Character Trait: Awakened

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Awakened" refers to a character who has undergone a significant transformation or realization, often resulting in a newfound sense of purpose or understanding of the world around them. An awakened character may have previously been unaware or ignorant of certain truths or realities, but has since gained a deeper insight or awareness that has fundamentally changed them. This trait can add depth and complexity to a character, as well as provide opportunities for growth and development throughout the story.

Possible causes of being awakened

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

• Intense curiosity and desire for knowledge and self-improvement
• Life-changing event or experience (e.g. near-death experience, trauma, spiritual awakening)
• Creative pursuits (e.g. writing, art, music)
• Strong emotional intelligence and empathy
• Exposure to diverse spiritual and philosophical beliefs
• Practice of mindfulness and meditation
• Personal or societal values that prioritize personal growth and mindfulness
• Exposure to diverse perspectives and cultures
• Willingness to challenge and question societal norms and expectations

For detailed feedback on awakened characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative quality assessment.

Behaviors associated with being awakened

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

• Being more self-aware and introspective
• Striving for personal growth and development
• Being more in tune with their emotions and intuition
• Seeing the interconnectedness of all things and the universe
• Questioning authority and societal norms
• Seeking out knowledge and understanding of the world and themselves
• Showing empathy and compassion towards others
• Having a sense of purpose or mission in life
• Being open-minded and accepting of different perspectives and beliefs

Attitudes associated with being awakened

You may be able to show awakened through their attitudes.

• Willingness to question the status quo
• Acceptance of diversity and individual differences
• Honesty and authenticity in personal relationships
• Self-awareness and introspection
• Gratitude and appreciation for life and its experiences
• Desire for personal growth and development
• Connection to a higher purpose or meaning in life
• Empathy and compassion towards others
• Open-mindedness and curiosity

Thoughts and struggles associated with being awakened

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

• Feeling isolated and alone, unable to trust anyone
• Anger towards those who kept them in the dark and manipulated them
• Confusion and disbelief about the reality of their situation
• Trying to balance their newfound knowledge with their previous beliefs and relationships
• Feeling like they have lost their sense of identity and purpose
• Struggling to come to terms with the fact that their entire life has been a lie
• A desire for revenge or justice against those who wronged them
• Fear of the unknown and uncertainty about what lies ahead
• Questioning their beliefs and values, wondering if they were all based on falsehoods
• Struggling to find a new sense of direction and purpose in life

Emotions associated with being awakened

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

• Curiosity
• Self-awareness
• Awe
• Enlightenment
• Joy
• Inspiration
• Renewal
• Empowerment
• Clarity
• Purpose
• Gratitude
• Presence
• Understanding
• Peace
• Transformation
• Hope
• Freedom

Facial expressions associated with being awakened

Here are some facial expressions your awakened character may exhibit.

• A slight smile of recognition or understanding
• A relaxed yet attentive posture
• A calm and serene expression
• Raised eyebrows with widened eyes
• A subtle nod or tilt of the head
• A peaceful and centered aura
• Alert and focused gaze

Body language associated with being awakened

Here is some body language your awakened character may exhibit.

• Standing tall with good posture
• Leaning forward with interest during conversations
• Relaxed yet confident facial expressions
• Being aware of personal space and respecting others' boundaries
• Active listening with nods and facial expressions that show understanding
• Maintaining steady eye contact with others
• Speaking with a clear and confident tone
• Maintaining a calm and collected demeanor even in stressful situations
• Using expressive hand gestures to emphasize points

For detailed feedback on awakened characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative quality assessment.

Behaviors associated with being awakened

Here are some behaviors your awakened character may exhibit.

• Seeing the interconnectedness of all things and the universe
• Being more self-aware and introspective
• Showing empathy and compassion towards others
• Questioning authority and societal norms
• Being more in tune with their emotions and intuition
• Seeking out knowledge and understanding of the world and themselves
• Having a sense of purpose or mission in life
• Striving for personal growth and development
• Being open-minded and accepting of different perspectives and beliefs

Growth and evolution of awakened characters

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

• Form new relationships or strengthen existing ones
• Become more confident in themselves and their abilities
• Learn to see the world in a new light, with a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things
• Overcome past traumas or emotional barriers that were holding them back
• Develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their abilities
• Challenge and overcome their own limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns
• Develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others
• Discover a new purpose or passion in life
• Learn to control and harness their powers more effectively

Stereotypes of awakened characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical awakened character like these examples.

• Avoid making Awakened characters overpowered or invincible.
• Avoid making them overly preachy or judgmental about their beliefs or ideology.
• Avoid making them all-knowing or infallible, as this can make them less interesting and less relatable.
• Avoid making them emotionless or robotic, as this can make them difficult for readers to relate to.
• Avoid giving them one-dimensional personalities or making them too predictable.
• Avoid making them perfect or flawless, as this can make them less interesting and less human.

Negatives of being awakened

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

• Feeling isolated or disconnected from others who are not Awakened
• Struggling to find a sense of purpose or direction in life
• Facing skepticism or disbelief from non-Awakened individuals
• Feeling burdened by a sense of responsibility to use one's gifts for the greater good
• Being overwhelmed by intense emotions or spiritual experiences
• Experiencing a loss of interest in mundane or materialistic pursuits

Positives of being awakened

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

• Greater connection to a higher power or universal consciousness
• Enhanced mental clarity and focus
• Increased sense of purpose and meaning in life
• Improved relationships and communication skills
• Greater empathy and compassion towards others
• Greater ability to handle stress and challenges
• Heightened creativity and intuition
• Improved physical health and well-being
• Increased self-awareness and understanding of one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior

Verbal expressions of awakened characters

Here are some potential expressions used by awakened characters.

• Using humor to diffuse tense situations and bring people together
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others
• Speaking with clarity and purpose
• Expressing gratitude for life and its experiences
• Using metaphors and analogies to convey complex ideas
• Asking insightful questions and actively listening to others
• Sharing wisdom and knowledge to help others grow and evolve
• Using positive affirmations and encouraging language

Relationships of awakened characters

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

• Prioritize authenticity and vulnerability in relationships
• Good listeners who validate others' experiences
• Seek connection and community with like-minded individuals
• Willing to confront others with love and honesty
• Non-judgmental and accepting of diverse perspectives
• Respectful of boundaries and personal space
• Empathetic and compassionate towards others
• Recognize the interconnectedness of all beings
• Able to forgive and let go of grudges

Examples from books of characters who are awakened

• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Ender Wiggin from Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
• Tris Prior from Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Neo from The Matrix by William Gibson
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Alice from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Writing exercises for writing awakened characters

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

• Write a scene where your character grapples with the implications of their awakening. What does it mean for their relationships, their goals, or their sense of purpose?
• Show how your character's awakening changes the way they interact with the world around them. Do they become more aware of injustice or inequality? Do they feel a greater sense of responsibility to help others?
• Write a scene where your character faces a setback or obstacle related to their awakening. How do they respond? Do they become discouraged or resilient?
• Consider the language and metaphors your character uses to describe their experiences. Do they talk about feeling "enlightened" or "awakened"? Do they use religious or spiritual language to describe their transformation?
• Start by brainstorming a list of experiences or events that could trigger an awakening in your character. Consider what might make them question their beliefs or worldview, or what might challenge their assumptions about the world around them.
• Write a scene where your character encounters someone or something that challenges their beliefs. How do they react? Do they become defensive or curious? Do they feel threatened or intrigued?
• Consider how your character's awakening might be perceived by others. Do they feel isolated or misunderstood? Do they find support from like-minded individuals or communities?