Character Trait: Driven

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Driven" refers to individuals who have a strong sense of purpose and motivation to achieve their goals. They are highly committed to their aspirations and are willing to work hard and make sacrifices to see them come to fruition. Driven individuals are often focused, determined, and persistent in their pursuit of success. They are not easily deterred by obstacles or setbacks and are willing to take risks to achieve their objectives. This trait is commonly associated with individuals who are ambitious, passionate, and goal-oriented.

Possible causes of being driven

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

• Past experiences or traumas that motivate them to succeed
• Inner drive or passion for a certain activity or profession
• Desire to achieve a specific goal or dream
• Need for recognition or validation
• Strong sense of purpose or mission
• Competitive nature
• Fear of failure or disappointment
• Personal values or beliefs that drive them forward

Behaviors associated with being driven

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

• Being confident in one's abilities and decisions
• Continuously learning and improving skills to achieve success
• Being focused and persistent in pursuing those goals
• Prioritizing tasks and time management to maximize productivity
• Being self-motivated and not relying solely on external motivation
• Setting specific goals and working towards them
• Being resilient and not giving up easily, even in the face of failure or setbacks
• Taking initiative and being proactive
• Overcoming obstacles and challenges along the way

Attitudes associated with being driven

You may be able to show driven through their attitudes.

• A belief in one's own abilities and a confidence to pursue ambitious goals
• A high level of self-discipline and self-motivation
• A strong sense of purpose and direction towards achieving goals
• Persistence and determination to overcome obstacles and challenges
• A tendency towards competitiveness and a desire to excel
• A willingness to take risks and push oneself out of comfort zones
• A focus on results and outcomes rather than just the process
• A tendency to prioritize work or personal projects over leisure activities

Thoughts and struggles associated with being driven

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

• A feeling of restlessness and dissatisfaction when not working towards a goal
• A desire for recognition and validation from others
• A potential for burnout and exhaustion from pushing oneself too hard
• A risk of becoming obsessive or fixated on a singular goal
• A fear of failure and disappointment
• A strong sense of self-discipline and determination
• A tendency to prioritize goals over personal relationships
• A constant need to achieve and succeed at any cost

Emotions associated with being driven

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

• Determination
• Passion
• Focus
• Willpower
• Persistence
• Tenacity
• Intensity
• Dedication
• Motivation
• Commitment
• Ambition
• Grit

Facial expressions associated with being driven

Here are some facial expressions your driven character may exhibit.

• A furrowed brow
• A sense of urgency or intensity in the eyes
• A tense jawline
• A determined and focused gaze
• A persistent and unwavering expression
• A clenched or pressed lips
• A stiff posture or stance
• A lack of distraction or wavering attention

Body language associated with being driven

Here is some body language your driven character may exhibit.

• Using facial expressions that convey determination and focus
• Displaying little to no fidgeting or nervous movements
• Making purposeful and confident gestures
• Standing or sitting with an upright posture
• Leaning in slightly towards the person or task at hand
• Maintaining direct eye contact while speaking
• Walking with a purposeful stride and pace

Behaviors associated with being driven

Here are some behaviors your driven character may exhibit.

• Being focused and persistent in pursuing those goals
• Prioritizing tasks and time management to maximize productivity
• Being confident in one's abilities and decisions
• Taking initiative and being proactive
• Being self-motivated and not relying solely on external motivation
• Continuously learning and improving skills to achieve success
• Being resilient and not giving up easily, even in the face of failure or setbacks
• Overcoming obstacles and challenges along the way
• Setting specific goals and working towards them

Growth and evolution of driven characters

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

• A Driven character may become more adaptable and resilient, able to overcome obstacles and setbacks with greater ease.
• They may learn to collaborate and work with others in order to accomplish their goals more effectively.
• They may learn to prioritize their actions and make sacrifices in order to achieve their objectives.
• A Driven character may become more focused and determined in their pursuit of their goals.

Stereotypes of driven characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical driven character like these examples.

• Avoid making the Driven character too single-minded or narrow in their focus, as this can make them seem one-dimensional and unrelatable.
• Avoid making the Driven character too ruthless or cutthroat, as this can make them come across as villainous or unsympathetic.
• Avoid making the Driven character too obsessed or compulsive, as this can make them seem unstable or unhealthy.
• Avoid making the Driven character too perfect or flawless, as this can make them seem unrealistic and difficult to connect with.

Negatives of being driven

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

• Can become rigid and inflexible in thinking and actions, making it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Obsessive behavior and hyper-focus on goals can lead to neglect of personal relationships and self-care.
• Can become overly competitive and overly critical of oneself and others.
• May sacrifice ethical principles and moral values to achieve goals.
• May experience burnout or exhaustion from constantly striving towards goals.

Positives of being driven

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

• They are typically disciplined and organized, which helps them stay on track and make progress towards their goals.
• Driven individuals possess a strong sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
• Driven people have a clear focus on what they want to achieve, which helps them prioritize their time and resources effectively.
• Driven individuals are often ambitious and seek to push themselves to their full potential.
• They tend to be proactive and take initiative, seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.
• They exhibit a great deal of perseverance and resilience in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
• They are highly motivated to achieve their goals and willing to put in the necessary effort and hard work to accomplish them.

Verbal expressions of driven characters

Here are some potential expressions used by driven characters.

• "I am always pushing myself to be better."
• "I am passionate about my pursuits and won't settle for mediocrity."
• "I refuse to give up until I reach my full potential."
• "I can't stop until I achieve my goal."
• "I won't let anything stand in the way of my success."
• "I will do whatever it takes to succeed."
• "I am laser-focused on my objectives."
• "I am constantly striving for excellence."
• "I am determined to overcome any obstacle in my path."

Relationships of driven characters

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

• They may prioritize their work or personal goals over spending time with friends and family, which can lead to conflicts and feelings of neglect from loved ones.
• Driven individuals may struggle with delegating tasks or accepting help from others, leading to a sense of control or micromanagement in their relationships.
• Driven people may be competitive with others, which can create tension and rivalry in their relationships.
• Driven people tend to be focused on achieving their goals, which can sometimes make them appear selfish or self-absorbed in their relationships.
• They may struggle with vulnerability and opening up emotionally, leading to difficulties in forming close and meaningful connections with others.
• They may have high expectations for themselves and others, which can lead to disappointment and frustration when those expectations are not met.

Examples from books of characters who are driven

• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Sherlock Holmes from the series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
• Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing driven characters

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

• Write a scene in which your character sets a challenging goal for themselves, and then detail the steps they take to achieve it.
• Write a scene in which your character must make a difficult choice between pursuing their goal and sacrificing something else they value (such as a relationship or their own well-being). How do they weigh their priorities and make their decision?
• Write a scene in which your character achieves their goal, but at a cost. What did they sacrifice or lose in the process? How do they feel about the outcome?
• Give your character a rival or competitor who is equally driven. How do they react to the competition? Do they become more focused and determined, or do they become distracted or discouraged?
• Create a backstory for your character that explains what motivates them to be so driven. What event or experience inspired this trait in them?
• Create a dialogue between your character and someone who questions or challenges their drive. How does your character defend their choices and beliefs? What weaknesses or blind spots do they reveal in the process?
• Write a scene in which your character faces a setback or obstacle in pursuit of their goal. How do they respond? Do they give up or find a way to overcome the challenge?