Character Trait: Demonstrative

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Demonstrative refers to individuals who are expressive and outgoing in their emotions and behavior. They tend to be very vocal about their feelings, often using gestures and body language to convey their emotions. Demonstrative individuals are often seen as passionate, enthusiastic, and lively, and they enjoy being the center of attention. They may also be prone to exaggeration and drama in their speech and actions. Overall, Demonstrative characters are vibrant and expressive, often leaving a lasting impression on those around them.

Possible causes of being demonstrative

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

• A need for validation and approval from others
• A preference for dramatic or theatrical ways of communicating
• A need to express themselves and their emotions openly
• A tendency to use gestures and facial expressions to emphasize their speech
• An outgoing and extroverted temperament
• A desire to engage others and create a lively atmosphere
• A natural desire for attention and recognition
• A belief that being expressive and enthusiastic is a positive trait

Behaviors associated with being demonstrative

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

• Being willing to take risks and try new things
• Being comfortable in social situations and enjoying being the center of attention
• Using expressive body language, such as hand gestures and facial expressions, to convey emotions and ideas
• Sharing personal feelings and thoughts openly and frequently
• Speaking in a lively and animated tone of voice
• Being physically affectionate and touchy-feely with others
• Being enthusiastic and passionate about interests and hobbies

Attitudes associated with being demonstrative

You may be able to show demonstrative through their attitudes.

• Outspokenness and talkativeness
• Openness and expressiveness
• Readiness to share thoughts and feelings with others
• Gestures and body language to emphasize points
• Tendency to be extroverted and outgoing
• Willingness to show emotions and affection
• Warmth and friendliness in interactions with others
• Confidence and assertiveness
• Enthusiasm and passion

Thoughts and struggles associated with being demonstrative

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

• They may struggle with admitting when they are wrong or making mistakes.
• They enjoy being in control and may struggle with delegating tasks or trusting others.
• They may struggle with vulnerability and opening up emotionally to others.
• They may have a tendency to interrupt others or dominate conversations.
• They are confident and assertive, but may come across as arrogant or domineering.
• They may become frustrated when others don't see things the way they do.
• They are passionate about their beliefs and may have a hard time seeing other perspectives.
• They may have a strong need for recognition and validation from others.
• They may struggle with empathy and understanding others' emotions.

Emotions associated with being demonstrative

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

• Outgoing
• Enthusiastic
• Dramatic
• Charismatic
• Talkative
• Passionate
• Energetic
• Expressive
• Animated

Facial expressions associated with being demonstrative

Here are some facial expressions your demonstrative character may exhibit.

• Open mouth
• Raised eyebrows
• Wide eyes
• Nodding emphatically while speaking
• Laughing heartily
• Leaning forward while engaged in conversation
• Smiling broadly
• Gesturing with hands and arms
• Tilting head back while laughing

Body language associated with being demonstrative

Here is some body language your demonstrative character may exhibit.

• Touching or patting others on the back or shoulder
• Speaking loudly and with energy
• Laughing or smiling frequently
• Standing or sitting in an open and expansive posture
• Gesturing widely with arms and hands
• Leaning forward while speaking to show enthusiasm
• Using props or visual aids to support their point
• Using facial expressions to emphasize emotions
• Maintaining eye contact while talking

Behaviors associated with being demonstrative

Here are some behaviors your demonstrative character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a lively and animated tone of voice
• Being enthusiastic and passionate about interests and hobbies
• Being willing to take risks and try new things
• Using expressive body language, such as hand gestures and facial expressions, to convey emotions and ideas
• Being comfortable in social situations and enjoying being the center of attention
• Sharing personal feelings and thoughts openly and frequently
• Being physically affectionate and touchy-feely with others

Growth and evolution of demonstrative characters

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

• Becoming more patient and understanding of others' shortcomings
• Developing empathy and understanding for those who are different from them
• Learning to compromise and work collaboratively with others
• Admitting when they are wrong and apologizing for their mistakes
• Acknowledging and addressing their own flaws and biases
• Showing vulnerability and opening up to others
• Becoming more self-aware and reflective
• Learning to listen to others and consider their perspectives
• Letting go of their need for control and perfection

Stereotypes of demonstrative characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical demonstrative character like these examples.

