Character Trait: Good-natured

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Good-natured refers to a person who is kind, cheerful, and easy-going. They have a positive outlook on life and tend to see the best in people. They are often characterized by their ability to make others feel comfortable and at ease. A good-natured person is usually patient, tolerant, and forgiving. They are not easily angered or frustrated and are often described as being "laid-back". Good-naturedness is a highly desirable trait for a character in a story, as it can make them more likable and relatable to readers.

Possible causes of being good-natured

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

• Cultural influences: Some cultures place a high value on being polite and considerate towards others, which can influence an individual's personality.
• Innate temperament: Some people are simply born with a more easygoing and agreeable temperament.
• Upbringing: Growing up in a household where kindness and empathy are valued can shape a person's natural disposition towards being good-natured.
• Personal experiences: Going through difficult situations can inspire someone to be more understanding and compassionate towards others.

Behaviors associated with being good-natured

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

• Being generous and considerate towards others' needs
• Showing appreciation and gratitude towards others' efforts and contributions
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others' feelings
• Avoiding conflicts and seeking peaceful solutions
• Having a positive and optimistic outlook on life
• Being kind and friendly towards others
• Being patient and tolerant with others' shortcomings
• Being respectful and polite towards others, regardless of their background or status
• Being honest and trustworthy in interactions with others

Attitudes associated with being good-natured

You may be able to show good-natured through their attitudes.

• Gracious and polite
• Forgiving and empathetic
• Humble and modest
• Optimistic and positive
• Cheerful and jovial
• Patient and understanding
• Kind and compassionate
• Helpful and supportive
• Trusting and open-minded

Thoughts and struggles associated with being good-natured

Here are some ideas for things your good-natured character may think or struggle with.

• They may also struggle with anger or frustration when their good intentions are misunderstood or unappreciated.
• They may also struggle with standing up for themselves or asserting their needs and boundaries.
• Good-natured characters often struggle with being taken advantage of due to their kindness and generosity.
• Good-natured characters may feel guilty or responsible for the happiness of others, which can lead to self-neglect or burnout.
• Good-natured characters may have a strong desire to help others, even at their own expense, which can lead to a sense of purpose but also a lack of self-care.
• They may have a tendency to see the best in people and give second chances, even when it may not be warranted.

Emotions associated with being good-natured

Here are some ideas for emotions your good-natured character may experience.

• Forgiveness
• Empathy
• Humility
• Tolerance
• Graciousness
• Generosity
• Kindness
• Patience
• Compassion

Facial expressions associated with being good-natured

Here are some facial expressions your good-natured character may exhibit.

• Cheerful disposition
• Willingness to listen
• Open body language
• Slightly tilted head
• Friendly tone of voice
• Warm smile
• Softened eyes
• Relaxed eyebrows
• Gentle laughter

Body language associated with being good-natured

Here is some body language your good-natured character may exhibit.

• Using gentle and calm gestures while communicating
• Smiling frequently and easily
• Leaning towards others while listening or speaking to them
• Using a soft or soothing tone of voice
• Open and relaxed body posture
• Offering hugs or pats on the back when appropriate
• Maintaining eye contact without staring
• Nodding or tilting the head to show understanding or agreement
• Laughing or chuckling often

Behaviors associated with being good-natured

Here are some behaviors your good-natured character may exhibit.

• Being kind and friendly towards others
• Having a positive and optimistic outlook on life
• Being patient and tolerant with others' shortcomings
• Being respectful and polite towards others, regardless of their background or status
• Being generous and considerate towards others' needs
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others' feelings
• Showing appreciation and gratitude towards others' efforts and contributions
• Being honest and trustworthy in interactions with others
• Avoiding conflicts and seeking peaceful solutions

Growth and evolution of good-natured characters

Here are some ways that your good-natured character may grow and evolve over time.

• Learning to forgive those who have wronged them and let go of grudges
• Overcoming their tendency to avoid conflict and learning to confront problems head-on
• Becoming more courageous and willing to take risks to pursue their goals and dreams
• Learning to balance their desire to help others with their own needs and desires
• Developing a greater sense of personal responsibility and accountability for their actions
• Becoming more open-minded and accepting of different perspectives and lifestyles
• Learning to stand up for themselves and others when faced with injustice or mistreatment
• Developing a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others
• Developing a stronger sense of self-confidence and assertiveness

Stereotypes of good-natured characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical good-natured character like these examples.

• Always passive or overly accommodating to others
• Always happy or optimistic, even in the face of adversity
• Too perfect or flawless
• Lack of assertiveness or inability to stand up for themselves or others
• Overly naive or gullible
• Always forgiving or never holding grudges, even when it may be justified
• Lack of depth or complexity beyond their good-naturedness
• Too trusting or easily manipulated
• Overly sentimental or emotional to the point of being irrational

Negatives of being good-natured

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

• Feeling guilty or responsible for others' happiness or well-being
• Being seen as naive or gullible, leading others to underestimate you or not take you seriously
• Being taken advantage of by others who may not have your best interests at heart
• Feeling overwhelmed by others' emotions or needs, leading to burnout or exhaustion
• Struggling to assert yourself or stand up for yourself when necessary

Positives of being good-natured

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

• Forgiving and understanding
• Humble and modest
• Kind and considerate towards others
• Generous and charitable
• Compassionate and empathetic
• Easy to get along with
• Patient and tolerant
• Cooperative and team-oriented
• Positive attitude and outlook on life

Verbal expressions of good-natured characters

Here are some potential expressions used by good-natured characters.

• Using humor to diffuse tension
• Expressing gratitude and appreciation
• Offering compliments and encouragement
• Avoiding negative or hurtful language
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others
• Using polite and kind language
• Using a calm and patient tone
• Being open to different perspectives and opinions
• Expressing optimism and positivity

Relationships of good-natured characters

Here are some ways that being good-natured could affect your character's relationships.

• They are often seen as warm, friendly, and approachable, which can make it easy for them to form new connections.
• They may also be forgiving and patient, which can help them navigate conflicts and maintain strong relationships over time.
• Good-natured people may be empathetic and compassionate, which can make them great listeners and supportive friends.
• Good-natured people may have a tendency to put others' needs before their own, which can lead to close and mutually beneficial relationships.
• They may also be perceived as agreeable and easygoing, which can lead to harmonious relationships with others.
• Good-natured people tend to have positive relationships with others.
• Good-natured people may be seen as trustworthy and reliable, which can lead to deep and meaningful relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are good-natured

• Charlotte A. Cavatica from Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
• Wilbur the pig from Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
• Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
• Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
• Paddington Bear from the Paddington series by Michael Bond
• Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing exercises for writing good-natured characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write good-natured characters.

• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who has a different perspective or opinion, and have your character listen respectfully and respond with an open mind.
• Imagine a scenario where your character is wronged or insulted, but instead of reacting with anger or revenge, they respond with kindness and forgiveness.
• Write a scene where your character volunteers their time or resources to help a charitable cause or organization.
• Describe a situation where your character is faced with a moral dilemma, and have them make a decision that reflects their good-natured nature.
• Describe a moment where your character shows empathy towards someone who is struggling or going through a difficult time.
• Create a scene where your character stands up for someone who is being mistreated or bullied, even if it puts them in a difficult position.
• Imagine a scenario where your character has the opportunity to gain something at someone else's expense, but instead chooses to do the right thing and prioritize the other person's well-being.
• Write a scene where your character goes out of their way to help someone in need, even if it inconveniences them.

By using these exercises and prompts, you can develop your character's good-natured trait and make them more well-rounded and relatable to readers.