Character Traits

A Guide For Writers

Hey Writer,

Creating your characters can be one of the most

exciting parts of writing. You get to craft their entire
backstory, design their physical appearance from
scratch, and give them fun little quirks. The more
developed your characters are, the easier it is for
readers to resonate with them and form an emotional
bond. Whether you're crafting a hero or a villain, a well-
defined set of character traits is crucial for bringing your
characters to life.

When developing these traits, consider how

they align with your characters' backstories,
values, motivations, fears, and even their
character arcs. In this freebie, you'll find a
list of traits that will help you create multi-
faceted, complex characters that your
readers will love. I hope this helps you on
your writing journey.

With Love,

Ricki

© Copywright of RickiWrites. All rights reserved. No part of this

resource may be reproduced or transmitted without permission from
the publisher. By downloading this resource you
have agreed to these terms.
SECTION 1
Tips for Writing
Character Traits
 How to Show, Not Tell
Show, don’t tell’, a phrase every writer knows, but how do you
actually do it? Bringing your characters to life means revealing
their traits in ways that feel natural and compelling. Two of the
most impactful methods are through behavioral and emotional
cues, which we will focus on. But of course, there are many
other techniques you can use to help you write characters that
leap off the page!

Behavioral Clues
Behavioral clues reveal a character’s traits through their actions and
decisions. This is one of the clearest ways to show, rather than tell,
who your character is. By focusing on what they do and how they
interact with the world, you can let their personality shine through
naturally.

Examples

Kindness: Holding the door open for

someone struggling with packages.

Arrogance: Interrupting others mid-

sentence to assert their opinion.

Patience: Waiting calmly in a long

line, even when others are
complaining.
 How to Show, Not Tell
Emotional Clues
Emotional clues reveal a character’s traits through how they feel
and how these emotions drive their behavior. These subtle hints
allow readers to connect deeply with your character’s internal
world.
Examples:
Compassion: Feeling a deep ache when witnessing an
overwhelming need to help.
Envy: A tight chest and resentment when seeing someone
achieve what the character desires.

Dialogue
Dialogue showcases a character’s personality and traits through
what they say and how they say it. The words they choose, their
tone, and their speech patterns all contribute to revealing their
personality traits.

Examples:
Sarcastic: “Oh sure, because that’s going to work brilliantly,”
with an exaggerated eye roll.
Empathetic: “I can see how hard this is for you—what can I
do to help?”
Confident: “I know exactly how we’re going to fix this, and I’ll
handle it.”
Cautious: “Maybe we should think this through a bit more
before we decide.”
 How to Show, Not Tell
Body Language
Body language can reveal traits without a single word. How a
character moves, their posture, and their gestures provide insight into
their feelings and personality.
Examples:
Confident: Standing tall with shoulders back and steady eye
contact.
Nervous: Fidgeting with their hands or avoiding direct eye
contact.
Angry: Clenched fists, a tight jaw, or pacing in short, sharp
strides.
Shy: Folding their arms, keeping their gaze low, and speaking
softly.

Relationships
How a character interacts with others reveals their traits and values.
Relationships can highlight their strengths, flaws, and emotional
tendencies.
Examples:
Loyal: Standing by a friend during a public confrontation, even
when it’s risky.
Manipulative: Flattering someone excessively to gain an
advantage.
Supportive: Encouraging a loved one to chase their dreams,
even at a personal cost.
Distant: Avoiding deep conversations or showing little interest in
connecting with others. Doesn’t have close friends.
 How to Show, Not Tell
Environment
A character’s environment, and how they keep their personal space,
can reflect their personality and priorities.
Examples:
Organized: A meticulously tidy desk with color-coded folders and
labeled drawers.
Chaotic: Papers, books, and personal items scattered
everywhere, with no clear system in place.
Sentimental: A room filled with framed photos, keepsakes, and
trinkets from the past.

Clothing
What a character chooses to wear says a lot about their personality,
confidence, and social awareness.

Examples:
Confident: Wearing bold, statement
pieces that draw attention.

Practical: Opting for functional clothing,

like sturdy boots and simple jeans.

