Character Trait: Benevolent

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Benevolent refers to a person who is kind, generous, and compassionate towards others. A benevolent character is motivated by the desire to do good and help others without seeking any personal gain or recognition. This trait is often associated with empathy, selflessness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. A benevolent character may go out of their way to help others, offer support, and act in a way that benefits society as a whole.

Possible causes of being benevolent

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

• Innate temperament or personality traits that lean towards benevolence, such as high levels of empathy or a strong sense of justice and fairness
• Personal experiences, such as receiving kindness and compassion from others, that inspire a desire to give back
• Upbringing in an environment that values kindness, empathy, and compassion
• Exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives that foster an appreciation for the value of helping others
• Positive role models, such as parents or mentors, who exhibit benevolent traits

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

Behaviors associated with being benevolent

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

• Acting selflessly and putting others' needs before your own
• Showing kindness and compassion towards others, even in difficult situations
• Offering help and support to others without expecting anything in return
• Listening actively to others and empathizing with their struggles
• Forgiving others and letting go of grudges or resentment
• Treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or status
• Giving generously to those in need, whether it be time, resources, or emotional support

Attitudes associated with being benevolent

You may be able to show benevolent through their attitudes.

• Generosity: a willingness to give freely and help others without expecting anything in return
• Compassion: a strong desire to help others and alleviate their suffering
• Tolerance: an open-minded acceptance of different beliefs, values, and lifestyles of others
• Kindness: a friendly, considerate, and gentle disposition towards others
• Forgiveness: the ability to let go of anger and resentment towards others and show mercy instead
• Altruism: a selfless concern for the well-being of others
• Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being benevolent

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

• They may feel guilty if they cannot help someone in need, even if it is beyond their control.
• They may have a deep sense of empathy and feel the pain and suffering of others very deeply, which can be emotionally draining.
• They may also struggle with trusting others, especially if they have been taken advantage of in the past.
• They may struggle with balancing their own needs and desires with the needs of those they are trying to help.
• They may feel a sense of responsibility to make the world a better place and may become frustrated or disillusioned when they encounter obstacles or resistance.
• They may also struggle with setting boundaries and saying "no" to others, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being.
• A Benevolent character is often driven by a desire to help others.

Emotions associated with being benevolent

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

• Tenderness
• Empathy
• Compassion
• Forgiveness
• Altruism
• Grace
• Generosity
• Kindness
• Selflessness

Facial expressions associated with being benevolent

Here are some facial expressions your benevolent character may exhibit.

• An open expression
• A slight tilt of the head
• A friendly wave
• A warm smile
• A gentle nod
• Softening of the eyes
• A welcoming gesture
• A relaxed jaw
• A gentle touch

Body language associated with being benevolent

Here is some body language your benevolent character may exhibit.

• Using open and welcoming gestures, such as open palms and arms
• Nodding their head in agreement or understanding
• Displaying empathy and compassion through facial expressions and body language
• Leaning in towards the person they are speaking to
• Smiling frequently, even at strangers
• Displaying a relaxed and calm demeanor
• Showing interest in others by asking questions and actively listening
• Maintaining eye contact
• Avoiding aggressive or confrontational body language, such as crossed arms or frowning

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

Behaviors associated with being benevolent

Here are some behaviors your benevolent character may exhibit.

• Listening actively to others and empathizing with their struggles
• Giving generously to those in need, whether it be time, resources, or emotional support
• Acting selflessly and putting others' needs before your own
• Forgiving others and letting go of grudges or resentment
• Offering help and support to others without expecting anything in return
• Showing kindness and compassion towards others, even in difficult situations
• Treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or status

Growth and evolution of benevolent characters

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

• Become more self-aware and introspective, reflecting on their own actions and how they affect others
• Learn to recognize and appreciate the value of diversity and inclusivity
• Overcome their own biases and prejudices towards certain groups of people
• Develop a greater sense of responsibility towards their community or society
• Learn to trust others and let go of their need for control
• Learn to stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity or danger
• Become more empathetic and understanding towards those who are different from them
• Learn to forgive those who have wronged them or others
• Develop a greater sense of compassion and willingness to help others in need

Stereotypes of benevolent characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical benevolent character like these examples.

• Being overly optimistic or idealistic, unable to see or acknowledge the darker aspects of life
• Being overly sentimental or sappy, lacking emotional depth or complexity
• Being too perfect and flawless, with no flaws or weaknesses
• Being overly preachy or moralizing, lecturing others about what's right and wrong
• Being overly self-sacrificing to the point of being a martyr
• Being overly judgmental or intolerant of others' flaws or mistakes
• Being overly naive or gullible, lacking critical thinking skills
• Being overly dependent on others for validation or approval
• Being overly passive or submissive, lacking agency or assertiveness

Negatives of being benevolent

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

• Risk of being seen as insincere or manipulative, especially if the benevolence is not genuine or comes with strings attached
• Potential for becoming overly involved in others' lives, causing interference or overstepping boundaries
• Tendency to prioritize others' needs over their own, leading to burnout and neglect of personal well-being
• Difficulty in setting boundaries and saying no, resulting in being taken advantage of or manipulated

Positives of being benevolent

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

• They are often very patient and understanding, which can make them great listeners and problem-solvers.
• Benevolent characters are empathetic and compassionate towards others, which can make them very likable and relatable to readers.
• Benevolent characters are often seen as wise and insightful, as they are able to see the good in people and situations where others may not.
• They are generous and selfless, often putting the needs of others before their own, which can make them very admirable and inspiring.

Verbal expressions of benevolent characters

Here are some potential expressions used by benevolent characters.

• "I want to make a positive impact."
• "I want to see you succeed."
• "Let me know how I can assist."
• "What do you need?"
• "I believe in helping others."
• "I'm here for you."
• "How can I help you?"
• "I'm happy to lend a hand."
• "I want to do good in the world."
• "Your happiness is important to me."

Relationships of benevolent characters

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

• They are often seen as trustworthy and dependable by others.
• They tend to be empathetic and compassionate towards others.
• They often prioritize the needs and well-being of others above their own.
• Benevolent people tend to have a positive and caring attitude towards others.
• They value harmony and may avoid conflict or confrontation.
• They can be generous with their time and resources, sometimes to a fault.
• They may find it difficult to say no, leading to potential issues with boundaries.
• Benevolent people are excellent listeners and strive to understand others' perspectives.
• Benevolent people may struggle with assertiveness and standing up for themselves.

Examples from books of characters who are benevolent

• Jean Valjean from "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo
• Charlotte from "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White
• Gandalf from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Miss Honey from "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
• Wilbur from "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White
• Dumbledore from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Mary Poppins from "Mary Poppins" by P.L. Travers

Writing exercises for writing benevolent characters

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

• Practice writing dialogue that reflects a benevolent character's values. Use language that is gentle, supportive, and empathetic.
• Consider the relationships your benevolent character has with others. Write about how they show kindness and compassion towards their loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers.
• Start by defining what benevolence means to you. Consider the traits and behaviors you associate with benevolent individuals.
• Read and analyze literature that features benevolent characters. Look for examples of how the author portrays benevolence and consider how you could apply those techniques to your own writing.
• Write a scene where a benevolent character helps someone in need. Be specific about the actions they take and the impact they have.
• Create a character who is faced with a moral dilemma. Write about how they navigate the situation with benevolence in mind.
• Practice writing from the perspective of a benevolent character. Imagine yourself in their shoes and write about their actions, thoughts, and motivations.
• Experiment with different genres and formats to explore benevolent characters. For example, you could write a short story, a poem, or a script.