Character Trait: Casual

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Casual can be defined as someone who is relaxed, easy-going, and informal in their behavior, style, and attitude. They are often comfortable in their own skin and don't feel the need to conform to strict social norms or expectations. Casual individuals tend to take things in stride and don't get overly worked up or stressed out about minor issues. They can be a breath of fresh air in high-pressure situations and can help to lighten the mood. However, it's important to note that being too casual can also lead to a lack of focus, discipline, and accountability.

Possible causes of being casual

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

• Being influenced by a culture that values informality and nonchalance
• Growing up in a relaxed and permissive environment
• Having a preference for spontaneity and flexibility over structure and routine
• Holding a belief that life is too short to worry about trivial matters
• Not wanting to appear too invested or attached to people or situations
• Prioritizing fun and enjoyment over responsibilities and duties
• Having a laid-back temperament or disposition
• Developing a coping mechanism to deal with stress or anxiety

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

Behaviors associated with being casual

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

• Engaging in laid-back activities
• Not being overly rigid or structured in daily routines or plans
• Speaking in a friendly and informal manner
• Using humor and sarcasm to make light of situations
• Being open to new experiences and opportunities
• Valuing personal connections and relationships over material possessions or status
• Taking a relaxed approach to life and work
• Showing a lack of concern or worry
• Dressing in comfortable and relaxed clothing

Attitudes associated with being casual

You may be able to show casual through their attitudes.

• Nonchalant
• Carefree
• Easy-going
• Unhurried
• Informal
• Relaxed
• Laid-back
• Comfortable
• Unpretentious

Thoughts and struggles associated with being casual

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

• Tends to go with the flow and not make waves
• May struggle with feelings of boredom or restlessness
• May be perceived as indecisive or noncommittal
• May have a fear of commitment or responsibility
• May struggle with making decisions
• Enjoys spending time with friends and family
• Struggles with finding motivation or purpose in life
• May have a tendency to procrastinate
• Values relaxation and leisure time
• Dislikes confrontation and avoids conflict
• May have a laid-back, easy-going personality

Emotions associated with being casual

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

• Relaxed
• Laid-back
• Unpretentious
• Offhand
• Carefree
• Unconcerned
• Informal
• Easygoing
• Nonchalant

Facial expressions associated with being casual

Here are some facial expressions your casual character may exhibit.

• A carefree or easy-going expression
• A nonchalant shrug
• Squinted eyes
• Raised eyebrows
• A tilted head
• A smirk or half-smile
• A slightly open mouth
• A lack of tension in the face
• A relaxed smile

Body language associated with being casual

Here is some body language your casual character may exhibit.

• Using open gestures, such as spreading arms or palms
• Playing with objects or fidgeting with clothing
• Making eye contact while also looking away or scanning the environment
• Relaxed posture, with shoulders and arms loose and slightly slouched
• Hands in pockets or resting on hips
• Nodding or shaking the head in a slow and nonchalant way
• Smiling or smirking
• Leaning back or sideways against a wall, furniture, or another person

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

Behaviors associated with being casual

Here are some behaviors your casual character may exhibit.

• Using humor and sarcasm to make light of situations
• Being open to new experiences and opportunities
• Dressing in comfortable and relaxed clothing
• Taking a relaxed approach to life and work
• Engaging in laid-back activities
• Showing a lack of concern or worry
• Speaking in a friendly and informal manner
• Valuing personal connections and relationships over material possessions or status
• Not being overly rigid or structured in daily routines or plans

Growth and evolution of casual characters

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

• Learn to take things more seriously
• Learn to appreciate the value of hard work and commitment
• Develop a greater sense of empathy towards others
• Become more invested in their relationships
• Develop a stronger sense of responsibility or accountability
• Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions on others
• Find a deeper sense of purpose or meaning
• Overcome their tendency to be apathetic or indifferent
• Discover hidden strengths or talents

Stereotypes of casual characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical casual character like these examples.

• Avoid portraying your Casual character as a slacker who lacks ambition or drive.
• Avoid making your Casual character too laid-back to the point of being indifferent or apathetic.
• Avoid making your Casual character too lazy or unmotivated.
• Avoid portraying your Casual character as someone who is always late or unreliable.
• Avoid making your Casual character too careless or irresponsible.

Negatives of being casual

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

• Unreliability or inconsistency in behavior
• Lack of attention to detail or quality
• Disregard for rules or social norms
• Difficulty making meaningful connections or forming relationships
• Tendency to procrastinate or avoid responsibility
• Lack of direction or purpose
• Lack of motivation or drive
• Inability to commit or follow through on plans

Positives of being casual

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

• They can be spontaneous and open to new experiences, which can lead to exciting and memorable adventures.
• Casual individuals are often easy-going and relaxed, which can create a calming and welcoming atmosphere for others.
• Casual people are often non-judgmental and accepting of others, which can make them great listeners and confidants.
• Casual individuals tend to value relationships and connections with others, which can make them great friends and collaborators.
• They tend to be flexible and adaptable, able to go with the flow and adjust to changing circumstances.

Verbal expressions of casual characters

Here are some potential expressions used by casual characters.

• "Laid-back."
• "No worries."
• "No big deal."
• "Just go with the flow."
• "Hey, what's up?"
• "Easy-going."
• "Whatever."
• "Chill out."
• "Cool."
• "Let's hang out."
• "Don't sweat it."
• "Take it easy."
• "How's it going?"
• "That's cool with me."
• "Sure thing."
• "Sounds good."

Relationships of casual characters

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

• Casual people may be less likely to make plans in advance and more likely to go with the flow and be spontaneous.
• Casual people may not be as invested in other people's lives and may not feel the need to provide emotional support or be there for others during difficult times.
• Casual people may prioritize fun and enjoyment in their relationships over deeper emotional connections.
• Casual people tend to have a lot of acquaintances but fewer close relationships.
• They may enjoy spending time with others but also value their independence and alone time.
• They may not be interested in discussing serious or heavy topics and prefer to keep things light and fun.
• They may not feel the need to keep in touch with others on a regular basis and may go long periods of time without talking to someone.

Examples from books of characters who are casual

• Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Nancy Drew from the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing casual characters

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

• Write a scene where your character is in a group setting. Do they take charge or let someone else lead?
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a problem. How do they approach solving it? Do they take it seriously or brush it off?
• Consider the way your character dresses and presents themselves. Do they go for comfort or fashion? Do they care about their appearance at all?
• Think about a time when your character's plans were disrupted. How do they react? Do they easily adapt or do they become stressed and frazzled?
• Consider how your character spends their free time. Do they prefer to relax and take it easy or do they always need to be doing something productive?
• Write a scene where your character is interacting with a stranger. Do they strike up a conversation easily or do they keep to themselves?
• Write a scene where your character is confronted with a moral dilemma. Do they take a stand or do they go with the flow?
• Imagine a scenario where your character is invited to a formal event. Do they dread it or do they embrace the opportunity to dress up and mingle?