100+ Character Traits of Patient People

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

The character trait of patience is the ability to remain calm and composed, even when faced with difficulties, obstacles, or delays. It is the ability to tolerate or endure the challenging circumstances without getting frustrated, angry, or giving up. Patient people are willing to wait for the things they desire, and they understand that good things come to those who are willing to be patient. They are able to control their emotions and impulses, and they are often seen as empathetic and understanding toward others.

Possible Causes of Being Patient

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

• Role models and mentors

• Natural disposition or temperament

• Life experiences and traumas

• Upbringing and environment

• Education and learning experiences

• Spiritual or religious practices

• Cultural and societal influences

• Personal values and beliefs

Attitudes Related to Being Patient

You may be able to show patience through your character's attitudes:

• Empathy for others' struggles and challenges

• Tolerance for delays, setbacks, and obstacles

• Persistence in pursuing long-term goals

• Trust in oneself and others

• Openness to different perspectives and opinions

• Flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances

• Ability to stay calm and composed in challenging situations

• Appreciation for the present moment and the journey

• Willingness to wait for things to unfold naturally

Thoughts and Struggles Associated With Patience

Here are some ideas for things your patient character may think or struggle with:

• Struggle with acceptance and letting go of control in situations where they have little power

• Tendency to ruminate and overthink decisions

• Struggle to remain calm and composed in stressful situations

• Difficulty expressing frustration or anger

• Difficulty setting boundaries with others

• Tendency to wait for things to happen rather than take initiative

• Tendency to put others' needs before their own, sometimes to the point of self-neglect

• Fear of being a burden to others or inconveniencing them

• A desire for stability and predictability in their life

Emotions Associated With Patience

Here are some ideas for emotions your patient character may experience:

• Tolerance

• Perseverance

• Calmness

• Composure

• Acceptance

• Serenity

• Understanding

• Tranquility

• Endurance

Facial Expressions Linked to Patience

Here are some facial expressions your patient character may exhibit:

• Soft, slow, and deliberate movements

• A slight exhale through the nose

• A gentle smile

• Closed or half-closed eyes

• A nodding or tilting of the head

• Raised eyebrows with a slight head tilt

• A peaceful and serene look

• A calm and relaxed facial expression

Body Language Associated With Being Patient

Here is some body language your patient character may exhibit:

• Sitting or standing calmly without fidgeting

• Avoiding tapping fingers or feet

• Maintaining relaxed and steady eye contact

• Having a relaxed facial expression

• Avoiding sudden movements or gestures

• Using slow and measured speech patterns

• Maintaining a neutral or positive tone of voice

• Taking slow and deep breaths

• Listening attentively without interrupting

Behaviors Related to Being Patient

Here are some behaviors your patient character may exhibit:

• Taking time to understand a situation before reacting

• Showing empathy toward others

• Allowing others to have their turn to speak or act

• Showing respect and consideration for others' needs and feelings

• Being willing to wait for results or outcomes

• Avoiding impulsive decisions

• Practicing self-control and self-discipline

• Remaining calm in frustrating situations

• Listening attentively without interrupting

Growth and Evolution of Patient Characters

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

• Develop greater self-control and emotional maturity, and learn to keep their emotions in check, even in stressful situations

• Develop greater empathy and understanding toward those who may be difficult to deal with

• Become more resilient in the face of setbacks or obstacles, and learn to persevere through difficult times

• Learn to listen more attentively to others and respect their views, even when they disagree

• Learn to appreciate the value of slow and steady progress rather than seeking quick fixes or instant results

• Overcome impulsiveness or the desire for instant gratification, and learn to wait for the right moment to act or speak

Stereotypes of Patient Characters to Avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical patient characters like these examples:

• Always saying "yes" and never standing up for themselves

• Being too tolerant of mistreatment and abuse

• Lack of assertiveness and difficulty expressing their needs and wants

• Being overly forgiving and never holding grudges

• Being a doormat for others to walk all over

• Having no boundaries or self-respect

• Passive and submissive behavior

• Being excessively quiet and timid

• Avoiding confrontation at all costs, even when necessary

Negatives of Being Patient

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

• Patience can be mistaken for indecisiveness or lack of assertiveness

• Being too patient can lead to missed opportunities

• Excessive patience can lead to complacency and lack of motivation to pursue goals

• Patience can lead to tolerating unhealthy or abusive situations for too long

Positives of Being Patient

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

• Encourages perseverance and determination

• Helps achieve long-term goals

• Allows for clearer thinking and decision-making

• Enhances problem-solving skills

• Increases empathy and understanding toward others

• Helps maintain a positive attitude and reduces stress

• Builds stronger relationships and trust

• Increases self-control and discipline

Verbal Expressions of Patient Characters

Here are some potential expressions used by patient characters:

• "Let's think this through."

• "Patience is a virtue."

• "I can wait."

• "It's worth being patient."

• "Good things come to those who wait."

• "Slow and steady wins the race."

• "We'll get there eventually."

• "Rome wasn't built in a day."

• "Take your time."

Relationships of Patient Characters

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

• Patient individuals may be seen as reliable and dependable, as they are often able to wait for the right moment to take action rather than acting impulsively.

• Patient people may have more harmonious relationships, as they are less likely to engage in arguments or conflicts.

• They may be seen as trustworthy, as they are willing to wait for things to happen naturally rather than trying to force outcomes.

• They can be perceived as good problem solvers as they take the time to thoroughly consider options before making a decision.

• They may be good mentors or teachers, as they are willing to spend time and effort in helping others learn and grow.

• They are often able to defuse tense situations by remaining calm and collected.

• Patient people tend to be good listeners and give others the time they need to express themselves.

Examples From Books of Characters Who Are Patient

• Hazel Grace Lancaster from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

• Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

• Ma Joad from The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

• Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

• Anne Elliot from Persuasion by Jane Austen

• Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

• Jean Valjean from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

• John Coffey from The Green Mile by Stephen King

• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Writing Exercises for Writing Patient Characters

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

• Write a scene in which the character is teaching someone a new skill or concept. How do they approach the teaching process? Do they get frustrated or remain calm and patient?

• Write a scene in which the character is caring for someone who is sick or injured. How do they handle the situation? Do they become frustrated or remain patient and compassionate?

• Write a scene in which the character is faced with a setback or obstacle. How do they respond? Do they give up easily or keep pushing forward with patience and perseverance?

• Write a scene in which the character is dealing with a difficult or stubborn person. How do they handle the situation? Do they lose their temper or stay patient and find a way to work through the problem?

• Write a scene in which the character is working on a long-term goal or project. How do they stay motivated and patient over time? What strategies do they use to avoid becoming discouraged or giving up?

• Write a scene in which the character has to wait for something or someone. How do they pass the time? What thoughts or feelings do they have while waiting?

• Write a character sketch of a patient person. What are some of their defining characteristics? How do those characteristics impact their relationships with others?