Character Trait: Equitable

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Equitable is a character trait that describes an individual who is fair and impartial. Someone who is equitable treats everyone equally and justly, without showing favoritism or bias towards any particular person or group. This trait involves having a strong sense of justice and a commitment to doing what is right, even if it is not the most popular or convenient choice. An equitable person is open-minded, willing to listen to different perspectives, and seeks to understand multiple viewpoints before making a decision.

Possible causes of being equitable

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

• Exposure to different cultures and perspectives
• Education on social issues and human rights
• Empathy towards marginalized groups and individuals
• Life experiences that have shaped their worldview towards equity
• Upbringing in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Desire to challenge systemic inequalities and promote equality
• Personal values that prioritize fairness and justice

Behaviors associated with being equitable

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

• Avoiding favoritism or discrimination based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, or religion
• Listening to all perspectives and considering them equally
• Being transparent about decision-making processes and criteria
• Making decisions based on objective criteria and not personal biases
• Providing accommodations or adjustments to ensure equal access and participation
• Giving credit where it is due and acknowledging contributions equally
• Distributing resources and opportunities equally
• Treating everyone fairly and without bias

Attitudes associated with being equitable

You may be able to show equitable through their attitudes.

• Seeking to understand and empathize with different perspectives
• Advocating for equal opportunities and access to resources
• Acknowledging and addressing biases and prejudices
• Striving for balance and justice in decision-making
• Recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities
• Treating everyone fairly and with respect
• Valuing diversity and inclusivity

Thoughts and struggles associated with being equitable

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

• A frustration with societal systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and a desire to actively work towards change
• A willingness to listen to and learn from diverse perspectives and experiences
• A tendency to overthink decisions and actions to ensure they are not biased or unfair
• A fear of being seen as biased or prejudiced, causing them to constantly examine their own thoughts and actions
• A strong sense of justice and fairness, often leading them to speak up for those who are marginalized or oppressed
• A desire to create balance and equality in all areas of their life, including relationships and work
• A struggle to navigate situations where their equitable values conflict with other priorities or values

Emotions associated with being equitable

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

• Honesty
• Transparency
• Impartiality
• Justice
• Fairness
• Open-mindedness
• Empathy
• Reasonableness
• Sensitivity
• Even-handedness
• Consistency
• Equality
• Balance
• Non-discrimination
• Objectivity

Facial expressions associated with being equitable

Here are some facial expressions your equitable character may exhibit.

• A willingness to listen and consider different viewpoints
• A calm and neutral facial expression
• Eye contact with the person or people involved in the situation
• A slight smile or nod to acknowledge the perspectives of others
• An open and relaxed posture, without crossing arms or legs

Body language associated with being equitable

Here is some body language your equitable character may exhibit.

• Using inclusive language and actively listening to diverse perspectives
• Treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or status
• Avoiding favoritism or bias in interactions with others
• Maintaining eye contact with everyone in a conversation
• Encouraging collaboration and teamwork among all members of a group
• Making decisions based on fairness and justice, not personal preferences
• Acknowledging and addressing any power imbalances in a situation

Behaviors associated with being equitable

Here are some behaviors your equitable character may exhibit.

• Treating everyone fairly and without bias
• Distributing resources and opportunities equally
• Being transparent about decision-making processes and criteria
• Avoiding favoritism or discrimination based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, or religion
• Providing accommodations or adjustments to ensure equal access and participation
• Listening to all perspectives and considering them equally
• Making decisions based on objective criteria and not personal biases
• Giving credit where it is due and acknowledging contributions equally

Growth and evolution of equitable characters

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

• Learning to see situations from multiple perspectives
• Becoming a stronger ally to marginalized communities
• Taking action to promote equality and inclusion
• Using their privilege and platform to amplify marginalized voices
• Becoming more empathetic and understanding towards people from different backgrounds
• Building meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
• Recognizing their own biases and working to overcome them
• Challenging systems of oppression and working towards social justice

Stereotypes of equitable characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical equitable character like these examples.

• Avoid making Equitable characters only exist to teach a lesson or provide moral guidance to other characters.
• Avoid making Equitable characters one-dimensional or overly simplistic in their beliefs and actions.
• Avoid portraying Equitable characters as perfect or flawless, as this can make them feel unrealistic and unrelatable.
• Avoid using tokenism or diversity for the sake of diversity, without giving Equitable characters meaningful roles and agency in the story.
• Avoid reducing Equitable characters to their trauma or struggles, as this can be reductive and insensitive.
• Avoid portraying Equitable characters as saviors or martyrs who sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of others.
• Avoid stereotyping Equitable characters based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other identity markers.

Negatives of being equitable

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

• Being perceived as indecisive or wishy-washy
• Struggling with self-care and putting one's own needs first
• Difficulty making decisions as all options must be weighed equally
• Overthinking and analyzing everything to ensure fairness
• Struggling with assertiveness and setting boundaries
• Being taken advantage of by others who do not prioritize fairness
• Feeling guilt or responsibility for others' actions or outcomes

Positives of being equitable

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

• They strive to create a level playing field for everyone, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources.
• Equitable characters are often viewed as trustworthy and reliable, as they are committed to doing what is right and fair.
• They help to promote diversity and inclusion, recognizing the value of different perspectives and experiences.
• They are impartial and unbiased when making decisions, taking into account all relevant factors.
• Equitable characters treat others fairly and justly, regardless of their differences or backgrounds.
• They are empathetic and understanding, able to put themselves in others' shoes and see things from different perspectives.
• They are effective communicators, able to explain their decisions and actions in a clear and transparent manner.

Verbal expressions of equitable characters

Here are some potential expressions used by equitable characters.

• "No discrimination"
• "Equal opportunities"
• "No preferential treatment"
• "Everyone deserves a chance"
• "Justice for all"
• "Equality for all"
• "Equal treatment"
• "Fair is fair"
• "Impartiality"

Relationships of equitable characters

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

• They are open to constructive feedback and willing to make changes to improve their relationships
• They prioritize honesty and transparency in their interactions
• They actively listen and seek to understand different perspectives
• They avoid playing favorites or showing bias towards certain individuals or groups
• They are respectful and considerate of others' needs and opinions
• They recognize and address any power imbalances in their relationships
• They strive to create a fair and just environment for everyone involved
• They are willing to compromise and find solutions that benefit everyone involved

Examples from books of characters who are equitable

• Don Quixote from "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• August Pullman from "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
• Starr Carter from "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Celie from "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing exercises for writing equitable characters

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

• Create a dialogue between two characters, one of whom believes in equity and the other who does not. Explore the reasons behind their beliefs and how they affect their actions.
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a decision that requires them to choose between what is fair and what is easy.
• Write a scene where your character has to navigate a complex ethical dilemma that involves equity. How do they approach the situation?
• Start by identifying what "equitable" means to you. What traits or behaviors do you associate with equity?
• Write a scene where your character confronts someone who is being treated unfairly, and they use their power or influence to create a more equitable outcome.
• Create a character who embodies the trait of equity. This character can be a protagonist, antagonist, or supporting character.
• Write a character backstory that explains why equity is important to them. This could involve exploring their personal experiences with injustice or inequality.
• Explore how your character's equitable behavior affects those around them. Do other characters admire or resent them for it?
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a situation where they are tempted to put their own interests above those of others, but they choose to act with equity instead.