Character Trait: Frugal

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Frugal is a character trait that describes a person who is careful with their money and resources, avoiding waste and extravagance. A frugal person is someone who is prudent with their spending, able to distinguish between needs and wants, and able to make the most out of what they have. A frugal character may be depicted as resourceful, practical, and mindful of their financial limitations. They may also have a strong sense of self-discipline and a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of their financial security.

Possible causes of being frugal

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

• Growing up in a household with limited financial resources
• Enjoyment of the challenge and satisfaction of finding deals or making the most of limited resources
• Negative experiences with debt or overspending
• Exposure to minimalist or frugal lifestyle influencers
• Desire for financial independence or security
• Personal values emphasizing saving and avoiding waste
• Experiencing a significant financial loss or hardship

Behaviors associated with being frugal

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

• Using coupons and promo codes
• Cooking meals at home instead of eating out
• Avoiding impulse purchases
• Conserving energy and water at home
• Repairing items instead of buying new ones
• Carpooling or using public transportation instead of driving alone
• Shopping for sales and discounts
• Buying generic or store-brand products
• Bringing lunch from home instead of buying it

Attitudes associated with being frugal

You may be able to show frugal through their attitudes.

• Avoiding unnecessary expenses
• Planning purchases carefully
• Avoiding debt and living within means
• Being resourceful and making things last longer
• Appreciating the value of hard work and earning money
• Seeking out deals and discounts
• Being content with less
• Prioritizing needs over wants
• Valuing the importance of saving money

Thoughts and struggles associated with being frugal

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

• Being hesitant to lend or give money to others
• Resisting the temptation of impulse buys
• Struggling to find a balance between saving and enjoying life
• Being perceived as stingy or cheap by others
• Feeling guilty or anxious about spending money
• Constantly weighing the value of every purchase
• Dealing with the fear of running out of money or not having enough for emergencies
• Feeling proud and accomplished when finding a good deal or bargain

Emotions associated with being frugal

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

• Contentment
• Carefulness
• Patience
• Thriftiness
• Self-control
• Prudence
• Conservation
• Responsibility
• Ingenuity
• Self-discipline
• Deliberateness
• Resourcefulness
• Long-term thinking
• Gratitude
• Financial security

Facial expressions associated with being frugal

Here are some facial expressions your frugal character may exhibit.

• Narrowed eyes
• Minimalistic or simple clothing choices
• Tight-lipped smile
• Furrowed brow
• Cautious or hesitant expression
• Raised eyebrows
• Avoidance of excessive or unnecessary gestures or movements
• Deliberate or measured movements

Body language associated with being frugal

Here is some body language your frugal character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a measured or cautious tone
• Tending to wear practical or understated clothing
• Standing or sitting with a straight posture
• Holding onto items or possessions tightly
• Clenched jaw or tight-lipped smile
• Avoiding eye contact or looking downward
• Checking prices or comparing options before making a purchase
• Avoiding unnecessary movement or gestures
• Fidgeting with hands or objects

Behaviors associated with being frugal

Here are some behaviors your frugal character may exhibit.

• Avoiding impulse purchases
• Bringing lunch from home instead of buying it
• Cooking meals at home instead of eating out
• Shopping for sales and discounts
• Repairing items instead of buying new ones
• Using coupons and promo codes
• Carpooling or using public transportation instead of driving alone
• Buying generic or store-brand products
• Conserving energy and water at home

Growth and evolution of frugal characters

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

• Realizing the impact of their frugal habits on others, and finding ways to be generous without compromising their values
• Learning to be more resourceful and creative in finding ways to save money
• Developing a stronger sense of financial responsibility and planning for the future
• Learning to be content with what they have and finding joy in simple pleasures
• Recognizing the importance of balancing frugality with enjoyment and experiences
• Overcoming the fear of missing out on opportunities by learning to say no to unnecessary expenses
• Discovering the value of investing in quality items that will last longer

Stereotypes of frugal characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical frugal character like these examples.

• Hoarding or obsessing over possessions or money
• Always looking for the cheapest option without considering quality or value
• Being portrayed as uneducated or unsophisticated because of their frugality
• Lack of generosity or empathy towards others
• Stinginess or greediness to the point of being ungenerous or selfish
• Being portrayed as cheap or penny-pinching without a clear reason or motivation
• Refusal to spend money on basic needs or necessities

Negatives of being frugal

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

• May miss out on certain experiences or opportunities due to cost
• May be perceived as stingy or cheap by others
• Can lead to feeling deprived or restricted
• Can lead to excessive worry or stress about finances
• May have difficulty expressing generosity or gift-giving

Positives of being frugal

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

• Helps you save money for emergencies or future needs
• Helps you avoid debt and financial stress
• Allows you to be more generous and charitable with your resources
• Encourages resourcefulness and creativity in finding ways to save money
• Builds good habits and discipline in managing your finances
• Can lead to a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle with less emphasis on material possessions
• Allows you to prioritize your spending and focus on what's important

Verbal expressions of frugal characters

Here are some potential expressions used by frugal characters.

• "I'll wait for it to go on sale."
• "Let's look for a cheaper option."
• "I can't afford that."
• "I'll walk instead of taking a taxi."
• "I'll borrow it from someone instead of buying it."
• "Do we really need this?"
• "I'll bring my own food instead of eating out."
• "I'll just make it myself."
• "I'll use a coupon."

Relationships of frugal characters

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

• They may struggle with feeling left out of social activities that involve spending money, or may feel guilty when they do spend money on non-essential items.
• They may be more likely to seek out relationships with people who share their frugal values and habits.
• Frugal people may be seen as resourceful and practical by those who value financial stability and responsibility.
• They may have difficulty relating to friends or family members who have different spending habits or priorities.
• Frugal people may have a tendency to avoid debt and financial risk, which can lead to conflicts with those who are more comfortable taking financial risks.
• Frugal people may come off as stingy or cheap to those who don't understand their values and habits.

Examples from books of characters who are frugal

• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elinor Dashwood from "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing frugal characters

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

• Write a scene where your character is faced with the decision to splurge on something they want versus saving their money for something they need. How do they react and what factors influence their decision?
• Create a backstory for your character that explains why they are frugal. Did they grow up in poverty or experience a financial hardship that shaped their beliefs about money?
• Write a dialogue between your frugal character and another character who is more extravagant. How do they navigate their differences in spending habits?
• Describe a situation where your character's frugality pays off in a positive way. Maybe they are able to save money for a rainy day or help someone in need because they have been frugal.
• Explore the downsides of your character's frugality. Do they struggle to enjoy life or have trouble forming meaningful relationships because they are too focused on saving money?