Character Trait: Easygoing

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait of being easygoing refers to a person who is relaxed and flexible in their approach to life. An easygoing individual tends to take things in stride and doesn't get easily upset or stressed out by challenges or unexpected events. They have a laid-back attitude and are generally open-minded and accepting of others. They tend to be approachable, friendly, and easy to get along with, which makes them great companions and team players.

Possible causes of being easygoing

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

• Learning to prioritize and let go of things that aren't worth worrying about
• Growing up in a relaxed and supportive environment
• Having a strong support system that allows for a sense of security and comfort
• A natural inclination towards a laid-back attitude, perhaps due to genetics or temperament
• Exposure to different cultures and ways of life that value a more relaxed approach
• Having positive experiences with people and situations, leading to a general sense of trust and ease
• Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, leading to a calmer and more carefree demeanor

Behaviors associated with being easygoing

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

• Being flexible and adaptable to changes in plans or situations
• Avoiding conflicts and prioritizing harmony in relationships and interactions
• Having a positive and optimistic outlook on life
• Treating others with kindness and respect, without judgment or criticism
• Engaging in leisurely activities and hobbies
• Maintaining a relaxed and laid-back demeanor
• Being open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives or ideas
• Taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and appreciate the present moment
• Taking things in stride and not getting easily upset or worked up

Attitudes associated with being easygoing

You may be able to show easygoing through their attitudes.

• Flexibility and adaptability
• A tendency to go with the flow
• Openness to new experiences and ideas
• A relaxed and calm demeanor
• A positive outlook and optimistic attitude
• A laid-back approach to life
• A lack of rigidity or strictness
• A sense of humor and ability to laugh things off
• A willingness to compromise and avoid conflict

Thoughts and struggles associated with being easygoing

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

• Easygoing characters often struggle with making decisions, as they tend to go with the flow and avoid conflict.
• They may have a fear of being judged or criticized, leading to a desire to conform to social norms and avoid standing out.
• Easygoing characters may struggle with expressing their emotions, as they want to maintain a positive and carefree image.
• They may have a tendency to procrastinate or avoid responsibilities, as they prioritize having fun and enjoying life in the moment.
• Easygoing characters may struggle with setting boundaries, as they want to keep everyone happy and avoid confrontation.
• They may have a fear of missing out on opportunities, leading to a tendency to say yes to everything.

Emotions associated with being easygoing

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

• Calm
• Easy to please
• Laid-back
• Flexible
• Relaxed
• Unhurried
• Content
• Good-natured
• Carefree

Facial expressions associated with being easygoing

Here are some facial expressions your easygoing character may exhibit.

• A carefree or nonchalant expression
• A lack of furrowed brows or tense jaw muscles
• A tendency to shrug or nod casually
• A calm and peaceful gaze
• Raised eyebrows and a slightly tilted head
• A relaxed and open body language
• A lack of tension in the facial muscles
• A relaxed smile
• A friendly and approachable demeanor

Body language associated with being easygoing

Here is some body language your easygoing character may exhibit.

• Easy smile and laughter
• Lack of tension or stiffness in facial expressions or body
• Leaning back or lounging
• Soft and slow movements
• Hands in pockets or on hips
• Lack of defensive or aggressive behavior
• Relaxed posture
• Nonchalant shrugs or nods
• Comfortable eye contact
• Open and unguarded stance
• Casual and laid-back gestures

Behaviors associated with being easygoing

Here are some behaviors your easygoing character may exhibit.

• Taking things in stride and not getting easily upset or worked up
• Engaging in leisurely activities and hobbies
• Being flexible and adaptable to changes in plans or situations
• Avoiding conflicts and prioritizing harmony in relationships and interactions
• Having a positive and optimistic outlook on life
• Taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and appreciate the present moment
• Being open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives or ideas
• Treating others with kindness and respect, without judgment or criticism
• Maintaining a relaxed and laid-back demeanor

Growth and evolution of easygoing characters

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

• Recognizing the value of hard work and dedication, and putting in effort to achieve their goals
• Learning to balance their easygoing nature with assertiveness when necessary
• Becoming more confident in their abilities and decisions
• Developing a stronger sense of direction and purpose in life
• Learning to take responsibility for their actions instead of avoiding conflict
• Realizing the importance of standing up for themselves and their beliefs
• Developing deeper and more meaningful relationships with others
• Overcoming fear or anxiety that may have held them back in the past

Stereotypes of easygoing characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical easygoing character like these examples.

• Being too laid-back to the point of being apathetic or indifferent
• Inability to make decisions or take action
• Inability to handle stress or difficult situations
• Disregard for rules or authority figures
• Lazy or unmotivated behavior
• Lack of ambition or goals in life
• Being too agreeable or passive, without any strong opinions or beliefs
• Being too carefree and not taking anything seriously
• Lack of responsibility or reliability

Negatives of being easygoing

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

• Lack of assertiveness or standing up for oneself
• Tendency to procrastinate or avoid responsibility
• Difficulty in making important decisions or taking action
• Difficulty in dealing with conflict or confrontation
• Struggling with time management or meeting deadlines
• Being taken advantage of or not taken seriously
• Perceived as lacking ambition or drive
• Being perceived as unmotivated or lazy

Positives of being easygoing

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

• Easygoing people tend to be calm and relaxed, which can make them pleasant to be around.
• Easygoing individuals are typically good at avoiding conflict and finding compromises, making them skilled at resolving disputes and maintaining positive relationships.
• They are often flexible and adaptable, able to go with the flow and adjust to changes in plans or situations.
• Easygoing people tend to be open-minded and non-judgmental, which allows them to be accepting of others and appreciate diverse perspectives.
• They often have a good sense of humor and don't take themselves too seriously, which can make them fun and enjoyable companions.

Verbal expressions of easygoing characters

Here are some potential expressions used by easygoing characters.

• "No need to hurry"
• "Take it easy"
• "I'm cool with that"
• "Whatever works"
• "No worries"
• "Chill out"
• "It's all good"
• "Let's just go with the flow"
• "Don't sweat the small stuff"

Relationships of easygoing characters

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

• Easygoing people tend to have a relaxed and non-confrontational demeanor, which can make them likable and approachable to others.
• Easygoing people may prioritize maintaining harmony in their relationships over getting their way, which can make them good at conflict resolution and compromise.
• They may struggle with setting boundaries and asserting themselves, which can make them vulnerable to being taken advantage of by others.
• Easygoing individuals may have a tendency to avoid confrontation and difficult conversations, which can lead to issues in communication and misunderstandings in relationships.
• They are often flexible and adaptable, which can make them good team players and collaborators.

Examples from books of characters who are easygoing

• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Augustus "Gus" McCrae from "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry
• Huck Finn from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Lennie Small from "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck
• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Hagrid from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing easygoing characters

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

• Write a scene where your character is able to let go of a grudge or forgive someone easily.
• Show your character being spontaneous and impulsive, taking risks without worrying too much about the consequences.
• Show your character going with the flow and adapting easily to unexpected changes or challenges.
• Have your easygoing character encounter a situation that would normally cause stress or anxiety, but have them react calmly and with a positive attitude.
• Write a scene where your character is able to diffuse a tense situation with humor or a laid-back approach.
• Write a scene where your character is able to find joy and pleasure in simple things, like spending time with friends or enjoying nature.
• Write a scene where your character is able to bring a sense of calm and relaxation to those around them.
• Have your character be a peacemaker in a conflict, using their easygoing nature to help others find common ground.
• Show your character being a good listener and offering support without judgment.