Trendy: Always up-to-date with the latest

fashion, wearing items that are in style.

Reserved: Sticking to neutral tones and

unassuming styles to avoid standing out.
 Additional Tips
Connect Traits to Backstory

Consider how their upbringing, triumphs, or failures might have

shaped their outlook on life. Did they learn resilience because of their
difficult childhood? Did privilege leave them unprepared for the harsh
reality of the world? Are they cold and dismissive because they were
not allowed to express their emotions as a child? When traits have a
clear origin in a character’s history, they feel more natural and
believable.

Balance Strengths and Weaknesses

No one is perfect, and your characters shouldn’t be either. A well-

balanced character has a mix of strengths that make them admirable
and flaws that make them relatable. Balancing strengths and
weaknesses not only makes your characters more human but also
gives you rich material for emotional arcs and transformative journeys.

Use Traits to Drive Conflict

Character traits are a powerful part of storytelling because they shape
the decisions your characters make and those decisions drive the
plot. A character’s personality, values, and quirks should influence the
world and story around them. If you put two different characters in the
same situation, their unique traits will lead the story in completely
different directions. By using traits to guide your characters’ choices
and reactions, you can create conflict and plot twists that feel natural
and true to who they are.
SECTION 2
Positive Traits
 Positive Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Adjusts plans quickly, remains Open-minded, rarely stressed,
calm in chaos, seamlessly fits emotionally flexible, embraces
Adaptable
into new environments, solves challenges as opportunities for
problems on the spot growth

Seeks out new places, tries Excited, thrill-seeking,

risky or unfamiliar activities, energized by the unknown,
Adventurous
often leads group decisions, feels alive when pushing
spontaneous trips boundaries

Gives frequent hugs or gentle

touches, expresses love Deeply caring, nurturing,
Affectionate verbally, remembers small fulfilled by connection, finds joy
details about loved ones, in showing warmth and love
prioritizes quality time

Observes small details others

Hyper-aware, on edge,
miss, reacts quickly to
mentally vigilant, cautious but
Alert changes, maintains strong
confident in uncertain
posture, scans surroundings
environments
often

Volunteers time, helps others

Selfless, fulfilled by helping,
without hesitation, sacrifices
compassionate, finds meaning
Altruistic personal comfort, steps in
in contributing to the greater
where needed without being
good
asked

Sets big, clear goals, works

Restless, determined, fueled
late hours, takes on extra
by achievement, driven by a
Ambitious tasks, competes to be the
sense of purpose, fears
best, refuses to settle for
stagnation or failure
mediocrity
 Positive Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Smiles often, engages in Calm, positive, content in
friendly conversation, diffuses social situations, emotionally
Aimable
conflict, avoids confrontation, steady, values harmony over
makes others feel at ease competition

Faces physical or emotional

Scared but resolute, confident
danger, defends others in
despite risks, emotionally
Brave tough situations, steps up
driven by a cause or
when others hesitate, doesn’t
responsibility
show fear outwardly

Checks in on loved ones

regularly, offers emotional or
Empathetic, considerate,
physical support, remembers
Caring compassionate, cares deeply
birthdays and milestones,
about the well-being of others
sacrifices personal time for
others

Speaks with confidence,

Feels confident, magnetic,
engages easily with others,
emotionally uplifting, thrives on
Charismatic uses humor or charm to draw
positive attention and inspiring
people in, makes eye contact
others
naturally

Smiles easily, laughs often,

Joyful, upbeat, hopeful,
uses positive words, lightens
Cheerful resilient even in setbacks,
tense situations, brings
finds silver linings
optimism to group settings

Offers help without being

asked, listens intently, Deeply caring, emotionally
Compassionate comforts others physically or attuned to others’ pain, feels
verbally, steps in to defend the fulfilled by easing suffering
vulnerable
 Positive Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Holds doors open, offers
Thoughtful, kind-hearted,
thoughtful gifts, checks in on
values harmony, finds
Considerate others, avoids saying hurtful
satisfaction in making others
things, ensures everyone feels
feel seen
included

