Character Trait: Contemplative

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Contemplative refers to a person who is thoughtful, introspective, and reflective. A contemplative character is someone who takes the time to carefully consider their thoughts and feelings before taking action or making decisions. They may be quiet and reserved, and often prefer to spend time alone to reflect on their experiences. A contemplative character is often highly self-aware and in tune with their emotions, which can make them more empathetic and understanding of others. This trait can add depth and complexity to a character, making them more relatable and interesting to readers.

Possible causes of being contemplative

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

• Exposure to contemplative practices, such as meditation or mindfulness, which may lead to a greater appreciation for reflection and stillness.
• Life experiences that have led to a need for introspection and contemplation, such as trauma, loss, or a challenging upbringing.
• Innate personality traits, such as introversion, introspection, and a preference for reflection over action.
• A creative or artistic inclination, which may require deep reflection and contemplation in order to develop ideas and express oneself fully.
• A desire for meaning and purpose in life, which may lead to a search for answers and a need to explore one's inner self.

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

Behaviors associated with being contemplative

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

• Taking time to reflect on oneself and one's surroundings
• Engaging in philosophical or intellectual pursuits to deepen understanding
• Spending time alone in quiet contemplation
• Being open-minded and receptive to new ideas and experiences
• Engaging in introspection and self-examination
• Considering multiple perspectives and possibilities before making a decision
• Seeking out and valuing solitude and silence
• Being mindful and present in the moment
• Practicing meditation or other contemplative practices to cultivate inner peace and clarity

Attitudes associated with being contemplative

You may be able to show contemplative through their attitudes.

• A tendency to think deeply before taking action
• A willingness to spend time alone in quiet reflection
• A preference for introspection and self-reflection
• A focus on personal growth and development
• An appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world
• A tendency to weigh options and consider different perspectives
• A willingness to explore spiritual or philosophical concepts
• A sense of calm and peace when in a contemplative state
• A desire to understand the meaning and purpose of life

Thoughts and struggles associated with being contemplative

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

• They may have a strong sense of spirituality or connection to something greater than themselves.
• They may have a tendency to overthink or analyze situations, sometimes leading to indecision or inaction.
• A contemplative character may constantly question their purpose in life and the meaning of their existence.
• They may be highly empathetic, feeling deeply for others and the world around them, but may also become overwhelmed by these emotions.
• They may struggle with finding balance between their inner world and the external demands of society.
• They may struggle with feelings of isolation or loneliness, as their introspective nature can make it difficult for them to connect with others on a deep level.
• They may value solitude and introspection, but also yearn for connection and understanding from others.
• They may be introspective about their flaws and weaknesses, and constantly strive for self-improvement and growth.

Emotions associated with being contemplative

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

• Peaceful
• Meditative
• Thoughtful
• Calm
• Deliberate
• Pensive
• Reflective
• Patient
• Observant
• Philosophical
• Analytical
• Serene
• Questioning
• Curious
• Introspective

Remember, these emotions are not exclusive to someone who is contemplative and can overlap with other traits. The key is to use a mix of emotions that create a unique and dynamic character.

Facial expressions associated with being contemplative

Here are some facial expressions your contemplative character may exhibit.

• A distant gaze
• Frowning
• Chin resting on hand
• Pressing fingertips together
• A pensive expression
• Deep in thought
• A slight head tilt
• A slight nod of the head
• Pursed lips
• Eyes looking up and to the side
• Furrowed brows

Body language associated with being contemplative

Here is some body language your contemplative character may exhibit.

• Sitting or standing still for long periods of time
• Lips pursed or biting bottom lip
• Chin resting on hand or fingers tapping on chin
• Tilting head to the side
• Fidgeting or restlessness
• Eyes narrowed or staring off into the distance
• Furrowed brow or raised eyebrows
• Slow, deliberate movements
• Crossing arms or legs in thought

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

Behaviors associated with being contemplative

Here are some behaviors your contemplative character may exhibit.

