Character Trait: Deep

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Deep" can be defined as someone who is introspective, thoughtful, and reflective. A deep character has a rich and complex inner life and is often preoccupied with questions about the meaning of life, the nature of existence, and the mysteries of the universe. They tend to be philosophical and contemplative, and they may be perceived as mysterious or enigmatic by others. A deep character is also capable of empathy and understanding, and they can connect with others on a profound level.

Possible causes of being deep

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

• A desire to understand the human condition and the world around them
• A creative or artistic disposition that values depth and complexity
• A natural inclination towards introspection and reflection
• A strong sense of empathy and emotional sensitivity
• Exposure to complex or challenging life experiences, such as trauma or adversity
• A preference for solitude or introspective activities that foster deep thinking
• A passion for exploring philosophical or existential questions
• A tendency to question authority or societal norms
• A history of meaningful relationships or connections that have shaped their worldview

Behaviors associated with being deep

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

• Values depth and substance over superficiality
• Engages in introspection and self-reflection
• Embraces complexity and ambiguity
• Expresses oneself thoughtfully and deliberately
• Seeks to understand others on a deep level
• Explores the depths of emotions and thoughts
• Finds beauty in the nuances of life
• Asks meaningful questions and seeks meaningful answers
• Analyzes complex ideas and situations
• Thinks deeply about the world and its meaning

Attitudes associated with being deep

You may be able to show deep through their attitudes.

• A desire to understand oneself and others on a deeper level
• A preference for depth over surface-level interactions or relationships
• An appreciation for art, music, literature, or other forms of expression that delve into deeper themes and meanings
• A tendency to reflect on life's deeper questions
• A willingness to explore complex emotions and ideas
• A sense of curiosity and wonder about the mysteries of life and the universe

Thoughts and struggles associated with being deep

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

• They may feel a sense of responsibility to help others or make a difference in the world.
• They may question their own identity and feel like they don't truly belong anywhere.
• A deep character may have a complex history that has shaped their personality and beliefs.
• They may be conflicted about their values and struggle to reconcile them with their actions.
• They may experience emotional pain or trauma that they try to cope with in unhealthy ways.
• They may have a strong moral compass but also be willing to make tough decisions that go against their principles.
• They may have a strong desire for personal growth and self-improvement.
• They may struggle with relationships and have difficulty trusting others or forming close connections.
• They may have fears or insecurities that they try to hide from others.

Emotions associated with being deep

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

• Reflective
• Brooding
• Analytical
• Introspective
• Mysterious
• Philosophical
• Thoughtful
• Insightful
• Perceptive
• Intellectual
• Contemplative
• Complex

Facial expressions associated with being deep

Here are some facial expressions your deep character may exhibit.

• Furrowed brow
• Focused or concentrated expression
• Slight head tilt
• Raised eyebrows (in surprise or consideration)
• Pursed lips
• Thoughtful expression
• Serious or pensive look
• Intense gaze

Body language associated with being deep

Here is some body language your deep character may exhibit.

• Tilting their head slightly while listening or contemplating
• Maintaining eye contact and engaging in thoughtful conversation
• Leaning forward and intently listening to others
• Taking pauses before responding to questions or comments
• Slow, deliberate movements and gestures
• Crossing their arms over their chest and hunching their shoulders when lost in thought
• Stroking their chin or tapping their finger on their lips while pondering
• Frowning or furrowing their brow when thinking deeply

Behaviors associated with being deep

Here are some behaviors your deep character may exhibit.

• Engages in introspection and self-reflection
• Values depth and substance over superficiality
• Asks meaningful questions and seeks meaningful answers
• Expresses oneself thoughtfully and deliberately
• Explores the depths of emotions and thoughts
• Finds beauty in the nuances of life
• Thinks deeply about the world and its meaning
• Embraces complexity and ambiguity
• Analyzes complex ideas and situations
• Seeks to understand others on a deep level

Growth and evolution of deep characters

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

• Changing their perspective on a particular issue or belief
• Confronting and resolving past traumas or conflicts
• Learning to trust others and form meaningful relationships
• Learning to forgive themselves and others
• Developing new skills or abilities
• Overcoming their fears or insecurities
• Gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions
• Becoming more empathetic and understanding towards others
• Taking responsibility for their actions and making amends for past mistakes

Stereotypes of deep characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical deep character like these examples.

• Avoid the stereotypical "bad boy" or "mean girl" character traits, as they often lack depth and complexity.
• Avoid using clichéd character traits, such as the "rebel without a cause" or the "wise old mentor."
• Avoid characters who are one-dimensional and only defined by a single trait, such as being overly aggressive or overly sensitive.
• Avoid characters who are too perfect, as they can come across as unrealistic and unrelatable.

Negatives of being deep

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

• May struggle with interpersonal relationships due to a preference for solitude
• Can be prone to depression or anxiety
• Tendency to overthink and overanalyze situations
• Tendency to hold grudges or dwell on past events
• Difficulty in making quick decisions
• May struggle with expressing emotions or vulnerability to others
• May come across as aloof or distant to others

Positives of being deep

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

• Deep characters often have a strong sense of purpose or conviction, which can make them more compelling and inspiring.
• Depth adds complexity and richness to a character, making them more interesting and memorable.
• Depth can create a sense of empathy and relatability between the character and the reader, as the character's struggles and emotions resonate with the reader's own experiences.
• Deep characters tend to be more introspective and reflective, providing insight into their motivations and thought processes.

Verbal expressions of deep characters

Here are some potential expressions used by deep characters.

• Using metaphors and analogies to convey complex ideas
• Speaking in a slow and measured pace
• Using meaningful pauses in speech
• Asking thought-provoking questions
• Avoiding small talk and focusing on meaningful conversation
• Speaking in a low and resonant voice
• Being comfortable with silence
• Choosing words carefully and thoughtfully
• Offering insightful observations and perspectives

Relationships of deep characters

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

• They may struggle to connect with individuals who prioritize surface-level interactions and lack depth in their conversations and relationships.
• Deep people may have close relationships with others who are also deep thinkers or share similar values and beliefs.
• Deep people may also experience tension in relationships with individuals who are more emotionally reactive or impulsive, as they may struggle to understand or relate to their behavior.
• They may have a tendency to seek out relationships with individuals who challenge their perspectives and push them to think critically.
• Deep people may also value relationships with individuals who are empathetic and emotionally intelligent, as they appreciate others who prioritize emotional depth and introspection.

Examples from books of characters who are deep

• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing deep characters

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

• Write a dialogue where the character has a deep conversation with someone else. This can showcase their ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
• Show the character's contradictions and complexities. Perhaps they have a strong moral compass, but they struggle with temptation. Or maybe they are empathetic and caring, but they also have a tendency to be selfish.
• Show how the character's depth affects their actions and decisions. For example, if they have a strong connection to their values, they may make decisions that align with those values even if it's difficult or unpopular.
• Consider the character's relationships with other characters. How do they interact with people who have different perspectives or values? How do they handle conflict with others?
• Consider the character's backstory and how it has shaped their personality. What events or experiences have contributed to their depth?
• Use sensory details to show how the character experiences emotions. For example, if a character is feeling grief, describe the weight in their chest or the lump in their throat.
• Start with defining what "Deep" means to you. Is it a character who is introspective and reflective? Is it someone who is emotionally complex and nuanced? Or is it a character who has a strong connection to their values and beliefs?
• Write a scene where the character is alone, reflecting on their thoughts and emotions. This can give readers insight into their internal world.