Character Trait: Composed

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Composed refers to a person who is able to remain calm and in control of their emotions, even in stressful or difficult situations. They are able to think clearly and make rational decisions, rather than being overwhelmed by their emotions. A composed person is often seen as level-headed, confident, and able to handle whatever comes their way without becoming overly anxious or upset.

Possible causes of being composed

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

• Learned behavior: Some people may have learned to be composed through observation of others who exhibit this trait or through the teachings of parents or mentors.
• Innate temperament: Some people may be born with a temperament that lends itself to a composed nature. They may have a natural inclination towards remaining calm and collected in stressful situations.
• Personal values: For some, being composed may be a core personal value that they strive to uphold in all aspects of their life.
• Life experiences: Individuals who have been through difficult situations or have faced adversity in the past may have developed a composed nature as a coping mechanism.

For detailed feedback on composed characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary critique platform.

Behaviors associated with being composed

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

• Taking time to think before making decisions or taking action
• Controlling one's impulses and avoiding rash or impulsive behaviors
• Focusing on solutions rather than problems
• Speaking in a measured tone and avoiding excessive emotional reactions
• Avoiding knee-jerk reactions and taking time to gather all available information
• Maintaining a calm and collected demeanor even in stressful situations
• Maintaining a clear and organized mindset, even in chaos

Attitudes associated with being composed

You may be able to show composed through their attitudes.

• Open-mindedness
• Patience
• Focus
• Confidence
• Rationality
• Calmness
• Clarity of thought
• Diplomacy
• Assertiveness
• Poise
• Self-control
• Positivity
• Grace under pressure
• Resilience

Thoughts and struggles associated with being composed

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

• Values logic and reason over emotions and intuition
• May come across as cold or distant, even to those closest to them
• May struggle with expressing their emotions, often keeping them tightly controlled
• Maintains a calm demeanor even in the face of chaos or adversity
• Thinks before they speak or act, weighing the consequences of their actions
• Has a strong sense of duty or responsibility and takes their commitments seriously
• May struggle with empathy or understanding the emotions of others
• May have a tendency to bottle up their feelings, leading to occasional outbursts or breakdowns
• May have a fear of losing control or appearing vulnerable
• Has a strong sense of self-discipline and self-control

Emotions associated with being composed

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

• Poise
• Cool-headedness
• Serenity
• Self-control
• Level-headedness
• Tranquility
• Equanimity
• Calm
• Grace under pressure

Facial expressions associated with being composed

Here are some facial expressions your composed character may exhibit.

• A lack of fidgeting or nervous habits
• A calm and steady gaze
• A slight head tilt showing attentiveness
• A slight smile or a hint of a smirk
• A closed mouth or a gentle smirk indicating confidence
• Slow and deliberate movements
• Raised eyebrows indicating interest or curiosity
• A relaxed and neutral facial expression

Body language associated with being composed

Here is some body language your composed character may exhibit.

• Keeping a neutral or calm demeanor, even in stressful situations
• Keeping a relaxed facial expression
• Maintaining eye contact with others
• Breathing deeply and slowly
• Maintaining an upright posture
• Speaking slowly and deliberately
• Making measured movements with their hands and arms
• Avoiding fidgeting or twitching
• Maintaining a steady tone of voice

For detailed feedback on composed characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary critique platform.

Behaviors associated with being composed

Here are some behaviors your composed character may exhibit.

• Maintaining a calm and collected demeanor even in stressful situations
• Taking time to think before making decisions or taking action
• Controlling one's impulses and avoiding rash or impulsive behaviors
• Maintaining a clear and organized mindset, even in chaos
• Focusing on solutions rather than problems
• Speaking in a measured tone and avoiding excessive emotional reactions
• Avoiding knee-jerk reactions and taking time to gather all available information

Growth and evolution of composed characters

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

• Learn how to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations
• Develop better problem-solving skills
• Develop greater empathy and understanding for others
• Learn to take calculated risks and step outside their comfort zone
• Learn to manage their emotions more effectively
• Learn to recognize and address their own biases and prejudices
• Learn to communicate more effectively in difficult situations
• Develop stronger leadership skills and the ability to inspire others
• Develop greater self-awareness and understanding of their own thought processes

Stereotypes of composed characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical composed character like these examples.

• Characters who are always calm and collected, no matter what happens
• Characters who come across as cold and unapproachable
• Emotionless robots who never feel anything
• Composed characters who are always in control and never lose their cool
• Characters who lack empathy or understanding for others' emotions
• Perfectly rational beings who never make mistakes or have flaws
• Stoic characters who never show any vulnerability or weakness
• Characters who are too detached and uninvolved in their own story
• Composed characters who are too predictable and one-dimensional

Negatives of being composed

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

• Tendency to suppress reactions and responses in high-pressure situations
• Can be perceived as robotic or emotionless
• May appear unapproachable or intimidating
• May have difficulty relating to others on an emotional level
• Can come across as aloof or detached
• May struggle with expressing emotions openly
• Tendency to bottle up feelings and stress

Positives of being composed

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

• They are able to effectively manage their emotions and communicate their thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise manner.
• They are able to think clearly and make rational decisions when others may be panicking.
• Composed people are often seen as reliable and trustworthy, as they are able to maintain their composure even in difficult circumstances.
• Composed individuals are able to remain calm and level-headed in stressful situations.

Verbal expressions of composed characters

Here are some potential expressions used by composed characters.

• Speaking with a low and steady voice
• Using precise language and avoiding slang or colloquialisms
• Speaking slowly and calmly
• Avoiding filler words and unnecessary phrases
• Pausing before answering questions
• Using measured tones and inflections
• Speaking with confidence and conviction
• Maintaining eye contact while speaking
• Remaining unflappable in challenging situations

Relationships of composed characters

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

• Composed people may have high standards for themselves and others, which can sometimes create tension or conflict if those expectations are not met.
• They may have a reputation for being reliable and dependable, which can make them a go-to person for others in need.
• They tend to be calm and level-headed in their interactions with others, which can help diffuse tense or heated situations.
• They may prefer to avoid drama or conflict, which can sometimes lead to passive-aggressive behavior or avoiding difficult conversations.
• Composed people often have a strong sense of empathy and can be good listeners, which can make them great friends or confidants.
• They may struggle with expressing their emotions or being vulnerable, which can sometimes create barriers in their relationships.
• Composed individuals are often self-assured and confident in their own abilities, which can be inspiring to others and make them good leaders or mentors.

Examples from books of characters who are composed

• Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Edmond Dantes from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Dr. John H. Watson from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
• Captain Wentworth from Persuasion by Jane Austen

Writing exercises for writing composed characters

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

• Write a scene where the character is faced with a challenging situation and must remain calm and collected.
• Use sensory details to describe how the character physically feels when they are composed, such as a slower heart rate or steady breathing.
• Write a scene where the composed character is under pressure and must make a quick decision, showcasing their ability to stay level-headed.
• Start by observing composed people in real life or in media and take notes on their behavior, body language, and communication style.
• Write a dialogue between a composed character and a more emotional or reactive character, highlighting the differences in their communication styles.
• Create a character profile for a composed character, including their background, personality traits, and habits.
• Use internal monologue to reveal the character's thoughts and emotions, showing how they maintain their composure in challenging situations.