Character Trait: Conforming

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Conforming is a personality trait that describes individuals who tend to follow the norms and rules of society, and are more likely to conform to the expectations of others. People with this trait may prioritize fitting in and being accepted by their peers, and may avoid behaviors that could be perceived as deviant or unconventional. Conforming individuals may be more likely to adhere to traditions and conventional wisdom, and may be less likely to question authority or challenge the status quo.

Possible causes of being conforming

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

• Desire for security and stability
• Need for social validation or acceptance
• Lack of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Cultural or societal norms that emphasize conformity
• Trauma or past experiences that have led to a fear of standing out or being different
• Growing up in a strict or authoritarian environment where obedience was valued
• Fear of rejection or disapproval from authority figures or peers

For detailed feedback on conforming characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's writing style analysis.

Behaviors associated with being conforming

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

• Avoiding conflict and controversy
• Being risk-averse and cautious
• Resisting change or unconventional ideas
• Following established rules and traditions
• Being obedient to authority figures
• Prioritizing fitting in over standing out
• Seeking approval and validation from others
• Adhering to social norms and expectations

Attitudes associated with being conforming

You may be able to show conforming through their attitudes.

• Preferring to follow established rules and norms
• Valuing tradition and authority
• Being uncomfortable with change and uncertainty
• Prioritizing stability and security over novelty and experimentation
• Avoiding conflict and controversy
• Being risk-averse
• Striving to fit in and be accepted by others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being conforming

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

• Difficulty making decisions or taking risks without seeking validation from others
• Feeling guilty or ashamed when they deviate from expectations or rules
• Desire for acceptance and approval from others
• Tendency to follow social norms or rules, even if they don't align with personal beliefs or values
• Fear of standing out or being different from others
• Struggling with self-expression or creativity due to fear of rejection or criticism
• Feeling trapped or confined by societal expectations or pressures
• Difficulty developing a strong sense of self-identity or individuality
• Difficulty asserting themselves or speaking up for their own needs and wants

Emotions associated with being conforming

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

• Fear of judgment or disapproval from others
• Resistance to change or deviation from established norms
• Tendency to follow rules and authority figures
• Fear of standing out or being different
• Difficulty taking risks or making independent decisions
• Insecurity about personal identity or beliefs
• Desire for acceptance and belonging

Facial expressions associated with being conforming

Here are some facial expressions your conforming character may exhibit.

• A lack of wrinkles on the forehead indicating little to no worry or stress
• Raised eyebrows indicating surprise or concern
• Tense or stiff jaw muscles
• Lowered eyebrows indicating submission or obedience
• Closed or narrow lips
• A neutral or slightly smiling facial expression
• Avoiding eye contact or looking down

Body language associated with being conforming

Here is some body language your conforming character may exhibit.

• Smiling politely to appear agreeable
• Avoiding confrontation or disagreement
• Maintaining eye contact with authority figures
• Using precise and formal gestures
• Nodding frequently to show agreement
• Mimicking the behaviors of others in a group to fit in
• Using a subdued tone of voice to avoid standing out
• Keeping a straight posture and avoiding fidgeting
• Following established rules and procedures

For detailed feedback on conforming characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's writing style analysis.

Behaviors associated with being conforming

Here are some behaviors your conforming character may exhibit.

• Following established rules and traditions
• Being obedient to authority figures
• Being risk-averse and cautious
• Resisting change or unconventional ideas
• Prioritizing fitting in over standing out
• Avoiding conflict and controversy
• Adhering to social norms and expectations
• Seeking approval and validation from others

Growth and evolution of conforming characters

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

• Challenge their beliefs and values: A conforming character may have a strong adherence to societal norms and expectations. Through the course of the story, they may encounter situations that challenge their beliefs and values, forcing them to reevaluate their stance and potentially grow beyond their conformity.
• Develop a sense of individuality: Conforming characters may struggle with developing a sense of individuality, as they tend to prioritize fitting in with others over standing out. As they face challenges and confront their conformity, they may develop a stronger sense of self and individuality.
• Embrace diversity: A conforming character may have a narrow view of the world, only accepting those who fit within the established norm. Through the course of the story, they may learn to embrace diversity and see the value in those who are different from them.
• Take risks: A conforming character may be hesitant to take risks, preferring to stick to the tried and true. However, as the story progresses, they may be compelled to take risks, which can lead to personal growth and a shift away from conformity.

