Character Trait: Forthcoming

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "forthcoming" means being open and honest in communication, willingly sharing information or feelings with others. A forthcoming person is transparent and doesn't hold back or hide anything, even when it's uncomfortable or difficult. They are straightforward and sincere in their interactions with others. This trait is important for creating characters that are genuine and trustworthy.

Possible causes of being forthcoming

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

• A strong sense of self-confidence and self-assuredness, which can make the person feel more comfortable being open and transparent with others
• A desire for authentic connections and relationships, which can motivate the person to be more forthcoming about themselves and their experiences
• A generally extroverted disposition that makes the person feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with others
• A belief that honesty and transparency are important values, which can encourage the person to be more upfront and forthcoming in their interactions with others

Behaviors associated with being forthcoming

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

• Being proactive in providing updates or sharing news
• Willingness to share personal information or experiences
• Being honest and transparent in communication
• Expressing opinions or beliefs openly
• Offering information without being asked
• Being direct and clear in communication
• Admitting mistakes or faults without being prompted

Attitudes associated with being forthcoming

You may be able to show forthcoming through their attitudes.

• Willingness to share information freely
• Willingness to admit mistakes and failures
• Direct communication
• Willingness to take responsibility for one's actions
• Confidence
• Open-mindedness
• Honesty and transparency
• Respect for others' opinions and perspectives

Thoughts and struggles associated with being forthcoming

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

• Insecurity about their place in the world or their relationships
• Pressure to live up to expectations or fulfill obligations
• Hesitation to take risks or make decisions
• Ambivalence about their identity or values
• Doubt about their own abilities or worthiness
• Tension between their personal needs and the needs of others
• Fear of failure or disappointing others
• Guilt or regret over past mistakes or missed opportunities
• Conflicting desires or goals

Emotions associated with being forthcoming

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

• Candidness
• Sincerity
• Clarity
• Transparency
• Confidence
• Authenticity
• Directness
• Openness
• Honesty

Facial expressions associated with being forthcoming

Here are some facial expressions your forthcoming character may exhibit.

• Slight smile or neutral expression
• Relaxed facial muscles
• Direct eye contact
• Slightly raised eyebrows
• Open, forward-facing body posture
• Clear and articulate speech

Body language associated with being forthcoming

Here is some body language your forthcoming character may exhibit.

• Focusing on the listener and their reactions
• Smiling and nodding to show engagement
• Leaning forward when speaking
• Gesturing with open palms
• Open and relaxed posture
• Speaking clearly and confidently
• Maintaining a steady tone of voice
• Using expansive hand gestures to emphasize points
• Direct eye contact

Behaviors associated with being forthcoming

Here are some behaviors your forthcoming character may exhibit.

• Being proactive in providing updates or sharing news
• Willingness to share personal information or experiences
• Being direct and clear in communication
• Admitting mistakes or faults without being prompted
• Offering information without being asked
• Expressing opinions or beliefs openly
• Being honest and transparent in communication

Growth and evolution of forthcoming characters

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

• Developing a new perspective or worldview
• Overcoming addiction or destructive habits
• Learning to trust others and build meaningful relationships
• Learning to stand up for oneself and others
• Overcoming fears or insecurities
• Gaining confidence and self-assurance
• Developing a sense of empathy and understanding for others
• Learning to forgive and let go of grudges
• Discovering new passions or interests

Stereotypes of forthcoming characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical forthcoming character like these examples.

• Avoid making the Forthcoming character appear superior or condescending to others who do not share their knowledge or understanding.
• Avoid portraying the Forthcoming character as socially awkward or lacking in social skills.
• Avoid making the Forthcoming character seem too predictable or lacking in depth.
• Avoid making the Forthcoming character appear robotic or emotionless.
• Avoid overusing scientific or technical jargon to the point where it becomes difficult for the reader to understand.

Negatives of being forthcoming

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

• Being too forthcoming can come across as tactless or rude.
• Forthcoming individuals may struggle with boundaries and have difficulty saying no or standing up for themselves.
• It can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunications if information is shared too quickly or without proper context.
• It can lead to oversharing personal information that may make others uncomfortable.
• Forthcoming individuals may struggle with keeping secrets or maintaining confidentiality.
• Some people may take advantage of a forthcoming person's openness and use it against them.

Positives of being forthcoming

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

• Forthcoming individuals are honest and transparent in their communication, which can build trust and credibility with others.
• They are often seen as reliable and dependable because they share information willingly and openly.
• They are willing to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, which can lead to better problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Forthcoming people tend to have a strong sense of integrity and ethical values, which can contribute to a positive work or social environment.

Verbal expressions of forthcoming characters

Here are some potential expressions used by forthcoming characters.

• "I think it's important to mention"
• "I feel obligated to tell you"
• "I don't want to keep this from you"
• "I want to come clean"
• "I'll be upfront"
• "I'm going to share with you"
• "This may be difficult to hear, but"
• "I'm going to reveal"
• "To be frank"
• "Let me be honest with you"
• "I want to disclose"
• "I don't want to hide anything"
• "Here's what I know"

Relationships of forthcoming characters

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

• They may struggle with people who are guarded or closed-off, as they value direct communication and may find it difficult to connect with those who are not forthcoming.
• In contrast, they may have positive relationships with people who are also forthright and direct, as they can appreciate and reciprocate this communication style.
• Forthcoming people may also struggle with those who are overly sensitive or easily offended, as they may unintentionally hurt feelings with their honesty.
• On the other hand, they may have a strong connection with people who can handle constructive criticism and appreciate feedback.
• Forthcoming people tend to be honest and open with others, which can lead to a sense of trust and transparency in their relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are forthcoming

• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" trilogy by Stieg Larsson
• Sherlock Holmes from "Sherlock Holmes" series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Lyra Belacqua from "His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing forthcoming characters

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

• Create a scenario where your character must face a fear or challenge that they have been avoiding. Write how they overcome their hesitation and take the necessary steps to move forward.
• Imagine your character in a situation where they need to make a difficult decision. Write down the options they consider and how they ultimately choose to act.
• Create a dialogue where your character speaks honestly and directly, even if it may be uncomfortable or unpopular.
• Write a scene where your character takes on a leadership role, whether it's organizing a group or leading a project, and how they inspire and guide others towards success.
• Write a scene where your character confidently expresses their opinions or ideas, even if they are met with resistance or criticism.
• Write a scene where your character stands up for themselves or others in the face of injustice or mistreatment.
• Write a scene where your character takes the initiative to solve a problem without being asked to do so.
• Imagine your character in a situation where they need to confront someone who has wronged them. Write down the conversation and how your character expresses their feelings and seeks resolution.
• Create a character who is hesitant or afraid to take action. Then, write a scene where your Forthcoming character encourages and motivates them to take a leap of faith.