outside the box.
• They have a keen eye for detail and aesthetics, making them skilled at visualizing and describing things in a beautiful and descriptive way.

Verbal expressions of artful characters

Here are some potential expressions used by artful characters.

• Being able to persuade and manipulate others with words
• Being able to improvise and think on one's feet when speaking
• Being able to craft convincing lies and stories
• Having a way with words and a natural talent for writing or speaking
• Using colorful language to describe things
• Being able to see multiple perspectives and convey them effectively

Relationships of artful characters

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

• They may be drawn to people who challenge them intellectually or creatively, and may seek out relationships that allow them to explore new ideas or perspectives.
• They may be highly empathetic and attuned to the emotions of those around them, which can make them excellent listeners and sources of support.
• Artful people may struggle with feeling misunderstood or disconnected from those who don't share their creative interests, which can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration.
• Artful people may have a deep appreciation for others who share their creative passions, and may seek out these individuals as friends or collaborators.

Examples from books of characters who are artful

• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Oliver Twist from "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Writing exercises for writing artful characters

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

• Put your Artful character in a situation where they must make a sacrifice or difficult choice between their art and something else they value.
• Write a monologue or dialogue where your Artful character explains their creative process or philosophy.
• Explore the vulnerability and self-doubt that can come with being an Artful person, and how they cope with criticism or rejection.
• Create a scene where your Artful character must improvise to solve a problem or get out of a tricky situation.
• Practice observing people in real life who exhibit the Artful trait and take note of their behaviors, mannerisms, and speech patterns.
• Show your Artful character using their creativity to help others, whether it's through art, music, writing, or other means.
• Have your Artful character interact with someone who is their opposite, such as a rigid and logical character, and explore the tension that arises.
• Use sensory details to describe how your Artful character experiences the world around them, especially in relation to their creative pursuits.
• Write character sketches of individuals who possess the Artful trait, including their backstory, motivations, and goals.