Character Trait: Bold

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Bold refers to a person who is willing to take risks, act courageously, and speak their mind even when faced with opposition or uncertainty. A bold character may exhibit traits such as confidence, fearlessness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. They may pursue their goals with determination and conviction, regardless of the obstacles in their way. Being bold does not mean being reckless or careless, but rather having the courage to stand up for oneself and pursue what one believes in.

Possible causes of being bold

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

• Role models or mentors who exhibit bold behavior and inspire emulation
• Genetics and biological factors
• Cultural and societal influences that value assertiveness and confidence
• Personal beliefs and values that prioritize bravery and taking action
• Negative experiences, such as trauma or adversity, that lead to a "fight or flight" response resulting in boldness
• Positive reinforcement and validation for bold behavior
• Childhood experiences, such as being encouraged to take risks and assert oneself

For detailed feedback on bold characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being bold

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

• Speaking up and expressing oneself confidently
• Challenging the status quo and questioning authority
• Acting decisively and with conviction
• Embracing change and adapting to new situations
• Pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas
• Standing up for one's beliefs and values
• Taking the lead and being proactive
• Taking risks and embracing new challenges
• Showing courage in the face of adversity

Attitudes associated with being bold

You may be able to show bold through their attitudes.

• Self-assuredness
• Decisiveness
• Willingness to take risks
• Boldness
• Initiative
• Courage
• Fearlessness
• Confidence
• Ambition
• Resilience
• Assertiveness
• Daring
• Adventurousness
• Persistence

Thoughts and struggles associated with being bold

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

• In some cases, a bold character may also struggle with the societal expectations or norms that discourage risk-taking or unconventional behavior.
• They may also struggle with the fear of failure or the potential consequences of their bold actions, but ultimately push through these doubts to pursue their goals.
• However, this boldness can sometimes border on recklessness, leading the character to act impulsively or without considering the consequences.
• A bold character may struggle with balancing their desire for adventure and excitement with their responsibilities and obligations to others.
• Bold characters are typically confident and daring, unafraid to take risks and face challenges head-on.

Emotions associated with being bold

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

• Self-assurance
• Audacity
• Risk-taking
• Daring
• Adventurousness
• Assertiveness
• Confidence
• Fearlessness
• Courage

Facial expressions associated with being bold

Here are some facial expressions your bold character may exhibit.

• A firm jawline or clenched teeth
• Raised or animated gestures
• A furrowed brow or intense gaze
• A confident, slightly upturned smile
• A raised eyebrow or cocked head
• Steady, unwavering eye contact

Body language associated with being bold

Here is some body language your bold character may exhibit.

• Using assertive language and tone
• Being unafraid to speak up or challenge others
• Using expansive gestures with arms and hands
• Making quick and decisive movements
• Walking with purpose and confidence
• Making direct eye contact with others
• Taking up space in a room
• Standing up straight with shoulders back
• Speaking loudly and clearly

For detailed feedback on bold characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being bold

Here are some behaviors your bold character may exhibit.

• Embracing change and adapting to new situations
• Showing courage in the face of adversity
• Taking the lead and being proactive
• Speaking up and expressing oneself confidently
• Acting decisively and with conviction
• Standing up for one's beliefs and values
• Challenging the status quo and questioning authority
• Taking risks and embracing new challenges
• Pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas

Growth and evolution of bold characters

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

• Overcoming fear and taking risks
• Becoming more assertive in their communication
• Embracing their individuality and uniqueness
• Developing resilience and perseverance
• Becoming more confident in their abilities
• Learning to cope with failure and setbacks
• Learning to trust their instincts and intuition
• Standing up for themselves and their beliefs
• Challenging authority and societal norms

Stereotypes of bold characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical bold character like these examples.

• Avoid making them insensitive or dismissive of others' feelings or opinions.
• Avoid making your Bold character overly aggressive or confrontational without reason.
• Avoid making them reckless or impulsive to the point of endangering themselves or others.
• Avoid making them arrogant or boastful without any redeeming qualities.
• Avoid making them stubborn to the point of being uncooperative or unable to compromise.
• Avoid making them unnecessarily argumentative or combative in every situation.

Negatives of being bold

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

• Disregarding rules or norms
• Being seen as confrontational or argumentative
• Being seen as pushy or aggressive
• Being insensitive to others' feelings
• Hurting others unintentionally
• Ignoring potential consequences
• Coming across as arrogant or overconfident
• Taking unnecessary risks

Positives of being bold

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

• It can help characters overcome obstacles and challenges by pushing through fear and uncertainty.
• It can demonstrate confidence and leadership skills, making characters stand out in a group.
• Boldness can be inspiring to others, motivating them to take action.
• Boldness allows characters to take risks and seize opportunities that others may shy away from.
• Boldness can also lead to personal growth and development, as characters learn to push their boundaries and expand their comfort zones.

Verbal expressions of bold characters

Here are some potential expressions used by bold characters.

• Taking risks and challenging the status quo
• Expressing oneself with confidence and conviction
• Speaking one's mind without fear of judgment or rejection
• Embracing challenges and adversity with a positive attitude
• Being unafraid of confrontation or difficult conversations
• Speaking up for oneself
• Being assertive in communication and decision-making
• Refusing to back down or be intimidated
• Standing up for what one believes in

Relationships of bold characters

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

• Bold people may also have a tendency to speak their minds, which can lead to conflicts or misunderstandings in relationships where others value diplomacy or tact.
• Bold people may have a tendency to challenge others, which can create friction in their relationships.
• They may also inspire others to take risks and step out of their comfort zones.
• They may be drawn to others who share their boldness and willingness to take risks, forming strong bonds with these individuals.
• They may be natural leaders, taking charge in group settings and inspiring others to follow their lead.
• On the other hand, more cautious individuals may find boldness intimidating or off-putting.
• Bold individuals may struggle with authority figures who they feel are holding them back or limiting their potential.

Examples from books of characters who are bold

• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Huckleberry Finn from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
• Jo March from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing bold characters

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

• Have your character take charge in a group situation where others are hesitant or indecisive.
• Create a moment where your character puts themselves in danger to save someone else.
• Write a scene where your character stands up to an authority figure or defies societal norms.
• Create a situation where your character has to improvise and think on their feet to solve a problem.
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a difficult decision and chooses the bold path, even if it may lead to negative consequences.
• Write a scene where your character takes a big risk and faces their fear head-on.
• Create a backstory for your character that explains why they have a bold personality. What events or experiences in their life led them to become this way?
• Write a scene where your character faces a physical or emotional challenge and overcomes it through their boldness and determination.
• Have your character speak up in a situation where others are afraid to voice their opinions.