Character Trait: Forceful

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Forceful refers to individuals who are assertive, confident, and have a strong sense of purpose. A forceful character is not afraid to speak their mind or take action to achieve their goals, even if it means going against the grain or challenging authority. They are often seen as influential and persuasive, able to convince others to follow their lead. However, forceful individuals must also be careful not to become overly aggressive or domineering in their interactions with others.

Possible causes of being forceful

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

• An innate temperament or personality trait
• A belief that forcefulness is necessary to achieve goals or maintain power
• A desire to take charge and be in control
• A need for validation and recognition
• A lack of empathy or consideration for others' perspectives
• Social or cultural conditioning that values assertiveness and dominance
• Past experiences of feeling powerless or out of control
• A strong sense of purpose or ambition
• A fear of being perceived as weak or incompetent

Behaviors associated with being forceful

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

• Challenging the status quo and pushing for change
• Refusing to back down or give up easily
• Commanding attention and respect
• Speaking confidently and assertively
• Demonstrating determination and perseverance
• Taking charge and making decisions quickly
• Pursuing goals with intensity and passion
• Showing courage and bravery in the face of opposition
• Standing up for oneself and others

Attitudes associated with being forceful

You may be able to show forceful through their attitudes.

• Decisive
• Empowered
• Bold
• Assertive
• Unyielding
• Determined
• Confident
• Self-assured
• Strong-willed

Thoughts and struggles associated with being forceful

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

• They may feel a constant need to prove themselves and be seen as strong or powerful.
• They may have a strong sense of justice and may become enraged when they perceive injustice or unfairness.
• They may have a fear of being controlled or dominated by others.
• They may struggle with vulnerability and may avoid showing weakness or admitting when they need help.
• They may struggle with compromising or working collaboratively with others and may prefer to work independently.
• They may struggle with controlling their temper and often come across as aggressive or intimidating to others.
• They may feel frustrated when others don't share their same sense of urgency or dedication to a task.
• They may struggle with accepting criticism or feedback and may become defensive or dismissive.

Emotions associated with being forceful

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

• Confident
• Resolute
• Dominant
• Self-assured
• Authoritative
• Assertive
• Determined
• Bold
• Decisive

Facial expressions associated with being forceful

Here are some facial expressions your forceful character may exhibit.

• Flared nostrils
• Tightly pressed lips
• Narrowed eyes
• Squinted eyes
• Stiffened jaw
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Raised chin
• Clenched jaw
• Steely gaze

Body language associated with being forceful

Here is some body language your forceful character may exhibit.

• Displaying open body language, such as spreading arms wide or uncrossing legs
• Standing tall with a straight posture
• Speaking with a clear and firm voice
• Using strong gestures and movements
• Leaning forward to emphasize a point
• Using forceful facial expressions, such as furrowing brows or tightening jaw muscles
• Making direct eye contact
• Showing signs of impatience, such as tapping feet or fingers
• Taking up more physical space

Behaviors associated with being forceful

Here are some behaviors your forceful character may exhibit.

• Commanding attention and respect
• Demonstrating determination and perseverance
• Challenging the status quo and pushing for change
• Speaking confidently and assertively
• Refusing to back down or give up easily
• Showing courage and bravery in the face of opposition
• Taking charge and making decisions quickly
• Standing up for oneself and others
• Pursuing goals with intensity and passion

Growth and evolution of forceful characters

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

• They might learn to channel their passion and drive in a way that benefits not only themselves but others as well.
• They might discover that there are times when diplomacy and cooperation are more effective than brute force.
• They might learn to let go of control and allow others to take charge when appropriate.
• They might come to understand the importance of empathy and compassion, and how these qualities can help them connect with others on a deeper level.
• The character could learn to channel their strength and assertiveness in a more positive and productive manner.
• The character could gain a deeper appreciation for the value of teamwork and collaboration, recognizing that they can achieve more together than alone.
• The character could develop a greater sense of self-awareness, recognizing how their actions and behavior impact those around them.
• The Forceful character might learn to listen to others and consider their opinions before acting on their own.

Stereotypes of forceful characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical forceful character like these examples.

• Avoid making your Forceful character the "bully" or the antagonist.
• Avoid making your Forceful character overly aggressive or violent.
• Avoid making your Forceful character always in control and never vulnerable or emotional.
• Avoid making your Forceful character one-dimensional with no depth or complexity.

Negatives of being forceful

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

• May limit collaboration or teamwork
• Can lead to conflict or resistance from others
• Can be perceived as selfish or self-centered
• Can come across as aggressive or domineering
• May disregard others' opinions or feelings
• May intimidate or alienate others

Positives of being forceful

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

• They are confident in their abilities and can inspire others to follow their lead.
• They are not afraid to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe in, making them effective advocates for themselves and others.
• They are not easily deterred or swayed by external factors, making them resilient and determined.
• Forceful individuals are often good at delegating tasks and leading teams, as they have a clear vision and can communicate it effectively.
• Forceful individuals are decisive and take action, which can lead to achieving goals and completing tasks efficiently.

Verbal expressions of forceful characters

Here are some potential expressions used by forceful characters.

• "Do it my way or the highway."
• "I know what's best for everyone."
• "Listen to me!"
• "I won't tolerate any nonsense."
• "Make it happen, no excuses."
• "Don't waste my time."
• "I'm in charge here."
• "I'm not asking, I'm telling you."
• "I won't take no for an answer."

Relationships of forceful characters

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

• Forceful people may tend to dominate conversations and interrupt others, which can create tension and resentment in their relationships.
• In some cases, they may have a close-knit inner circle of friends or colleagues who appreciate their assertiveness and rely on them for guidance or support.
• On the other hand, forceful people may also be seen as strong and confident leaders, who are able to take charge in difficult situations and inspire others to follow their lead.
• They may also have a tendency to make decisions without consulting others or considering their opinions, which can lead to feelings of disempowerment or frustration among those around them.

Examples from books of characters who are forceful

• Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
• Captain Ahab from Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Tyler Durden from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing forceful characters

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

• Create a character profile for a forceful character. Include details like their background, personality, motivations, and flaws. Use this profile as a reference as you write.
• Write a scene in which your forceful character has to make a difficult decision. Show how their forceful nature influences their choice.
• Write a scene in which your forceful character has to lead a group. Show how they use their forceful nature to motivate and inspire others.
• Start with a clear understanding of what it means to be forceful. Make a list of adjectives and descriptive phrases that capture the essence of the trait.
• Write a scene in which your forceful character faces a setback or obstacle. Show how they use their forceful nature to overcome it.
• Write a scene in which your forceful character has to negotiate a deal. Show how they use their forceful nature to get what they want.
• Write a dialogue-heavy scene between your forceful character and a more passive character. Show how the forceful character dominates the conversation and gets their way.