Character Trait: Certain

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "certain" refers to a person who is confident and assured in their beliefs and actions. A certain character is someone who is not easily swayed by doubt or hesitation, but rather holds fast to their convictions and knows what they want. They are often clear in their communication and decision-making, and are not afraid to take risks or make difficult choices. A certain character can be a strong asset in any story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Possible causes of being certain

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

• Social influences like peer pressure, media, and societal expectations
• Education and learning experiences
• Life events and traumatic experiences
• Genetics and heredity
• Physical and mental health conditions
• Career and work-related experiences
• Personal choices and decisions
• Environmental factors such as upbringing, childhood experiences, and cultural background

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

Behaviors associated with being certain

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

• Speaking with conviction and authority
• Expressing confidence in others and their abilities
• Taking initiative and being proactive
• Being self-assured and confident in one's abilities
• Demonstrating a willingness to take risks
• Not second-guessing oneself or one's decisions
• Displaying a clear sense of purpose
• Making decisions confidently
• Trusting one's instincts

Attitudes associated with being certain

You may be able to show certain through their attitudes.

• Surefooted
• Self-assured
• Assertive
• Resolute
• Decisive
• Confident
• Positive
• Unwavering
• Focused
• Committed
• Clear-minded

Thoughts and struggles associated with being certain

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

• Inner conflict between their desires and responsibilities
• Tendency to overthink and second-guess decisions
• Difficulty trusting others
• Feeling like an outsider or misunderstood
• Seeking validation or approval from others
• Insecurity and self-doubt
• Battling with their own demons or past traumas
• Fear of failure and rejection
• Struggle to find their place in the world

Emotions associated with being certain

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

• Resoluteness
• Certainty
• Confidence
• Conviction
• Clarity
• Surety
• Determination
• Self-assuredness
• Assurance

Facial expressions associated with being certain

Here are some facial expressions your certain character may exhibit.

• A slight nod of the head
• A steady or intense gaze
• A head held high or tilted back slightly
• A raised eyebrow
• A confident smile or smirk
• A relaxed but assertive posture
• Minimal fidgeting or movement
• A firm jawline
• Squinted or narrowed eyes

Body language associated with being certain

Here is some body language your certain character may exhibit.

• Using affirmative gestures like nodding or pointing to emphasize points
• Avoiding fidgeting or nervous movements
• Speaking with a clear, confident voice
• Using expansive gestures like spreading arms wide or taking up more space
• Making direct eye contact
• Standing upright with shoulders back and head held high
• Maintaining an open and relaxed posture

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

Behaviors associated with being certain

Here are some behaviors your certain character may exhibit.

• Trusting one's instincts
• Being self-assured and confident in one's abilities
• Expressing confidence in others and their abilities
• Making decisions confidently
• Not second-guessing oneself or one's decisions
• Displaying a clear sense of purpose
• Demonstrating a willingness to take risks
• Taking initiative and being proactive
• Speaking with conviction and authority

Growth and evolution of certain characters

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

• Breaking free from a limiting mindset or societal expectations
• Discovering a new purpose or calling in life
• Forgiving themselves or others
• Developing a stronger sense of empathy or compassion
• Becoming more confident or assertive
• Learning a new skill or gaining new knowledge
• Overcoming a personal flaw or weakness
• Changing their beliefs or values
• Healing from past traumas or emotional wounds

Stereotypes of certain characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical certain character like these examples.

• The one-dimensional love interest
• The overly emotional or hyperfeminine female character
• The stoic, emotionless hero
• The damsel in distress who always needs to be rescued
• The jock or cheerleader who is only concerned with popularity
• The villain who is evil just for the sake of being evil
• The overly aggressive or hypermasculine male character
• The nerdy or geeky character who is socially awkward and lacks confidence
• The wise old mentor who only exists to dispense advice
• The sassy or sullen sidekick

Remember that every character should be unique and have their own motivations, flaws, and strengths. Stereotypical traits can make characters feel flat and uninteresting.

Negatives of being certain

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

• May result in impulsive or risky decisions
• Can come across as arrogant or closed-minded
• Can limit personal growth and learning opportunities
• May cause conflict or tension in relationships or team environments
• Can lead to stubbornness and resistance to change
• May overlook important information or perspectives

Positives of being certain

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

• It can help them to stay focused and motivated towards their goals.
• Being certain can make a person more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• Being certain can also make a person more assertive and better at communicating their ideas.
• It can lead to a stronger sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
• Being certain can give a person confidence in their decisions and actions.

Verbal expressions of certain characters

Here are some potential expressions used by certain characters.

• "Without a doubt..."
• "There is no question that..."
• "It's crystal clear..."
• "I have complete confidence that..."
• "I know for a fact..."
• "I am certain that..."
• "I am 100% sure..."
• "Absolutely..."
• "Undeniably..."

Relationships of certain characters

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

• Friends/enemies
• Romantic partners
• Generational conflict
• Parent/child
• Old friends/new acquaintances
• Boss/employee
• Teammates/opponents
• Neighbors/frenemies
• Mentor/mentee
• Allies/adversaries
• Teacher/student
• Siblings/rivals
• Co-workers/collaborators
• Dominant/submissive

Examples from books of characters who are certain

• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing certain characters

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

• Creativity: Write a scene where your character is faced with a problem that requires a creative solution. Show them using their imagination and ingenuity to find a unique and effective solution. Use descriptive language to show the character's thought process and actions as they come up with their solution.
• Empathy: Write a scene from the perspective of a character who is experiencing a difficult situation. Then, rewrite the scene from the perspective of a secondary character who is observing the first character's emotions and reactions. This exercise will help you develop empathy for your characters and show their emotions through actions, dialogue, and thoughts.
• Compassion: Write a scene where your character encounters someone in need, whether it be a person or an animal. Have them respond with kindness and compassion, showing empathy and concern for the other's well-being. Use descriptive language to show the character's emotions and actions in a way that evokes sympathy and understanding.
• Perseverance: Write a scene where your character faces a significant obstacle or setback. Have them struggle to overcome the obstacle but ultimately succeed through their determination and persistence. Focus on showing the character's mindset and actions as they work through the challenge.
• Bravery: Write a scene where your character faces a dangerous or frightening situation. Show them overcoming their fear and taking action to confront the threat. Use sensory details to show the character's physical and emotional reactions to the situation.

Remember, these exercises and prompts are just a starting point. Use them as inspiration to develop your own ideas and create characters that are unique, complex, and compelling.