Brainstorms unique solutions,

Imaginative, inspired, mentally
experiments with new ideas,
restless, energized by
Creative doodles, writes, or creates
possibilities, seeks self-
often, embraces
expression
unconventional thinking

Solves problems quickly, uses

Quick-thinking, mentally sharp,
wit or humor to navigate
Clever emotionally confident in their
situations, notices loopholes or
intelligence and ability to adapt
opportunities others miss

Asks insightful questions,

Eager to learn, mentally
explores new topics, peers into
restless, emotionally driven by
Curious unfamiliar places, reads
a need for understanding and
widely, experiments with new
discovery
ideas

Loyal, grounded, steady, feels

Arrives on time, sticks to
a sense of duty & obligation to
commitments, steps up when
Dependable certain people or tasks, feels
others falter, takes initiative in
anxious about letting other
group tasks
people down

Sticks to routines, avoids Determined, patient, mentally

distractions, exercises self- strong, driven by long-term
Disciplined
control, focuses on priorities, goals and purpose rather than
manages time effectively short-term pleasures
 Positive Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Cheers others on, shares
Passionate, emotionally
ideas with excitement,
Enthusiastic driven, deeply invested, loves
volunteers eagerly, uses
motivating others
animated body language

Offers praise, motivates others

Supportive, optimistic,
with positive words, celebrates
Encouraging emotionally invested in others’
successes, reassures those
growth and well-being
who doubt themselves

Keeps promises, defends Deep commitement to people,

others in their absence, stays values or beliefs, feels pride
loyal even in difficult when staying true to their
Faithful
circumstances, prioritizes long- promises or ideals, feels a
term commitments over sense of security because of
fleeting opportunities. their beliefs

Listens to all sides before Feels unsettled by unfairness

making decisions, avoids or injustice, values balance
Fair favoritism, ensures everyone and impartiality, experiences
has an equal chance, stands satisfaction when everyone is
up for justice and equality. treated with respect.

Lets go of grudges, offers Feels relief when forgiving

sincere second chances, others, empathizes with those
Forgiving treats offenders with kindness, who make mistakes, values
prioritizes healing over holding peace and reconciliation over
onto resentment. revenge.

Cracks jokes, lightens tense Feels joy in making others

situations with humor, imitates laugh, uses humor as a way to
Funny
others playfully, creates connect, remains lighthearted
laughter in everyday moments. even during challenges.
 Positive Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Shares resources freely, gives Feels genuine happiness from
without expecting anything in giving, experiences empathy
Generous return, prioritizes others’ needs for those in need, values the
over their own, donates time or joy of creating opportunities for
energy to help others. others.

Speaks softly, handles fragile

Feels a deep sensitivity to
objects or situations with care,
others’ emotions, values calm
Gentle avoids abrupt movements or
and harmony, is uncomfortable
harsh words, reassures others
with aggression or harshness.
with calm actions.

Puts in long hours, stays Feels pride in

focused on tasks, consistently accomplishments, experiences
Hardworking goes above and beyond, frustration when falling short of
avoids distractions to meet expectations, values
goals. perseverance and diligence.

Speaks openly and directly, Feels guilt or discomfort when

avoids deceitful actions, withholding the truth, values
Honest avoids lying, admits to authenticity and transparency,
mistakes without hesitation, experiences relief in being true
gives constructive feedback to themselves

Motivates others with their Feels joy in uplifting others,

actions, speaks passionately experiences pride when
Inspiring about their beliefs, leads by helping people believe in
example, encourages others to themselves, values connection
chase their goals. and shared purpose.

Weighs options carefully before

Is confident in their choices,
making decisions, avoids rash
experiences discomfort with
Judicious actions, offers measured and
impulsivity, values wisdom and
well-thought-out advice,
sound judgment.
considers multiple perspectives.
 Positive Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Sticks by friends and loved
ones in tough times, defends Feels pride in being
those they care about, dependable, experiences deep
Loyal
prioritizes long-term hurt when loyalty is betrayed,
relationships over fleeting values trust and commitment.
connections.

