Character Trait: Cordial

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Cordial refers to being warm, friendly, and polite in behavior or speech towards others. A person who is cordial is approachable and welcoming, and they make an effort to create a pleasant atmosphere in their interactions with others. They are respectful and considerate of other people's feelings and opinions, and they tend to be good listeners. Cordiality can be expressed through small gestures like a smile or a kind word, and it can help to create positive relationships and build trust.

Possible causes of being cordial

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

• A belief that kindness and warmth are important virtues.
• A desire to maintain positive relationships and avoid conflict.
• A genuine interest in others' well-being and happiness.
• A background or upbringing that emphasized the value of cordiality and politeness.
• A sense of personal fulfillment from making others feel comfortable and appreciated.
• A tendency to see the good in people and situations.
• A natural inclination towards empathy and understanding.
• A desire to create a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere in social situations.

For detailed feedback on cordial characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story pacing tool.

Behaviors associated with being cordial

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

• Maintaining a positive attitude and demeanor even in difficult situations
• Greeting others with warmth and friendliness
• Using polite and respectful language
• Listening actively and showing interest in others
• Avoiding confrontational or aggressive behavior
• Offering help or assistance when needed
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others' feelings and perspectives
• Being gracious and thankful towards others
• Offering compliments or words of encouragement

Attitudes associated with being cordial

You may be able to show cordial through their attitudes.

• Polite
• Hospitable
• Respectful
• Friendly
• Welcoming
• Gracious
• Pleasant
• Kind
• Warm
• Affable
• Sociable
• Diplomatic
• Considerate
• Charming

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cordial

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

• Cordial characters may have a fear of rejection or being disliked, leading them to prioritize maintaining positive relationships over their own personal growth or well-being.
• They may also feel overwhelmed by emotions, as they tend to be empathetic and sensitive to the feelings of those around them.
• They may also struggle with setting boundaries and saying no, leading to feelings of being taken advantage of or being overburdened by others' demands.
• Cordial characters may have a tendency to avoid conflict and may struggle with standing up for themselves or others.
• A cordial character may struggle with being too accommodating to others and sacrificing their own needs and desires.
• They may often feel conflicted between being polite and truthful, especially in situations where they need to give constructive criticism or express disagreement.

Emotions associated with being cordial

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

• Friendliness
• Warmth
• Kindness
• Hospitality
• Politeness
• Openness
• Welcoming
• Affability
• Generosity

Facial expressions associated with being cordial

Here are some facial expressions your cordial character may exhibit.

• Offering a handshake or other friendly greeting
• Eye contact that is friendly and engaged
• A soft and welcoming tone of voice
• A warm and genuine smile
• Relaxed and open body language
• Nodding or tilting the head slightly to show interest and attentiveness
• Using polite language and manners, such as saying "please" and "thank you"

Body language associated with being cordial

Here is some body language your cordial character may exhibit.

• Avoiding crossing arms or legs
• Using a moderate tone of voice
• Maintaining eye contact
• Nodding and tilting the head
• Keeping a relaxed facial expression
• Using open and relaxed gestures
• Leaning forward slightly
• Smiling

For detailed feedback on cordial characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story pacing tool.

Behaviors associated with being cordial

Here are some behaviors your cordial character may exhibit.

• Listening actively and showing interest in others
• Greeting others with warmth and friendliness
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others' feelings and perspectives
• Avoiding confrontational or aggressive behavior
• Being gracious and thankful towards others
• Using polite and respectful language
• Offering compliments or words of encouragement
• Offering help or assistance when needed
• Maintaining a positive attitude and demeanor even in difficult situations

Growth and evolution of cordial characters

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

• Learn to forgive and let go of grudges or resentments towards others
• Overcome any personal fears or insecurities that may have held them back in the past
• Learn to set healthier boundaries and stand up for themselves when necessary
• Become more open-minded and receptive to others' perspectives
• Become more resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges or setbacks
• Develop more empathy and emotional intelligence towards others
• Become more comfortable expressing their own feelings and needs
• Develop stronger relationships with others through genuine kindness and generosity
• Learn to assert themselves more confidently in social situations

Stereotypes of cordial characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cordial character like these examples.

• Avoid making the Cordial character too predictable or one-dimensional.
• Avoid making the Cordial character too eager to please others at the expense of their own well-being.
• Avoid making the Cordial character too passive or meek.
• Avoid making the Cordial character too dependent on others for validation or approval.
• Avoid making the Cordial character overly sentimental or emotional.
• Avoid making the Cordial character too accommodating or willing to compromise their values.
• Avoid making the Cordial character too naive or ignorant of the world around them.

Negatives of being cordial

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

• Can lead to passive-aggressive behavior
• Can lead to difficulty setting boundaries
• May be taken advantage of by others
• May come across as insincere or fake
• Can lead to difficulty expressing one's true feelings or opinions
• May avoid confrontation or difficult conversations

Positives of being cordial

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

• Demonstrates professionalism and good manners
• Builds trust and rapport with others
• Fosters positive relationships and interactions
• Increases the likelihood of successful negotiations and compromise
• Helps to diffuse tense situations
• Enhances personal and professional reputation
• Creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere
• Shows respect and consideration for others
• Encourages open communication and collaboration

Verbal expressions of cordial characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cordial characters.

• "May I help you?"
• "You're welcome"
• "Please"
• "I appreciate your time"
• "How are you today?"
• "It's nice to meet you"
• "Thank you"
• "Excuse me"
• "Pardon me"

Relationships of cordial characters

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

• They are often seen as trustworthy and reliable, as they are consistent in their behavior and interactions with others.
• They are skilled at finding common ground with others and building connections based on shared values or interests.
• They are skilled at diffusing conflict and creating a positive, harmonious environment.
• They may struggle with expressing their own needs and desires, as they prioritize the needs of others.
• They tend to be supportive and encouraging of others, and are often seen as cheerleaders or mentors.
• They may struggle with setting boundaries and saying "no," as they want to please others and maintain positive relationships.
• They tend to be good listeners and are able to make others feel heard and valued.
• They are often well-liked and appreciated by others because of their friendly and approachable nature.
• They may have a tendency to avoid confrontation, which can sometimes lead to unresolved issues or resentment.

Examples from books of characters who are cordial

• Mr. Rogers from "I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers" by Tim Madigan
• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Wilbur Robinson from "Meet the Robinsons" by William Joyce
• Mary Poppins from "Mary Poppins" by P.L. Travers
• Paddington Bear from "A Bear Called Paddington" by Michael Bond
• Winnie the Pooh from "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne
• Charlotte A. Cavatica from "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing cordial characters

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

• Write a scene where your Cordial character is faced with a difficult decision that could potentially harm someone else. Show how they weigh their options and choose the path that shows the most compassion and kindness.
• Write a dialogue between your Cordial character and someone they disagree with. Show how they remain polite and respectful even when they don't see eye to eye.
• Write a scene where your Cordial character is mediating a conflict between two other characters. Show how they listen to both sides, empathize with their feelings, and try to find a peaceful resolution.
• Write a monologue from your Cordial character's point of view, reflecting on what it means to be cordial and why it's important in their life.
• Write a scene where your Cordial character is in a position of authority, such as a teacher or a manager. Show how they treat their subordinates with respect, kindness, and understanding.
• Start by creating a character profile for your Cordial character. Think about their background, upbringing, and experiences that have shaped their personality.
• Write a scene where your Cordial character is meeting someone new. Show how they greet the person, how they ask about their day, and how they make them feel welcome.