Character Trait: Decisive

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Decisive is a character trait that describes a person's ability to make firm and timely decisions, often in difficult or uncertain situations. A decisive individual is able to weigh the pros and cons of a situation, quickly analyze the available information, and confidently make a choice without hesitation. This trait is often associated with strong leadership skills and the ability to take charge and make things happen. Being decisive can be a valuable asset in many areas of life, from personal relationships to business and career success.

Possible causes of being decisive

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

• Past experiences that have required them to make tough decisions
• Confidence in their abilities and decision-making skills
• Ability to quickly analyze and assess situations
• Willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty
• Strong sense of purpose or direction in life
• Clear understanding of their values and priorities
• Desire for control or autonomy in their life

Behaviors associated with being decisive

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

• Being confident in choices made
• Adapting to changes and challenges
• Taking action without hesitation
• Trusting instincts and intuition
• Accepting responsibility for outcomes
• Communicating clearly and effectively
• Sticking to a plan or strategy
• Prioritizing tasks and goals
• Making quick and firm decisions

Attitudes associated with being decisive

You may be able to show decisive through their attitudes.

• Willingness to take risks: They are willing to take calculated risks and are not afraid of failure.
• Ability to prioritize: They have the ability to prioritize tasks and make decisions based on their level of importance.
• Clarity: They have a clear understanding of what they want and what they need to do to achieve it.
• Confidence: Decisive individuals have confidence in their abilities to make the right decision.
• Self-assuredness: They trust their instincts and have faith in their judgment.
• Proactivity: They are proactive, taking action quickly and efficiently.

Thoughts and struggles associated with being decisive

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

• A decisive character is someone who is quick to make decisions.
• They are confident in their choices and don't second-guess themselves.
• In moments of uncertainty, they may feel anxious or stressed about making the "right" choice.
• However, they may struggle with being seen as rigid or inflexible.
• They may also feel the weight of responsibility when making important decisions.
• At times, they may feel the need to control situations and outcomes to ensure success.
• They may also struggle with delegating decisions to others and trusting their judgment.
• They often have a clear sense of purpose and direction in life.

Emotions associated with being decisive

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

• Certainty
• Boldness
• Confidence
• Assurance
• Clarity
• Conviction
• Empowerment
• Resoluteness
• Determination

Facial expressions associated with being decisive

Here are some facial expressions your decisive character may exhibit.

• A determined or unwavering gaze
• A direct or purposeful stare to communicate focus and determination
• A confident or self-assured smile
• A slight nod of the head to indicate agreement or approval
• A sharp or pointed look to convey authority or command
• A raised eyebrow to emphasize a point
• A firm or set jaw
• A furrowed brow

Body language associated with being decisive

Here is some body language your decisive character may exhibit.

• Fidgeting less and maintaining stillness when sitting or standing
• Speaking with a clear and confident tone
• Taking quick and purposeful steps when walking
• Standing tall and upright with good posture
• Using hand gestures that are purposeful and deliberate, such as pointing or chopping motions
• Making direct eye contact with others
• Nodding or shaking the head decisively to indicate agreement or disagreement
• Using minimal filler words or pauses when speaking

Behaviors associated with being decisive

Here are some behaviors your decisive character may exhibit.

• Adapting to changes and challenges
• Trusting instincts and intuition
• Prioritizing tasks and goals
• Accepting responsibility for outcomes
• Sticking to a plan or strategy
• Communicating clearly and effectively
• Making quick and firm decisions
• Taking action without hesitation
• Being confident in choices made

Growth and evolution of decisive characters

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

• The decisive character may learn to adapt and make decisions in uncertain or unpredictable situations.
• The decisive character may learn to delegate tasks and decisions to others, trusting their abilities and judgment.
• They may learn to accept that not all decisions will have a clear right or wrong answer, and become comfortable with making difficult choices.
• The decisive character may learn to take responsibility for their decisions, even if they don't turn out as expected.
• They may learn to consider the perspectives and opinions of others before making a choice.
• They may learn to balance their decisiveness with empathy and compassion for others.
• The decisive character may learn to slow down and weigh their options before making a decision.

Stereotypes of decisive characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical decisive character like these examples.

• Avoid making them too rash in their decision-making, without considering the consequences.
• Avoid making them too self-centered or dismissive of others' opinions.
• Avoid making them too aggressive or confrontational without reason.
• Avoid making Decisive characters overly impulsive or reckless.
• Avoid making them too stubborn or unwilling to listen to others' input.

Negatives of being decisive

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

• Missing out on opportunities by rushing to conclusions
• Making snap judgments without considering all options
• Taking unnecessary risks without proper evaluation
• Alienating others who feel their input isn't valued
• Being perceived as bossy or controlling
• Being inflexible and unwilling to consider alternative perspectives

Positives of being decisive

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

• Decisiveness can inspire confidence in others, as people tend to trust those who are able to make strong and timely decisions.
• Decisive people are able to make quick and confident decisions, which can save time and prevent overthinking.
• They often have a clear sense of direction and purpose, allowing them to focus on their goals and achieve them more efficiently.
• Being decisive can also promote a sense of empowerment and control, as it allows individuals to take charge of their lives and navigate difficult situations with confidence.

Verbal expressions of decisive characters

Here are some potential expressions used by decisive characters.

• "Time is of the essence."
• "We're moving forward."
• "I've made up my mind."
• "No more hemming and hawing."
• "I'm taking charge."
• "I'm confident in my decision."
• "I know what needs to be done."
• "Let's do it!"
• "This is the best course of action."

Relationships of decisive characters

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

• In friendships, decisive individuals may be valued for their ability to take charge and make plans, but may struggle with maintaining close relationships if they are too controlling or dismissive of others' opinions.
• Decisive individuals may struggle with compromise and may have difficulty seeing things from another person's perspective.
• They may have a tendency to be dominant or controlling in their interactions with others.
• They may also have high standards for their partners and may be quick to end a relationship if they feel their needs aren't being met.
• They may be seen as confident and assertive, which can be attractive to some people, but intimidating to others.
• Decisive people tend to take charge in their relationships and can often be seen as the leader or decision-maker.
• In romantic relationships, decisive individuals may be attracted to partners who are more passive or willing to follow their lead.

Examples from books of characters who are decisive

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Writing exercises for writing decisive characters

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

• Write a scene where your character's decisiveness is tested. Perhaps they have to go against the wishes of someone they care about or make a decision that goes against their own interests. How do they handle the situation?
• Write a scene where your character has to make a decision that goes against their own moral code. How do they reconcile their decision with their values?
• Write a backstory for your character that shows a time when they had to make a difficult decision. How did they handle it? Did it shape their personality or decision-making process?
• Write a scene where your character has to make an important decision quickly. What factors do they consider? How do they weigh the consequences of their decision?
• Create a dialogue between your decisive character and someone who disagrees with their decision. How do they defend their choice? How do they handle criticism or pushback?
• Create a character who is indecisive and have your decisive character help them make a choice. How do they approach the situation? What advice do they give?