Character Trait: Cosmopolitan

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Cosmopolitan refers to a person who is well-traveled, open-minded, and sophisticated in their tastes and perspectives. A cosmopolitan character is comfortable with diversity and adapts easily to different cultures, languages, and social situations. They have a broad understanding of the world and are knowledgeable about different customs, traditions, and lifestyles. A cosmopolitan character is often curious, adventurous, and eager to learn, and they value experiences and connections over material possessions.

Possible causes of being cosmopolitan

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

• A strong sense of self and confidence in one's own identity
• Exposure to diverse cultures and experiences
• A love for learning and intellectual stimulation
• A desire for adventure and excitement
• A sense of empathy and compassion for others
• A tendency towards creativity and imagination
• Open-mindedness and willingness to try new things
• A natural curiosity about the world and people
• A belief in the importance of tolerance and acceptance

For detailed feedback on cosmopolitan characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's character arc evaluator.

Behaviors associated with being cosmopolitan

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

• Trying new foods and cuisines
• Traveling to different parts of the world
• Being open-minded and accepting of different lifestyles and beliefs
• Learning about different cultures and customs
• Being knowledgeable about current events and global issues
• Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds
• Speaking multiple languages or being open to learning them
• Being comfortable in unfamiliar situations and adapting to new environments

Attitudes associated with being cosmopolitan

You may be able to show cosmopolitan through their attitudes.

• Willingness to learn from others
• Curiosity about different cultures
• Global awareness and perspective
• Desire for new experiences and adventures
• Tolerance for different lifestyles and viewpoints
• Comfort with ambiguity and complexity
• Open-mindedness
• Embrace of change and novelty
• Appreciation for diversity

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cosmopolitan

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

• A struggle with commitment and settling down
• A recognition of the interconnectedness of the world and global issues
• An attraction to diversity and multiculturalism
• A fear of missing out on opportunities
• A balancing act between individualism and community involvement
• A curiosity about different cultures and lifestyles
• A tendency to prioritize personal freedom over stability
• A desire for new experiences and adventures
• A sense of restlessness and wanderlust

Emotions associated with being cosmopolitan

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

• Inclusiveness
• Multiculturalism
• Adaptability
• Progressiveness
• Liberalism
• Tolerance
• Sophistication
• Diversity
• Acceptance
• Worldliness
• Curiosity
• Global awareness
• Open-mindedness

Facial expressions associated with being cosmopolitan

Here are some facial expressions your cosmopolitan character may exhibit.

• A well-groomed appearance
• A calm and collected demeanor
• Eye contact that is direct, yet not overly intense
• A slight head tilt to show engagement
• A subtle and confident smile
• Raised eyebrows indicating interest or intrigue
• A relaxed and open facial expression

Body language associated with being cosmopolitan

Here is some body language your cosmopolitan character may exhibit.

• Confident posture: standing tall with shoulders back and chest out
• Use of props: carrying a designer bag, using a smartphone or tablet
• Friendly and approachable facial expressions: smiling, eye contact, nodding
• Relaxed and open gestures: arms uncrossed, hands on hips, hands gesturing while speaking
• Multicultural awareness: showing interest in different cultures and customs
• Fashionable clothing: dressed in trendy and stylish outfits
• Awareness of current events: staying up-to-date with news and world events

For detailed feedback on cosmopolitan characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's character arc evaluator.

Behaviors associated with being cosmopolitan

Here are some behaviors your cosmopolitan character may exhibit.

• Being comfortable in unfamiliar situations and adapting to new environments
• Being open-minded and accepting of different lifestyles and beliefs
• Speaking multiple languages or being open to learning them
• Trying new foods and cuisines
• Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds
• Traveling to different parts of the world
• Learning about different cultures and customs
• Being knowledgeable about current events and global issues

Growth and evolution of cosmopolitan characters

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

• Learn to forgive and let go of past traumas or grudges
• Develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion towards others
• Discover their true passions and pursue them with confidence
• Re-evaluate their beliefs and values, leading to personal growth and change
• Overcome their fears and insecurities to take on new challenges
• Develop a more open-minded perspective on life and different cultures
• Learn to trust and rely on others, building stronger relationships
• Become more self-aware and gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and motivations

Stereotypes of cosmopolitan characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cosmopolitan character like these examples.