Notices small details others

miss, remembers subtle
Feels satisfaction in
changes or patterns, watches
Observant uncovering insights, is curious
interactions closely to read
about the world, is attentive
unspoken dynamics, acts
based on keen awareness.

Listens to different Feels excited by new ideas,

perspectives without judgment, are resilient to judgment from
embraces new ideas and others, focus on understanding
Open-minded experiences, adapts easily to others rather than criticizing,
changes, explores unfamiliar enjoy diverse opinions &
concepts with curiosity. people

Finds the silver lining in Feels energized by hope,

challenges, encourages others remains positive even during
Optimistic to stay positive, sets hopeful setbacks, values positivity and
goals, approaches situations resilience, feels drained by
with confidence and energy. negativity

Keeps spaces tidy and systems

Feels satisfaction in maintaining
structured, plans tasks ahead of
order, is stressed in disorganized
Organized time, creates and follows
environments, values structure
schedules or lists, minimizes
and efficiency.
chaos by staying prepared.

Approaches challenges with a Feels confident in creating

focus on realistic solutions, actionable plans, experiences
Practical avoids overthinking or idealizing frustration with overly abstract or
outcomes, uses resources unrealistic ideas, values
efficiently practicality and problem-solving.
 Positive Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Feels fulfilled by helping others,
Puts others’ needs ahead of their
experiences uncomfortable
own, sacrifices time or energy for
when doing something that
the benefit of others, offers help
Selfless without expecting anything in
maybe percerived as selfish,
values compassion and
return, consistently shows acts of
generosity.
kindness.

Makes quick decisions without Feels exhilarated by the

overthinking, embraces freedom of unpredictability,
unplanned opportunities, experiences discomfort with
Spontaneous changes plans on a whim, enjoys rigid schedules, values
surprising others with creativity and living in the
unexpected actions. moment.

Demonstrates exceptional skill in

Feels pride in their
their area of expertise, practices
accomplishments, experiences
Talented regularly to hone their craft,
a drive to keep improving,
willingly shares their abilities with
values creativity and
others, often exceeds
excellence.
expectations in their work.

Smiles often, offers comforting Feels joy in creating positive

words, engages in friendly and connections, experiences
Warm inviting gestures, makes others discomfort in cold or distant
feel safe and appreciated in their interactions, values kindness
presence. and emotional openness.

Recovers quickly after setbacks,

Feels motivated by challenges,
maintains a positive attitude in
experiences strength in
tough situations, adapts to
Resilient changes with grace, uses
overcoming adversity, are able
to regulate their emotions even
failures as stepping stones for
in stressful situations.
growth.

Waits calmly in frustrating

Feels grounded in the process
situations, avoids rushing others
rather than the outcome,
or pushing for quick results,
experience a calm acceptance,
Patient approaches learning or problem-
feel at peace, confident that
solving with perseverance,
everything will happen when it
remains steady even when
should
progress is slow.
SECTION 3
Neutral Traits
 Neutral Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Avoids eye contact, stumbles
Feels self-conscious or out of
over words in conversations,
place, experiences discomfort
Awkward makes clumsy movements or
in unfamiliar social situations,
gestures, struggles to interpret
values authenticity in others
social cues.

Forgets appointments or
details, gets lost in thought Feels frustrated with their own
mid-conversation, misplaces forgetfulness, experiences
Absent-minded
items frequently, becomes satisfaction in creative or
distracted easily in the middle introspective moments
of tasks.

Feels comfortable with surface

Maintains emotional distance in
level interactions, experiences
interactions, avoids personal or
discomfort with emotional
Aloof intimate conversations, engages
vulnerability, values
minimally in social settings,
independence and personal
prefers solitary activities.
space.

Speaks clearly and concisely,

Feels pride in expressing
uses precise and impactful
themselves well, experiences
vocabulary, explains complex
Articulate ideas in an easily understandable
frustration when misunderstood,
values clarity and effective
way, adjusts their tone to suit
communication.
different audiences.

Speaks with confidence and

Feels empowered by taking
authority, sets clear boundaries,
control, experiences frustration
makes decisions firmly without
Assertive hesitation, stands up for their own
when disregarded or ignored,
values self-respect and
needs or beliefs without being
directness.
aggressive.

