Character Trait: Calculating

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Calculating refers to a person who is strategic, analytical, and logical in their thinking. They are often able to weigh the pros and cons of a situation and make decisions based on facts and data rather than emotions. This trait is often associated with individuals who are methodical, precise, and organized in their approach to problem-solving. A calculating character may be perceived as cold or detached, but they are often highly effective in achieving their goals.

Possible causes of being calculating

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

• They may have a desire for control and precision in their actions.
• They may have a fear of failure or making mistakes, leading them to carefully consider all options before taking action.
• They may have a strong analytical or logical thinking style.
• They may have a tendency to plan and strategize before making decisions.
• They may have experienced past situations where being calculated helped them succeed or avoid negative consequences.
• They may have a background or career that requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.

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Behaviors associated with being calculating

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

• Calculating risks and potential consequences before making decisions
• Analyzing situations and people to determine the best course of action
• Anticipating the reactions of others and planning accordingly
• Manipulating situations and people to achieve desired outcomes
• Being patient and methodical in problem-solving
• Strategizing and planning ahead
• Using information and data to make informed choices
• Keeping emotions in check and remaining objective
• Focusing on the long-term goals rather than short-term gains

Attitudes associated with being calculating

You may be able to show calculating through their attitudes.

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Pragmatism and practicality
• Manipulative tendencies (in some cases)
• Attention to detail
• Resourcefulness and problem-solving skills
• Skepticism and critical thinking
• Analytical mindset
• Willingness to take risks
• Focus on long-term goals

Thoughts and struggles associated with being calculating

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

• Struggle with indecisiveness and overthinking due to a fear of making a wrong choice
• Tendency to prioritize logic over emotions, leading to a lack of empathy or understanding of others' perspectives
• Constantly weighing options and analyzing potential outcomes before making a decision
• Possible fear of failure or being seen as incompetent
• Difficulty trusting others, preferring to rely on their own calculations and data
• May struggle with perfectionism and a need for control
• Can come across as cold or detached in social situations

Emotions associated with being calculating

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

• Clever
• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Strategic
• Pragmatic
• Analytical
• Tactical
• Shrewd
• Cold

Facial expressions associated with being calculating

Here are some facial expressions your calculating character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows
• Tightly pursed lips
• Narrowed eyes
• A penetrating gaze
• A slight smirk or smile
• A raised chin
• A tilted head
• A thoughtful or contemplative expression
• A furrowed brow

Body language associated with being calculating

Here is some body language your calculating character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a measured and deliberate tone.
• Preferring to observe and analyze situations before taking action.
• Rarely showing emotional reactions or outbursts.
• Often taking time to respond to questions or comments.
• Frequently folding arms or crossing legs as a physical barrier.
• Often maintaining a neutral or expressionless face.
• Frequently looking away or avoiding eye contact when speaking.
• Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor in high-pressure situations.
• Using minimal gestures or movements when communicating.

For detailed feedback on calculating characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's character development checker.

Behaviors associated with being calculating

Here are some behaviors your calculating character may exhibit.

• Using information and data to make informed choices
• Analyzing situations and people to determine the best course of action
• Manipulating situations and people to achieve desired outcomes
• Keeping emotions in check and remaining objective
• Calculating risks and potential consequences before making decisions
• Strategizing and planning ahead
• Being patient and methodical in problem-solving
• Anticipating the reactions of others and planning accordingly
• Focusing on the long-term goals rather than short-term gains

Growth and evolution of calculating characters

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

• Overcome a fear of vulnerability and emotional openness
• Develop a sense of morality and ethics
• Discover the importance of intuition and instinct
• Recognize the value of relationships and teamwork over individual achievement
• Find a balance between analytical thinking and emotional intelligence
• Learn the value of empathy and human connection
• Acknowledge the impact of emotions on decision-making
• Learn to trust others and delegate responsibilities
• Realize the limitations of logic and rationality

Stereotypes of calculating characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical calculating character like these examples.

• Avoid portraying calculating characters as heartless or lacking empathy towards others.
• Avoid making them seem all-knowing or infallible in their decision-making processes.
• Do not depict them as only being motivated by personal gain or monetary rewards.
• Avoid making them seem robotic or purely logical without any emotional depth or complexity.
• Do not stereotype calculating characters as being manipulative or deceitful in all situations.

Negatives of being calculating

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

• Calculating individuals may come across as cold or distant to others.
• Being too calculating can lead to a lack of spontaneity and creativity.
• They may prioritize logic and practicality over emotions and relationships.
• Calculating individuals may struggle with making decisions when there is no clear answer or data to rely on.

Positives of being calculating

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

• Calculating individuals are excellent problem-solvers as they think logically and rationally.
• Calculating individuals are typically very analytical, which allows them to make well-informed decisions based on data and facts.
• They tend to be very organized and efficient, making them great at managing complex tasks and projects.
• They are often very precise and accurate in their work, which can be especially beneficial in fields such as science, engineering, or accounting.
• They are often good at anticipating potential challenges and developing strategies to overcome them.
• Calculating people are usually very detail-oriented, which helps them catch errors and identify opportunities for improvement.

Verbal expressions of calculating characters

Here are some potential expressions used by calculating characters.

• "I can't make a decision right now."
• "I need to analyze the situation first."
• "I'm not sure if that's worth my time."
• "I'll consider your proposal."
• "I'll figure out a way to make it work for me."
• "I need to weigh my options."
• "I have to calculate the risks and benefits."
• "Let me think about it."
• "What's in it for me?"

Relationships of calculating characters

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

• Tendency to view others as pawns or objects to be used
• Ability to quickly assess others' weaknesses and exploit them
• Willingness to betray or deceive to maintain power or status
• Lack of empathy for others' feelings and needs
• Manipulative behavior to achieve their own goals
• Tendency to keep secrets and hide true intentions
• Use of charm and flattery to gain advantage
• Difficulty with genuine emotional connections and intimacy
• Possessiveness and controlling behavior in relationships

Examples from books of characters who are calculating

• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Dexter Morgan from "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris
• Artemis Fowl from the "Artemis Fowl" series by Eoin Colfer
• Tom Ripley from "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith
• Willy Wonka from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl
• Amy Dunne from "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
• Sherlock Holmes from the "Sherlock Holmes" series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Writing exercises for writing calculating characters

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

• Write a scene where your character manipulates or deceives someone to achieve their own objectives.
• Describe how your character evaluates people, determining their strengths and weaknesses, and using that knowledge to their advantage.
• Show your character keeping track of financial records or budgeting their expenses.
• Write a dialogue where your character negotiates a deal, showing their ability to calculate risks and benefits.
• Have your character create a detailed plan or strategy for achieving a specific goal.
• Show your character analyzing a situation or problem and coming up with a logical solution.
• Write a scene where your character plays a game of strategy, such as chess or poker, and show their ability to think ahead and anticipate their opponent's moves.