Stereotypes of conforming characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical conforming character like these examples.

• Fear of change or anything outside of their comfort zone
• Narrow-mindedness or intolerance towards those who don't conform
• Blindly following authority or social norms without questioning
• Inability to take risks or stand up for themselves
• Lack of independent thinking or decision-making
• Lack of creativity or originality
• Inflexibility or rigidity in their beliefs or behaviors

Negatives of being conforming

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

• Conformity can limit personal growth and self-discovery
• They may struggle to think creatively or outside the box
• They may struggle to empathize with those who are different from them or have alternative viewpoints
• Conforming individuals may lack a unique identity or sense of self
• Conformity can lead to a fear of standing out or taking risks
• Those who conform may have difficulty making decisions for themselves, relying on others to dictate their choices
• It may be difficult for conformists to challenge authority or question societal norms

Positives of being conforming

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

• They may be seen as respectful and polite, as they adhere to social norms and conventions.
• Conforming individuals tend to follow rules and regulations, which can lead to a sense of structure and order in their lives.
• They often have a strong sense of loyalty to their social groups, which can foster a sense of community and connection.
• Conforming individuals may experience less conflict and stress in their lives, as they are less likely to challenge authority or rock the boat.
• They are often reliable and dependable, as they stick to commitments and obligations.
• Conforming individuals tend to be good team players, as they are able to work within established systems and contribute to group goals.

Verbal expressions of conforming characters

Here are some potential expressions used by conforming characters.

• "I'll do what is expected of me"
• "I don't want to cause any problems"
• "I'll go along with whatever everyone else wants"
• "I'll follow the rules"
• "I don't want to stand out"
• "I don't want to rock the boat"
• "I don't like conflict"
• "I don't want to be seen as difficult"
• "I'll do what others tell me to do"

Relationships of conforming characters

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

• They may seek validation from authority figures or people they perceive as socially dominant, and may be more likely to follow rules or traditions without questioning them.
• They may struggle with decision-making if there are multiple options or conflicting information, and may defer to others to make choices for them.
• They may feel uncomfortable or anxious in situations that are unpredictable or unfamiliar, and may rely on routines or familiar patterns to feel more secure.
• They may be hesitant to express their own needs or desires if they fear it will upset others or disrupt the status quo.
• They may be drawn to friendships or romantic relationships with people who share their values and beliefs, and may struggle to connect with those who have different perspectives.
• They may prioritize harmony and avoid conflict, which could lead to them acquiescing to others' preferences or opinions even if they don't fully agree.

Examples from books of characters who are conforming

• Winston Smith from 1984 (initially conforms to the oppressive regime of the Party)
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice (initially conforms to societal expectations of women in her time period)
• Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series (initially conforms to rules and expectations of the wizarding world)
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye (struggles with conforming to the expectations of his social class)

Writing exercises for writing conforming characters

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

• Write a scene where your character is faced with a decision that goes against their beliefs or societal norms. How do they react and what actions do they take?
• Write a story where your character is thrust into a new environment that challenges their need for conformity. How do they adapt and what lessons do they learn?
• Create a character who is an outsider in a group and doesn't conform to the group's expectations. How do they handle the pressure and what conflicts arise?
• Create a character who is struggling to fit in with a new group of people. How do they try to conform to the group's expectations and what challenges do they face?
• Describe a character's appearance and how it reflects their desire to conform or rebel against societal norms. What do their clothes, hair, and accessories say about them?
• Write a dialogue between two characters who have opposing views on conformity. How do they argue their points and what conclusions do they come to?
• Write a story where your character is forced to confront a situation where conforming would mean betraying someone they care about. How do they navigate this moral dilemma?
• Write a scene where your character is pushed to their limit and breaks free from their need to conform. What triggers this change and how does it impact their relationships and sense of self?
• Describe a character's daily routine and how it reflects their need for conformity. What rituals do they follow and what happens when their routine is disrupted?