Commands attention when

Feels a sense of responsibility for
speaking, takes charge in group
leadership, experiences
settings, enforces rules or
Authoritative guidelines confidently, expects
frustration with disobedience or
lack of structure, values order and
respect and compliance from
respect for hierarchy.
others.
 Neutral Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Speaks loudly and animatedly,
Feels joy and excitement in
laughs freely and often,
being the center of attention,
gestures with big movements,
Boisterous experiences discomfort in
thrives in high-energy
subdued or restrained settings,
environments like parties or
values spontaneity and fun.
crowds.

Takes risks without hesitation,

Feels exhilarated by daring
speaks their mind regardless
actions, experiences
of consequences, challenges
Bold frustration with passivity or
authority or societal norms,
hesitation, values courage and
acts decisively in the face of
taking initiative.
uncertainty.

Avoids taking on new challenges Feels contentment with existing

or risks, downplays the need for conditions, experiences
Complacent improvement, remains content discomfort with change or
with the status quo, shrugs off ambition, values stability and
constructive criticism. ease.

Speaks informally, uses relaxed Feels at ease in most situations,

body language, shows a laid- experiences discomfort with strict
Casual back attitude toward deadlines or rules or high pressure, values
expectations, avoids taking things simplicity and a low-stress
too seriously. lifestyle.

Double-checks details before

Feels nervous in unpredictable
making decisions, hesitates to
scenarios, experiences relief
take risks, carefully observes
Cautious situations before acting, seeks
when taking calculated actions,
values safety and minimizing
advice or validation before
unnecessary risks.
committing.

Strives to outperform others,

Feels energized by rivalry,
keeps track of wins and losses,
experiences frustration when
Competitive eagerly takes on challenges to
falling short, values achievement
prove themselves, focuses on
and recognition.
being the best in any endeavor.
 Neutral Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Follows established rules or Feels comfort in following
norms, adapts their behavior societal standards,
to fit group expectations, experiences unease when
Conforming
avoids standing out or causing breaking from tradition, values
disruption, prioritizes fitting in unity and adherence to shared
over personal expression. customs.

Sticks to tried-and-true
Feels secure in predictable
methods, resists change or
environments, experiences
innovation, avoids
Conservative unease with uncertainty or
unnecessary risks, prioritizes
rapid change, values stability
tradition and established
and tradition.
practices.

Adheres to societal norms, avoids Feels comfort in familiar

taking risks or challenging practices, experiences unease
Conventional traditions, chooses standard or with unconventional ideas or
widely accepted paths, values behaviors, values tradition and
routines and consistency. predictability.

Keeps emotional distance in

interactions, avoids personal or
intimate conversations, reacts Experiences discomfort with
Detached calmly to situations that might intense emotions, values
provoke strong emotions in independence and rationality.
others, prioritizes logic over
feelings.

Speaks plainly and to the point, Feels satisfaction in clear

avoids beating around the bush, communication, is frustrated
Direct takes decisive actions, when with ambiguity or
approaches situations with avoidance, values being
honesty and clarity. transparent

Displays unconventional habits or

Feels joy in standing out,
interests, wears distinctive
experiences discomfort when
clothing or styles, acts
Eccentric unpredictably or against social
forced to conform, loves
expressing their individuality and
norms, enjoys expressing unique
creativity.
perspectives.
 Neutral Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Feels deeply and passionately
Expresses feelings openly, reacts
about life, feels every emotion
strongly to situations, cries a lot,
deeply, is incapable of hiding their
Emotional laughs, or gestures dramatically,
feelings, can sometimes feel
empathizes deeply with others’
overwhelmed by their own
experiences.
emotions

Are guarded and feel safer when

Keeps their thoughts or motives they keep their emotions to
hidden, rarely reveals their full themselves, are uncomfortable
Enigmatic intentions, behaves in ways that with being vulnerable and open,
intrigue or confuse others, enjoy being in control of
themselves and/or situations

Thrives in social settings, initiates Feels energized by interacting

conversations with ease, enjoys with others, eager to connect with
Extroverted large gatherings or group people, may desire approuval
activities, actively seeks out new from others & are uncomfortable
connections. being alone for too long

Pays excessive attention to small

details, frequently corrects others
Feels frustration with disorder or
or adjusts things to their liking,
unpredictability, experiences relief
Fussy becomes irritated by
when things are “just right,” easily
imperfections or inefficiencies,
irratated
insists on specific routines or
standards.

