Character Trait: Factual

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Factual refers to a person who prioritizes and values truth, accuracy, and objectivity in their thoughts, actions, and communication. Individuals who possess this trait tend to rely on evidence-based reasoning, verifiable data, and well-researched information when forming opinions or making decisions. They are less likely to be swayed by emotions, biases, or personal beliefs and are more interested in finding the truth and presenting it as objectively as possible.

Possible causes of being factual

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

• A preference for objective facts over subjective opinions or emotions
• An inclination towards science, mathematics, or other fields that prioritize objective truth
• A tendency to focus on details and specifics
• A love for knowledge and information
• A logical and analytical mindset
• A desire for accuracy and precision

Behaviors associated with being factual

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

• Seeking out multiple perspectives and sources of information
• Presenting accurate information
• Admitting when you don't know something
• Relying on evidence and facts to support arguments
• Being detail-oriented and precise in your language
• Fact-checking your own work and the work of others
• Avoiding exaggeration or embellishment
• Being objective and unbiased

Attitudes associated with being factual

You may be able to show factual through their attitudes.

• Valuing accuracy and precision
• Avoiding exaggeration or hyperbole
• Striving for fairness and impartiality in one's assessments or judgments
• Being skeptical of claims without evidence to support them
• Prioritizing logic and reason over emotions or intuition
• Preferring objective, verifiable information over subjective opinions or beliefs
• Being detail-oriented and meticulous

Thoughts and struggles associated with being factual

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

• May struggle with accepting subjective opinions or beliefs that conflict with their own understanding of the facts
• Believes in objective truth above all else
• Tends to be very logical and analytical in decision-making
• May have a strong sense of justice and fairness, and be motivated to seek out and expose lies or falsehoods
• May be prone to over-analyzing and obsessing over small details in pursuit of factual accuracy
• May have difficulty understanding or relating to others who prioritize emotions over facts
• Struggles with emotions and empathy, may come across as cold or unfeeling

Emotions associated with being factual

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

• Accuracy
• Rationality
• Objectivity
• Detail-oriented
• Impartiality
• Skepticism
• Logic
• Precision
• Analytical

Facial expressions associated with being factual

Here are some facial expressions your factual character may exhibit.

• A furrowed brow to indicate deep thought or confusion
• A pursed lips or tight-lipped smile to indicate withholding of information
• A slight frown to show disapproval or disappointment
• A neutral or serious facial expression
• A raised eyebrow to express skepticism or doubt
• A nod or head tilt to show agreement or acknowledgement of a point
• Eyes narrowed or squinted to show concentration or critical thinking

Body language associated with being factual

Here is some body language your factual character may exhibit.

• Maintaining direct eye contact
• Avoiding fidgeting or excessive movement
• Expressing confidence in one's words and ideas
• Speaking in a clear and measured tone of voice
• Standing or sitting up straight
• Using a neutral or serious facial expression
• Using precise gestures to emphasize points

Behaviors associated with being factual

Here are some behaviors your factual character may exhibit.

• Relying on evidence and facts to support arguments
• Admitting when you don't know something
• Presenting accurate information
• Being detail-oriented and precise in your language
• Seeking out multiple perspectives and sources of information
• Fact-checking your own work and the work of others
• Being objective and unbiased
• Avoiding exaggeration or embellishment

Growth and evolution of factual characters

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

• Discovering new information that challenges their beliefs or assumptions.
• Recognizing and overcoming their own biases or prejudices.
• Facing and overcoming personal fears or obstacles.
• Changing their behavior or lifestyle based on new insights or experiences.
• Learning to trust others and form deeper connections with those around them.
• Taking responsibility for past mistakes and actively working to make amends.
• Taking on new responsibilities or roles that require personal growth and development.
• Developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their own motivations.
• Learning to empathize with others who hold different perspectives.

Stereotypes of factual characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical factual character like these examples.

• Inflexible or resistant to change or new ideas
• Arrogant or condescending towards those who don't share their expertise or knowledge
• Boring or dull personality
• Unapproachable or intimidating due to their intelligence or knowledge
• Emotionally distant or detached from others
• Overly logical and analytical without any creativity or intuition
• Lack of emotional depth or empathy
• Socially awkward or inept
• Obsessive or overly focused on work or specific interests to the point of neglecting personal relationships or self-care

Negatives of being factual

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

• Factual characters may struggle with creativity or imagination, as they tend to rely on what they know to be true rather than exploring new ideas.
• Factual characters can come across as cold or unemotional.
• They may struggle to connect with others on a deeper level due to their focus on facts and logic.
• They may struggle with decision-making if they don't have all the facts they need, and can become indecisive or hesitant.

Positives of being factual

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

• They tend to be good problem solvers, as they are able to assess situations objectively and make informed decisions.
• They have a strong sense of integrity and value accuracy in their work.
• They are often well-informed and knowledgeable, which can be an asset in many situations.
• Factual people are skilled at analyzing data and making logical conclusions.
• Factual individuals tend to be honest and trustworthy.
• They are often good communicators, as they are able to convey information clearly and concisely.
• They are reliable and consistent in their actions and decisions.

Verbal expressions of factual characters

Here are some potential expressions used by factual characters.

• "To be precise..."
• "According to the data..."
• "Based on the evidence..."
• "The truth is..."
• "The fact is..."
• "In actuality..."
• "It's true that..."
• "In reality..."

Relationships of factual characters

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

• Factual people may be highly independent and self-reliant, and may have difficulty asking for help or relying on others.
• They may find it challenging to connect with people on an emotional level and may prioritize logic and reason over empathy and compassion.
• Factual people may have a tendency to be straightforward and honest in their communication with others.
• Factual people may struggle with expressing emotions and may come across as cold or distant to others.
• They may be skilled at problem-solving and analyzing situations, but may struggle with creative thinking or imaginative pursuits.
• They may value accuracy and precision in their interactions with others, and may become frustrated when others are not as detail-oriented as they are.

Examples from books of characters who are factual

• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Sherlock Holmes from various stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Celie from The Color Purple by Alice Walker
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Writing exercises for writing factual characters

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

• Create a character who is a teacher or professor, and write a scene where they are passionately explaining a complex concept to their students. How do they make the material accessible and engaging, and how do they handle questions or challenges from their students?
• Write a character who is an expert at trivia or game shows, and show how this skill affects their self-esteem. Do they feel like they have something to prove, or are they able to use their knowledge to connect with others in a fun way?
• Create a character who is a journalist or investigator, and write a scene where they are digging deep into a story or case, piecing together information to uncover the truth.
• Create a character who is obsessed with collecting data or facts about a specific topic, such as history or science. Write a scene where they are passionately explaining their knowledge to someone else.
• Write a character who has a photographic memory or exceptional recall, and show how this ability affects their relationships with others. Do they come across as a know-it-all, or do they struggle to relate to people who can't remember details as easily?
• Create a character who is constantly fact-checking others, and write a scene where they catch someone in a lie or mistake. How do they react to this revelation, and how does it affect their relationship with the other person?
• Write a character who is an expert in their field, but struggles with social skills or interpersonal relationships. Show how their factual knowledge is a source of pride and confidence for them, but also creates barriers in their personal life.