Character Trait: Contained

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Contained refers to an individual's ability to control or restrain their emotions and behavior. It involves being able to maintain composure, manage impulses, and stay calm even in stressful situations. A person who is contained may be seen as level-headed and able to think clearly, even in situations that may cause others to panic or become emotional. This trait can be valuable in a variety of settings, from the workplace to personal relationships, and can help individuals navigate difficult situations with grace and poise.

Possible causes of being contained

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

• Growing up in an environment where emotional expression was discouraged or deemed as weakness.
• A belief that being calm and collected is the best way to navigate difficult situations.
• Fear of rejection or abandonment, causing them to keep their emotions and thoughts to themselves to avoid being vulnerable.
• A history of traumatic experiences or abuse that has led them to become guarded and protective of themselves.
• A desire for control and order in their life, leading them to keep their feelings and actions contained.
• A natural disposition towards introversion and introspection.

For detailed feedback on contained characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative quality assessment.

Behaviors associated with being contained

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

• Avoiding attention-seeking behavior
• Respecting boundaries and personal space
• Avoiding impulsive decisions
• Having a calm demeanor under pressure
• Being disciplined in personal habits and routines
• Maintaining a sense of independence and self-reliance
• Keeping private information confidential
• Being reserved in communication
• Keeping emotions in check

Attitudes associated with being contained

You may be able to show contained through their attitudes.

• Focused
• Restrained
• Patient
• Self-disciplined
• Reserved
• Controlled
• Composed
• Thoughtful
• Calm

Thoughts and struggles associated with being contained

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

• They might have a tendency to bottle up their emotions, leading to outbursts or breakdowns when they become overwhelmed.
• They might struggle with feeling trapped or confined, whether physically or emotionally.
• They might have a strong sense of responsibility or duty, and feel guilty when they are not able to meet their own expectations or those of others.
• They may be very self-reliant and independent, but struggle with asking for help when they need it.
• They may struggle with feeling disconnected from their emotions, or have a hard time identifying and expressing their feelings.
• They might have a fear of change or the unknown, and prefer to stick with what is familiar and comfortable.
• They may have a strong need for control and order in their lives.
• They may have a tendency to overthink or obsess over small details.
• They may have difficulty expressing themselves or opening up to others.

Emotions associated with being contained

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

• Subtle
• Proper
• Self-restrained
• Refined
• Restrained
• Prudent
• Elegant
• Self-controlled
• Gentle
• Controlled
• Meticulous
• Humble
• Reserved
• Tactful
• Precise
• Sophisticated
• Poised
• Collected
• Understated
• Detached
• Conservative
• Composed
• Modest
• Unassuming
• Considerate
• Cautious
• Polished
• Disciplined
• Diplomatic
• Restrictive
• Calm

Facial expressions associated with being contained

Here are some facial expressions your contained character may exhibit.

• A subtle nod or shake of the head
• A pursed or pressed together mouth
• A tight-lipped smile
• A neutral expression with minimal movement
• A raised eyebrow with a slight furrow in the forehead
• A subtle frown or scowl
• A slight tilt of the head while listening
• Narrowed eyes with a serious gaze
• A closed mouth with a tense jaw
• A quick intake of breath through the nose

Remember that these expressions can vary depending on the individual and the situation. It's important to consider the context and the character's personality when using these expressions in your writing.

Body language associated with being contained

Here is some body language your contained character may exhibit.

• Fidgeting with objects or clothing
• Taking up minimal physical space
• Avoiding physical touch or personal space invasion
• Minimal hand gestures and movements
• A tendency to keep emotions hidden or subdued
• Tense facial expression and body muscles
• Closed-off posture, such as crossed arms or legs
• Lack of eye contact or avoiding direct gaze
• Speaking in a soft or monotone voice

For detailed feedback on contained characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative quality assessment.

Behaviors associated with being contained

Here are some behaviors your contained character may exhibit.