Feels empowered by self-

Sticks firmly to their opinions, reliance, experiences frustration
resists compromise or influence, when opposed, are confident in
Headstrong pursues goals with unwavering their convictions, resilient to
determination, challenges outside influence, feels irritated
authority when they disagree. when others try and change their
mind

Pursues lofty goals with passion,

holds others to high moral or Feels inspired by visions of a
ethical standards, often prioritizes better future, sentitive to injustice,
Idealistic ideals over practicality, remains feel optimistic, they long for
optimistic about potential perfection
outcomes.
 Neutral Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Stands out from the crowd,
Feels pride in self-expression,
expresses unique ideas or
experiences frustration when
styles, prioritizes personal
Individualistic forced to fit in, values
goals over group conformity,
originality and self-
resists societal pressures or
determination.
norms.

Shows strong emotions or focus

Feels deeply in all situations,
in all they do, pursues goals with
experiences exhaustion from
unrelenting determination, reacts
Intense passionately to both positive and
prolonged emotional highs,
values commitment and
negative events, invests deeply in
authenticity.
relationships or interests.

Makes decisions based on

Feels confident in their instincts,
instinct rather than logic, picks up
experiences frustration when
on unspoken emotions or
Intuitive dynamics, often “knows” things
overanalyzing conflicts with
intuition, values insight and
without being told, trusts their gut
emotional understanding.
in unfamiliar situations.

Prefers small, intimate settings Feels drained by prolonged social

over large groups, seeks solitude activity, experiences contentment
Introverted to recharge, listens more than in quiet environments, values
they speak, avoids unnecessary introspection and meaningful
social interactions. connections.

Makes biting or ironic comments, Feels satisfaction in clever

uses exaggerated tone to convey wordplay, tend to be
Sarcastic humor, delivers dry or deadpan uncomfortable with emotional
humor, often deflects emotions vulnerability, love people who are
with wit. able to get their sarcasm

Questions others’ motives or

Feels cautious in unfamiliar
claims, demands evidence before
situations, is uncomfortable with
Skeptical accepting ideas, challenges
blind acceptance, values critical
authority or traditional beliefs,
thinking and proof.
often hesitates to trust easily.
SECTION 4
Negative Traits
 Negative Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Uses cruel language or insults, Feels powerful when controlling
manipulates people through fear others, becomes angry when
Abusive or guilt, makes threats to maintain confronted or challenged,
control, denies or justifies their prioritizes dominance over
harmful actions. relationships or understanding.

Speaks harshly without thinking

about others’ feelings, shuts Feels annoyed by inefficiency or
down opposing ideas with disagreement, is indifferent to
Abrasive criticism, cuts people off to make maintaining good relationships,
their point, often leaves others values being straightforward over
feeling uncomfortable or being considerate.
offended.

Avoids getting involved or taking

responsibility, shrugs off Feels disconnected from what’s
problems as unimportant, shows happening, experiences boredom
Apathetic little care for others’ feelings or or lack of purpose, prefers not to
outcomes, avoids putting in effort care deeply about anything.
to complete tasks.

Speaks as though they are

A sense of superiority over
always right, dismisses others’
others, irritation with perceived
ideas without consideration,
Arrogant shows off achievements to
incompetence, and craving
admiration define their emotional
impress others, makes others feel
core.
small or unimportant.

Orders people around without Control provides satisfaction,

asking, takes over conversations frustration emerges when
Bossy or decisions, ignores others’ input directions are not followed, and
or choices, insists on controlling order and authority outweigh
every detail of a task. collaboration.

