Character Trait: Deliberate

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Deliberate refers to someone who acts in a thoughtful, intentional, and careful manner. A deliberate person takes time to consider their options and consequences before making a decision or taking action. They prioritize planning and preparation, and are not impulsive or rash in their behavior. A deliberate character is often seen as reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. They are able to stay focused on their goals and work towards them with persistence and dedication.

Possible causes of being deliberate

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

• Childhood experiences: growing up in an environment where independence, self-sufficiency, and assertiveness were encouraged, or where the individual had to rely on themselves to overcome challenges and obstacles.
• Fear of failure: a need to plan and prepare carefully to avoid mistakes or negative outcomes, and a reluctance to take risks or be impulsive.
• Ambition: a drive to succeed, achieve their goals, and make a significant impact on the world around them.
• Past successes: previous experiences of achieving what they set out to do can reinforce the belief that their deliberate approach is effective and lead to a preference for this way of operating.
• Perfectionism: a desire to achieve high standards, and a tendency to be highly critical of themselves and others.
• Personal values: a strong belief in autonomy, self-determination, and the power of choice, as well as a desire to be in control of their life and decisions.

Behaviors associated with being deliberate

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

• Making decisions after careful thought and consideration
• Following through on commitments and promises
• Paying attention to details
• Being organized and methodical in approach
• Focusing on tasks and avoiding distractions
• Being patient and not rushing into things
• Planning ahead and setting goals
• Thinking before speaking or acting
• Taking calculated risks based on thorough analysis

Attitudes associated with being deliberate

You may be able to show deliberate through their attitudes.

• Analytical and logical
• Purposeful and intentional
• Patient and cautious
• Focused and attentive
• Detail-oriented and precise
• Disciplined and diligent
• Thoughtful and reflective
• Organized and systematic
• Considerate and respectful

Thoughts and struggles associated with being deliberate

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

• A Deliberate character thinks carefully before acting or making decisions
• They may struggle with expressing their emotions or being vulnerable
• They may be highly organized and detail-oriented
• They may have a strong sense of responsibility and duty
• They may have difficulty adapting to unexpected changes or new situations
• They may prioritize logic and rationality over emotions and intuition
• They may fear making mistakes or taking risks
• They may have a strong desire for control and order in their life
• They may struggle with indecisiveness or being overly cautious

Emotions associated with being deliberate

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

• Intentional
• Analytical
• Purposeful
• Detail-oriented
• Systematic
• Disciplined
• Meticulous
• Prudent
• Focused
• Patient
• Methodical
• Strategic
• Thoughtful
• Careful
• Organized
• Objective
• Decisive
• Calculated
• Rational

Facial expressions associated with being deliberate

Here are some facial expressions your deliberate character may exhibit.

• Clenched jaw or teeth grinding
• Minimal facial expressions, showing control and restraint
• Squinting or narrowing of the eyes
• Steady, unflinching eye contact
• Tight-lipped smile or no smile at all
• Slow and deliberate movements
• Raised chin or eyebrows indicating confidence and conviction
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Focused gaze

Body language associated with being deliberate

Here is some body language your deliberate character may exhibit.

• Taking time to consider responses and decisions
• Maintaining an upright and composed posture
• Avoiding fidgeting or other nervous behaviors
• Maintaining steady eye contact with others
• Using measured and controlled gestures
• Speaking slowly and clearly, with purposeful pauses

Behaviors associated with being deliberate

Here are some behaviors your deliberate character may exhibit.

• Planning ahead and setting goals
• Thinking before speaking or acting
• Being organized and methodical in approach
• Making decisions after careful thought and consideration
• Taking calculated risks based on thorough analysis
• Following through on commitments and promises
• Being patient and not rushing into things
• Paying attention to details
• Focusing on tasks and avoiding distractions

Growth and evolution of deliberate characters

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

• Becoming more self-aware and reflective
• Learning to control their emotions and reactions
• Becoming more patient and thoughtful in decision-making
• Gaining a better understanding of the consequences of their actions
• Becoming more analytical and strategic
• Developing a stronger sense of purpose or direction
• Developing a more mature perspective on life
• Learning to think before acting impulsively
• Learning to communicate more clearly and effectively
• Improving their ability to plan and execute tasks effectively

Stereotypes of deliberate characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical deliberate character like these examples.