• Manipulative and selfish
• Judgmental and critical of others
• Emotionally unstable and overly dramatic
• Dismissive of traditional values and morals
• Promiscuous and lacking in morals
• Obsessed with luxury and expensive things
• Always seeking attention and validation
• Overly concerned with appearance and physical attractiveness
• Shallow and materialistic

Negatives of being cosmopolitan

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

• The pressure to constantly be "in the know" and up-to-date on the latest trends and happenings can be exhausting and draining.
• The constant movement and stimulation of a cosmopolitan lifestyle can lead to feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction with one's current circumstances.
• It may also result in a lack of deeper connections with people, as one is constantly exposed to new places and faces.
• Being cosmopolitan can lead to a sense of detachment from one's cultural roots and identity.
• There may be a tendency to prioritize material possessions and experiences over relationships and personal growth.

Positives of being cosmopolitan

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

• Being cosmopolitan fosters creativity and innovation as exposure to new ideas can inspire fresh thinking.
• They have a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of the world and the impact of their actions on others, leading to a sense of social responsibility.
• Cosmopolitan individuals have a broader perspective on the world and are open to different cultures and lifestyles.
• Cosmopolitan individuals are often more tolerant and accepting of others, which can lead to better relationships and more harmonious communities.
• They tend to be more adaptable and flexible in new situations and environments.

Verbal expressions of cosmopolitan characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cosmopolitan characters.

• Using inclusive language and avoiding stereotypes
• Discussing global news or events
• Expressing interest in diverse hobbies or activities
• Referencing international cuisine or cultural practices
• Name-dropping international celebrities or public figures
• Using international slang or phrases
• Mentioning travel destinations or experiences
• Incorporating foreign words or phrases into conversation

Relationships of cosmopolitan characters

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

• They may have a strong sense of empathy and are able to understand and relate to others' emotions and experiences.
• They are skilled at adapting to new environments and can easily establish rapport with people from different cultures and social groups.
• Cosmopolitan people tend to be good communicators and are able to connect with others on a deeper level.
• They are often curious and interested in learning about other people's stories and experiences.
• Cosmopolitan people tend to be open-minded and accepting of others' differences.
• They value diversity and seek out opportunities to learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Examples from books of characters who are cosmopolitan

• Holly Golightly from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Hermione Granger from the series by J.K. Rowling
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Sherlock Holmes from the series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Harry Potter from the series by J.K. Rowling
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Daisy Buchanan from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Mr. Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Writing exercises for writing cosmopolitan characters

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

• Start by researching different cultures and their values, beliefs, customs, and traditions to create characters with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This can help you avoid stereotypes and clichés and make your characters more authentic and relatable.
• Show your characters interacting with people from different backgrounds, classes, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. This can reveal their biases, prejudices, and assumptions, as well as their capacity for empathy, respect, and curiosity.
• Use sensory details to describe your characters' appearance, clothing, accessories, and surroundings. This can show their tastes, preferences, and influences, as well as the social and cultural norms they adhere to or challenge.
• Give your characters unique voices, accents, dialects, and languages to reflect their origins and identities. This can add depth and complexity to their personalities and interactions, and create opportunities for humor, conflict, or empathy.
• Explore your characters' values, goals, aspirations, and fears in relation to the larger world they inhabit. This can help you create meaningful conflicts and themes, and make your characters more memorable and inspiring.
• Use dialogue, internal monologue, and action to reveal your characters' thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This can show how they respond to challenges, opportunities, and changes, and how they evolve over time.