Character Trait: Cultured

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The trait of being cultured generally refers to an individual who is knowledgeable and well-versed in the arts, literature, music, and other aspects of human culture. A cultured person is often curious, open-minded, and interested in learning about different cultures and ways of life. They are also typically well-educated and able to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Overall, a cultured character is someone who embodies sophistication, refinement, and an appreciation for the finer things in life.

Possible causes of being cultured

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

• A curiosity about the world and a willingness to explore and discover new things
• A passion for trying new foods and experiencing different cuisines
• Exposure to different cultures through travel or living in diverse communities
• A desire to broaden one's perspective and understanding of the world and its people
• A strong desire to learn about different cultures and their customs, traditions, and history
• A love for the arts, including literature, music, theater, and visual arts
• Exposure to different languages, either through formal education or personal interest

Behaviors associated with being cultured

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

• Valuing education and continuous learning
• Exhibiting refined tastes in art, literature, music, and other intellectual pursuits
• Traveling widely and experiencing different cultures firsthand
• Displaying knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultural traditions
• Expressing oneself eloquently and fluently in multiple languages
• Demonstrating a deep understanding of history and philosophy
• Engaging in intellectual conversations and debates with others
• Acting with grace and dignity in social situations

Attitudes associated with being cultured

You may be able to show cultured through their attitudes.

• Sophistication and refinement in taste and behavior
• Willingness to learn and explore new ideas and knowledge
• Open-mindedness
• Awareness of history and cultural traditions
• Respect for art, literature, and other forms of creative expression
• Curiosity
• Appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences
• Intellectual curiosity and engagement with complex ideas

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cultured

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

• A cultured character may struggle with feeling out of place in less sophisticated environments or around people with different backgrounds.
• They may be torn between the desire to fit in with their cultural peers and the need to express their individuality.
• They may feel a sense of responsibility to preserve and promote cultural traditions, and may struggle with balancing this with the need for progress and innovation.
• They may feel pressure to constantly impress others with their knowledge and refinement.
• They may have a tendency to be judgmental or dismissive of those who don't share their interests or tastes.
• They may struggle with feelings of elitism and exclusivity, and may need to learn to appreciate the value of different perspectives and ways of life.

Emotions associated with being cultured

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

• Education
• Sophistication
• Manners
• Politeness
• Awareness of different cultures
• Intellectual curiosity
• Tolerance
• Broad knowledge
• Good taste
• Appreciation for the arts
• Open-mindedness
• Refinement
• Worldliness

Facial expressions associated with being cultured

Here are some facial expressions your cultured character may exhibit.

• Relaxed and composed facial muscles
• Eye contact
• Subtle hand gestures
• Slight squint
• Calm and measured speaking tone
• Soft smile
• Tilted head
• Raised eyebrows
• Polite nod

Body language associated with being cultured

Here is some body language your cultured character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a clear and articulate manner
• Using hand gestures that are precise and deliberate
• Standing or sitting up straight with good posture
• Using a calm and controlled tone of voice
• Maintaining eye contact during conversations
• Using facial expressions that convey interest and understanding
• Taking care of personal grooming and hygiene
• Avoiding fidgeting or nervous movements
• Dressing in a polished and sophisticated manner

Behaviors associated with being cultured

Here are some behaviors your cultured character may exhibit.

• Acting with grace and dignity in social situations
• Displaying knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultural traditions
• Valuing education and continuous learning
• Expressing oneself eloquently and fluently in multiple languages
• Demonstrating a deep understanding of history and philosophy
• Traveling widely and experiencing different cultures firsthand
• Engaging in intellectual conversations and debates with others
• Exhibiting refined tastes in art, literature, music, and other intellectual pursuits

Growth and evolution of cultured characters

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

• The character may become more open-minded and accepting of other cultures and ideas.
• They may become more knowledgeable about history, philosophy, and other intellectual pursuits.
• The character may become more sophisticated and refined in their tastes and behaviors.
• They may become more empathetic and understanding towards people from different backgrounds.
• The character may learn to adapt to new situations and environments with ease, due to their exposure to different cultures.
• They may develop a deeper appreciation for the arts, literature, music, and other forms of creative expression.

Stereotypes of cultured characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cultured character like these examples.

• Lack of spontaneity and creativity
• Inability to relate to people from different backgrounds and experiences
• Pretentiousness and affectation
• Stiffness and lack of humor or playfulness
• Snobbery and elitism
• Excessive formality and rigid adherence to etiquette
• Narrow-mindedness and lack of openness to new ideas
• Ignorance or disdain of other cultures and perspectives
• Arrogance and condescension
• Obsession with status and prestige

Remember that these are just stereotypes and not all Cultured characters have to possess these traits. In fact, creating well-rounded and nuanced characters requires avoiding these clichés and exploring the complexities and contradictions of individual personalities.

Negatives of being cultured

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

• Can come across as snobbish or elitist
• May prioritize high culture over other forms of creativity and expression
• Could be seen as pretentious or overly intellectual
• May be perceived as out of touch with the "real world"
• Could lead to a narrow-minded view of the world

Positives of being cultured

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

• They are more likely to have a well-rounded education, which can open up career opportunities and increase earning potential.
• They appreciate and enjoy cultural diversity, which leads to a more tolerant and inclusive worldview.
• Cultured individuals have a broader understanding of art, literature, music, history, and other humanities.
• Cultured individuals tend to have better communication skills, as they can relate to people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
• They are more likely to have a sense of purpose and meaning in life, as they have a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around them.
• Cultured people are often more creative and imaginative, as they draw inspiration from a wide range of cultural influences.
• Cultured people often have a stronger sense of identity and self-awareness, as they have explored different cultural traditions and perspectives.

Verbal expressions of cultured characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cultured characters.

• Understanding and respecting different cultures and customs
• Appreciating and enjoying fine food, wine, and other luxuries
• Speaking multiple languages fluently
• Using complex vocabulary and eloquent language
• Exhibiting a sophisticated sense of style and fashion
• Demonstrating good manners and etiquette in social situations
• Discussing current events and politics in an informed manner
• Making references to classic literature, art, and music

Relationships of cultured characters

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

• They may have a preference for more refined or sophisticated activities, such as attending the theater or going to museums, and may seek out like-minded individuals for these experiences.
• Cultured individuals often have a deep understanding of history and world events, which can lead to interesting conversations and debates with others.
• They may have a strong appreciation for the arts and literature, and may enjoy discussing these topics with others who share their interests.
• Cultured people tend to have respectful and polite relationships with others, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Examples from books of characters who are cultured

• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Captain Ahab from "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Lord Henry Wotton from "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde
• Mr. Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Marianne Dashwood from "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing cultured characters

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

• Write a dialogue between your character and a friend where they discuss cultural differences and similarities.
• Research and read extensively about different cultures, traditions, and customs from around the world.
• Show your character's ability to adapt to new cultural environments and situations.
• Explore your character's taste in music, art, literature, and other cultural expressions.
• Have your character share a personal story or memory that reflects their appreciation and knowledge of different cultures.
• Create a backstory for your character that involves them traveling or living in different parts of the world, and how that experience shaped their worldview.
• Create a character profile that includes information about your character's upbringing, education, and exposure to different cultures.
• Write a scene where your character interacts with someone from a different culture and show how they respond to and respect their differences.
• Have your character attend a cultural event or festival and describe how they engage with the experience.