Character Trait: Conventional

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Conventional" refers to a person who adheres to traditional or established standards, customs, and beliefs. A conventional character tends to follow the rules and norms of society, often choosing to conform rather than challenge the status quo. They value the familiar and may find comfort in routine and structure. However, this trait can also lead to a lack of creativity and a resistance to change.

Possible causes of being conventional

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

• Perceived social status or acceptance through conformity
• Desire for structure and order
• Religious or spiritual beliefs
• Personal comfort and safety in adhering to rules and traditions
• Fear of change or uncertainty
• Preference for familiarity and predictability
• Cultural or societal norms and expectations
• Upbringing and family values

For detailed feedback on conventional characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's critique report.

Behaviors associated with being conventional

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

• Being conservative in one's views and beliefs
• Avoiding risk and uncertainty
• Adhering to social norms and expectations
• Following established rules and traditions
• Conforming to the standards of one's social group or community
• Valuing stability and predictability
• Maintaining a sense of order and structure
• Respecting authority and hierarchy
• Preferring the familiar over the new or different

Attitudes associated with being conventional

You may be able to show conventional through their attitudes.

• May judge others who deviate from conventional norms
• Prefers familiar and established ways of doing things
• Respects authority and tradition
• Values stability and predictability
• Adheres to societal norms and expectations
• May feel uncomfortable with change or uncertainty

Thoughts and struggles associated with being conventional

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

• Desire for security and stability in relationships and career
• Tendency to judge others based on societal standards
• Fear of being ostracized or criticized by others
• Fear of breaking rules or social norms
• Struggle to express individuality or creativity
• Willingness to conform to authority figures or popular opinions
• Difficulty taking risks or trying new things
• Difficulty adapting to change or unfamiliar situations
• Desire for structure and predictability

Emotions associated with being conventional

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

• Tradition
• Avoiding risks or uncertainty
• Conformity
• Conservatism
• Following rules and norms
• Orderliness
• Compliance
• Routine
• Obedience
• Predictability

Facial expressions associated with being conventional

Here are some facial expressions your conventional character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows to show surprise or agreement
• A polite smile
• A neutral or composed facial expression to show a lack of strong emotions
• A slight nod of the head to show agreement or understanding
• Squinting or furrowing of the brow to show disapproval or confusion

Body language associated with being conventional

Here is some body language your conventional character may exhibit.

• Using proper grammar and avoiding slang or informal language
• Keeping facial expressions neutral or subdued
• Standing or sitting up straight
• Maintaining eye contact during conversation
• Speaking in a clear and measured tone
• Crossing legs or arms in a neat and orderly fashion
• Avoiding fidgeting or excessive movement
• Avoiding slouching or leaning

For detailed feedback on conventional characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's critique report.

Behaviors associated with being conventional

Here are some behaviors your conventional character may exhibit.

• Valuing stability and predictability
• Preferring the familiar over the new or different
• Avoiding risk and uncertainty
• Maintaining a sense of order and structure
• Being conservative in one's views and beliefs
• Conforming to the standards of one's social group or community
• Following established rules and traditions
• Adhering to social norms and expectations
• Respecting authority and hierarchy

Growth and evolution of conventional characters

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

• Learning to love and accept themselves for who they are
• Letting go of past traumas or grudges and forgiving others
• Overcoming their fear or weakness
• Learning to trust others
• Becoming more confident or assertive
• Changing their perspective on a certain issue or person
• Recognizing the consequences of their actions and taking responsibility for them
• Developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their beliefs
• Discovering their true passion or purpose

Stereotypes of conventional characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical conventional character like these examples.

• Avoid making Conventional characters one-dimensional or predictable.
• Avoid making Conventional characters too passive or lacking agency.
• Avoid stereotyping characters based on their race, gender, or ethnicity.
• Avoid making Conventional characters overly rigid or inflexible in their thinking or behavior.
• Avoid making all Conventional characters conform to a narrow set of societal norms or expectations.
• Avoid making Conventional characters too perfect or flawless.

Negatives of being conventional

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

• Limited perspective on life and society
• Inflexibility
• Lack of open-mindedness
• Fear of the unknown
• Resistance to change
• Conformity to societal expectations over personal desires
• Rigid adherence to rules and norms
• Lack of creativity

Positives of being conventional

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

• They are typically respectful of authority and hierarchy, which can make them good leaders in structured environments.
• Conventional individuals are often good at following instructions and adhering to guidelines, which can make them valuable team players.
• They often prioritize conformity and fitting in, which can foster a sense of community and belonging.
• They follow rules and traditions, which can provide stability and a sense of order.
• Conventional people tend to be reliable and responsible.

Verbal expressions of conventional characters

Here are some potential expressions used by conventional characters.

• "Proper etiquette dictates..."
• "That's just the way things are done."
• "This is a tried and true method."
• "Don't rock the boat."
• "It's important to follow the rules."
• "It's not appropriate to deviate from the norm."
• "We should stay within our comfort zone."
• "Let's stick to the plan."
• "We've always done it this way."

Relationships of conventional characters

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

• They may seek out relationships with people who share their values and beliefs.
• They may prioritize maintaining social status and adhering to traditional values and expectations.
• They may place a high value on loyalty and may have difficulty ending relationships even if they are no longer fulfilling.
• They may be hesitant to challenge authority or question established systems and structures.
• They may have a strong desire to fit in with others and conform to social norms.
• They may struggle to connect with individuals who have different lifestyles or unconventional views.

Examples from books of characters who are conventional

• The love interest
• The femme fatale
• The rebel
• The hero/heroine
• The villain
• The warrior/soldier
• The sidekick
• The scientist/inventor
• The comic relief
• The anti-hero/anti-heroine
• The outsider
• The detective/sleuth
• The innocent
• The tragic hero/heroine
• The flawed character
• The wise old man/woman
• The mentor
• The wizard/magician

Writing exercises for writing conventional characters

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

• Have your character struggle with an unconventional idea or way of doing things, but ultimately choose to stick with the tried and true method.
• Create a situation where your character has to choose between doing what is expected of them by society and doing what they truly want to do.
• Write a character who has a strong sense of tradition and values, and explore how their adherence to these values affects their relationships with others.
• Write a scene where your character is following all the rules and protocols of a particular event, even if it means sacrificing their own desires.
• Create a character who is very comfortable with routine and structure, and explore how this affects their day-to-day life.
• Create a character who is very concerned with appearances and how they are perceived by others, and explore how this affects their decision-making.
• Have your character struggle with a decision that goes against their values, but ultimately choose to do what is expected of them by society.
• Write a scene where your character is forced to navigate a situation with someone who has a very different set of values and beliefs than they do.
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a moral dilemma, and ultimately decides to do what is right even if it goes against convention.