Character Trait: Available

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Available" refers to a person who is present and ready to help or support others. An available person is someone who is approachable, reliable, and willing to give their time and attention to those in need. They are open to new opportunities and challenges and can adapt to different situations with ease. Being available also means being responsive to others, both emotionally and physically. It is a valuable trait for characters in creative writing as it can create a sense of trust, dependability, and likability.

Possible causes of being available

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

• They may have had positive experiences in the past with being available to others and receiving positive feedback or rewards for it.
• They may have grown up in an environment where being available to others was highly valued and modeled by caregivers or family members.
• They enjoy socializing and meeting new people.
• They have a high level of empathy and compassion for others.
• They prioritize building and maintaining relationships with others.
• They feel fulfilled when they are able to help others or make a positive impact in someone's life.

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

Behaviors associated with being available

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

• Being emotionally available to listen and support others
• Being flexible and adaptable to changing plans
• Being reliable and consistent in showing up
• Being present and attentive when others need you
• Being open to new opportunities and experiences
• Responding to messages and calls in a timely manner
• Not overcommitting or double-booking yourself
• Making time for others and being willing to help

Attitudes associated with being available

You may be able to show available through their attitudes.

• Openness to new experiences
• Responsiveness to requests or needs
• Empathy and understanding
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Being reliable and dependable
• Being present and attentive
• Willingness to help others
• Approachability and friendliness
• Not being too busy or preoccupied

Thoughts and struggles associated with being available

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

• They may struggle with self-doubt or insecurities that make it difficult for them to form meaningful connections with others
• They may have a fear of commitment or intimacy that prevents them from pursuing relationships
• The character might feel lonely or unfulfilled without a romantic partner
• They might question their own worth or attractiveness if they are consistently rejected by potential partners
• They might feel pressure from society or family to settle down and start a family
• They may feel like they are missing out on important life experiences by not being in a relationship
• They might struggle with jealousy or envy towards others who are in happy relationships

Emotions associated with being available

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

• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Readiness
• Approachability
• Willingness
• Responsiveness
• Openness
• Attentiveness
• Availability

Facial expressions associated with being available

Here are some facial expressions your available character may exhibit.

• A smile or friendly expression
• A relaxed brow and forehead, indicating ease and approachability
• Eye contact and attentive gaze
• Slightly raised eyebrows, indicating interest and openness
• An open and relaxed facial expression
• A slight tilt of the head, indicating curiosity and engagement

Body language associated with being available

Here is some body language your available character may exhibit.

• Using inviting gestures such as waving or gesturing towards oneself
• Maintaining eye contact and nodding to show interest
• Leaning slightly forward towards the other person
• Keeping an open posture, with arms uncrossed and hands visible
• Smiling and showing warmth
• Responding quickly and positively to requests or invitations

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

Behaviors associated with being available

Here are some behaviors your available character may exhibit.

• Responding to messages and calls in a timely manner
• Being flexible and adaptable to changing plans
• Making time for others and being willing to help
• Being reliable and consistent in showing up
• Not overcommitting or double-booking yourself
• Being present and attentive when others need you
• Being open to new opportunities and experiences
• Being emotionally available to listen and support others

Growth and evolution of available characters

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

• Learn to take risks or become more cautious
• Change their perspective or belief system
• Learn to forgive themselves or others
• Find love or deepen existing relationships
• Overcome a fear or a personal obstacle
• Learn to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses
• Gain new skills or knowledge
• Learn to trust others or become more independent
• Become more empathetic or compassionate
• Face their past or confront their future
• Become more confident or assertive
• Discover their true identity or purpose
• Develop greater self-awareness or emotional intelligence
• Develop a sense of responsibility or accountability

Stereotypes of available characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical available character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character too passive or submissive, as this can perpetuate harmful gender or societal norms
• Avoid making the character one-dimensional or solely defined by their availability
• Avoid making the character solely focused on finding love or a romantic partner
• Avoid making the character too desperate or needy, as this can come across as unappealing or unrealistic
• Avoid making the character solely defined by their physical appearance or attractiveness, as this can perpetuate harmful beauty standards

Negatives of being available

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

• They may come across as not having much going on in their own life, making them less interesting or compelling to readers.
• Being too available can make a character seem needy or desperate.
• An available character may struggle to set boundaries, leading to being taken advantage of by others.
• It can lead to a lack of independence and self-sufficiency.

Positives of being available

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

• Available characters are able to adapt to changing situations and be flexible.
• Availability helps to build trust and strong relationships with others.
• Availability allows characters to be open to new experiences and opportunities.
• Available characters are often seen as helpful and supportive.
• Available characters are able to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
• Availability allows characters to be reliable and dependable.

Verbal expressions of available characters

Here are some potential expressions used by available characters.

• "I'm willing to lend a hand."
• "I'm at your disposal."
• "I'm all ears."
• "I'm open to helping out."
• "You can count on me."
• "I'm here for you."
• "Let me know if you need anything."
• "I can make time for you."
• "I have some free time if you want to talk."

Relationships of available characters

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

• Available people tend to be dependable and reliable, making them great friends, partners, and colleagues.
• They are open and communicative, willing to listen to others' opinions and ideas.
• Available people are generally easy-going and don't hold grudges, making conflicts easier to resolve.
• They are supportive and encouraging, helping others to achieve their goals.
• They are empathetic and understanding, able to put themselves in other people's shoes.
• Available people tend to have healthy relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
• They respect others' boundaries and don't try to control or manipulate them.

Examples from books of characters who are available

• Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Writing exercises for writing available characters

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

• Think about a character in your story who might benefit from exhibiting this trait. What would be the consequences of them being more available? Would it help them achieve their goals, or perhaps help them connect with others?
• Experiment with dialogue that emphasizes the character's availability. For example, you might have them say things like "I'm here if you need me" or "Let me know how I can help".
• Write a scene where your character is actively demonstrating their availability. This could be something as simple as listening to a friend vent about a problem, or as complex as volunteering for a charity organization.
• Consider the potential downsides of being too available. Is your character neglecting their own needs in order to help others? Are they being taken advantage of by others who don't appreciate their availability?
• Start by brainstorming a list of characteristics and behaviors that someone who is available might exhibit. This could include things like actively listening to others, being willing to help without being asked, and making time for others even when busy.