Character Trait: Extraordinary

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Extraordinary" refers to someone or something that is exceptional, remarkable, or extraordinary in some way. It implies that the person or thing possesses qualities or abilities that are above and beyond what is considered normal or average. An extraordinary character may have unique talents, exceptional intelligence, or possess an exceptional level of courage, compassion, or determination. They may also have a unique perspective on the world, a creative and innovative approach to problem-solving, or an ability to inspire and lead others.

Possible causes of being extraordinary

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

• Genetics or biology, as some people may be born with certain traits that make them stand out
• Cultural or societal influences, such as growing up in a unique or diverse environment
• Education or intellectual pursuits that have expanded their knowledge and thinking
• Exposure to different people, ideas, and cultures that have broadened their perspective
• Personal interests or passions that have driven them to explore unconventional paths
• Life experiences or traumas that have shaped their worldview and personality
• Hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have helped them achieve exceptional results
• Innate talent or skill in a particular area that sets them apart from others
• Personal values or beliefs that set them apart from others

Behaviors associated with being extraordinary

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

• Continuously learning and growing as an individual
• Pursuing passions and interests with enthusiasm and dedication
• Being authentic and true to oneself
• Being resilient and persevering through obstacles and setbacks
• Showing kindness and compassion towards others
• Maintaining a positive attitude and outlook on life
• Taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone
• Challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries
• Inspiring and motivating others through words and actions

Attitudes associated with being extraordinary

You may be able to show extraordinary through their attitudes.

• An open-mindedness that welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences
• A willingness to take risks and embrace challenges
• A dedication to hard work and perseverance
• A capacity for empathy and compassion towards oneself and others
• A growth mindset that values learning and improvement
• A strong sense of purpose and self-belief
• A passion for excellence and a commitment to achieving greatness
• An ability to see beyond the status quo and envision new possibilities
• A sense of humility that recognizes the contributions of others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being extraordinary

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

• Balancing the desire to use their talents for personal gain versus using them to benefit society or others
• Dealing with the fear of failure or making mistakes, as their mistakes may have greater consequences than those of others
• Struggling with the pressure to live up to high expectations or to be a role model for others
• Coping with feelings of loneliness or isolation, as few people can relate to their experiences or abilities
• Feeling like an outsider or misunderstood by others due to their exceptional abilities or unique perspective
• Wrestling with ethical dilemmas or moral quandaries that arise from their extraordinary abilities or position
• Facing discrimination or persecution from those who fear or envy their talents

Emotions associated with being extraordinary

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

• Passion
• Pride
• Ambition
• Confidence
• Courage
• Humility (despite the extraordinary accomplishments)
• Perseverance

Facial expressions associated with being extraordinary

Here are some facial expressions your extraordinary character may exhibit.

• A playful and mischievous grin that hints at a fun-loving personality
• Bright and sparkling eyes that convey enthusiasm and passion
• A calm and composed expression that reflects inner strength and resilience
• A confident and genuine smile that lights up the face
• A curious and inquisitive look that reveals a thirst for knowledge and understanding
• A proud and uplifted chin that exudes self-assurance
• A focused and intense gaze that shows determination and drive

Body language associated with being extraordinary

Here is some body language your extraordinary character may exhibit.

• Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor under pressure
• Making direct eye contact with others
• Gesturing with purpose and conviction
• Displaying a positive and optimistic attitude
• Speaking with a clear and authoritative voice
• Standing tall and with a confident posture
• Using open and expansive gestures
• Smiling and nodding to show engagement and agreement
• Being attentive and actively listening to others

Behaviors associated with being extraordinary

Here are some behaviors your extraordinary character may exhibit.

• Challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries
• Inspiring and motivating others through words and actions
• Showing kindness and compassion towards others
• Pursuing passions and interests with enthusiasm and dedication
• Maintaining a positive attitude and outlook on life
• Being authentic and true to oneself
• Continuously learning and growing as an individual
• Taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone
• Being resilient and persevering through obstacles and setbacks

Growth and evolution of extraordinary characters

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

• Learning from past mistakes and applying those lessons
• Challenging their beliefs and evolving their worldview
• Finding their purpose or motivation
• Deepening their relationships with other characters
• Embracing change and adapting to new situations
• Overcoming their flaws or weaknesses
• Confronting and overcoming their fears
• Developing new skills or abilities
• Discovering hidden strengths or talents

Stereotypes of extraordinary characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical extraordinary character like these examples.

• The "Mary Sue" or "Gary Stu" character who is perfect in every way and has no flaws or struggles
• The overly aggressive or violent character who solves problems through brute force rather than intelligence or strategy
• The "damsel in distress" trope where a female character is constantly in need of rescuing by male characters
• The "token" character who is included solely for the sake of diversity, without any meaningful development or contribution to the story
• The one-dimensional villain who is evil simply for the sake of being evil, with no complex motivations or backstory

Negatives of being extraordinary

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

• Feeling like you always have to be "on" and never able to relax or be yourself
• High expectations from others and pressure to constantly perform at a high level
• Potential for arrogance or a sense of superiority
• Being viewed as a threat to those in positions of power or authority
• Facing criticism or backlash for being different or standing out
• Alienation from peers who may not understand or appreciate your abilities or accomplishments
• Being a target for jealousy or resentment from others
• Difficulty relating to "ordinary" or average experiences and struggles

Positives of being extraordinary

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

• They are often creative and innovative, coming up with new ideas and approaches to solve problems.
• Extraordinary individuals tend to be confident and self-assured, which can help them navigate difficult situations and challenges with ease.
• They inspire others to push beyond their limits and strive for greatness.
• They often have a strong work ethic and are driven to succeed, which can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Extraordinary people tend to have a positive attitude and outlook on life, which can be contagious and uplifting for those around them.
• They often have a strong sense of purpose and direction, which can help them achieve their goals more easily.
• Extraordinary individuals stand out from the crowd and are often remembered for their unique qualities and accomplishments.

Verbal expressions of extraordinary characters

Here are some potential expressions used by extraordinary characters.

• Speaking with confidence and clarity
• Being articulate and well-spoken
• Crafting insightful and thought-provoking statements
• Utilizing metaphors and analogies to convey complex ideas
• Using persuasive language to influence others
• Expressing empathy and understanding in communication
• Using unique vocabulary and expressions
• Displaying a mastery of language and grammar
• Demonstrating exceptional wit and humor

Relationships of extraordinary characters

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

• They may also have a tendency towards leadership and guidance, which can create mentorship dynamics with others.
• Extraordinary people may challenge others to be their best selves, pushing them to reach their full potential.
• Extraordinary people might have a strong sense of empathy towards others, leading to more compassionate and understanding relationships.
• They may also have a strong sense of individuality, which could lead to more independent relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are extraordinary

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Willy Wonka from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" trilogy by Stieg Larsson
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Sherlock Holmes from the "Sherlock Holmes" series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Harry Potter from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling

Writing exercises for writing extraordinary characters

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

• Write a scene where your character's extraordinary trait causes unintended consequences or complications.
• Experiment with different ways to describe your character's extraordinary trait, using sensory details to help readers visualize and experience it.
• Create a character profile that explores the backstory of how your character developed their extraordinary trait.
• Brainstorm a list of extraordinary abilities or characteristics that your character could possess. Consider both physical and mental abilities, as well as unique personality traits.
• Write a scene where your character uses their extraordinary trait to solve a problem or overcome a challenge.
• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who is skeptical or disbelieving of their extraordinary trait.
• Consider how your character's extraordinary trait could be both a strength and a weakness. Write a scene that explores this duality.