100+ Positive Character Traits of a Determined Person

To engage your reader, it's important to always show, not tell, the traits of your characters.

The trait of being determined refers to a person's unwavering focus on achieving a goal or objective, despite any obstacles or challenges that may arise. It is a quality that allows someone to stay committed to their aspirations, no matter how difficult the path may be. Determined individuals possess a strong sense of purpose and are often willing to put in the necessary effort and hard work to succeed. They are not easily deterred by setbacks or failures, and they possess a resilient spirit that helps them to push through adversity.

Possible Sources of a Determined Character

You might want to weave these into your character's backstory to build a more believable character:

• Belief in their own abilities and potential for success

• Desire for control or autonomy in their life and decisions

• Past experiences of overcoming challenges or adversity

• Internal drive to achieve goals and overcome obstacles

• Strong sense of purpose or passion for a particular goal or pursuit

• High level of self-discipline and focus

Attitudes Linked to Determination

You may be able to show determination through a character's attitudes:

• Perseverance

• Persistence

• Willpower

• Resilience

• Ambition

• Focus

• Tenacity

• Self-discipline

• Grit

Thoughts and Struggles Associated With Being Determined

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

• Refusing to give up or be deterred by obstacles or setbacks

• Balancing their determination with the need for self-care and rest

• Struggling with feelings of guilt or inadequacy if they feel they are not making progress toward their goals

• Feeling frustrated or angry when others try to discourage or dissuade them

• Struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure, but pushing through anyway

• Setting clear goals and working tirelessly to achieve them

• Being willing to take risks and make sacrifices to reach their goals

• Being fiercely independent and self-reliant, but also valuing support and encouragement from others

• Feeling a strong sense of purpose and direction in life

Emotions Associated With Determination

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

• Courage

• Willpower

• Motivation

• Strength

• Endurance

• Confidence

• Focus

• Optimism

• Ambition

• Tenacity

• Grit

• Resilience

• Persistence

• Commitment

• Perseverance

• Drive

• Dedication

• Conviction

• Self-discipline

Facial Expressions Linked to Determination

Here are some facial expressions your determined character may exhibit:

• Firmly set jaw

• Dilated pupils

• Forward-leaning posture

• Squinted eyes

• Wrinkled forehead

• Tight-lipped smile

• Clenched fists

• Raised eyebrows

• Narrowed eyes

Body Language Associated With Being Determined

Here is some body language your determined character may exhibit:

• Tense and rigid muscles, especially in the jaw or other areas of the body

• A tendency to speak in a clear and direct tone, with a sense of conviction

• A lack of hesitation or second-guessing in movements and actions

• A focused and intense gaze, often with narrowed eyes

• A tendency to lean forward or move closer to a goal or target

• Clenched fists or a tight grip on objects

• A purposeful stride with a strong and confident gait

• A firm and steady posture with shoulders back and head held high

Behaviors Related to Being Determined

Here are some behaviors your determined character may exhibit:

• Putting in consistent effort and hard work to overcome challenges

• Displaying a strong will and unwavering resolve to achieve desired outcomes

• Being persistent and patient in the face of difficulty or adversity

• Staying focused on the task at hand and avoiding distractions

• Setting clear goals and pursuing them relentlessly

• Taking calculated risks and pushing beyond one's comfort zone to achieve success

• Refusing to give up or be deterred by obstacles or setbacks

• Remaining optimistic and positive, even when facing uncertainty or doubt

Growth and Evolution of Determined Characters

Here are some ways that your determined character may grow and evolve over time:

• Overcoming obstacles and setbacks: A determined character will face challenges, but their determination will help them persevere and continue to work toward their goals, even when things get tough. As they overcome these obstacles, they will become stronger and more resilient.

• Building relationships: Determination can also involve working with others toward a common goal. A determined character may develop strong relationships with others who share their passion or who can provide support and encouragement.

• Learning from mistakes: Determination often involves a willingness to try again and learn from failure. A determined character will use their setbacks as opportunities to grow and improve rather than giving up or becoming discouraged.

