Character Trait: Habitual

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "habitual" refers to a person who has a tendency to do or think in a particular way due to a repeated pattern of behavior. This trait is often associated with routine, consistency, and a preference for familiar surroundings or activities. A habitual character may have a hard time breaking free from their established habits, which can both help and hinder them depending on the situation.

Possible causes of being habitual

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

• Upbringing and childhood experiences: Early experiences and upbringing can shape a person's personality and behavior, including the development of habits.
• Genetics and heredity: Some people may have a genetic predisposition towards certain personality traits, including habitual tendencies.
• Environmental factors: The environment a person is raised or lives in can influence their personality and behavior.
• Social and cultural norms: Cultural and societal expectations can shape a person's behavior and reinforce certain habits.
• Trauma or stress: Traumatic or stressful experiences can lead to the development of habitual coping mechanisms or behaviors.
• Mental health conditions: Certain mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), can cause habitual behavior.

Behaviors associated with being habitual

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

• Being consistent in one's actions and decisions
• Having a hard time breaking out of old habits or forming new ones
• Repeating the same actions or behaviors over and over again
• Persisting in a behavior even when it's not serving one's best interests
• Finding comfort in familiarity and predictability
• Feeling uneasy or anxious when deviating from one's habits
• Following a strict routine or schedule

Attitudes associated with being habitual

You may be able to show habitual through their attitudes.

• Orderliness
• Endurance
• Reliability
• Perseverance
• Organization
• Predictability
• Routine
• Stability
• Consistency
• Dependability
• Diligence
• Discipline
• Self-control
• Persistence

Thoughts and struggles associated with being habitual

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

• Trying to balance the benefits of routine and structure with the need for spontaneity and flexibility
• Striving to create new, healthier habits but feeling overwhelmed or discouraged
• Battling feelings of shame or guilt over their habits
• Facing social or professional consequences as a result of their habits
• Feeling like their habits define them and struggling to envision a different version of themselves
• Struggling to break free from ingrained habits and behaviors
• Wrestling with the desire for change but also the comfort and familiarity of their current habits
• Feeling stuck in a cycle of routine and repetition
• Feeling conflicted between the desire for control and the unpredictability of life

Emotions associated with being habitual

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

• Persistence
• Perseverance
• Endurance
• Orderliness
• Consistency
• Tenacity
• Predictability
• Dependability
• Routine
• Rigidity
• Diligence
• Discipline
• Responsibility
• Stability
• Reliability

Facial expressions associated with being habitual

Here are some facial expressions your habitual character may exhibit.

• A consistent posture or stance
• Narrowed or squinted eyes
• A tight or pursed mouth
• A tense or rigid jaw
• A furrowed brow or creased forehead
• A repeated gesture or motion
• A noticeable tic or habit, such as tapping fingers or bouncing a leg
• A repetitive or automatic smile
• A lack of expression or emotion in the face

Body language associated with being habitual

Here is some body language your habitual character may exhibit.

• Displaying signs of anxiety or stress when routines are disrupted
• Fidgeting or tapping fingers or feet
• Repetitive movements or gestures
• Always checking the time or looking at a watch
• Engaging in compulsive behavior or rituals
• Avoiding new experiences or changes
• Clinging to familiar objects or possessions
• Displaying a lack of spontaneity or flexibility
• Sticking to strict routines or schedules

Behaviors associated with being habitual

Here are some behaviors your habitual character may exhibit.

• Repeating the same actions or behaviors over and over again
• Feeling uneasy or anxious when deviating from one's habits
• Having a hard time breaking out of old habits or forming new ones
• Being consistent in one's actions and decisions
• Persisting in a behavior even when it's not serving one's best interests
• Following a strict routine or schedule
• Finding comfort in familiarity and predictability

Growth and evolution of habitual characters

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

• Strive to break free from their habits, but struggle to do so
• Develop a stronger sense of self-discipline and willpower
• Discover underlying emotional or psychological issues that contribute to their habits
• Develop greater self-awareness of their negative habits and behavior patterns
• Seek support from others to help them overcome their habits
• Experience setbacks and failures in their attempts to change their habits
• Learn new coping strategies and techniques to manage their habits

Stereotypes of habitual characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical habitual character like these examples.

