Character Trait: Earnest

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Earnest refers to someone who is sincere, honest, and genuine in their actions, words, and beliefs. An earnest person is someone who takes things seriously and with a deep sense of responsibility, and who is committed to achieving their goals with dedication, hard work, and integrity. This trait is often associated with a strong sense of purpose, passion, and determination, and it can be a powerful asset for any character looking to make an impact on the story and the other characters around them.

Possible causes of being earnest

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

• Personal values and beliefs that prioritize honesty, sincerity, and authenticity
• A desire to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level
• Exposure to role models or mentors who embody earnestness and inspire them to do the same
• Life experiences that have taught them the importance of being genuine and forthright
• A sense of responsibility to do what is right and ethical
• A natural inclination towards introspection and self-reflection

Behaviors associated with being earnest

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

• Speaking truthfully and honestly
• Being sincere in intentions and actions
• Admitting one's mistakes and faults
• Being diligent and hardworking
• Showing gratitude and appreciation towards others
• Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
• Being humble and modest
• Being dependable and reliable
• Showing respect and consideration towards others

Attitudes associated with being earnest

You may be able to show earnest through their attitudes.

• Respect for oneself and others, including their time, feelings, and boundaries
• Responsibility and accountability for one's own life and decisions
• Diligence and commitment to one's goals and values
• Humility and willingness to learn from others and admit mistakes
• Honesty and sincerity in one's thoughts, words, and actions

Thoughts and struggles associated with being earnest

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

• A tendency to take things personally and feel deeply hurt by criticism or rejection
• A desire for recognition and validation, but also a fear of being seen as attention-seeking or arrogant
• A tendency to overthink and analyze situations
• A deep sense of responsibility to their family, friends, and community
• A constant desire to do the right thing, even if it's not easy
• A struggle to balance their own wants and needs with their obligations to others
• A strong moral compass that guides their decisions and actions
• A willingness to put others' needs before their own, often to the point of self-sacrifice
• A fear of disappointing others or being seen as a failure

Emotions associated with being earnest

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

• Authenticity
• Reliability
• Seriousness
• Trustworthiness
• Dedication
• Sincerity
• Honesty
• Faithfulness
• Diligence

Facial expressions associated with being earnest

Here are some facial expressions your earnest character may exhibit.

• A focused and attentive gaze
• A calm and composed facial expression
• Soft and relaxed eyes
• A controlled and measured tone of voice, without raising it unnecessarily
• A sincere and genuine smile
• A straight and upright posture
• A slight tilt of the head to show interest
• A gentle nod of the head to show agreement
• Minimal facial movements, avoiding excessive gestures or fidgeting

Body language associated with being earnest

Here is some body language your earnest character may exhibit.

• Standing up straight with good posture
• Using open hand gestures, such as palms up or open-handed pointing, to show sincerity and honesty
• Keeping their arms uncrossed to appear open and approachable
• Leaning forward slightly to show interest and engagement
• Speaking clearly and confidently, without hesitation or uncertainty
• Nodding their head in agreement or affirmation
• Smiling genuinely and warmly to show friendliness and positive intent
• Making direct eye contact with the person they are speaking to

Behaviors associated with being earnest

Here are some behaviors your earnest character may exhibit.

• Admitting one's mistakes and faults
• Showing gratitude and appreciation towards others
• Being diligent and hardworking
• Being sincere in intentions and actions
• Being humble and modest
• Showing respect and consideration towards others
• Being dependable and reliable
• Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
• Speaking truthfully and honestly

Growth and evolution of earnest characters

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

• Overcome their fear of failure and take risks
• Learn to stand up for their beliefs and values, even in the face of opposition
• Become more empathetic and understanding towards others
• Develop a greater sense of self-awareness and introspection
• Realize the importance of compromise and finding common ground
• Learn to balance their idealism with practicality
• Learn to communicate more openly and honestly with others
• Develop a stronger sense of personal responsibility and accountability

Stereotypes of earnest characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical earnest character like these examples.

• Avoid making them too dependent on others for validation or approval.
• Avoid making them too similar to other Earnest characters in literature or media.
• Avoid making them too perfect or flawless.
• Avoid making them too naive or gullible.
• Avoid making them too preachy or self-righteous.
• Avoid making them overly serious or lacking a sense of humor.
• Avoid making Earnest characters one-dimensional or predictable.

Negatives of being earnest

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

• Being too serious all the time
• Missing out on experiences due to a fear of failure or embarrassment
• Being overly critical or judgmental of others
• Perfectionism leading to high levels of stress or anxiety
• Difficulty adapting to change or unexpected situations
• Being perceived as uptight or rigid
• Struggling to connect with others on a personal level
• Not being able to enjoy spontaneity or humor

Positives of being earnest

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

• It shows a strong sense of integrity and sincerity towards others.
• Earnest individuals are often reliable and dependable, as they take their commitments seriously.
• It can lead to open and transparent communication, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
• Earnest individuals are often goal-oriented and driven, as they approach tasks and challenges with a dedicated and focused mindset.
• Being earnest means being honest and truthful in your words and actions.
• This trait can help build trust and strong relationships with others.
• Being earnest also demonstrates a level of respect and empathy towards others.

Verbal expressions of earnest characters

Here are some potential expressions used by earnest characters.

• "Of course"
• "Frankly speaking"
• "Honestly"
• "Without a doubt"
• "Indubitably"
• "Undoubtedly"
• "Without question"
• "Truly"
• "Certainly"
• "Absolutely"

Relationships of earnest characters

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

• They often have a strong sense of responsibility towards others and will go out of their way to help those in need.
• Earnest individuals are usually highly respected by their friends and colleagues due to their unwavering commitment to their beliefs and values.
• They tend to be honest and straightforward in their interactions with others, which can sometimes come across as blunt or insensitive.
• Earnest people tend to have deep and meaningful relationships with others.
• Earnest individuals can sometimes be seen as overly serious or intense, which can make it difficult for them to connect with those who have a more lighthearted approach to life.
• They may struggle to connect with people who are more reserved or closed off emotionally, as they value open and authentic communication.
• Earnest people are often very reliable and trustworthy, which makes them ideal candidates for leadership positions.

Examples from books of characters who are earnest

• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Anne Shirley from "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Jo March from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte

Writing exercises for writing earnest characters

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

• Write a dialogue between your character and a friend or family member in which your character expresses their genuine thoughts and feelings, without any filters or pretenses.
• Describe a situation in which your character faces a moral dilemma, and show them choosing to do the right thing, even if it's difficult or unpopular.
• Show your character going out of their way to help someone in need, even if it inconveniences them.
• Write a scene in which your character makes a sincere apology to someone they have wronged, and show them taking responsibility for their actions.
• Write a scene in which your character stands up for what they believe in, even in the face of opposition or criticism.
• Write a scene in which your character volunteers for a cause they truly believe in.
• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who challenges their beliefs or convictions, and show your character responding with honesty and sincerity.
• Show your character putting in extra effort to achieve a goal they are passionate about, even if it means sacrificing other things.
• Describe a situation in which your character is faced with a temptation to compromise their values, and show them resisting that temptation.