Character Trait: Farsighted

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait of being farsighted refers to a person's ability to think and plan for the future, anticipating potential outcomes and consequences of their actions. A farsighted character is someone who is able to see beyond the present moment and make decisions based on long-term goals and objectives. They are strategic thinkers who consider how their actions today will impact their future.

Possible causes of being farsighted

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

• Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as conscientiousness, openness to experience, and agreeableness, may be associated with a farsighted nature.
• Life experiences: Individuals who have experienced significant life events that require long-term planning and consideration may be more likely to develop a farsighted personality.
• Genetic predisposition: Some studies suggest that farsightedness may have a genetic component, which means that it can be passed down from parents to children.
• Upbringing and environment: Growing up in an environment that encourages long-term planning and forward thinking may contribute to the development of a farsighted personality.

Behaviors associated with being farsighted

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

• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions
• Headaches or eyestrain after reading or doing close work
• Needing brighter lighting when reading or doing close work
• Holding reading materials at arm's length
• Squinting to see things up close
• Difficulty adjusting focus between near and far objects
• Difficulty reading small print
• Straining to see distant objects
• Blurred vision when looking at close objects

Attitudes associated with being farsighted

You may be able to show farsighted through their attitudes.

• Strong leadership qualities and decision-making skills
• Empathy and consideration for others' perspectives and needs
• Openness to new ideas and perspectives
• Ability to anticipate potential problems and opportunities
• Forward-looking and optimistic outlook
• Patience and perseverance to achieve long-term goals
• Willingness to take calculated risks
• Strategic thinking and planning for the future

Thoughts and struggles associated with being farsighted

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

• A farsighted character may struggle with feeling disconnected from the present moment.
• They may be focused on long-term goals and plans, but struggle to balance those with the demands of daily life.
• Farsighted characters may be prone to daydreaming or escapism, as they seek to escape the pressures of the present moment and focus on their long-term goals.
• They may also struggle with making decisions in the present moment, as they are always considering the potential long-term consequences of their choices.
• Farsighted characters may have a tendency to worry about the future, sometimes to the point of anxiety or stress.

Emotions associated with being farsighted

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

• Enthusiasm
• Future-oriented
• Excitement
• Anticipation
• Hopefulness
• Optimism
• Forward-looking
• Visionary thinking
• Eagerness

Facial expressions associated with being farsighted

Here are some facial expressions your farsighted character may exhibit.

• Squinting or narrowing of the eyes to see clearly
• Holding reading material at arm's length
• Tilting the head back to bring objects into focus
• Furrowing of the brow in concentration
• Difficulty recognizing faces from a distance

Body language associated with being farsighted

Here is some body language your farsighted character may exhibit.

• Tilting the head back or looking up to see far away
• Holding objects at arm's length to read or view them
• Frequently losing or misplacing items because they can't see where they put them
• Squinting or narrowing of the eyes to focus on distant objects
• Bumping into objects or tripping over things because of poor depth perception
• Difficulty reading small print or seeing details from far away
• Frequently rubbing or straining the eyes

Behaviors associated with being farsighted

Here are some behaviors your farsighted character may exhibit.

• Difficulty adjusting focus between near and far objects
• Holding reading materials at arm's length
• Blurred vision when looking at close objects
• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions
• Squinting to see things up close
• Straining to see distant objects
• Headaches or eyestrain after reading or doing close work
• Difficulty reading small print
• Needing brighter lighting when reading or doing close work

Growth and evolution of farsighted characters

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

• Another possible growth arc for a Farsighted character is to learn to let go of their fear of failure or making mistakes. They may come to understand that taking risks and making mistakes is a natural part of growth and progress, and that it's better to take action and learn from mistakes than to remain stuck in indecision.
• A Farsighted character may also learn to communicate their vision and plans more effectively to others, inspiring and rallying their team or community around a shared goal.
• They may also learn to balance their long-term goals with the needs of the present moment, realizing that sometimes short-term sacrifices are necessary for long-term success.
• A Farsighted character may start off hesitant or indecisive due to their tendency to consider long-term consequences, but over the course of the story, they could learn to trust their instincts more and make more confident decisions.

