Character Trait: Genuine

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Genuine refers to being authentic, truthful, and sincere in one's actions, words, and beliefs. A genuine person is not only honest with others, but also with themselves. They do not pretend to be someone they are not, nor do they hide their true feelings or intentions. Genuine individuals are open, transparent, and trustworthy, and they earn the respect and admiration of others by being true to themselves and their values.

Possible causes of being genuine

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

• They have a strong moral compass and are guided by their personal values.
• They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the status quo.
• They prioritize authenticity and honesty in their interactions with others.
• They have a deep sense of empathy and are able to connect with others on a genuine level.
• They are comfortable with vulnerability and are willing to show their true selves to others.
• They value individuality and encourage others to be true to themselves.
• They prioritize meaningful relationships and are willing to invest time and effort into building them.
• They tend to be open-minded and non-judgmental towards others.
• They tend to have a strong sense of self-awareness and introspection.

Behaviors associated with being genuine

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

• Expressing oneself sincerely and openly
• Being accountable for one's actions and words
• Building trust through transparency and consistency
• Having empathy and compassion for others
• Avoiding manipulative or deceitful behavior
• Acting in a way that matches one's beliefs and values
• Showing vulnerability and authenticity
• Being honest and truthful
• Respecting others' opinions and feelings

Attitudes associated with being genuine

You may be able to show genuine through their attitudes.

• Sincerity
• Vulnerability
• Openness
• Humility
• Authenticity
• Transparency
• Self-awareness
• Consistency
• Respectfulness
• Trustworthiness
• Empathy
• Integrity
• Honesty

Thoughts and struggles associated with being genuine

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

• They may also have a tendency to overthink or second-guess themselves, and may struggle with decision-making or taking risks.
• They value meaningful connections with others and may prioritize relationships over material possessions or external success.
• A genuine character is honest and authentic in their interactions with others, even if it means being vulnerable or risking rejection.
• They may have a strong moral compass and a sense of justice, and may struggle to navigate situations where their values are challenged or compromised.
• They may struggle with feelings of insecurity or self-doubt, but they also have a strong sense of self-awareness and are willing to confront their flaws and mistakes.

Emotions associated with being genuine

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

• Authenticity
• Openness
• Transparency
• Loyalty
• Empathy
• Trustworthiness
• Reliability
• Honesty
• Sincerity

Facial expressions associated with being genuine

Here are some facial expressions your genuine character may exhibit.

• A genuine smile that reaches the eyes
• Raised eyebrows with an open expression
• A relaxed facial expression that is not forced or tense
• Eye contact that is warm and inviting
• A slight head tilt that conveys interest and openness
• A soft and friendly tone of voice

Body language associated with being genuine

Here is some body language your genuine character may exhibit.

• Nodding: Genuine people often nod their head in agreement or acknowledgement, which shows that they are paying attention and engaged in the conversation.
• Leaning in: When someone is genuinely interested in what you have to say, they may lean in slightly towards you, showing that they are fully present and focused on the interaction.
• Smiling: A genuine smile, where the eyes crinkle and the corners of the mouth turn up, is a good indicator of someone being genuine.
• Open body posture: Genuine people tend to have open body language, such as uncrossed arms and legs, which conveys a sense of openness and honesty.
• Eye contact: Genuine people make eye contact when they interact with others.

Behaviors associated with being genuine

Here are some behaviors your genuine character may exhibit.

• Acting in a way that matches one's beliefs and values
• Respecting others' opinions and feelings
• Building trust through transparency and consistency
• Having empathy and compassion for others
• Avoiding manipulative or deceitful behavior
• Expressing oneself sincerely and openly
• Showing vulnerability and authenticity
• Being honest and truthful
• Being accountable for one's actions and words

Growth and evolution of genuine characters

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

• They may develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for those around them.
• They may develop a greater sense of purpose and direction in their life.
• They may become more confident in their own abilities and beliefs.
• They may learn to trust others and build more meaningful relationships.
• They may confront and overcome their own fears and insecurities.
• They may learn to be more open and vulnerable with others.
• They may become more self-aware and reflective, gaining a better understanding of their own values and motivations.
• They may learn to take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others.

Stereotypes of genuine characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical genuine character like these examples.

• Having a lack of ambition or drive
• Being overly nice to the point of being unrealistic or naive
• Having no flaws or weaknesses
• Always putting others first and neglecting their own needs
• Being too passive or indecisive
• Being too predictable or boring
• Being too trusting and easily manipulated by others
• Being too selfless to the point of being a martyr
• Being overly emotional or sentimental

Negatives of being genuine

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

• Genuine people might struggle with being overly trusting and may be taken advantage of
• Some people may perceive genuine individuals as naive or too idealistic
• It can be difficult for genuine people to navigate situations where others are not being honest or authentic
• Being too honest and straightforward can sometimes hurt other people's feelings

Positives of being genuine

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

• Helps individuals stay true to their values and beliefs, leading to a stronger sense of self.
• Builds trust and credibility with others.
• Encourages others to be genuine in return, creating a more authentic environment.
• Increases emotional intelligence by promoting self-awareness and empathy towards others.
• Improves communication by increasing clarity and reducing misunderstandings.
• Fosters creativity and innovation by allowing individuals to express themselves freely.
• Enhances personal relationships by creating authentic connections.

Verbal expressions of genuine characters

Here are some potential expressions used by genuine characters.

• Showing empathy and understanding
• Speaking from the heart
• Being open-minded and respectful
• Using authentic language
• Being honest and transparent
• Expressing sincere emotions
• Being true to oneself
• Having a straightforward conversation
• Admitting mistakes

Relationships of genuine characters

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

• They actively listen and show empathy towards others
• They respect boundaries and personal space
• They are non-judgmental and open-minded towards different opinions and lifestyles
• They prioritize mutual respect and trust in their relationships
• They take responsibility for their actions and apologize when needed
• They value authenticity and prioritize meaningful connections over superficial ones
• They are willing to compromise and find common ground in conflicts
• They are honest and transparent in their communication
• They offer support and encouragement without expecting anything in return

Examples from books of characters who are genuine

• Harry Potter from the series by J.K. Rowling
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Jane Eyre from the novel by Charlotte Bronte
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Sherlock Holmes from the series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing exercises for writing genuine characters

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

• Write a scene where your character is in a group setting. Instead of having them try to be the center of attention, have them engage in conversation with someone who seems to be feeling left out.
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a difficult decision. Instead of having them weigh the pros and cons, have them consult with someone they trust and value their opinion.
• Write a scene where your character is meeting someone for the first time. Instead of having them engage in small talk, have them ask the person a question that shows they are genuinely interested in getting to know them.
• Write a scene where your character is in a vulnerable position. Instead of having them hide their emotions or put up a facade, have them express how they truly feel to someone they trust.
• Write a scene where your character is in a conflict with someone. Instead of having them become defensive or angry, have them listen to the other person's point of view and try to understand where they are coming from.

Remember, the key to showing the Genuine trait is to have your character act in a way that is authentic, sincere, and empathetic towards others. By using these exercises and prompts, you can help your readers connect with your character on a deeper level and create a more compelling story.