Dismisses others’ pain or

Feels detached from others’
struggles as unimportant, makes
emotions, gets uncomfortable
blunt or harsh remarks without
Callous concern, ignores pleas for help or
with emotional situations,
prioritizes their own well-being
kindness, seems unbothered by
over showing empathy.
suffering around them.
 Negative Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Skips over important details or
tasks, forgets appointments or Precision or accountability
responsibilities, mishandles matters little, with little guilt felt
Careless belongings or commitments, over mistakes, cared more about
doesn’t think about the Freedom than responsibility
consequences of their choices.

Constantly seeks attention or

reassurance, invades others’ Insecurity in relationships drives a
personal space or boundaries, deep fear of abandonment, A
Clingy checks in repeatedly for need for attachment and
validation, becomes overly connection overshadows
anxious when alone or apart from personal independence.
others.

Talks excessively about their

Feels pride in being the center of
achievements, looks for constant
attention, gets irritated when not
compliments or admiration,
Conceited dismisses others’ successes as
acknowledged, values external
praise and recognition over
less important, focuses
modesty.
conversations on themselves.

Talks down to others as if they’re

Feels superior in knowledge or
less intelligent or capable, offers
ability, experiences frustration
unsolicited advice in a patronizing
Condescending tone, interrupts to correct others
when others don’t meet their
expectations, values authority
unnecessarily, often uses a
and control in conversations.
sarcastic or dismissive tone.

Reacts aggressively to criticism, Anger flares quickly in

starts arguments without cause, challenging moments, satisfaction
Belligerent uses threatening gestures or comes from dominating
words, and unnecessarily arguments, and compromise is
intensifies conflicts. often dismissed as weakness.

Keeps close tabs on others’ Anxiety rises when control slips,

activities, enforces strict rules, frustration builds when plans are
Controlling manipulates situations to disrupted, and maintaining
maintain authority, and authority takes precedence over
discourages independence. personal freedom.
 Negative Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Avoids facing challenges, Feels extreme fear or
steps back from taking insecurity in high-pressure
Cowardly responsibility, relies on others situations, experiences relief
to lead, and retreats at the when avoiding risks, values
first sign of difficulty. safety and self-preservation.

Frequently points out flaws, Feels frustration with

rarely acknowledges imperfection, experiences
Critical strengths, overanalyzes minor satisfaction in pointing out
errors, and offers little errors, values high standards
encouragement. over kindness.

Intentionally inflicts emotional

Feels satisfaction in causing
or physical pain, mocks
pain or asserting dominance,
others’ struggles, manipulates
Cruel experiences indifference to
situations to cause harm,
suffering, values power over
shows no remorse for hurtful
empathy.
actions.

Doubts others’ motives or

Feels distrust in others,
sincerity, assumes the worst in
experiences frustration with
Cynical situations, dismisses optimism or
naïveté, values realism over
idealism, reacts with sarcasm to
hopefulness.
hopeful ideas.

Lies or withholds truth to

manipulate outcomes, conceals Feels satisfaction in outsmarting
intentions for personal gain, others, experiences fear of being
Deceitful betrays trust without remorse, exposed, values personal gain
creates false narratives to suit over honesty.
their agenda.

Sabotages relationships or
Feels anger or frustration directed
efforts, acts recklessly without
outward, experiences satisfaction
Destructive regard for consequences,
in disrupting stability, values
physically damages property,
chaos or control over harmony.
undermines progress or morale.
 Negative Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Breaks commitments easily,
betrays trust for personal gain, Feels indifferent to loyalty,
switches allegiances based on experiences guilt infrequently,
Disloyal
convenience, undermines values personal benefit over
relationships when self-interest is commitment.
at stake.

Fails to keep track of tasks or Feels overwhelmed by

responsibilities, misplaces important complexity, experiences
Disorganized items, struggles with time frustration with consequences of
management, avoids structured disorder, values spontaneity over
plans or routines. structure.

Interrupts or talks over others, Feels indifferent to others’

mocks or dismisses others’ opinions, feelings, experiences frustration
Disrespectful ignores boundaries or social with authority or differing
etiquette, speaks or acts rudely in opinions, values self-expression
various contexts. over courtesy.