• Developing new skills or abilities: A determined character will push themselves to learn and improve, whether it's through practice, study, or seeking out new opportunities. As they acquire new skills and abilities, they will become more confident and capable.

• Gaining new perspectives: A determined character may need to adjust their approach or mindset in order to achieve their goals. By seeking out new perspectives or listening to others, they may gain insight that helps them overcome challenges and succeed.

Stereotypes of Determined Characters to Avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical determined characters like these examples:

• Portraying the character as stubborn and unwilling to listen to others' advice or suggestions

• Making the character too perfect and flawless in their determination, without any weaknesses or moments of doubt

• Creating a character who is so focused on their goals that they become ruthless or cruel to others

• Writing a character who is solely driven by their determination and lacks any other personality traits or interests

• Depicting the character as always successful in achieving their goals, without any setbacks or failures

Negatives of Being Determined

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

• Single-mindedness: Being too determined can make a person obsessed with achieving their goals, and they may neglect other important aspects of their life, such as relationships, health, and personal growth.

• Impatience: Determined individuals may become frustrated when they don't see immediate results, leading to a lack of patience and potentially giving up too soon.

• Risk of burnout: When someone is too determined, they may not take breaks or time off, which can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation.

• Stubbornness: Determined individuals may refuse to change course even when it's clear that their approach is not working. This can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of flexibility.

• Tendency to overwork: People who are determined to succeed may push themselves too hard, working long hours and neglecting their physical and mental health.

Positives of Being Determined

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

• Inspires others to follow and be motivated by their actions

• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and determination to succeed

• Fosters a sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy

• Builds a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness

• Builds resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges

• Improves problem-solving skills by finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles

• Increases motivation and focus

• Helps individuals achieve their goals and dreams

• Encourages individuals to take action and make progress toward their objectives

Verbal Expressions of Determined Characters

Here are some potential expressions used by determined characters:

• "I'm not backing down."

• "I refuse to quit."

• "I'm determined to succeed."

• "I'll keep going."

• "I can do this."

• "Failure is not an option."

• "I won't give up."

• "I'll find a way."

• "I'm committed to this goal."

Relationships of Determined Characters

Here are some ways that being determined could affect your character's relationships:

• They are generally goal-oriented and focused, which can sometimes mean that they prioritize their own ambitions over the needs or desires of others.

• They tend to be highly motivated and driven, which can be inspiring to those around them but can also create pressure on others to keep up with their pace.

• They can be competitive and strive to be the best, which can sometimes create tension in relationships where others feel they are being compared or judged.

• They value hard work and dedication, and may have little patience for those who do not share these values.

• They are often persistent and unrelenting in the pursuit of their goals, which can sometimes lead to conflict with others who have different priorities or values.

• They are often seen as strong-willed and self-assured, which can sometimes come across as intimidating or domineering to others.

Examples From Books of Characters Who Are Determined

• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

• Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

• Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

• Lisbeth Salander from The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

• Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing Exercises for Writing Determined Characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write determined characters:

• Think of a character who wants to achieve a goal but has faced many obstacles. Write a scene where they face a particularly difficult challenge and show how their determination helps them overcome it.

• Create a character who is determined to help someone else, even if it means putting themselves in danger. Write a scene where they risk everything to help another person.

• Think of a character who has a personal flaw or weakness that they are determined to overcome. Write a scene where they struggle with this flaw, but ultimately use their determination to make progress.

• Write a character who has failed many times but refuses to give up. Show how their determination helps them keep going despite setbacks.

• Create a character who is determined to prove themselves to someone else. Write a scene where they work hard to impress this person, even in the face of skepticism or doubt.

• Think of a character who has been dealt a difficult hand in life but refuses to let it define them. Write a scene where they use their determination to overcome adversity and create a better future for themselves.

• Write a character who is determined to make a positive change in the world, even if it seems impossible. Show how their determination inspires others to join them in their cause.

• Write a character who is determined to achieve success in a competitive field. Show how their determination helps them stand out from the crowd and ultimately reach their goals.