Character Trait: Courageous

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Courageous refers to a person who is brave, fearless, and willing to take risks. A courageous character is someone who faces difficult or dangerous situations with determination and bravery, even when the odds are against them. They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, and they are willing to take action even in the face of adversity. Courageous characters inspire others with their bravery and determination, and they often become heroes in their own right.

Possible causes of being courageous

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

• Natural disposition or temperament: Some people are born with a courageous personality due to their inherent nature. They possess a natural sense of bravery and fearlessness that allows them to face challenges head-on.
• Life experiences: Past experiences, especially those that involve overcoming fear or adversity, can instill a sense of courage in individuals. These experiences can range from small triumphs to life-changing events.
• Role models: Having positive role models who exhibit courage and bravery can inspire individuals to develop similar qualities. These role models can be real-life people or fictional characters.
• Personal values: Courage is often a core value for many individuals. Those who prioritize bravery and standing up for what they believe in may naturally develop a courageous personality.

For detailed feedback on courageous characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being courageous

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

• Facing fears and taking risks
• Trying new things despite uncertainty or discomfort
• Persisting through challenges and setbacks
• Admitting mistakes and learning from them
• Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
• Helping others in need, even if it involves personal sacrifice
• Being honest and transparent, even when it's difficult
• Standing up for oneself or others
• Speaking up against injustice or wrongdoing

Attitudes associated with being courageous

You may be able to show courageous through their attitudes.

• Self-confidence and belief in oneself
• Perseverance in the face of adversity
• Empathy and compassion towards others in need
• Willingness to take risks
• Facing fears and challenges head-on
• Honesty and integrity, even in difficult situations
• Openness to new experiences and ideas
• Decisiveness and ability to make tough choices
• Selflessness and willingness to put others before oneself

Thoughts and struggles associated with being courageous

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

• They may also struggle with the weight of responsibility that comes with being a leader or hero.
• A courageous character may struggle with fear and doubt, but chooses to act despite those feelings.
• They may have moments of weakness or doubt, but ultimately choose to push through and take action.
• They may have a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect others, even if it puts themselves in danger.
• They may have a deep sense of loyalty to their friends and loved ones, and may put themselves in harm's way to protect them.
• They may also struggle with the consequences of their actions, knowing that their bravery may have unintended consequences or risks.

Emotions associated with being courageous

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

• Willpower
• Boldness
• Tenacity
• Confidence
• Resilience
• Self-assuredness
• Fearlessness
• Bravery
• Determination

Facial expressions associated with being courageous

Here are some facial expressions your courageous character may exhibit.

• A fearless smile, showing teeth
• Dilated pupils, indicating heightened alertness
• A determined look in the eyes
• A furrowed brow, indicating intense focus
• A firm and confident jawline
• A straight posture, with shoulders held back

Body language associated with being courageous

Here is some body language your courageous character may exhibit.

• Taking up space and using expansive body language
• Using open and assertive hand gestures
• Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, even in stressful situations
• Speaking in a firm and confident tone of voice
• Showing physical signs of determination, such as a clenched jaw or narrowed eyes
• Making direct eye contact with others
• Moving with purpose and energy, showing a readiness to take action
• Gesturing with purposeful and decisive movements
• Standing tall with a straight back and squared shoulders

For detailed feedback on courageous characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being courageous

Here are some behaviors your courageous character may exhibit.

• Trying new things despite uncertainty or discomfort
• Being honest and transparent, even when it's difficult
• Admitting mistakes and learning from them
• Facing fears and taking risks
• Helping others in need, even if it involves personal sacrifice
• Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
• Speaking up against injustice or wrongdoing
• Standing up for oneself or others
• Persisting through challenges and setbacks

Growth and evolution of courageous characters

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

• Developing resilience and persistence in the face of adversity
• Taking risks and learning from mistakes
• Developing a sense of responsibility towards others
• Facing and overcoming challenges and obstacles
• Learning to trust oneself and others
• Empowering others to be brave and stand up for what is right
• Understanding the difference between bravery and recklessness
• Overcoming fear or self-doubt
• Learning to lead by example and inspire others

Stereotypes of courageous characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical courageous character like these examples.

• Avoid having them ignore their own fears or vulnerabilities
• Avoid making them reckless or impulsive without considering the consequences
• Avoid making them overconfident to the point of arrogance
• Avoid having them always be the hero or savior in every situation
• Avoid portraying them as emotionless or detached from others
• Avoid portraying courageous characters as invincible or completely fearless
• Avoid using courage as the character's only defining trait, make them multidimensional

Negatives of being courageous

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

• Overconfidence: Being courageous can lead to overconfidence which can cause individuals to take unnecessary risks.
• Arrogance: Courageous individuals may develop a sense of superiority and disregard the opinions and feelings of others.
• Lack of caution: Courageous individuals may underestimate the potential danger of a situation and fail to take necessary precautions.
• Stubbornness: Courageous individuals may become stubborn and refuse to back down, even when it may be in their best interest to do so.
• Recklessness: Courageous individuals may act impulsively without considering all possible consequences, leading to reckless behavior.

Positives of being courageous

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

• Courage can strengthen relationships and build trust, as it demonstrates reliability and dependability.
• It can lead to personal growth and development as individuals push themselves outside of their comfort zones.
• Courage allows individuals to face their fears and overcome challenges.
• It provides a sense of confidence and self-assurance, which can improve self-esteem.
• Courageous individuals are often seen as role models and leaders, inspiring others to take action.

Verbal expressions of courageous characters

Here are some potential expressions used by courageous characters.

• "I will tackle this head-on."
• "I am brave enough to speak my mind."
• "I won't back down from a challenge."
• "I am ready to take on anything."
• "I will fight for what is right."
• "I am not afraid to take risks."
• "I will face my fears."
• "I will stand up for what I believe in."
• "I am not afraid to try something new."

Relationships of courageous characters

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

• They are often willing to take risks and try new things, which can inspire others to step out of their comfort zones.
• They often have a strong moral compass and may be willing to speak out against injustice or unethical behavior.
• They may be protective of those they care about and stand up for them in difficult situations.
• They may have a tendency to take on too much responsibility and try to "fix" problems on their own, which can lead to burnout and stress in relationships.
• They may struggle with trust and vulnerability, as they have a strong sense of self-reliance and can be hesitant to depend on others.
• They tend to be honest and direct in their communication, which can sometimes come across as blunt or confrontational.

Examples from books of characters who are courageous

• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Harry Potter from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Jean Valjean from "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo
• Hester Prynne from "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing courageous characters

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

• Create a situation where your character has to face a difficult decision, but chooses to do the right thing even though it's not the easiest option.
• Imagine a scenario where your character must put themselves in harm's way to protect someone else, and write about how they handle the situation.
• Write a scene where your character must confront their own fears or insecurities, and finds the strength to overcome them.
• Write a scene where your character stands up to a bully, despite the fear they feel.
• Create a conflict where your character is forced to take a risk, and write about how they handle the consequences of their actions.
• Create a situation where your character must face an overwhelming challenge, and write about how they find the courage to keep going.
• Write a scene where your character must stand up for their beliefs, even when it's unpopular or goes against the norm.