Stereotypes of farsighted characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical farsighted character like these examples.

• Avoid making Farsighted characters seem robotic or overly analytical. They are still human and have personal opinions, values, and beliefs.
• Avoid depicting Farsighted characters as always being right or never making mistakes. They may have a tendency to rely on logic and analysis, but they are still fallible and make errors in judgment.
• Avoid portraying Farsighted characters as socially awkward or incapable of forming relationships. While they may struggle with emotional intimacy, they can still have fulfilling personal and professional relationships.
• Avoid portraying Farsighted characters as cold, unfeeling, or unemotional. While they may prioritize rational thinking over emotional responses, they are still capable of experiencing and expressing emotions.

Negatives of being farsighted

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

• Difficulty seeing objects that are up close or nearby
• Difficulty seeing clearly while driving, especially at night
• Difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as sewing or using small tools
• Eye strain, headaches, and fatigue when trying to focus on close objects for extended periods
• Needing to hold reading material or electronic devices farther away to see them clearly
• Increased risk of developing crossed or lazy eyes, especially in children
• Increased risk of falls or accidents due to poor depth perception

Positives of being farsighted

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

• Farsighted individuals are usually optimistic and hopeful about the future, which can inspire others and create a positive atmosphere.
• They tend to be goal-oriented and driven, focusing on their aspirations and striving to achieve success in their endeavors.
• Farsighted people tend to have a long-term vision and think about the future, which helps them plan ahead and be prepared for upcoming challenges.
• Farsighted people are often creative and innovative, using their imagination to envision new possibilities and explore uncharted territories.
• They are often able to see the big picture and understand how different pieces fit together, which can be useful in problem-solving and decision-making.
• They are typically strategic and resourceful, finding ways to make the most of their time, energy, and resources to achieve their objectives.
• Farsighted individuals are usually resilient and adaptable, able to overcome setbacks and challenges and adjust their plans when necessary.

Verbal expressions of farsighted characters

Here are some potential expressions used by farsighted characters.

• "Planning for the future..."
• "Looking ahead..."
• "Having a vision for the future..."
• "Thinking ahead..."
• "Taking a broad perspective..."
• "Anticipating potential outcomes..."
• "In the long run..."
• "Considering the consequences..."

Relationships of farsighted characters

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

• They may have a hard time connecting with people who are more impulsive or who prioritize short-term gratification.
• Farsighted people may be drawn to others who share their passion for planning and goal-setting.
• They may enjoy collaborating with others who can help them achieve their long-term objectives.
• Farsighted people may struggle with forming close relationships due to their tendency to focus on long-term goals and planning.
• Farsighted people may struggle with delegation and trusting others to help them achieve their goals.
• They may be more comfortable in leadership roles where they can set the vision and direction for a group or organization.

Examples from books of characters who are farsighted

• Gandalf from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Mrs. Whatsit from "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle
• Dumbledore from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Mr. Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Marmee March from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Writing exercises for writing farsighted characters

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

• Think about a character in your story who you want to have the Farsighted trait. What are their goals? What obstacles are in their way?
• Write a scene where the character is able to anticipate a future problem or event that others cannot see. How do they react to this realization?
• Create a character who represents the opposite of Farsightedness, someone who is impulsive or shortsighted. How does your Farsighted character interact with them?
• Start by researching the Farsighted trait and understanding what it means for a character to possess this quality.
• Write a scene where the Farsighted character has to convince others of their vision for the future. How do they go about persuading them?
• Imagine a scenario where the character is faced with a decision that will have long-term consequences. How do they weigh the potential outcomes?
• Write a flashback scene where the character first developed their Farsighted trait. Was it a natural inclination or did they have to work to develop it?