Character Trait: Avid

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "avid" refers to a person who is enthusiastic and passionate about something, often to the point of obsession. An avid person is someone who pursues their interests with great eagerness and dedication, and who enjoys immersing themselves in the subject matter. This trait can manifest in a variety of ways, such as avid readers who devour books, avid gamers who spend hours playing video games, or avid travelers who explore new places with zeal. Overall, an avid person is someone who approaches their passions with a sense of excitement and joy.

Possible causes of being avid

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

• A fear of failure or missing out on opportunities
• A belief that life is short and should be lived to the fullest
• A deep passion or interest in a particular subject or activity
• A need for constant stimulation and excitement
• An insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge
• A competitive nature and a desire to be the best
• A desire for control and the ability to influence others
• A tendency to be impulsive and take risks
• A strong drive to achieve success or recognition

For detailed feedback on avid characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's creative writing analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being avid

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

• Sharing knowledge and insights with others who share the same interest or passion
• Regularly engaging in the activity or interest, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks
• Displaying enthusiasm and passion for the activity or interest
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving goals related to the activity or interest
• Embracing challenges and using them as opportunities for growth and development
• Seeking out opportunities to learn and improve in that activity or interest
• Devoting significant time and effort to a particular activity or interest

Attitudes associated with being avid

You may be able to show avid through their attitudes.

• Obsessed
• Intense
• Passionate
• Enthusiastic
• Zealous
• Driven
• Eager
• Dedicated
• Committed

Thoughts and struggles associated with being avid

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

• Avid characters may have a hard time accepting criticism or failure, as their hobby may be tied to their identity and self-worth.
• They may feel guilty for spending too much time on their hobby or obsession.
• They may struggle with finding a sense of community or belonging if their hobby is not widely accepted or understood by others.
• Avid characters may struggle with balancing their passion with other responsibilities in their life.
• Avid characters may experience burnout or lose motivation if they feel they are not making progress or improving.
• They may feel pressure to be the best at their hobby or to prove their worth through their skill level.

Emotions associated with being avid

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

• Passionate
• Obsessed
• Intense
• Eager
• Enthusiastic
• Driven
• Devoted
• Focused
• Excited

Facial expressions associated with being avid

Here are some facial expressions your avid character may exhibit.

• A look of satisfaction or contentment, indicating a sense of accomplishment
• A furrowed brow, indicating frustration or determination
• A smile or grin, indicating enjoyment or satisfaction
• A focused or intense gaze, indicating concentration
• Raised eyebrows, indicating interest or surprise
• Wide eyes, indicating eagerness or excitement

Body language associated with being avid

Here is some body language your avid character may exhibit.

• A tendency to interrupt or talk over others
• Excited or enthusiastic expressions
• Quick or hurried movements
• Rapid eye movement or darting eyes
• Intense or focused gaze
• Clenched fists or tapping fingers
• Leaning forward or sitting on the edge of a seat
• Elevated heart rate or breathing
• Raised eyebrows or a furrowed brow
• Restless or fidgety movements

For detailed feedback on avid characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's creative writing analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being avid

Here are some behaviors your avid character may exhibit.

• Sharing knowledge and insights with others who share the same interest or passion
• Embracing challenges and using them as opportunities for growth and development
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving goals related to the activity or interest
• Displaying enthusiasm and passion for the activity or interest
• Seeking out opportunities to learn and improve in that activity or interest
• Regularly engaging in the activity or interest, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks
• Devoting significant time and effort to a particular activity or interest

Growth and evolution of avid characters

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

• Overcoming a fear or weakness
• Learning to trust others or rely on themselves
• Learning a new skill or adapting to a new environment
• Gaining a new perspective or understanding of their situation
• Resolving a personal conflict or trauma
• Changing their beliefs or values based on experiences or new information
• Facing consequences for their actions and taking responsibility
• Making a difficult decision that leads to personal growth
• Developing empathy or compassion for others

Stereotypes of avid characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical avid character like these examples.

• Avid characters are not always selfish or obsessed with their own success at the expense of others.
• Avid characters are not always cold or unfeeling, and they can have deep emotions and passions beyond their work.
• Avid characters are not always uptight or rigid in their thinking and behavior.
• Avid characters are not always workaholics who prioritize their job over everything else in their lives.
• Avid characters are not always socially awkward or lacking in interpersonal skills.

Remember, every character is unique and should be developed with depth and complexity, rather than relying on simple stereotypes.

Negatives of being avid

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

• They may be perceived as intense or intimidating by others, which can lead to strained relationships.
• Avid individuals may struggle with disappointment or frustration when they don't meet their high expectations.
• They may struggle to relax or enjoy leisure activities, as they feel the need to constantly work or achieve.
• Avid individuals can become obsessive and neglect other important areas of their life.

Positives of being avid

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

• They tend to be very driven and motivated, which can lead to great accomplishments and success.
• Avid people can be very inspiring to others, encouraging them to pursue their own passions and interests.
• Avid individuals often have a deep knowledge and expertise in their area of interest.
• They are often very dedicated and committed to their work or hobbies.
• Avid people are typically very passionate and enthusiastic about their interests or pursuits.
• They tend to be highly focused and persistent in achieving their goals.

Verbal expressions of avid characters

Here are some potential expressions used by avid characters.

• "I'm constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences."
• "I'm obsessed with improving my skills."
• "I can't wait to get started!"
• "I'm always looking for my next challenge."
• "I'm passionate about what I do."
• "I'm always up for trying something new."
• "I'm never satisfied with mediocrity."
• "I'm always pushing myself to do better."
• "I'm always striving for excellence."

Relationships of avid characters

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

• They may come across as aloof or distant in social situations, preferring to immerse themselves in their hobbies or work rather than socializing.
• Avid people might have a tendency to dominate conversations, talking at length about their interests and not leaving much space for others to contribute.
• They may become frustrated or bored in relationships where their partner does not share their enthusiasm for their interests.
• Avid people might seek out like-minded individuals who share their interests, forming tight-knit communities around their hobbies or areas of expertise.
• They may have difficulty understanding or empathizing with those who do not share their passions.
• Avid people might struggle with forming deep connections with others due to their intense focus on their interests or passions.

Examples from books of characters who are avid

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

These characters are all memorable in their own way and have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers worldwide. By studying them and their traits, writers can learn how to create characters that are just as compelling and unforgettable.

Writing exercises for writing avid characters

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

• Consider the downsides of being Avid. Write a scene where the character experiences burnout, frustration, or disappointment despite their best efforts.
• Write a scene where the character's Avid trait causes conflict with others, such as neglecting important relationships or responsibilities in pursuit of their goal.
• Create a character who has an intense passion for a particular hobby or interest (e.g. collecting rare stamps, hiking every mountain in their state, attending every comic book convention).
• Write a scene where the character's drive to achieve their goal is put to the test, such as encountering a setback or obstacle that threatens to derail their plans.
• Explore the character's motivations for pursuing their hobby or interest. Are they trying to prove something to themselves or others? Are they seeking a sense of fulfillment or validation?
• Explore the character's backstory to understand how they developed their Avid trait. Were they influenced by a role model or mentor? Did they experience a significant life event that sparked their passion?