Character Trait: Cunning

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Cunning is a personality trait that refers to the ability to achieve goals through cleverness, deception, and strategic planning. It is often associated with being sly, crafty, and manipulative. People who possess this trait are usually able to think quickly on their feet, anticipate the moves of others, and use their intelligence to their advantage. However, it's important to note that cunning can also have negative connotations if it is used to harm others or achieve selfish goals.

Possible causes of being cunning

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

• Personal upbringing and environment: Growing up in an environment where one had to be resourceful to survive could lead to a cunning personality.
• Lack of trust: If someone has been betrayed or let down in the past, they may develop a cunning personality as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from future harm.
• Desire for power: Some people may use cunning tactics to gain power and control over others.
• Learned behavior: Observing and emulating others who use cunning tactics to get what they want can shape one's behavior.
• Survival instinct: In certain situations, such as a highly competitive workplace or a dangerous neighborhood, being cunning can be a means of survival.

Behaviors associated with being cunning

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

• Being quick-witted and resourceful in challenging situations
• Knowing how to read people and situations to one's advantage
• Using deception or trickery to achieve one's goals
• Using one's intelligence and knowledge to gain an advantage
• Planning and strategizing ahead of time
• Manipulating others to get what one wants
• Being able to navigate complex social situations with ease
• Being able to improvise and adapt to changing circumstances
• Hiding one's true intentions or feelings

Attitudes associated with being cunning

You may be able to show cunning through their attitudes.

• Stealthy
• Deceptive
• Manipulative
• Strategic
• Opportunistic
• Calculating
• Ambitious
• Scheming
• Clever
• Resourceful
• Shrewd
• Sly
• Quick-witted
• Astute

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cunning

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

• They may struggle with trust issues, as they are constantly analyzing people's motives and looking for hidden agendas.
• They have a tendency to manipulate situations and people to their advantage, often using their charm and wit to get what they want.
• They may have a hard time forming genuine connections with others, as they are always calculating the benefits and drawbacks of any relationship.
• They may struggle with guilt or ethical dilemmas when their actions harm others, but ultimately they prioritize their own goals over the well-being of others.
• They may feel a sense of superiority or arrogance due to their intelligence and ability to outmaneuver others.
• The Cunning character is highly intelligent and strategic, always thinking ahead and anticipating potential obstacles.

Emotions associated with being cunning

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

• Scheming
• Tricky
• Deviousness
• Dishonesty
• Mischievousness
• Sneakiness
• Craftiness
• Cleverness
• Slyness
• Sharpness
• Manipulation
• Calculating
• Opportunistic
• Resourcefulness

Facial expressions associated with being cunning

Here are some facial expressions your cunning character may exhibit.

• Tilting the head slightly to the side while maintaining eye contact
• A small, subtle smile or smirk
• Biting or pursing the lips
• A quick, sly glance to the side or over the shoulder
• A furrowed brow while appearing thoughtful or calculating
• Raising one eyebrow in a questioning or challenging manner
• Narrowing of the eyes or squinting

Body language associated with being cunning

Here is some body language your cunning character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows
• Manipulating others to achieve one's goals
• Being secretive or mysterious
• Smirking or smug expressions
• Showing confidence and self-assurance
• Narrowed or squinted eyes
• Avoiding eye contact or looking away quickly
• Tilting the head slightly
• Concealing one's true feelings or intentions
• Using smooth or persuasive speech

Behaviors associated with being cunning

Here are some behaviors your cunning character may exhibit.

