Character Trait: Discerning

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Discerning" refers to the ability to judge and analyze information or situations in a careful and insightful manner. It involves being perceptive, wise, and able to distinguish between what is important and what is not. A discerning person is able to make sound judgments and decisions based on their observations and assessments of a situation. They are typically thoughtful and analytical, and often have a good sense of intuition that helps them to identify subtle nuances and patterns that others may miss. Overall, a discerning character is someone who is able to see beyond the surface level of things and has a deep understanding of what is truly important.

Possible causes of being discerning

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

• Role models or mentors who embody discernment
• Personal values such as authenticity, honesty, and integrity
• Exposure to different cultures, beliefs, or experiences
• Education or training in psychology, sociology, or communication
• High level of self-awareness and introspection
• Innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge
• Desire to make informed decisions and avoid mistakes
• Experience dealing with complex situations or people
• Strong intuition and gut feeling

Behaviors associated with being discerning

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

• Being objective and fair-minded in evaluating situations and people
• Analyzing situations and information before making decisions
• Observing details and patterns in people's behavior and environment
• Trusting intuition and gut feelings based on past experiences and knowledge
• Being selective and careful in choices and relationships
• Asking probing questions to gain deeper insights and understanding
• Considering multiple perspectives and possibilities before drawing conclusions

Attitudes associated with being discerning

You may be able to show discerning through their attitudes.

• An appreciation for quality over quantity
• A preference for clarity and precision in communication
• Careful consideration of options before making a decision
• A tendency to be selective in choosing friends and associates
• A strong sense of intuition and perception
• A willingness to seek out and evaluate information before forming an opinion
• The ability to see beyond surface-level appearances and recognize underlying qualities or traits
• A desire for authenticity and honesty in all relationships and interactions

Thoughts and struggles associated with being discerning

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

• The Discerning character may have a tendency to overthink things, leading to anxiety and indecision.
• The Discerning character is highly analytical and observant, often noticing small details that others may miss.
• They may struggle with making decisions, as they weigh all the options and potential outcomes before taking action.
• The Discerning character may be introspective and reflective, constantly questioning their own thoughts and actions.
• They may also struggle with perfectionism, wanting everything to be just right before moving forward.
• The Discerning character may have a strong moral compass, standing up for what they believe is right and just.
• They may also be hesitant to trust others, as they are always looking for hidden agendas or ulterior motives.
• They may also have a heightened sense of empathy, often putting themselves in others' shoes and trying to understand their perspectives.

Emotions associated with being discerning

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

• Analytical
• Discriminating
• Wise
• Careful
• Perceptive
• Critical
• Judicious
• Observant
• Insightful

Facial expressions associated with being discerning

Here are some facial expressions your discerning character may exhibit.

• Smirking
• Raised eyebrows
• Analytical gaze
• Blinking slowly
• Squinting eyes
• Stroking the chin or beard
• Tilting head to the side
• Frowning
• Narrowed pupils
• Pursed lips
• Holding a steady gaze
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Raised chin
• Tapping or rubbing chin
• Glancing sideways
• Scratching the head
• Nodding head slowly

Body language associated with being discerning

Here is some body language your discerning character may exhibit.

• Tilting the head slightly to one side while listening
• Leaning back slightly while observing or evaluating
• A slight frown or pursed lips to express disapproval or skepticism
• Nodding the head in agreement or acknowledgment, but not necessarily approval
• Avoiding eye contact when feeling uncertain or unimpressed
• Raised eyebrows and slightly narrowed eyes to indicate scrutiny
• Crossed arms or hands on hips to convey confidence in decision-making
• Slow and deliberate movements, indicating thoughtful consideration

Behaviors associated with being discerning

Here are some behaviors your discerning character may exhibit.