• Keeping private information confidential
• Avoiding attention-seeking behavior
• Keeping emotions in check
• Avoiding impulsive decisions
• Being reserved in communication
• Respecting boundaries and personal space
• Having a calm demeanor under pressure
• Maintaining a sense of independence and self-reliance
• Being disciplined in personal habits and routines

Growth and evolution of contained characters

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

• Letting go of past traumas or regrets and moving forward
• Learning to communicate more effectively with others
• Developing empathy and understanding for others
• Overcoming their fears and learning to take risks
• Developing new skills or talents to cope with challenges
• Learning to trust and rely on others
• Discovering inner strength and resilience they didn't know they had
• Breaking out of their comfort zone and trying new things
• Challenging and questioning their beliefs and values

Stereotypes of contained characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical contained character like these examples.

• One-dimensional or lacking depth
• Unrelatable or unrealistic
• Helpless or dependent on others
• Overly emotional or dramatic
• Cliché or predictable
• Passive or lacking agency

Negatives of being contained

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

• Feeling restricted or limited in one's actions and choices
• Facing challenges in adapting to new environments or situations
• Feeling trapped or confined, leading to feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia
• Being unable to explore new opportunities or experiences
• Struggling to form meaningful connections with others due to a lack of social interaction
• Experiencing boredom or a lack of stimulation

Positives of being contained

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

• They are often reliable and trustworthy, making them great allies and confidants.
• They often have a strong sense of personal boundaries, which can be helpful in maintaining healthy relationships with others.
• Contained characters are often good problem-solvers, able to approach challenges in a logical and methodical way.
• They are often disciplined and focused, able to stay on task and accomplish their goals.
• Contained characters are typically good at managing their emotions and maintaining a calm demeanor, even in stressful situations.
• Contained characters tend to be well-organized and structured.
• Contained characters tend to be introspective and self-aware, making them good at recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses.

Verbal expressions of contained characters

Here are some potential expressions used by contained characters.

• Not oversharing or overreacting
• Speaking softly or in a controlled tone
• Being guarded in conversations
• Maintaining composure in difficult situations
• Not revealing too much about oneself
• Keeping personal information private
• Listening more than talking
• Avoiding emotional outbursts or excessive displays of emotion
• Choosing words carefully

Relationships of contained characters

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

• A contained person may struggle to open up emotionally to others, even those closest to them.
• Contained people may be very reliable and dependable, but can struggle with providing emotional support to others.
• Contained individuals may have a hard time expressing their needs and desires to others, which can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.
• They may prefer to keep their relationships on a surface level, avoiding deep emotional conversations or vulnerability.
• They may have a tendency to withdraw from relationships when they feel overwhelmed or stressed.
• They may have a strong desire for privacy and boundaries in their relationships.
• They may come across as reserved or aloof, which can make it difficult for others to connect with them.

Examples from books of characters who are contained

• Paul Sheldon in "Misery" by Stephen King
• Don Quixote in "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes
• Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Jay Gatsby in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Offred in "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
• Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Winston Smith in "1984" by George Orwell
• Pi Patel in "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
• Jack Torrance in "The Shining" by Stephen King

Contained characters are often the main focus of the story and can provide a deeper exploration of human nature and emotions. By understanding the traits and motivations of these characters, writers can create more compelling and relatable characters in their own works.

Writing exercises for writing contained characters

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

• Start by identifying a character who embodies the Contained trait. This could be a character from your own writing or a character from literature or film.
• Write a scene in which the character is placed in a situation that challenges their Contained nature. How do they react? Do they maintain their composure, or do they become overwhelmed?
• Write a scene in which the character is forced to confront their emotions. How do they express themselves? Do they keep their feelings hidden or do they allow themselves to be vulnerable?
• Consider the character's physical behavior. How do they move and interact with their environment? Do they move with purpose and control, or do they seem hesitant and reserved?
• Consider the character's inner life. What thoughts and feelings do they keep hidden from others? How do these thoughts and feelings shape their behavior?
• Consider the character's relationships with others. How do they interact with people? Do they keep their distance or do they form deep connections?
• Write a scene in which the character is forced to make a difficult decision. How do they weigh their options? Do they rely on logic or intuition?