• Being able to improvise and adapt to changing circumstances
• Using one's intelligence and knowledge to gain an advantage
• Being able to navigate complex social situations with ease
• Knowing how to read people and situations to one's advantage
• Planning and strategizing ahead of time
• Hiding one's true intentions or feelings
• Using deception or trickery to achieve one's goals
• Being quick-witted and resourceful in challenging situations
• Manipulating others to get what one wants

Growth and evolution of cunning characters

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

• They may learn to be more patient and strategic instead of relying solely on their quick wit and cunning.
• They may learn to be more empathetic and understanding, using their cunning skills to help others instead of just themselves.
• They may learn the importance of honesty and integrity, realizing that their cunning ways can sometimes be detrimental to those around them.
• They may overcome a personal flaw or weakness, such as a tendency towards selfishness or deceit, and learn to use their cunning in a more positive and constructive way.
• A cunning character may learn to trust others more, realizing that they can't do everything alone.
• They may develop a sense of responsibility and leadership, using their cunning abilities to help others achieve their goals.

Stereotypes of cunning characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cunning character like these examples.

• Being overly manipulative and deceitful without any justification or motive.
• Being portrayed as always one step ahead of everyone else, with no room for error or setbacks.
• Having no redeeming qualities or flaws that make them relatable or interesting.
• Being portrayed as heartless and lacking empathy or care for others.

Negatives of being cunning

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

• Betrayal of trust
• Manipulative behavior towards others
• Difficulty forming genuine connections or relationships based on honesty and trust
• Lying, deceiving, or withholding information for personal gain
• Lack of empathy towards others' feelings or well-being
• Using others as pawns in personal schemes or agendas
• Acting selfishly without regard for others' needs or feelings
• Potential for isolation or alienation from others

Positives of being cunning

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

• They are independent thinkers and don't rely on others to make decisions for them.
• They tend to be strategic thinkers who can see the big picture and plan accordingly.
• Cunning individuals are often very perceptive and can read others well, which can help them in negotiations and other interpersonal interactions.
• They are adaptable and can adjust to changing circumstances quickly.
• Cunning people are often very persuasive and can use their charm to influence others.
• They are confident and self-assured, which can help them achieve their goals.
• They are resourceful and can find creative solutions to difficult situations.
• Cunning individuals are excellent problem-solvers and can think on their feet.

Verbal expressions of cunning characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cunning characters.

• "I'm always one step ahead."
• "I have a plan, but I'll need your help executing it."
• "I have a few tricks up my sleeve."
• "I know just how to get what I want."
• "Let's play this game strategically."
• "I can see through people's lies and manipulations."
• "I'm not afraid to bend the rules to achieve my goals."
• "I'll find a way to turn this situation to my advantage."
• "I'll make them think it was their idea all along."

Relationships of cunning characters

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

• Deceptive: Cunning people may be adept at concealing their true intentions or feelings. They may present a false image of themselves to others in order to gain their trust or sympathy. They may also be good at detecting when others are lying or hiding something.
• Manipulative: Cunning people may use their intelligence and wit to manipulate others into doing what they want or giving them what they need. They might use flattery, lies, or other tactics to achieve their goals.
• Strategic: Cunning people may be skilled at thinking ahead and planning for the future. They may be good at anticipating others' moves and preparing for contingencies. They may also be good at identifying and exploiting others' weaknesses.
• Competitive: Cunning people may see life as a game and constantly seek to win, even if it means stepping on others to get ahead. They may be driven by a desire for power, recognition, or material success.

Examples from books of characters who are cunning

• Amy Dunne from Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
• Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Tom Ripley from The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
• Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
• Count Olaf from A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
• Francis Underwood from House of Cards by Michael Dobbs
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Artemis Fowl from the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer
• Tyrion Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin

Writing exercises for writing cunning characters

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

• Write a scene where the cunning character is faced with a moral dilemma and must use their intelligence and cunning to navigate the situation.
• Create a scenario where the cunning character is forced to use their intelligence and wit to outsmart an opponent.
• Create a plot twist where the cunning character's plans are revealed to be even more elaborate and devious than the reader originally thought.
• Write a backstory for the cunning character that explains how they developed their cunning nature.
• Write a scene where the cunning character is confronted by someone who has figured out their plans, and must use their cunning to talk their way out of trouble.
• Write a scene where the cunning character is trying to manipulate or deceive someone.
• Write a dialogue between the cunning character and another character where the cunning character is trying to convince the other character to do something.