• Loud and attention-seeking in every situation
• Having a one-dimensional personality without any real flaws or weaknesses.
• Being overly aggressive or confrontational in every situation
• Inability to listen to others or consider their perspectives
• Self-centered and insensitive to others' feelings
• Being the "life of the party" without any real substance or depth
• Lack of depth or complexity in their behavior and motivations
• Overly emotional or dramatic without reason
• Always seeking validation or approval from others
• Inability to control their emotions or impulsivity

Remember that these traits are not inherently negative, but they become problematic when they are overused or used in a shallow, one-dimensional way. As a writer, strive to create well-rounded, complex characters that have both strengths and weaknesses, and avoid relying on stereotypes or cliches.

Negatives of being demonstrative

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

• Demonstrative individuals may come across as overly emotional or dramatic in their behavior, which can be off-putting to some people.
• They may struggle with impulse control, acting on their emotions without thinking through the consequences.
• Demonstrative individuals may be perceived as attention-seeking or narcissistic, as they often crave attention and validation from others.
• Demonstrative individuals may be prone to exaggeration or hyperbole, which can make it difficult for others to take them seriously.
• They may have difficulty controlling their emotions, leading to outbursts or temper tantrums.
• They may struggle with boundaries and personal space, invading others' personal space or sharing too much personal information.

Positives of being demonstrative

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

• Demonstrative people tend to be confident and assertive, which can help them to achieve their goals and succeed in their endeavors.
• Their emotional openness allows them to form deep and meaningful relationships with others.
• Demonstrative individuals are often passionate about their interests, and this enthusiasm can be contagious and inspiring to others.
• They are often empathetic and compassionate, making them excellent listeners and supportive friends.
• Demonstrative people are expressive and emotive, allowing them to convey their thoughts and feelings effectively.
• They are usually good at articulating their ideas and opinions, making them effective communicators.
• They tend to be outgoing and sociable, which enables them to connect with others easily.
• Demonstrative individuals are usually creative and imaginative, which can make them excellent artists, writers, or performers.

Verbal expressions of demonstrative characters

Here are some potential expressions used by demonstrative characters.

• Being comfortable with public speaking or performing in front of others
• Being expressive and animated when speaking
• Being comfortable with physical contact, such as hugging or high-fiving
• Using humor or storytelling to engage an audience
• Speaking loudly or with enthusiasm to convey excitement or passion
• Using repetition or hyperbole to make a point or create emphasis
• Using exclamations, interjections, and other vocal cues to emphasize emotions
• Using lots of gestures and body language when communicating

Relationships of demonstrative characters

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

• Demonstrative people tend to be outgoing and expressive, which can make them popular and well-liked among their peers.
• They may also be prone to emotional outbursts or dramatic displays of affection, which can be overwhelming or uncomfortable for others.
• They may have a tendency to dominate conversations and share their opinions freely, which can be perceived as being bossy or overbearing.
• In some cases, they may struggle with boundaries and have difficulty respecting others' personal space or privacy.
• Demonstrative individuals may also be very affectionate and physical, often hugging or touching others during conversations or interactions.
• Demonstrative people may also be very loyal and protective of those they care about, often going to great lengths to support and defend their loved ones.

Examples from books of characters who are demonstrative

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

Writing exercises for writing demonstrative characters

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

• Have your character show, rather than tell, their emotions. For example, instead of saying "I'm angry," have them slam a door or clench their fists.
• Write a scene where your character is in a group setting and tries to assert dominance over others. This could be in a work meeting or a social gathering.
• Write a scene where your character is trying to convince someone of their point of view. This could be in a debate or argument.
• Give your character a specific physical attribute that they use to express themselves, such as a habit of waving their arms around when excited or a tendency to cross their arms when defensive.
• Have your character use exaggerated language or gestures to express themselves, such as saying "I absolutely love it!" or throwing their arms up in excitement.
• Write a scene where your character becomes jealous or possessive over someone or something they perceive as a threat to their relationship or possessions.
• Show your character being territorial over something or someone they consider theirs. This could be a possession or a person they're close to.
• Write a scene where your character is trying to impress someone or prove themselves to others. This could be in a job interview or a social situation.
• Show your character being easily offended or taking things personally. This could be in response to criticism or a perceived slight.