Character Trait: Focused

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Focused refers to the ability to concentrate on a particular task or goal without being distracted by other things. It involves being able to prioritize and commit to a specific objective, dedicating the necessary time and effort to achieve it. A focused character is determined, persistent, and able to maintain their attention on what matters most, even in the face of obstacles and distractions.

Possible causes of being focused

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

• Positive reinforcement for being focused in childhood or early adulthood
• Willingness to prioritize and make sacrifices to accomplish tasks
• Desire to achieve specific goals or outcomes
• Innate ability to concentrate and stay on task for extended periods
• Enjoyment of problem-solving and critical thinking
• Natural inclination towards detail-oriented tasks and activities
• Preference for structure and organization in daily life

Behaviors associated with being focused

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

• Practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment
• Being able to adapt and adjust priorities as needed
• Maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding negative self-talk
• Being organized and having a clear plan of action
• Avoiding distractions and staying on task
• Managing time effectively and avoiding procrastination
• Prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals
• Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Seeking out resources and support when needed

Attitudes associated with being focused

You may be able to show focused through their attitudes.

• Single-minded
• Resolute
• Driven
• Committed
• Persistent
• Determined
• Intense
• Disciplined
• Attentive

Thoughts and struggles associated with being focused

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

• They may be highly organized and detail-oriented, but this can also lead to perfectionism and difficulty delegating tasks to others.
• A focused character may have a strong sense of discipline and self-control, but this can also lead to rigidity and inflexibility.
• On the other hand, they may struggle with finding motivation or direction if they don't have a clear goal or purpose to focus on.
• A focused character might struggle with maintaining their focus in the face of distractions or competing priorities.
• They may have a tendency to become obsessed with their goals, which can lead to neglecting other important areas of their life.
• A focused character may also struggle with balancing short-term versus long-term goals, or prioritizing immediate needs versus future aspirations.

Emotions associated with being focused

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

• Concentration
• Intensity
• Discipline
• Drive
• Resilience
• Efficiency
• Persistence
• Dedication
• Determination
• Clarity
• Commitment
• Motivation
• Productivity
• Single-mindedness

Facial expressions associated with being focused

Here are some facial expressions your focused character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows
• Narrowed eyes
• Clenched jaw
• Concentrated frown
• Furrowed brow
• Intense stare
• Squinting
• Unblinking gaze
• Tightened lips

Body language associated with being focused

Here is some body language your focused character may exhibit.

• Responding promptly to questions or comments
• Avoiding distractions, such as checking the phone or looking around
• Maintaining eye contact with the speaker
• Leaning slightly forward
• Keeping hands still and folded on the lap or the table
• Nodding occasionally to show understanding and engagement
• Avoiding fidgeting or excessive movement
• Using facial expressions to convey interest and concentration
• Holding a relaxed and attentive posture

Behaviors associated with being focused

Here are some behaviors your focused character may exhibit.

• Seeking out resources and support when needed
• Managing time effectively and avoiding procrastination
• Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment
• Prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals
• Avoiding distractions and staying on task
• Being able to adapt and adjust priorities as needed
• Maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding negative self-talk
• Being organized and having a clear plan of action

Growth and evolution of focused characters

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

• They may become more confident in their abilities to achieve their goals through their focused efforts.
• The character may develop new methods or strategies to improve their focus.
• The character may learn to prioritize their goals and tasks more effectively.
• They may become more self-aware and recognize their strengths and weaknesses in regards to focus.
• They may become more disciplined and develop better time management skills.
• The character may learn to let go of distractions and external pressures that hinder their focus.

Stereotypes of focused characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical focused character like these examples.

• The obsessive organizer who cannot handle spontaneity or change.
• The tunnel-visioned specialist who cannot see the big picture or think holistically.
• The rigid rule-follower who cannot think outside the box.
• The socially awkward genius who lacks emotional intelligence.
• The overbearing perfectionist who is never satisfied with anything.
• The ruthless competitor who will do anything to win.
• The workaholic who neglects their personal life and relationships.
• The arrogant know-it-all who dismisses others' opinions and ideas.
• The humorless, serious person who takes everything too seriously and cannot relax.

Remember that a Focused character can still have depth and complexity beyond their defining trait. Avoiding stereotypes and adding unique qualities to your character will make them more interesting and relatable to readers.

Negatives of being focused

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

• Neglecting self-care or relationships
• Narrow-mindedness
• Missing out on opportunities due to strict focus on one goal
• Ignoring important details or perspectives
• Being overly critical of oneself or others
• Becoming obsessive or compulsive
• Difficulty multitasking or adjusting to changing circumstances

Positives of being focused

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

• Ability to prioritize and complete important tasks first
• Enhanced problem-solving skills by being able to concentrate on finding solutions
• Increased chances of achieving goals and success in personal and professional life
• Improved attention to detail and accuracy in work
• Reduced stress and anxiety from feeling overwhelmed or scattered
• Increased productivity and efficiency in tasks
• Improved time management skills

Verbal expressions of focused characters

Here are some potential expressions used by focused characters.

• "I can't be distracted right now..."
• "Let me give this my full attention..."
• "My mind is totally fixated on..."
• "I need to concentrate on..."
• "I'm single-mindedly working on..."
• "I'm completely absorbed in..."
• "I'm in the zone..."
• "I'm giving this my undivided attention..."
• "I'm laser-focused on..."

Relationships of focused characters

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

• Focused people tend to have strong and clear goals, which can make them appear driven and motivated to others.
• They may be perceived as intense or serious, as they often take their work or hobbies very seriously and may not have much patience for frivolous activities or conversations.
• They may be seen as hardworking and disciplined, as they often prioritize their tasks and responsibilities over distractions or socializing.
• Focused individuals might struggle with multitasking or switching gears, which can make them appear aloof or uninterested in certain situations.

Examples from books of characters who are focused

• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
• Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

Writing exercises for writing focused characters

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

• Describe a situation where the character is faced with multiple tasks that need to be completed within a short period of time. Show how the character prioritizes their tasks and stays focused on completing them.
• Write a scene where the character is faced with a setback or obstacle. Show how they remain focused on finding a solution instead of giving up.
• Describe a scene where the character is pursuing a long-term goal. Show how they break down the goal into smaller, manageable tasks and stay focused on completing each one.
• Write a dialogue between the focused character and someone who is trying to distract them. Show how the character maintains their focus and doesn't let the distractions affect them.
• Describe a scene where the character is learning a new skill or subject. Show how they stay focused on learning and improving, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
• Create a scene where the character is working on a project and is completely engrossed in it. Show how they tune out distractions and are fully concentrated on the task at hand.
• Write a scene where the character is in a high-pressure situation. Show how they remain calm and focused instead of getting overwhelmed by the pressure.