Character Trait: Experienced

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "experienced" refers to an individual who has gained knowledge or skill in a particular field or area of life through practical exposure, observation, or participation. An experienced person is someone who has been through various situations and has learned from them, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of the world around them. This trait is often associated with wisdom, expertise, and a well-rounded perspective on life.

Possible causes of being experienced

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

• They have had a wide variety of life experiences that have exposed them to different perspectives and ways of thinking.
• They have gone through challenging experiences in their life that have forced them to learn and grow.
• They have a growth mindset and view every experience, whether positive or negative, as an opportunity for learning and growth.
• They have a strong sense of self-awareness and reflect on their experiences to gain insights and wisdom.
• They have a tendency to observe and analyze the world around them, which helps them make connections and gain understanding.
• They have a strong intuition and can often use their past experiences to guide their decision-making in the present.
• They have a natural curiosity and desire to learn, which has led them to seek out new experiences and knowledge.

Behaviors associated with being experienced

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

• Offering valuable insights and advice to others in their field
• Having a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities of their field
• Remaining calm and level-headed in high-pressure situations
• Being able to anticipate potential issues and proactively addressing them
• Demonstrating proficiency in their craft through consistent, high-quality work
• Making decisions with ease and confidence based on past successes and failures
• Adapting quickly to new situations and challenges, having seen similar scenarios before

Attitudes associated with being experienced

You may be able to show experienced through their attitudes.

• Sense of perspective and understanding of the bigger picture
• Ability to handle complex or challenging situations calmly
• Confidence in one's abilities
• Ability to take calculated risks
• Humility and a willingness to admit when one doesn't know something
• Patience with oneself and others
• Willingness to learn from past mistakes
• Openness to new ideas and perspectives
• Willingness to mentor and guide others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being experienced

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

• Conflicts between their personal values and the demands of their job or role in society
• A sense of responsibility to use their experience to make a positive impact on the world
• Feelings of nostalgia or regret about past choices or missed opportunities
• A willingness to take risks based on past experiences and lessons learned
• Fear or anxiety about aging or losing their skills and abilities
• A tendency to be more cautious or calculated in their actions and decisions
• A desire to pass on their knowledge and mentor others
• Frustration with younger generations or those who lack experience or wisdom
• A sense of pride and accomplishment for their achievements and successes

Emotions associated with being experienced

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

• Accomplished
• Confidence
• Skilled
• Knowledgeable
• Masterful
• Capable
• Competent
• Wisdom
• Adept

Facial expressions associated with being experienced

Here are some facial expressions your experienced character may exhibit.

• A slightly raised eyebrow that indicates curiosity and interest in the world
• Wrinkles around the eyes and mouth that suggest a life full of experience
• A subtle smile that conveys confidence and wisdom
• Eyes that exude a sense of knowing and understanding
• A calm and composed facial expression

Body language associated with being experienced

Here is some body language your experienced character may exhibit.

• Speaking with a measured and authoritative tone, conveying a sense of wisdom and expertise
• Making direct eye contact to show engagement and attentiveness
• Using hand gestures sparingly and purposefully to emphasize key points or ideas
• Displaying a calm and composed demeanor, even in challenging or unexpected situations
• Using subtle nods or affirming gestures to indicate agreement or understanding
• Maintaining a confident posture with shoulders back and head held high

Behaviors associated with being experienced

Here are some behaviors your experienced character may exhibit.

• Having a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities of their field
• Demonstrating proficiency in their craft through consistent, high-quality work
• Making decisions with ease and confidence based on past successes and failures
• Offering valuable insights and advice to others in their field
• Remaining calm and level-headed in high-pressure situations
• Adapting quickly to new situations and challenges, having seen similar scenarios before
• Being able to anticipate potential issues and proactively addressing them

Growth and evolution of experienced characters

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

• Letting go of a grudge or past hurt
• Overcoming a personal flaw or weakness
• Becoming more confident or self-assured
• Taking responsibility for their actions and making amends
• Developing a stronger sense of empathy or compassion
• Learning to trust others and work collaboratively
• Learning a new skill or gaining knowledge
• Forgiving someone who has wronged them
• Facing and overcoming a difficult challenge or obstacle

Stereotypes of experienced characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical experienced character like these examples.

• Burnout or cynicism that leads to apathy or disengagement
• Resistance to change or adaptation to new technologies or methods
• A lack of empathy or understanding towards less experienced individuals
• An inability to admit mistakes or take responsibility for failures
• Arrogance and overconfidence that leads to recklessness
• Being set in their ways and closed-minded to new ideas or perspectives
• A tendency to become complacent or stuck in a routine
• A know-it-all attitude that alienates others
• Refusing to delegate tasks and micromanaging others

Negatives of being experienced

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

• Difficulty in learning new skills
• Tendency to rely on past successes
• Becoming complacent
• Resistance to change
• Difficulty in accepting constructive criticism
• Overconfidence
• Being set in one's ways

Positives of being experienced

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

• Knowledgeable: Experienced individuals have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise that allows them to provide valuable insights and guidance in their field.
• Resilience: Experienced individuals have likely faced setbacks and failures in their careers, but they have also learned how to bounce back and persevere through difficult times.
• Adaptability: Experienced individuals are often able to adapt to changing circumstances more easily, as they have encountered similar situations in the past and have learned how to navigate them successfully.
• Problem-solving skills: Experience often leads to the development of strong problem-solving skills, as individuals have had to overcome many challenges and obstacles throughout their careers.
• Confidence: Experience breeds confidence, which can be a powerful tool in any industry or profession.
• Leadership: Experienced individuals often possess strong leadership skills, as they have had the opportunity to lead and mentor others in their field.
• Maturity: Experience can lead to a greater sense of maturity and wisdom, which can be beneficial in personal and professional relationships.

Verbal expressions of experienced characters

Here are some potential expressions used by experienced characters.

• "Trust me, I've seen it all."
• "I'm a seasoned professional."
• "I know exactly what you're going through."
• "I've encountered this situation many times before."
• "I've developed a keen sense of intuition through experience."
• "I've learned a thing or two over the years."
• "I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise."
• "I've been there before."
• "I've honed my skills through years of practice."

Relationships of experienced characters

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

• Experienced people may have a respectful and professional relationship with those in positions of authority, such as bosses or supervisors
• Experienced people may have a friendly relationship with those they have worked with in the past or see on a regular basis in their personal life
• Experienced people may have a collaborative relationship with peers or colleagues in their field
• Experienced people may have a mentor-mentee relationship with those who are less experienced

Examples from books of characters who are experienced

• Hester Prynne from "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing experienced characters

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

• Write a scene where your character must make a difficult decision based on their experience, even if it goes against what others are advising.
• Write a dialogue where your character shares advice or wisdom based on their experience with someone who is struggling with a similar issue.
• Write a scene where your character is teaching someone else a skill or trade based on their experience.
• Create a list of specific accomplishments or milestones that demonstrate your character's expertise and experience.
• Create a backstory for your character that explains how they gained their expertise in their field.
• Write a reflection from your character on the value of experience and how it has shaped who they are today.
• Describe a moment where your character's experience allows them to notice something that others might have missed.
• Write a scene where your character faces a difficult problem that they've encountered before and must draw on their experience to solve it.
• Describe a moment from your character's past where they learned a valuable lesson that they still apply to their current situation.