Character Trait: Candid

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Candid refers to a person who is honest, sincere, and straightforward in their communication and behavior. A candid person does not hide their thoughts, feelings, or intentions, and they speak their mind openly without any pretense or deception. They are often seen as trustworthy and reliable, as they do not shy away from sharing difficult or uncomfortable truths. However, it is important to note that being candid does not mean being insensitive or rude; a candid person can express themselves respectfully and with empathy for others.

Possible causes of being candid

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

• They may have grown up in a culture or environment where direct communication is valued or expected.
• They may have a strong sense of justice and believe in speaking up for what is right.
• They may have a tendency to speak their mind without considering the potential consequences or impact on others.
• They may have a natural tendency towards openness and vulnerability.
• They value honesty and authenticity in themselves and others.
• They may have had past experiences where they were hurt by people who were not honest or transparent.

For detailed feedback on candid characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fictional story assessment.

Behaviors associated with being candid

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

• Avoiding sugarcoating or hiding information
• Speaking the truth in a straightforward manner
• Not being afraid to speak up or voice an unpopular opinion
• Expressing thoughts and feelings in a sincere way
• Admitting mistakes and weaknesses
• Being open and transparent in communication
• Giving honest feedback and criticism

Attitudes associated with being candid

You may be able to show candid through their attitudes.

• Clarity
• Directness
• Sincerity
• Openness
• Authenticity
• Honesty
• Bluntness
• Frankness
• Transparency

Thoughts and struggles associated with being candid

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

• They might struggle with the concept of white lies or half-truths, as they see them as a betrayal of their values.
• They might have a hard time keeping secrets or hiding their emotions, which can make them appear vulnerable or weak.
• They might struggle with social anxiety or low self-esteem, as they fear rejection or judgment for their honesty.
• They might feel conflicted between their desire to be truthful and their desire to avoid hurting others, leading to a constant internal battle.
• They might have a tendency to overshare or disclose personal information, as they see it as a natural extension of their honesty.
• A candid character is honest to a fault, which means they struggle with tact and diplomacy. They might say things that are hurtful or offensive without realizing it.
• They might have a hard time trusting others who are not as candid as they are, as they feel like they are always hiding something.

Emotions associated with being candid

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

• Directness
• Clarity
• Sincerity
• Bluntness
• Transparency
• Frankness
• Authenticity
• Honesty
• Openness

Facial expressions associated with being candid

Here are some facial expressions your candid character may exhibit.

• No tension in the forehead or around the mouth
• Slightly raised eyebrows
• No fidgeting or nervous tics
• Direct eye contact
• Relaxed and open facial expression
• A relaxed jaw and mouth
• A genuine smile

Body language associated with being candid

Here is some body language your candid character may exhibit.

• Relaxed and open posture
• Willingness to share personal experiences or opinions
• Facial expressions that match the tone of the conversation
• Minimal use of filler words or pauses
• Speaking clearly and confidently
• Direct eye contact
• Lack of fidgeting or nervous movements
• Avoidance of vague or evasive answers

For detailed feedback on candid characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fictional story assessment.

Behaviors associated with being candid

Here are some behaviors your candid character may exhibit.

• Giving honest feedback and criticism
• Speaking the truth in a straightforward manner
• Not being afraid to speak up or voice an unpopular opinion
• Avoiding sugarcoating or hiding information
• Expressing thoughts and feelings in a sincere way
• Being open and transparent in communication
• Admitting mistakes and weaknesses

Growth and evolution of candid characters

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

• A candid character may become more self-aware and learn to express their true thoughts and feelings more openly.
• Through their honesty, they may inspire others to be more authentic and truthful in their own lives.
• They may become more comfortable with vulnerability and learn to embrace their flaws and imperfections.
• They may learn to stand up for their beliefs and values, even in the face of opposition or adversity.
• They may become more confident in their ability to navigate difficult conversations and situations, and more comfortable in their own skin overall.
• They may discover new passions or interests, as their openness to new experiences and perspectives leads them down unexpected paths.
• They may gain a greater understanding of themselves and others, leading to stronger relationships and deeper connections.
• They may learn to forgive themselves and others for past mistakes, and let go of lingering resentment or grudges.
• They may learn to balance their candor with tact and empathy, becoming more skilled at communicating effectively with others.

Stereotypes of candid characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical candid character like these examples.

• Avoid making them lack empathy or emotional intelligence
• Avoid making them seem like they don't care about the feelings of others
• Avoid making them appear unapproachable or intimidating to others
• Avoid making them seem like they lack filter or self-control in social situations
• Avoid making Candid characters seem rude or insensitive
• Avoid making them overly blunt or straightforward to the point of being tactless

Negatives of being candid

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

• Damaging relationships by being too honest
• Being seen as insensitive or tactless
• Being seen as impulsive or lacking self-control
• Offending or hurting others with blunt remarks
• Being perceived as untrustworthy or disloyal for sharing sensitive information

Positives of being candid

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

• It fosters deeper connections and relationships with others who appreciate honesty and authenticity
• It can lead to personal growth and self-awareness as one learns to express their thoughts and feelings more clearly
• Being candid helps to build trust and credibility with others
• It promotes open and honest communication, which can lead to better understanding and problem-solving
• It encourages accountability and responsibility for one's actions and decisions

Verbal expressions of candid characters

Here are some potential expressions used by candid characters.

• Saying what needs to be said, even if it's not what others want to hear
• Being authentic and genuine in conversation
• Telling the truth, even if it's uncomfortable or unpopular
• Being straightforward and sincere in communication
• Sharing one's thoughts and feelings without holding back
• Offering transparency and clarity in communication
• Expressing opinions and feedback in a constructive manner
• Speaking one's mind openly and honestly
• Avoiding sugarcoating or beating around the bush

Relationships of candid characters

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

• Candid people tend to have honest and open relationships with others.
• They may have trouble with people who are easily offended or take criticism personally.
• They may struggle to connect with people who are not comfortable with direct communication.
• They may have a tendency to be blunt or harsh, which could lead to conflicts with more sensitive individuals.
• Candid individuals may have a small circle of close friends who appreciate their honesty and directness.
• Candid individuals may have a strong sense of loyalty and trust with those who appreciate their straightforward approach.
• Candid people may attract those who value authenticity and transparency in their relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are candid

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Liesel Meminger from "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Bridget Jones from "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Tyrion Lannister from "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin

Writing exercises for writing candid characters

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

• Have your character stand up for themselves or others when they feel something is unfair or unjust.
• Write a scene where your character tells their friend a harsh truth, even though it may hurt their feelings.
• Write a scene where your character is asked a personal question and responds truthfully, even if it makes them vulnerable.
• Write a scene where your character is put in a difficult situation and chooses to be upfront and transparent, even if it means losing something they want.
• Create a scenario where your character admits to a mistake they made, taking full responsibility for their actions.
• Create a scenario where your character expresses their opinion about a controversial topic, without worrying about how it will be received by others.
• Write a scene where your character has to give a public speech and they speak honestly, even if it goes against popular opinion.
• Have your character confront someone who is being dishonest or manipulative, calling out their behavior without hesitation.