• Making Deliberate characters too predictable and one-dimensional
• Making Deliberate characters overly cautious to the point of being indecisive
• Portraying Deliberate characters as emotionless or lacking in spontaneity
• Portraying Deliberate characters as overly analytical to the point of being detached
• Depicting Deliberate characters as too rigid or inflexible in their thinking
• Creating Deliberate characters that are too risk-averse and unwilling to take chances
• Creating Deliberate characters that lack empathy or understanding of others' perspectives
• Making Deliberate characters too focused on their goals to the exclusion of all else
• Depicting Deliberate characters as lacking in creativity or imagination

Negatives of being deliberate

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

• Can be perceived as indecisive or slow
• May miss out on opportunities due to overthinking
• May struggle with spontaneity or adapting to unexpected situations
• Can come across as rigid or inflexible
• Can be overly critical of oneself and others

Positives of being deliberate

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

• They are able to communicate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
• They are able to make decisions with a clear mind and purpose.
• Deliberate people are often very organized and methodical in their approach to tasks.
• They are able to take the time to fully understand a situation before taking action, which can lead to better outcomes.
• Deliberate individuals tend to be thoughtful and intentional in their actions.
• Deliberate people are often well-prepared and thorough in their work.
• They are able to prioritize and focus on what is most important.
• Deliberate individuals are often able to persevere through challenges and obstacles.

Verbal expressions of deliberate characters

Here are some potential expressions used by deliberate characters.

• "I take my time to ensure quality work."
• "I am methodical in my approach."
• "I strive to be precise in my communication."
• "I prefer to have a clear understanding before moving forward."
• "I need to plan and organize before taking action."
• "Let me weigh my options before making a decision."
• "I consider all possibilities before making a choice."
• "I want to think this through."
• "I like to be intentional in my actions."

Relationships of deliberate characters

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

• They are often more intentional about building and maintaining relationships, taking the time to invest in meaningful connections.
• Deliberate individuals are often able to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively, leading to more open and honest relationships.
• Deliberate people tend to have clear boundaries and assert their needs, which can lead to healthier and more respectful relationships.
• Deliberate individuals may be more selective about the people they choose to spend time with and may prioritize relationships that align with their values and goals.
• They may struggle with indecisiveness or being overly critical, which can lead to conflicts in relationships.
• They are less likely to engage in codependent behaviors and are more comfortable with autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Examples from books of characters who are deliberate

• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Ender Wiggin from "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Tyrion Lannister from the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins

These characters are all known for their intentional and purposeful actions, often driven by a strong sense of determination and focus. By studying the traits and behaviors of these Deliberate characters, writers can learn how to create similarly impactful and memorable characters in their own stories.

Writing exercises for writing deliberate characters

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

• Write a dialogue between your character and another character where they discuss a plan or strategy. Show how your character's Deliberate nature affects their approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Consider the physical actions of your character. Are they fidgety or still? Do they rush through tasks or take their time? Use these physical cues to show their Deliberate nature in action.
• Choose a character from your story and think about how they currently make decisions. Are they impulsive or thoughtful? Do they act without considering the consequences, or do they carefully weigh their options? Consider how you can incorporate more Deliberate decision-making into their actions.
• Consider the consequences of your character's Deliberate nature. How does it affect their relationships with others? Are they seen as reliable or indecisive? Use these consequences to show the impact of their trait on their life and the lives of those around them.
• Start by defining what Deliberate means to you in the context of character traits. Write down a list of words or phrases that come to mind when you think of someone who is Deliberate.
• Use internal monologue to show your character's thought process when making a decision. Show the reader how they weigh their options and consider the consequences of their actions.
• Write a scene where your character faces a difficult decision. Have them take the time to consider their options and weigh the pros and cons. Show the reader how their Deliberate nature affects the outcome of the decision.