Character Trait: Frank

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. I'm sorry, but I'm not aware of a character trait called "Frank." Could you please provide me with more context or information about what you mean by "Frank"? I'll do my best to assist you.

Possible causes of being frank

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

• They may have a tendency to speak their mind without filtering their thoughts or considering the consequences of their words.
• They may have experienced trauma or difficult life circumstances that have made them prioritize honesty and directness above all else.
• They may have a strong sense of self and a belief that honesty is the best policy, even if it can be uncomfortable or difficult.
• They may have a personality type that values authenticity and dislikes social conventions or pretense.
• They may have grown up in an environment that encouraged frankness and straightforward communication.

Behaviors associated with being frank

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

• Acknowledging and owning up to one's mistakes and shortcomings
• Expressing one's thoughts and opinions openly
• Being honest and straightforward in communication
• Being direct in asking for what one wants or needs
• Being transparent and genuine in behavior and interactions
• Avoiding dishonesty or deceit in any form
• Not beating around the bush or sugarcoating things

Attitudes associated with being frank

You may be able to show frank through their attitudes.

• Direct and honest communication
• Lack of sugarcoating or beating around the bush
• Honesty even in difficult or uncomfortable situations
• Not afraid to express unpopular opinions
• Tendency to prioritize truth over tactfulness
• Bluntness and straightforwardness
• Authenticity and genuineness in relationships
• Willingness to speak their mind

Thoughts and struggles associated with being frank

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

• Struggle with trust and betrayal
• A sense of duty and responsibility towards loved ones
• Deep-seated insecurity and self-doubt
• Tendency to suppress emotions and put up emotional barriers
• Difficulty letting go of past traumas and resentments
• Fear of intimacy and vulnerability
• A need for control in situations
• Inner conflict between personal desires and societal expectations
• Difficulty expressing emotions

Emotions associated with being frank

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

• Openness
• Directness
• Sincerity
• Transparency
• Authenticity
• Candidness
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Bluntness

Facial expressions associated with being frank

Here are some facial expressions your frank character may exhibit.

• A half-smile or smirk, indicating amusement or satisfaction
• A tight or closed mouth
• A furrowed brow
• A direct gaze with unflinching eye contact
• A stern or serious expression
• A lack of facial expression, conveying a sense of detachment or objectivity
• A raised eyebrow, indicating skepticism or disbelief
• A slight head tilt, indicating interest or curiosity

Body language associated with being frank

Here is some body language your frank character may exhibit.

• A blunt or straightforward way of speaking
• Direct eye contact
• A lack of fidgeting or nervous movements
• A straight posture
• A firm handshake
• Minimal use of body language to emphasize points

Behaviors associated with being frank

Here are some behaviors your frank character may exhibit.

• Acknowledging and owning up to one's mistakes and shortcomings
• Being honest and straightforward in communication
• Expressing one's thoughts and opinions openly
• Not beating around the bush or sugarcoating things
• Being transparent and genuine in behavior and interactions
• Being direct in asking for what one wants or needs
• Avoiding dishonesty or deceit in any form

Growth and evolution of frank characters

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

• Over the course of the story, a Frank character might learn to be more vulnerable with others, sharing their fears and insecurities rather than keeping them bottled up.
• A Frank character might develop stronger communication skills, learning to express themselves more clearly and effectively.
• A Frank character might learn to become more honest and upfront with others, rather than hiding behind lies or half-truths.
• They might develop a greater sense of self-awareness and introspection, becoming more attuned to their own thoughts and emotions.
• They might also learn to be more accepting of criticism and feedback from others, using it to improve themselves rather than becoming defensive.
• They might learn to become more empathetic and understanding of others, putting themselves in other people's shoes and considering their perspectives.

Stereotypes of frank characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical frank character like these examples.

• Avoid portraying Frank as a know-it-all who never makes mistakes or learns from them.
• Avoid making Frank a caricature by giving him realistic and nuanced emotions and reactions to the events of the story.
• Avoid making Frank a plot device who exists only to serve the needs of the plot, rather than having his own goals and motivations.
• Avoid making Frank a boring character by giving him quirks, flaws, and vulnerabilities that make him relatable and interesting.
• Avoid making Frank a one-dimensional character who is always angry or aggressive.
• Avoid making Frank a static character who doesn't change or grow over the course of the story.
• Avoid making Frank a passive character who lets things happen to him without taking action or making choices.
• Avoid making Frank a stereotype by giving him a unique voice, perspective, and worldview that reflect his experiences and personality.
• Avoid making Frank a stereotype by giving him unique and complex traits that go beyond his gender, ethnicity, or social status.

Negatives of being frank

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

• Inability to sugarcoat bad news or criticism
• Difficulty in building and maintaining relationships due to a lack of social skills
• Being too focused on personal goals and not considering the needs of others
• Lack of tact or diplomacy in communication
• Bluntness that can come across as rude or insensitive
• Being too straightforward and not considering others' feelings
• Struggling with authority figures or following rules
• Being perceived as arrogant or overconfident

Positives of being frank

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

• Frank individuals tend to be honest and straightforward in their communication.
• Frank individuals are often seen as genuine and authentic, as they do not put on a facade or pretend to be someone they're not.
• Frank people are usually confident and self-assured in their actions and decisions.
• They tend to be assertive and proactive, taking charge when necessary.
• They are often seen as reliable and trustworthy, as they do not hide their thoughts or intentions.
• They are usually good at giving and receiving feedback, as they value honesty and constructive criticism.

Verbal expressions of frank characters

Here are some potential expressions used by frank characters.

• Not sugarcoating things
• Being sincere and transparent
• Saying what others may be thinking but not saying
• Not mincing words
• Speaking bluntly
• Calling a spade a spade
• Being honest and direct
• Being straightforward
• Telling it like it is

Relationships of frank characters

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

• Frank people may find it easier to connect with others who also value direct communication.
• Frankness can sometimes come across as confrontational or critical, so frank people may need to work on their delivery to avoid alienating others.
• They may struggle with tact and diplomacy, which can sometimes lead to conflict or hurt feelings.
• They may have difficulty navigating relationships with people who are more reserved or sensitive.
• On the other hand, frankness can also be refreshing and appreciated by those who value authenticity and transparency.
• Frank people tend to have open and honest relationships with others.

Examples from books of characters who are frank

• Frank Bascombe from "The Sportswriter" by Richard Ford
• Frank Wheeler from "Revolutionary Road" by Richard Yates
• Frank Money from "Home" by Toni Morrison
• Frank Chambers from "The Postman Always Rings Twice" by James M. Cain
• Frank Alpine from "The Assistant" by Bernard Malamud
• Frank Cauldhame from "The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks
• Frankenstein's monster from "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley
• Frank Slater from "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
• Frank Mackey from "Faithful Place" by Tana French

Writing exercises for writing frank characters

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

• Practice writing internal monologues from your Frank character's perspective. What are they thinking when they choose to be direct? How do they feel when they see others being dishonest or indirect?
• Start by defining what the Frank trait means to you. What are the key characteristics of a Frank person?
• Write a dialogue between your Frank character and a character who is more reserved or indirect. How does your Frank character react to this other person's communication style? What do they say or do to encourage the other person to be more direct?
• Write a scene where your Frank character must confront someone who is not being honest or straightforward. How do they approach this confrontation? What language do they use? How do they express their concern or frustration?
• Create a character who embodies the Frank trait. Give them a name, background, and personality traits that reflect their honesty and directness.
• Write a scene where your Frank character is put in a situation where they must be honest, even if it's uncomfortable. How do they handle it? What do they say or do that reflects their Frankness?