Character Trait: Aware

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "aware" refers to a person who is conscious and knowledgeable about their surroundings, emotions, thoughts, and actions. An aware character is observant, perceptive, and able to make informed decisions based on their understanding of themselves and the world around them. They are often able to recognize the impact of their behavior on others and adjust accordingly. An aware character is not only self-aware but also empathetic towards others, making them a more well-rounded and relatable character.

Possible causes of being aware

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

• Having a creative or artistic background, which often requires a keen observation of the world and human behavior
• Being exposed to different cultures and perspectives, which broadened their horizons and made them more open-minded and accepting
• Being introspective and reflective, which helps them understand themselves and others better
• Being highly empathetic and sensitive to others' needs and feelings
• Experiencing a life-changing event that made them more attuned to their surroundings and other people's emotions
• Growing up in an environment where paying attention to details and nuances was highly valued or required
• Developing a strong intuition or gut feeling that guides their decision-making process
• Possessing a curious and inquisitive mind, always seeking to understand the world around them
• Being a good listener and observer, which allows them to pick up on subtle cues and nonverbal communication

For detailed feedback on aware characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's critique report.

Behaviors associated with being aware

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

• Being open to different perspectives and ideas
• Understanding the impact of one's actions on others
• Being mindful and present in the moment
• Recognizing and acknowledging one's emotions and thoughts
• Taking responsibility for one's choices and decisions
• Seeking new knowledge and experiences
• Paying close attention to one's surroundings
• Reflecting on past experiences to gain insight and understanding
• Empathizing with others and their experiences

Attitudes associated with being aware

You may be able to show aware through their attitudes.

• Reflection
• Flexibility
• Observation
• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• Mindfulness
• Presence
• Open-mindedness
• Emotional intelligence
• Tolerance
• Curiosity
• Humility
• Introspection
• Acceptance

Thoughts and struggles associated with being aware

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

• The Aware character might also feel a sense of responsibility to use their awareness for good, which can lead to feelings of pressure or guilt.
• They may struggle with feeling overwhelmed by all of the stimuli they are processing, leading to anxiety or exhaustion.
• The Aware character might be hyper-aware of their surroundings and the people around them, constantly picking up on subtle cues and signals.
• They may have a strong intuition or sense of gut instinct, but struggle with trusting themselves and their own judgments.
• They may have a tendency to overthink and analyze situations, leading to indecision or paralysis.
• The Aware character might also struggle with feeling disconnected from others who don't seem to share their level of awareness or sensitivity.

Emotions associated with being aware

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

• Comprehension
• Mindfulness
• Vigilance
• Consciousness
• Attentiveness
• Observation
• Recognition
• Perception
• Alertness

Facial expressions associated with being aware

Here are some facial expressions your aware character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows
• Slight head tilt
• Focused gaze
• Widened eyes
• Relaxed facial muscles
• Slight smile or neutral expression

Body language associated with being aware

Here is some body language your aware character may exhibit.

• Focusing on the present moment
• Tilting the head slightly while listening
• Taking deep breaths and remaining calm
• Leaning in towards the speaker
• Moving with purpose and confidence
• Reacting quickly to changes in the environment
• Nodding in agreement or understanding
• Being still and attentive
• Maintaining eye contact with others

For detailed feedback on aware characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's critique report.

Behaviors associated with being aware

Here are some behaviors your aware character may exhibit.

• Empathizing with others and their experiences
• Recognizing and acknowledging one's emotions and thoughts
• Being open to different perspectives and ideas
• Being mindful and present in the moment
• Taking responsibility for one's choices and decisions
• Understanding the impact of one's actions on others
• Paying close attention to one's surroundings
• Reflecting on past experiences to gain insight and understanding
• Seeking new knowledge and experiences

Growth and evolution of aware characters

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

• Become more open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives.
• Learn to listen actively and communicate effectively.
• Gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their place in the world.
• Develop empathy towards others and become more aware of their needs and feelings.
• Learn to trust themselves and their instincts.
• Develop resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Learn to recognize and challenge their own biases and assumptions.
• Learn to adapt to new situations and overcome obstacles.
• Develop a greater sense of responsibility towards their actions and their impact on others.

Stereotypes of aware characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical aware character like these examples.

• Avoid making the Aware character too emotionally detached or robotic.
• Avoid making the Aware character seem all-knowing or infallible.
• Avoid making the Aware character too passive or indecisive.
• Avoid making the Aware character overly serious or humorless.
• Avoid making the Aware character too preachy or self-righteous.

Negatives of being aware

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

• Potential for disillusionment and disappointment with others and the world
• Increased awareness of personal flaws and limitations
• Difficulty in accepting ignorance or uncertainty
• Heightened levels of stress and anxiety
• Tendency to over-analyze situations and behaviors

Positives of being aware

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

• Being aware can improve a person's communication skills by allowing them to listen more attentively and express themselves more clearly.
• Being aware can improve a person's decision-making skills by allowing them to consider multiple perspectives.
• Awareness can help a person to identify and manage their emotions more effectively.
• Being aware allows a person to have a better understanding of their surroundings.
• Being aware can lead to increased empathy and understanding towards others.
• Awareness can help a person to identify and achieve their goals more effectively.
• Awareness can lead to a deeper sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
• Awareness helps a person to be more present and mindful in the moment.

Verbal expressions of aware characters

Here are some potential expressions used by aware characters.

• "I'm mindful of..."
• "I'm aware that..."
• "It seems to me that..."
• "It's evident to me that..."
• "I can see that..."
• "It strikes me that..."
• "I'm conscious of..."
• "I noticed that..."
• "I realize that..."

Relationships of aware characters

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

• They are also able to recognize and respect boundaries, which can create a safe and comfortable environment for others.
• Aware people tend to avoid judgment and criticism of others, choosing instead to focus on understanding and acceptance.
• Aware people are often able to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a clear and respectful manner, which can lead to a better understanding and stronger relationships.
• Aware people tend to have healthy and mutually respectful relationships with others.
• They value authenticity and honesty in their relationships, which can promote trust and deepen connections.
• They are good listeners and empathetic towards others, which can help them build strong connections with people.

Examples from books of characters who are aware

• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Clarissa Dalloway from "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf
• Augustus Waters from "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing aware characters

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

• Create a dialogue between your character and someone who disagrees with them. Show how they stay calm, respectful, and empathetic even if they don't see eye-to-eye.
• Have your character reflect on a past mistake or failure. Show how they take responsibility for their actions, learn from the experience, and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future.
• Write a scene where your character is in a conversation with someone. Show how they actively listen to the other person, how they pick up on nonverbal cues, and how they use that information to respond.
• Write a scene where your character is in a leadership position. Show how they lead with awareness, taking into account the needs and opinions of everyone involved.
• Write a scene where your character is in a new environment. Describe how they use their senses to take everything in. What do they notice? What do they ignore? What do they feel?
• Start by creating a character profile for your protagonist or any character you want to show the Aware trait. This should include their background, personality, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a problem or conflict. Show how they approach the situation with an open mind, consider different perspectives, and make a thoughtful decision.