Character Trait: Fatalistic

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Fatalistic refers to a person who has a belief that events are determined by fate or destiny, and that they have no control over their outcomes. Fatalistic individuals tend to accept and submit to the idea that whatever will happen, will happen, and that they cannot change the course of events. This trait can manifest in a character who lacks motivation, shows apathy towards their circumstances, and may even be resigned to their own demise. However, when written well, a character with a fatalistic trait can add depth and complexity to a story, creating a unique perspective and raising thought-provoking questions about free will and the human condition.

Possible causes of being fatalistic

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

• Past experiences of failure or disappointment that have led to a belief that everything is predetermined and inevitable.
• Lack of control over one's life or circumstances, such as poverty or oppression.
• Traumatic events, such as illness or loss of a loved one, that have led to a sense of hopelessness and helplessness.
• Cultural or religious beliefs that emphasize the power of fate or destiny.
• Personality traits such as anxiety or depression that contribute to a sense of helplessness and pessimism.

Behaviors associated with being fatalistic

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

• Avoiding taking risks or trying new things because of a fear of failure.
• Seeing the negative in every situation and expecting the worst.
• Believing that everything is predetermined and out of one's control.
• Being passive and resigned to one's fate.
• Feeling helpless and powerless in the face of adversity.
• Lacking motivation or initiative to improve one's situation.
• Blaming outside forces for one's problems instead of taking responsibility.
• Giving up on goals or dreams easily.

Attitudes associated with being fatalistic

You may be able to show fatalistic through their attitudes.

• A feeling of being resigned to one's fate, rather than actively shaping it
• A tendency to accept negative outcomes as inevitable and not worth fighting against
• A lack of motivation to take action or make changes to improve situations
• A pessimistic outlook on life and a tendency to expect the worst
• A tendency to see life as a series of unfortunate events beyond one's control
• A focus on fate or destiny rather than personal agency
• A sense of powerlessness or resignation in the face of adversity
• A belief that events are predetermined and inevitable
• A belief that the future is already determined and cannot be changed

Thoughts and struggles associated with being fatalistic

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

• A constant battle between wanting to change their fate and feeling powerless to do so
• An inability to take control of their own life and make decisions for themselves
• A fear of trying new things or taking risks because they believe the outcome is already decided
• A feeling of resignation and detachment from life, as if they are just going through the motions
• A tendency to blame outside forces for their failures rather than taking responsibility for their actions
• A sense of hopelessness and acceptance that everything is predetermined
• A tendency to give up easily and not put effort into improving their situation

Emotions associated with being fatalistic

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

• Lack of control
• Acceptance of fate
• Fatalism
• Defeatism
• Resignation
• Despair
• Pessimism
• Hopelessness
• Predestination
• Powerlessness
• Inevitability
• Futility

Facial expressions associated with being fatalistic

Here are some facial expressions your fatalistic character may exhibit.

• Tense jaw or clenched teeth
• Frowning or scowling
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Downward turned corners of the mouth
• Shaking of the head
• Dull or distant eyes
• A defeated or resigned expression
• Lack of facial expression
• Deep sighs or heavy breathing

Body language associated with being fatalistic

Here is some body language your fatalistic character may exhibit.

• Acting as if nothing can be done to change a situation
• Lack of enthusiasm or energy in movements
• Speaking in a monotone or resigned voice
• Slumped or hunched posture
• Rarely smiling or laughing
• Frequently shaking one's head or shrugging
• Sighing frequently
• Avoiding eye contact or looking down
• Appearing defeated or hopeless

Behaviors associated with being fatalistic

Here are some behaviors your fatalistic character may exhibit.

• Giving up on goals or dreams easily.
• Lacking motivation or initiative to improve one's situation.
• Seeing the negative in every situation and expecting the worst.
• Feeling helpless and powerless in the face of adversity.
• Believing that everything is predetermined and out of one's control.
• Being passive and resigned to one's fate.
• Blaming outside forces for one's problems instead of taking responsibility.
• Avoiding taking risks or trying new things because of a fear of failure.

