Character Trait: Balanced

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait of being balanced refers to a person who has a stable and healthy state of mind, emotions, and physical well-being. They are able to maintain a sense of equilibrium in all aspects of their life, including work, relationships, and personal goals. A balanced character is able to handle stress and challenges with calmness and rationality, making well-informed decisions that benefit themselves and others. Overall, a balanced character is someone who strives for harmony and moderation in all areas of their life.

Possible causes of being balanced

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

• Engaging in activities that promote balance and harmony, such as yoga or meditation.
• Having a stable and nurturing upbringing that provided a sense of security and love.
• Cultivating positive relationships with others and practicing empathy and compassion.
• Being open-minded and willing to learn from others and new experiences.
• Learning healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress and emotions.
• Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence through introspection and reflection.
• Prioritizing self-care and taking time for oneself.
• Embracing a growth mindset and seeking self-improvement.

For detailed feedback on balanced characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary critique platform.

Behaviors associated with being balanced

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

• Striving for harmony and equilibrium in personal and professional relationships
• Being able to adapt to change without being thrown off balance
• Taking care of oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally
• Having healthy boundaries and priorities
• Being able to handle both success and failure gracefully
• Maintaining a sense of calmness in stressful situations
• Considering different perspectives before making a decision
• Respecting others' opinions and beliefs while staying true to one's own values

Attitudes associated with being balanced

You may be able to show balanced through their attitudes.

• Empathy towards others' feelings and emotions
• Appreciation of both logic and emotions
• Ability to make sound decisions
• Ability to see different perspectives
• Awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses
• Openness to change and new experiences
• Ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities
• Calmness and level-headedness in difficult situations
• Willingness to compromise

Thoughts and struggles associated with being balanced

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

• They may also feel a sense of guilt or responsibility when someone is upset or disappointed, even if it's not their fault.
• They may also struggle with finding a sense of identity, as they may feel pulled in different directions by various aspects of their personality or values.
• A balanced character may have a strong moral compass, but may struggle with moral dilemmas or ethical gray areas.
• A balanced character often struggles to find a middle ground between two opposing ideas or beliefs.
• They may experience inner conflict when faced with conflicting emotions or desires, such as wanting to pursue their own goals but feeling obligated to prioritize the needs of others.
• They may feel pressure to please everyone, which can lead to indecisiveness and difficulty making choices.

Emotions associated with being balanced

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

• Tranquility
• Peacefulness
• Composure
• Harmony
• Centeredness
• Stability
• Restfulness
• Equanimity
• Calmness
• Groundedness
• Poise
• Confidence
• Self-assurance
• Serenity

Facial expressions associated with being balanced

Here are some facial expressions your balanced character may exhibit.

• A relaxed face with a neutral expression
• Controlled breathing
• A straight or slightly tilted head
• A slight smile
• Steady eye contact
• Evenly raised eyebrows
• A lack of obvious tension or fidgeting
• A calm and measured tone of voice
• A confident and centered posture

Body language associated with being balanced

Here is some body language your balanced character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a calm and measured tone
• Breathing evenly and deeply
• Not fidgeting or tapping excessively
• Responding thoughtfully and empathetically to others
• Standing or sitting up straight with a relaxed posture
• Gesturing with both hands equally
• Moving smoothly and gracefully
• Maintaining eye contact without staring
• Maintaining a stable emotional state, without extreme highs or lows

For detailed feedback on balanced characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary critique platform.

Behaviors associated with being balanced

Here are some behaviors your balanced character may exhibit.

• Being able to handle both success and failure gracefully
• Maintaining a sense of calmness in stressful situations
• Respecting others' opinions and beliefs while staying true to one's own values
• Having healthy boundaries and priorities
• Considering different perspectives before making a decision
• Being able to adapt to change without being thrown off balance
• Taking care of oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally
• Striving for harmony and equilibrium in personal and professional relationships

Growth and evolution of balanced characters

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

• They may become more confident in their abilities and more willing to take risks.
• They may become more resilient and better able to cope with challenges.
• They may learn to set healthy boundaries and communicate their needs effectively.
• They may become more open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives.
• They may learn to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around them.
• They may learn to prioritize their values and make decisions that align with those values.
• They may develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• They may develop stronger relationships with others, based on mutual respect and empathy.
• A balanced character may learn to better understand and manage their emotions.

Stereotypes of balanced characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical balanced character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character too perfect or flawless.
• Avoid making the character too predictable or one-dimensional.
• Avoid making the character too dependent or needy.
• Avoid making the character too emotionless or robotic.
• Avoid making the character too reactive or impulsive.
• Avoid making the character too passive or indecisive.

Negatives of being balanced

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

• May struggle with expressing strong emotions or opinions
• May struggle with making decisions due to weighing all options equally
• May struggle with taking risks or making bold moves
• May have difficulty adapting to sudden changes or unexpected events
• Could be seen as indecisive or wishy-washy to others
• Could be perceived as being too passive or lacking assertiveness
• Could miss out on opportunities by being too cautious or hesitant

Positives of being balanced

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

• Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• Being able to see situations from multiple perspectives
• Being able to adapt to change more easily
• Being able to maintain physical and emotional stability
• Being able to handle stressful situations with ease
• Maintaining healthy relationships with others
• Making informed decisions without being swayed by emotions
• Being able to prioritize tasks effectively
• Having a clear and focused mind

Verbal expressions of balanced characters

Here are some potential expressions used by balanced characters.

• "I try to find a middle ground."
• "I strive for equilibrium in my life."
• "I am in tune with my emotions and thoughts."
• "I weigh all my options before making a decision."
• "I am able to adapt to changing situations."
• "I see both sides of the argument."
• "I am open-minded and flexible."
• "I believe in moderation."
• "I maintain a level head."

Relationships of balanced characters

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

• They are not afraid to ask for help or support when needed, but also don't hesitate to offer help or support to others.
• They are able to communicate effectively and empathetically with others, listening actively and responding thoughtfully.
• They are open to constructive feedback and willing to make changes or adjustments to improve their relationships with others.
• They are comfortable expressing their own needs and boundaries while also respecting the needs and boundaries of others.
• They are generally able to maintain a sense of calm and perspective in challenging or conflictual situations, seeking to find common ground and resolve conflicts fairly.
• They are able to form healthy, mutually beneficial relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Examples from books of characters who are balanced

• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Hester Prynne from "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing balanced characters

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

• Write a scene where the Balanced character is put in a situation where they have to juggle multiple priorities (for example, work, family, and personal hobbies). Show how they are able to manage their time effectively and give each aspect of their life the attention it deserves.
• Create a character who is struggling with an internal conflict (for example, someone who is torn between following their heart and their head). Write a scene where the Balanced character helps them find a solution that takes both perspectives into account.
• Write a scene where the character is faced with a difficult decision. Instead of choosing one extreme or the other, they take a balanced approach and find a compromise that satisfies everyone involved.
• Create a character who is naturally inclined towards extremes (for example, someone who is either all work or all play). Write a scene where the Balanced character helps them see the benefits of moderation and finding a middle ground.
• Write a scene where the Balanced character is in a leadership position and has to mediate a conflict between two opposing sides. Show how they are able to listen to both sides, find common ground, and come up with a solution that satisfies everyone involved.

I hope these exercises/prompts are helpful in showcasing the Balanced trait in your characters!