• Seeking out and valuing solitude and silence
• Practicing meditation or other contemplative practices to cultivate inner peace and clarity
• Engaging in introspection and self-examination
• Being mindful and present in the moment
• Engaging in philosophical or intellectual pursuits to deepen understanding
• Taking time to reflect on oneself and one's surroundings
• Spending time alone in quiet contemplation
• Being open-minded and receptive to new ideas and experiences
• Considering multiple perspectives and possibilities before making a decision

Growth and evolution of contemplative characters

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

• Discover a greater sense of purpose or meaning in life
• Develop a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around them
• Learn to live in the present moment and let go of past regrets or future anxieties
• Learn to communicate their thoughts and feelings more effectively
• Cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion towards others
• Develop a deeper understanding of themselves through introspection and reflection
• Overcome their fears and insecurities by facing them head-on
• Find a balance between solitude and social interaction
• Become more open-minded and accepting of different perspectives and experiences

Stereotypes of contemplative characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical contemplative character like these examples.

• Avoid making them too detached from reality or ungrounded.
• Avoid making them socially awkward or isolated.
• Avoid making them overly intellectual or philosophical to the point of being unrealistic.
• Avoid making them too reclusive or hermit-like.
• Avoid making them too introspective to the point of being self-absorbed.
• Avoid making them passive or indecisive.
• Avoid making them overly pessimistic or cynical.
• Avoid making them emotionless or devoid of personality.

Negatives of being contemplative

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

• May come across as aloof or detached to others
• Prone to self-doubt and insecurity
• Tendency to isolate oneself or withdraw from social situations
• May struggle with assertiveness or standing up for oneself
• Overthinking and analyzing situations excessively
• Difficulty in making decisions or taking action
• Struggle with expressing emotions or communicating effectively

Positives of being contemplative

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

• Contemplative people are often great listeners, as they are willing to give others the time and attention needed to express themselves fully.
• Contemplative individuals tend to be reflective and introspective, which can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
• They are often patient and thoughtful, taking the time to carefully consider their actions and decisions.
• Contemplative people may be more spiritual or philosophical, as they are often interested in exploring the deeper questions of life.
• Contemplative individuals may have a greater appreciation for beauty and the natural world, as they are often attuned to the subtleties of their surroundings.
• They may be more in tune with their emotions and those of others, which can lead to greater empathy and understanding.
• They may be more creative, as contemplation can lead to new insights and perspectives.

Verbal expressions of contemplative characters

Here are some potential expressions used by contemplative characters.

• "I'm meditating on this."
• "I need to think about this."
• "Let me reflect on that."
• "I'm introspecting to gain clarity."
• "I'm in a contemplative mood."
• "I'm considering all the possibilities."
• "I'm taking some time to ponder my options."
• "I'm exploring my thoughts and feelings."
• "I'm taking a moment to ruminate."

Relationships of contemplative characters

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

• Can be introspective and self-reflective, which can sometimes lead to a tendency to withdraw from social situations
• Often have a strong sense of empathy and may be able to understand and relate to others' emotions and perspectives
• Can be good listeners and supporters for friends and loved ones who are going through difficult times.
• May take longer to form deep connections with others, but once formed, these connections are likely to be meaningful and long-lasting
• Tend to listen more than they speak
• May struggle with conflict and confrontation, preferring to avoid these situations whenever possible
• May be drawn to others who share their contemplative nature or who value quiet, reflective time
• May prefer one-on-one interactions rather than large groups or crowds

Remember that these are just general tendencies, and every individual is unique. Some contemplative people may not exhibit all of these dynamics, or may exhibit them to different degrees.

Examples from books of characters who are contemplative

• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Clarissa Dalloway from "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Pi Patel from "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing contemplative characters

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

• Write a scene in which the character confronts a difficult decision or situation, and takes the time to weigh all the options and consider the potential consequences before acting.
• Show the character being hesitant to make a decision or take action until they have fully considered all possible outcomes.
• Have the character keep a journal or write letters to themselves, in which they reflect on their experiences and try to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
• Show the character engaging in a spiritual practice or ritual, such as prayer or meditation.
• Write a dialogue in which the character engages in a philosophical discussion with another character, exploring deep questions about life and existence.
• Have the character engage in a creative activity, such as painting or playing music, to help them process their feelings.
• Write a scene in which the character spends time alone, reflecting on their thoughts and emotions.
• Write a scene in which the character goes on a solitary walk or hike, using the time to think and meditate.
• Have the character seek out a mentor or counselor to help them work through their thoughts and emotions.