Growth and evolution of fatalistic characters

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

• They may become more proactive and take action to change their circumstances instead of waiting for fate to intervene.
• A fatalistic character might start to question their beliefs about destiny and begin to take control of their own life.
• They may learn to let go of things they cannot control and focus on what they can change.
• They may begin to see the world in a more positive light and become more optimistic about their future.
• They may develop a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions and take more responsibility for their choices.
• A fatalistic character may become more resilient and better equipped to deal with adversity and setbacks.
• A fatalistic character may learn to trust others and rely on them for help and support.

Stereotypes of fatalistic characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical fatalistic character like these examples.

• A character who is fatalistic to the point of being fatalistic about everything, including things that are within their control.
• A character who is always negative and pessimistic, never finding hope or joy in anything.
• A character who is constantly fatalistic in their outlook, never allowing for the possibility of a positive outcome.
• A character who is passive and just goes along with whatever happens to them, never taking control of their own life.
• A character who is resigned to their fate and never takes any action to change their circumstances.

Remember, while Fatalistic characters can have a negative outlook on life, they should still be complex and multidimensional, with traits and motivations that make them relatable and interesting to readers. Avoiding these stereotypes can help you create a more realistic and compelling character.

Negatives of being fatalistic

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

• Reliance on fate or external factors rather than personal effort and determination
• Lack of motivation to change or improve one's circumstances
• Tendency to give up easily in the face of obstacles
• Loss of personal agency and control over one's life
• Inability to take responsibility for one's actions
• Pessimistic outlook on the future

Positives of being fatalistic

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

• Fatalistic characters can add depth and complexity to a story, as their fatalism can create tension and conflict with other characters who may have different beliefs.
• Fatalistic individuals are often more resilient in the face of adversity and setbacks, as they believe that their fate is predetermined and out of their control.
• The fatalistic perspective can inspire a greater appreciation for the present moment and a willingness to live life to the fullest.
• Acceptance of fate and the belief that everything happens for a reason can provide a sense of comfort and relief from anxiety.

Verbal expressions of fatalistic characters

Here are some potential expressions used by fatalistic characters.

• "It's meant to be."
• "What's the point in trying?"
• "Fate has already decided my path."
• "It's inevitable."
• "I have no control over my life."
• "The universe is against me."
• "Things never work out for me."
• "I'm cursed/blessed."
• "It's just my luck."

Relationships of fatalistic characters

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

• They may also be more likely to cling to relationships that are not healthy or fulfilling, as they may feel that they have no control over the situation and cannot change it.
• They may struggle to form deep and meaningful connections with others, as they may feel that the outcome of the relationship is already determined.
• Fatalistic individuals may be more likely to give up on relationships or friendships when faced with challenges or conflicts, as they may believe that the negative outcome was inevitable.
• Fatalistic people may have a tendency to distance themselves from others due to their belief that events are predetermined and cannot be changed.
• In some cases, fatalistic people may be more prone to self-sabotage in their relationships, as they may feel that they are powerless to change the outcome.
• They may struggle with trust and vulnerability, as they may feel that opening up to others will only lead to disappointment or pain.

Examples from books of characters who are fatalistic

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Meursault from "The Stranger" by Albert Camus
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Tess from "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" by Thomas Hardy
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Oedipus from "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles
• Gregor Samsa from "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
• Raskolnikov from "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

Writing exercises for writing fatalistic characters

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

• Show your character accepting their fate, even if it means sacrificing something they care about deeply.
• Create a conflict where your character's fatalistic beliefs clash with another character's more optimistic outlook.
• Have your character make decisions that reflect a belief in fate or destiny, rather than free will.
• Write a scene where your character is resigned to a negative outcome, even if there is a chance to change it.
• Write a scene where your character's fatalistic beliefs are challenged and they must confront their worldview.
• Show your character taking action even when they believe the outcome is predetermined.
• Use language that reflects fatalistic beliefs, such as "it was meant to be" or "it was just a matter of time."
• Show your character's fatalistic attitude towards life events, such as relationships, career, or health.
• Write a scene where your character reflects on past events and sees them as inevitable due to fate.