• Being objective and fair-minded in evaluating situations and people
• Being selective and careful in choices and relationships
• Asking probing questions to gain deeper insights and understanding
• Observing details and patterns in people's behavior and environment
• Trusting intuition and gut feelings based on past experiences and knowledge
• Considering multiple perspectives and possibilities before drawing conclusions
• Analyzing situations and information before making decisions

Growth and evolution of discerning characters

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

• Learn to navigate complex moral dilemmas with greater clarity and confidence.
• Develop stronger relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
• Become more open-minded and willing to consider multiple perspectives.
• Learn to trust their instincts and judgment more confidently.
• Learn to balance their discernment with empathy and compassion for others.
• Become more effective at identifying and solving problems in various contexts.
• Develop a stronger sense of intuition and insight into people and situations.
• Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their values.

Stereotypes of discerning characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical discerning character like these examples.

• Being overly critical or judgmental without reason
• Being too closed-minded and unwilling to consider other perspectives
• Being overly skeptical or cynical
• Being indecisive or hesitant in making choices
• Coming across as snobbish or elitist
• Being aloof or detached from others
• Being too rigid or inflexible in their opinions and beliefs
• Making snap judgments without considering all the facts

Remember, as a writer, you want your Discerning character to be complex and nuanced, not a one-dimensional stereotype. So, try to avoid falling into these common pitfalls when developing your Discerning character.

Negatives of being discerning

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

• Struggling to see the bigger picture and missing opportunities
• Difficulty in trusting others
• Tendency to dwell on flaws and imperfections
• Being overly cautious and risk-averse
• Overthinking and analyzing situations excessively
• Struggling with acceptance and forgiveness
• Being perceived as judgmental or aloof
• Being too critical of oneself and others
• Difficulty in making decisions due to high standards

Positives of being discerning

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

• Ability to see through facades and deceptions
• Stronger sense of self-confidence and self-assurance
• Improved communication skills through clear expression of thoughts and opinions
• Better judgement in different situations
• More effective problem-solving skills
• Greater awareness of personal values and beliefs
• Ability to make well-informed and thoughtful decisions

Verbal expressions of discerning characters

Here are some potential expressions used by discerning characters.

• Making informed judgments
• Weighing options carefully
• Focusing on the details
• Being able to separate fact from fiction
• Spotting inconsistencies or discrepancies
• Being able to recognize patterns and trends
• Being open-minded yet critical
• Being able to read between the lines
• Considering all angles before making a decision
• Trusting one's own instincts
• Not jumping to conclusions
• Seeking out the truth
• Asking insightful questions

Relationships of discerning characters

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

• Discerning individuals are often good judges of character, and may be able to pick up on subtle cues about a person's intentions or motivations.
• In romantic relationships, discerning people value honesty, openness, and authenticity, and may be more cautious about committing to a partner than some other personality types.
• In group settings, discerning people may be more reserved and observant, preferring to listen and observe before speaking up.
• They often have a small but close-knit circle of trusted friends and confidants.
• They can be highly attuned to power dynamics in relationships, and may be quick to sense when someone is trying to manipulate or control them.
• Discerning people tend to be selective in choosing their friends and associates, preferring quality over quantity.
• They may be more comfortable with solitude than some other personality types, and may need alone time to recharge and reflect.

Examples from books of characters who are discerning

• Tyrion Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
• Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Hercule Poirot from the Agatha Christie series
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

These characters have a keen ability to judge and understand situations, people, and motives. They are often insightful, intelligent, and perceptive, which makes them stand out from other characters in their respective stories.

Writing exercises for writing discerning characters

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

• Write a scene where your discerning character is interviewing someone for a job or position. Have them ask insightful questions to determine whether the candidate is a good fit.
• Write a dialogue between your discerning character and a friend who is considering a major life decision. Have your character ask probing questions to help their friend make the best decision.
• Write a scene where your discerning character is faced with a difficult ethical dilemma. Have them weigh the pros and cons of each potential decision before making a choice.
• Create a list of five objects that your discerning character would consider essential for their day-to-day life. Write a scene where they lose one of these items and must use their discerning abilities to locate it.
• Write a scene where your discerning character is attending a large party or social gathering. Have them observe the other guests and make mental notes about who is trustworthy and who is not.