Character Trait: Correct

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "correct" refers to a person who consistently adheres to what is right and accurate, and who has a strong sense of justice. This trait can manifest in various ways, such as always following rules and regulations, being honest and transparent, admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for them, and seeking to make things right when they have gone wrong. People with this trait tend to have high standards for themselves and others, and they are often seen as reliable and trustworthy.

Possible causes of being correct

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

• Fear of making mistakes or causing harm
• Desire for order and structure
• Need for approval and validation from authority figures
• Innate sense of responsibility and duty
• Strong moral compass and ethical values
• Perfectionist tendencies
• Traumatic experiences or events that led to a need for control and predictability

For detailed feedback on correct characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's plot coherence checker.

Behaviors associated with being correct

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

• Using logic and reasoning to support arguments
• Following rules and guidelines
• Being thorough and detail-oriented
• Taking responsibility for your actions and their consequences
• Respecting the opinions and perspectives of others
• Admitting when you are wrong and correcting mistakes
• Checking facts and sources before making a claim or taking action
• Asking questions to clarify understanding
• Being open to feedback and constructive criticism

Attitudes associated with being correct

You may be able to show correct through their attitudes.

• Perfectionism
• Dedication to learning and knowledge acquisition
• Aversion to mistakes and errors
• Willingness to admit fault and seek correction
• Respect for authority
• Appreciation for accuracy and precision
• Adherence to rules and guidelines
• Desire for clarity and organization
• Attention to detail

Thoughts and struggles associated with being correct

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

• Constantly second-guessing decisions and actions
• Difficulty accepting criticism or feedback
• Obsessive need to do things the "right" way
• Difficulty letting go of control and delegating tasks to others
• Struggle to balance personal needs and desires with what is "correct" or socially acceptable
• Tendency to judge others for not adhering to their own moral code or standards
• Feeling overwhelmed or anxious when faced with situations that don't have clear-cut right or wrong answers
• Fear of making mistakes or being seen as wrong

Emotions associated with being correct

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

• Assurance
• Clarity
• Security
• Trust
• Confidence
• Fulfillment
• Empowerment
• Pride
• Satisfaction

Facial expressions associated with being correct

Here are some facial expressions your correct character may exhibit.

• Hands on hips
• Tightening of lips
• Stern or serious look
• Raised eyebrows
• Squinting of eyes
• Chin up
• Pointing with index finger
• Narrowing of eyes
• Head nodding

Body language associated with being correct

Here is some body language your correct character may exhibit.

• Using precise hand gestures when speaking
• Making direct eye contact
• Maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor
• Speaking in a measured and articulate tone
• Holding their head high
• Standing or sitting up straight
• Nodding in agreement
• Avoiding fidgeting or nervous movements
• Using a confident and assertive posture

For detailed feedback on correct characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's plot coherence checker.

Behaviors associated with being correct

Here are some behaviors your correct character may exhibit.

• Asking questions to clarify understanding
• Being thorough and detail-oriented
• Admitting when you are wrong and correcting mistakes
• Using logic and reasoning to support arguments
• Being open to feedback and constructive criticism
• Respecting the opinions and perspectives of others
• Taking responsibility for your actions and their consequences
• Following rules and guidelines
• Checking facts and sources before making a claim or taking action

Growth and evolution of correct characters

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

• Taking responsibility for their actions
• Overcoming a fear or phobia
• Developing a new skill or talent
• Learning to forgive someone or themselves
• Becoming more empathetic or compassionate towards others
• Accepting help from others
• Letting go of a grudge or resentment
• Recognizing and changing negative behavior patterns
• Learning to trust others

Stereotypes of correct characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical correct character like these examples.

• Avoid the "macho man" stereotype for male characters
• Avoid the "nerdy" stereotype for characters who are intelligent
• Avoid the "damsel in distress" stereotype for female characters
• Avoid the "angry Arab/Muslim" stereotype for Arab/Muslim characters
• Avoid the "lazy Mexican" stereotype for Latino characters
• Avoid the "drunk Irishman" stereotype for Irish characters
• Avoid the "sassy black woman" stereotype for black female characters
• Avoid the "dumb blonde" stereotype for female characters with blonde hair
• Avoid the "stoic Asian" stereotype for Asian characters

Remember, each character is unique and should not be defined by stereotypes or clichés. It's important to create complex, multi-dimensional characters that are relatable and authentic.

Negatives of being correct

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

• Being too rigid in your correctness can prevent you from being open to new perspectives and ideas.
• It can be difficult to connect with others if you are always focused on being right.
• Being overly correct can come across as pedantic and annoying to others.
• Focusing too much on being correct can lead to a fear of making mistakes and taking risks.
• It can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation if you are always following established rules and guidelines.

Positives of being correct

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

• It helps avoid mistakes and misinterpretations.
• It allows for clear communication and understanding.
• It can lead to personal and professional growth.
• It promotes accountability and responsibility.
• It shows respect for oneself and others.
• It builds trust and credibility with others.
• It can inspire others to strive for accuracy and precision.
• It can foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• It can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.

Verbal expressions of correct characters

Here are some potential expressions used by correct characters.

• "Right on the money."
• "You are correct."
• "Spot on."
• "Precisely."
• "Accurate."
• "That's right."
• "Factually sound."
• "Indeed."
• "Absolutely."

Relationships of correct characters

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

• They may struggle to give praise or recognition to others, as they are focused on perfection and may see any imperfections as a failure.
• Correct people may have difficulty accepting feedback or criticism themselves, as they may take it as a personal attack on their own perfectionism.
• Correct people may have a tendency to be critical of others, especially when it comes to mistakes or errors.
• They may have a strong need for control and may micromanage others in order to ensure that things are done correctly.
• Correct people may come across as rigid or inflexible in their interactions with others, as they have a clear idea of what is right and wrong.
• They may also struggle with delegation, as they believe that they are the only ones capable of doing things correctly.

Examples from books of characters who are correct

• Harry Potter from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series
• Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye
• Sherlock Holmes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series
• Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
• Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
• Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
• Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games series
• Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote
• Bilbo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit

Writing exercises for writing correct characters

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

• Make a list of the values and beliefs that define the trait you want to portray in your character. Use this list as a reference when writing their actions and dialogue.
• Consider the consequences of your character's actions when they display the trait. How do their actions affect other characters and the story as a whole?
• Create a character arc that allows your character to grow and change in relation to the trait. How does their understanding of the trait evolve over the course of the story?
• Write a scene in which your character is faced with a difficult decision that challenges their adherence to the trait. How do they react? What motivates their choice?
• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who has a different perspective on the trait. How does your character defend their beliefs and values, and how do they respond to criticism?
• Write a backstory for your character that explains how they came to embody the trait. What experiences or influences shaped their beliefs and values?
• Use sensory details to show the trait in action. How does your character's body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions reflect their adherence to the trait?