• Avoid relying on stereotypes or cliches associated with the habit
• Avoid making the character's habit the focus of every scene they are in
• Avoid making the character's habit the sole defining aspect of their personality
• Avoid portraying the character's habit as something that is entirely negative or positive
• Avoid portraying the character's habit as something that can easily be overcome or changed
• Avoid making the character's habit the cause of every conflict or obstacle they face

Negatives of being habitual

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

• Can lead to addiction or dependency on certain habits or routines
• May hinder personal growth or development
• Rigidity in thinking or problem-solving
• Repetitive behavior that can become boring or tedious
• Resistance to change or trying new things
• Difficulty adapting to new situations or environments

Positives of being habitual

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

• They may also be more focused and goal-oriented, as they have a clear understanding of what they need to do to achieve their objectives.
• They are often more productive and efficient, as they are able to develop and maintain effective work habits.
• Habitual individuals are often better at managing their time and resources, as they are able to prioritize their tasks and activities effectively.
• Habitual people tend to be more organized, as they often create structured schedules and routines for themselves.
• They are often reliable and consistent in their actions and behaviors.
• Habitual individuals are more likely to establish healthy routines and stick to them, such as regular exercise or healthy eating habits.
• Habitual people tend to have a strong sense of discipline and self-control.

Verbal expressions of habitual characters

Here are some potential expressions used by habitual characters.

• Always
• Frequently
• Typically
• Constantly
• Regularly
• Often
• Every day/week/month/year
• Traditionally
• Usually
• Without fail
• Routinely
• Consistently
• Invariably

Relationships of habitual characters

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

• They may find it challenging to break out of their own habits and ways of thinking, which could make it difficult for them to see things from their partner's perspective or be open to compromise.
• They may be reliable and consistent in their relationships, which can be a positive trait, but they may also struggle with flexibility or spontaneity.
• They may have a hard time adapting to their partner's needs or preferences if they clash with their own established habits or routines.
• They may have a strong sense of routine and structure in their lives, which can be comforting for some people but may feel stifling or predictable to others.
• They may value stability and predictability in their relationships, which could make them hesitant to take risks or try new things together.
• They may struggle with change and may be resistant to trying new things, which can cause tension with more adventurous or spontaneous partners or friends.
• They may have a tendency to repeat certain patterns or habits in their relationships, such as always taking on a certain role or falling into the same arguments or disagreements.

Examples from books of characters who are habitual

• Elizabeth Bennet (from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen)
• Bilbo Baggins (from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien)
• Jay Gatsby (from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
• Atticus Finch (from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee)
• Sherlock Holmes (from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
• Katniss Everdeen (from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins)
• Harry Potter (from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling)
• Holden Caulfield (from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger)
• Jean Valjean (from "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo)

Writing exercises for writing habitual characters

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

• Write a scene where your character struggles to break out of their habitual behavior. What triggers this desire to change, and how do they react to it?
• Write a scene where your character tries to break a bad habit. What motivates them to do so, and how do they go about making this change?
• Create a list of habits that your character has developed over time. Consider both positive and negative habits, and think about how they contribute to your character's overall personality and goals.
• Write a scene where your character's habitual behavior is challenged by an unexpected event or circumstance. How do they react, and how does this challenge their sense of self?
• Create a daily routine for your character that highlights their habitual nature. Consider their habits around things like waking up, eating, working, exercising, and relaxing.
• Start by defining the Habitual trait in your character. What does it mean for them to be habitual? How does it manifest in their behavior, thoughts, and emotions?
• Explore the consequences of your character's habitual behavior. How does it affect their relationships, their work, and their personal goals?
• Write a scene where your character tries to establish a new habit. What motivates them to make this change, and how do they go about implementing it?
• Explore the root causes of your character's habitual behavior. What experiences or beliefs have contributed to their current habits?