Character Trait: Freethinking

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Freethinking is a character trait that refers to the ability to think independently and form one's own opinions based on reason and evidence, rather than accepting them blindly from authority or tradition. Freethinkers are open-minded, curious, and willing to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of the world around them. They value critical thinking, rational inquiry, and intellectual independence, and are often drawn to creative pursuits that allow them to explore new ideas and perspectives. Overall, freethinking is a valuable trait for any character, as it encourages growth, learning, and self-discovery.

Possible causes of being freethinking

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

• A rejection of groupthink and conformity
• A natural curiosity and openness to new ideas
• A desire for independence and autonomy
• A willingness to challenge authority and question traditional beliefs
• A sense of individuality and non-conformity
• A need for self-expression and creativity
• A preference for critical thinking and rationality over dogma and superstition
• A belief in personal freedom and human rights

Behaviors associated with being freethinking

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

• Embracing diversity and tolerance
• Challenging authority and traditions
• Forming opinions based on personal experiences and evidence
• Respecting others' perspectives and beliefs
• Rejecting dogma and superstition
• Questioning established beliefs and norms
• Being open-minded and adaptable
• Encouraging creativity and innovation
• Seeking knowledge and information independently

Attitudes associated with being freethinking

You may be able to show freethinking through their attitudes.

• Open-mindedness
• Empowerment
• Self-direction
• Willingness to challenge the status quo
• Non-conformity
• Curiosity
• Skepticism
• Independence
• Empathy
• Tolerance of different perspectives
• Creative thinking
• Confidence in one's own beliefs
• Flexibility
• Self-reflection

Thoughts and struggles associated with being freethinking

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

• Freethinkers are often motivated by a desire to live authentically and independently, and may reject societal structures that they see as oppressive or limiting.
• Freethinking characters tend to question authority and established norms, seeking their own path instead of blindly following tradition or convention.
• They may also struggle with feelings of isolation or loneliness, as their unconventional ideas and beliefs can sometimes put them at odds with others.
• Freethinkers often have a deep sense of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking new information and ideas.
• They may struggle with societal expectations and pressures to conform, often feeling like outsiders or rebels.

Emotions associated with being freethinking

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

• Tolerance
• Independent thinking
• Critical thinking
• Willingness to challenge authority
• Confidence
• Flexibility
• Intellectual humility
• Non-conformity
• Curiosity
• Creativity
• Skepticism
• Open-mindedness
• Self-awareness
• Empathy

Facial expressions associated with being freethinking

Here are some facial expressions your freethinking character may exhibit.

• Curious eyes
• Focused gaze
• Relaxed facial muscles
• Smile of amusement
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Raised chin
• Slight smirk
• Pursed lips
• Raised eyebrows

Body language associated with being freethinking

Here is some body language your freethinking character may exhibit.

• Relaxed posture
• Frequent eye contact
• Open gestures
• Leaning forward to engage in conversation
• An ability to adapt to changing circumstances and situations
• A willingness to entertain new ideas and perspectives
• A tendency to question authority or established norms
• A tendency to think critically and independently

Behaviors associated with being freethinking

Here are some behaviors your freethinking character may exhibit.

• Encouraging creativity and innovation
• Respecting others' perspectives and beliefs
• Forming opinions based on personal experiences and evidence
• Seeking knowledge and information independently
• Embracing diversity and tolerance
• Challenging authority and traditions
• Rejecting dogma and superstition
• Questioning established beliefs and norms
• Being open-minded and adaptable

Growth and evolution of freethinking characters

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

• Develop empathy and understanding towards others who may have different beliefs or lifestyles
• Inspire others to think for themselves and question the status quo
• Learn to trust their own intuition and judgement
• Develop a strong sense of individuality and self-awareness
• Embrace uncertainty and ambiguity, and be comfortable with not having all the answers
• Question authority and societal norms, and strive to create their own path in life
• Overcome obstacles and adversity through critical thinking and creative problem-solving
• Challenge their own beliefs and thoughts, and be open to new perspectives and ideas

Stereotypes of freethinking characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical freethinking character like these examples.

• Avoid portraying Freethinkers as unemotional or detached from their feelings.
• Avoid depicting them as rebellious or non-conformist just for the sake of being different.
• Avoid portraying them as completely self-reliant or independent, as even Freethinkers can rely on others for support and guidance.
• Avoid making them rude or dismissive towards people with different beliefs or opinions.
• Avoid making them too focused on logic and reason at the expense of creativity and intuition.
• Avoid presenting them as arrogant or condescending towards those who don't share their views.

Negatives of being freethinking

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

• Being a freethinker requires constant questioning and critical thinking, which can be mentally exhausting and emotionally draining.
• Freethinkers may feel isolated or misunderstood in communities or social circles where conformity is valued.
• Freethinking can lead to challenging traditional beliefs and norms, which can cause conflict with others who hold those beliefs.
• Freethinkers may struggle with making decisions or taking action, as they constantly weigh different perspectives and possibilities.
• The pursuit of truth and knowledge can lead to uncertainty and ambiguity, which can be uncomfortable or unsettling for some people.

Positives of being freethinking

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

• Resilience and self-reliance in decision-making
• Creativity and innovation in problem-solving
• Empathy and respect for diversity of opinions and beliefs
• Tendency to question authority and seek evidence
• Willingness to challenge norms and traditions
• Ability to think critically and independently
• Openness to new ideas and perspectives
• Flexibility and adaptability in changing situations

Verbal expressions of freethinking characters

Here are some potential expressions used by freethinking characters.

• "I'm open to new ideas and perspectives."
• "I have an independent mind."
• "I question the status quo."
• "I like to question things."
• "I don't conform to societal norms."
• "I don't follow the herd."
• "I prefer to think for myself."
• "I have my own unique perspective."
• "I'm not afraid to challenge authority."

Relationships of freethinking characters

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

• They may be more open to discussing and exploring different viewpoints and ideas, which can make them great conversationalists and collaborators.
• They may value authenticity and honesty in their relationships, and may be put off by those who are disingenuous or insincere.
• Freethinking people may have an independent streak that can sometimes lead to conflict with those who value conformity or tradition.
• Freethinkers may struggle with authority figures or those who try to impose their beliefs on them, which can lead to tension in certain relationships.
• Freethinkers may be more willing to challenge societal norms and expectations, which can make them great advocates for social change, but can also create tension in some relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are freethinking

• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Tyrion Lannister from "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Jo March from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Huckleberry Finn from "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing freethinking characters

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

• Write a letter from your freethinking character to someone they admire. What kind of advice or encouragement would they offer? How would they inspire others to be more freethinking?
• Begin by defining what freethinking means to you. What kind of thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs do you associate with this trait?
• Write a dialogue between your freethinking character and a character who is more conformist in their thinking. How do they interact? What kind of tension or conflict arises?
• Write a scene where your freethinking character challenges the status quo. This could be in a workplace, a social situation, or a personal relationship.
• Imagine a scenario where your freethinking character is faced with a difficult decision. How do they approach the problem? What kind of creative solutions do they come up with?
• Create a short story where your freethinking character is the protagonist. Think about how their freethinking nature affects the plot and the other characters in the story.
• Write a journal entry from the perspective of your freethinking character. What kind of thoughts and reflections do they have about the world around them?
• Create a character profile for a freethinking character. Think about their background, personality, and motivations.
• Create a visual representation of your freethinking character. This could be a sketch, a collage, or a mood board that captures their personality and style.