Character Trait: Confident

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Confidence is a character trait that refers to a person's belief in their abilities, qualities, and judgment. A confident person is self-assured and has a sense of trust in their own decisions and actions. They are not afraid to take risks or make mistakes, and they are comfortable with themselves and their place in the world. Confidence can manifest in different ways, such as in body language, tone of voice, and the way a person interacts with others. Overall, confidence is an essential trait for success in many areas of life, including writing.

Possible causes of being confident

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

• Supportive family and friends who have encouraged and validated their confidence
• Exposure to diverse experiences and challenges that have helped them develop resilience and adaptability
• Natural disposition or temperament towards being outgoing and self-assured
• Positive past experiences that have built up self-esteem and self-worth
• Accomplishments and successes that have reinforced their belief in their abilities
• A strong sense of purpose or mission that gives them direction and motivation
• Being comfortable with taking risks and stepping outside of their comfort zone
• Practice and effort in developing and refining their skills and abilities
• Positive self-talk and affirmations that have helped them cultivate a confident mindset

For detailed feedback on confident characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's manuscript critique service.

Behaviors associated with being confident

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

• Trusting one's own abilities and instincts
• Taking decisive actions
• Being comfortable in one's own skin, regardless of others' opinions
• Holding direct eye contact
• Speaking clearly and with conviction
• Not apologizing for one's opinions or actions, unless truly necessary
• Standing up for oneself and one's beliefs
• Being willing to take risks and try new things

Attitudes associated with being confident

You may be able to show confident through their attitudes.

• Willingness to take risks
• Positive self-image
• Self-assuredness
• Openness to criticism and feedback
• Resilience in the face of challenges
• Decisiveness
• Assertiveness
• Empathy towards others
• Perseverance
• Optimism
• Ability to learn from mistakes
• Ability to stand up for oneself
• Comfort in social situations
• Belief in one's abilities
• Inner strength

Thoughts and struggles associated with being confident

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

• They may struggle with the balance between being assertive and coming across as arrogant or aggressive.
• They may have a tendency to compare themselves to others and feel inferior or superior based on their own perceived successes or failures.
• A confident character may struggle with the fear of failure or making mistakes.
• They may have a strong sense of self-worth and value their own opinions and beliefs.
• They may struggle with asking for help or admitting when they don't know something.
• They may have a tendency to take on too much or put too much pressure on themselves to succeed.
• They may constantly push themselves to be better and achieve more.
• They may have a desire to be in control and can become uncomfortable when things don't go according to plan.

Emotions associated with being confident

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

• Assertive
• Empowered
• Decisive
• Optimistic
• Competent
• Bold
• Resilient
• Self-assured
• Fearless

Facial expressions associated with being confident

Here are some facial expressions your confident character may exhibit.

• A firm and steady jawline
• A slight smirk or smile
• Relaxed and open facial muscles
• A strong and steady gaze
• A lifted chin
• A calm and controlled demeanor
• Raised eyebrows

Body language associated with being confident

Here is some body language your confident character may exhibit.

• Walking with purpose and a confident stride
• Making eye contact with others
• Having a relaxed but firm stance
• Standing tall with shoulders back and head held high
• Speaking clearly and confidently
• Gesturing with purpose and clarity
• Maintaining an open and upright posture
• Using appropriate hand movements to emphasize points
• Smiling and showing positive facial expressions

For detailed feedback on confident characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's manuscript critique service.

Behaviors associated with being confident

Here are some behaviors your confident character may exhibit.

• Speaking clearly and with conviction
• Trusting one's own abilities and instincts
• Being willing to take risks and try new things
• Not apologizing for one's opinions or actions, unless truly necessary
• Holding direct eye contact
• Being comfortable in one's own skin, regardless of others' opinions
• Taking decisive actions
• Standing up for oneself and one's beliefs

Growth and evolution of confident characters

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

• Developing empathy: A confident character can develop empathy by recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses and understanding that others have their own unique perspectives and experiences.
• Overcoming self-doubt: A confident character may initially doubt themselves in a new or challenging situation, but through their confidence and determination, they can overcome their doubts and succeed.
• Building trust: A confident character can inspire trust in others through their self-assuredness and their ability to follow through on their promises.
• Learning humility: A confident character may start off as arrogant or overconfident, but through challenges and failures, they learn to recognize their limitations and the value of humility.
• Becoming a leader: A confident character can inspire others and take charge in difficult situations, becoming a natural leader.

Stereotypes of confident characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical confident character like these examples.

• Lack of humility or respect for others
• Excessive bragging or boasting
• Insensitivity to others' feelings or needs
• Bullying or intimidating others
• Ignoring constructive criticism or feedback
• Overbearing or controlling behavior
• Refusing to admit faults or mistakes
• Arrogance or conceit
• Being dismissive or condescending towards others

Negatives of being confident

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

• Being overly confident can cause individuals to make risky decisions without considering all potential consequences.
• Overconfidence can lead to arrogance and an inflated sense of self-importance.
• Confidence can sometimes come across as insensitivity or lack of empathy, as it may be interpreted as a lack of concern for others' opinions or feelings.
• People who are very confident may be perceived as intimidating or unapproachable, which can make it difficult to build relationships.

Positives of being confident

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

• Confidence can lead to better relationships, as people are drawn to those who exude self-assurance.
• Confident individuals are often more assertive, able to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.
• Confident people tend to have a positive outlook on life, which can lead to greater success and happiness.
• Confidence can help you achieve your goals, as it gives you the courage to take risks and pursue your dreams.
• Confident people tend to be better at decision-making, as they trust their own judgment and are not easily swayed by others.
• Confident individuals are often more resilient and better able to handle challenges and setbacks.

Verbal expressions of confident characters

Here are some potential expressions used by confident characters.

• Speaking with conviction and passion
• Expressing opinions and ideas without hesitation
• Avoiding filler words like "um" or "like"
• Using humor and wit to diffuse tension
• Speaking clearly and assertively
• Using strong, affirmative language
• Making direct eye contact
• Standing or sitting up straight
• Using a firm handshake

Relationships of confident characters

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

• They are comfortable in their own skin, which makes it easier for them to connect with others without feeling threatened or intimidated.
• Confident people tend to be assertive without being aggressive. They can express their opinions and needs without trampling on others' rights or feelings.
• They are more likely to take risks and try new things, which can make them more interesting and engaging to be around.
• Confident people tend to be better communicators, as they are able to express themselves clearly and listen actively to others.
• They are less likely to engage in negative self-talk or gossip about others, as they have a healthy sense of self-esteem and are less likely to feel the need to put others down to feel good about themselves.
• They tend to be more open to feedback and criticism, as they understand that it is an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Confident people are more likely to be supportive of others' goals and ambitions, as they are not threatened by others' success.

Examples from books of characters who are confident

• Tyrion Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Jo March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Writing exercises for writing confident characters

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

• Describe a physical action that the character performs with confidence, such as walking into a room or delivering a speech.
• Create a scene where the character confidently pursues a goal or dream, even if it seems impossible or risky.
• Write a dialogue where the character confidently negotiates or argues with someone who has opposing views.
• Describe a moment where the character confidently stands up for themselves or someone else who is being mistreated.
• Imagine a scenario where the character is in an unfamiliar or intimidating environment and confidently adapts to it.
• Create a dialogue where the character confidently asserts their opinion or belief, even if it goes against popular opinion.
• Write a scene where the character faces a challenging obstacle or conflict and confidently overcomes it.
• Write a monologue where the character reflects on their past experiences and how they have gained confidence over time.
• Write a scene where the character confidently takes charge of a situation.