Frequently compares themselves to Feels a pang of inadequacy or

others, makes subtle or overt longing when others succeed,
remarks about others' success, experiences bitterness or
Envious avoids celebrating others’ frustration, values status or
achievements, exhibits resentment recognition but struggles to obtain
in their tone or actions. it.

Reacts with raised voice or sharp

Feels overwhelmed or irritated
tone, displays aggressive body
quickly, experiences difficulty
language like clenched fists or
Easily Angered glaring, lashes out at minor
controlling their temper, values
immediate resolution over calm
provocations, holds grudges over
reflection.
small issues.

Cancels plans last minute, forgets Feels overwhelmed by

commitments or fails to follow obligations, experiences guilt
Flaky through, avoids accountability for when failing to meet expectations,
letting others down, frequently values freedom but struggles with
overpromises but underdelivers. responsibility.
 Negative Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Treats serious matters lightly, Feels indifferent to long-term
focuses on trivial pleasures over consequences, experiences
Frivolous responsibilities, spends money fleeting joy from superficial
recklessly, avoids deep or pursuits, values fun and
meaningful conversations. escapism over responsibility.

Hoards resources or
Feels insatiable desire for
opportunities, prioritizes personal
wealth or possessions,
gain over fairness, constantly
Greedy experiences jealousy when
seeks more regardless of need,
others succeed, values
takes advantage of others for
accumulation over generosity.
material benefit.

Complains frequently about Is always dissatisfied with their

minor inconveniences, reacts surroundings or
irritably to others, maintains a circumstances, experiences
Grumpy
sour or negative demeanor, irritability or low energy, values
avoids cheerful or social solitude or quiet over
situations. interaction.

Believes others' statements Feels naive or trusting,

without question, falls for tricks or experiences embarrassment
Gullible scams easily, struggles to when deceived, values
recognize manipulation, trusts openness and honesty but
strangers too quickly. lacks skepticism.

Criticizes others severely, speaks in Feels frustration with perceived

a sharp or dismissive tone, punishes incompetence, experiences
Harsh mistakes without empathy, ignores indifference to others’ feelings,
the emotional impact of their values discipline over
actions. compassion.

Speaks with venom or spite, actively

Feels consumed by anger or
seeks to harm or humiliate others,
disdain, experiences satisfaction
Hateful harbors grudges and resentment,
in causing hurt, values revenge or
fosters negativity toward individuals
superiority over reconciliation.
or groups.
 Negative Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Reacts aggressively to
disagreements, confronts others Feels on edge or defensive,
with threats or intimidation, experiences satisfaction in
Hostile
avoids cooperation or asserting dominance, values
compromise, creates tension in power over harmony.
group dynamics.

Avoids learning or understanding Feels indifferent to intellectual

new information, dismisses differing growth, fears the unknown,
Ignorant viewpoints without consideration, experiences frustration when
repeats outdated or incorrect ideas, others point out gaps in their
resists self-education. logic, have a false confidence

Interrupts others, taps fingers or Feels restless or anxious when

paces while waiting, rushes through progress is slow, experiences
Impatient tasks without attention to detail, frustration with inefficiency,
shows visible irritation when values speed and immediacy
delayed. over patience.

Ignores others’ needs or

Feels indifferent to others’
boundaries, interrupts or speaks
concerns, experiences frustration
Inconsiderate over others, acts selfishly in group
when confronted, values personal
situations, disregards the impact of
desires over mutual respect.
their actions.

Seeks constant validation or

reassurance, avoids situations Feels self-doubt or inadequacy,
where they might be judged, experiences anxiety in unfamiliar
Insecure frequently second-guesses situations, values acceptance but
themselves, struggles to assert their struggles to believe in it.
opinions.

Dismisses others’ emotions or

Feels indifferent to others’ pain,
struggles, makes hurtful comments
experiences discomfort with
Insensitive without realizing the impact, fails to
emotional situations, values
notice emotional cues, avoids
objectivity over compassion.
empathetic actions.
 Negative Traits
Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues
Feels indifferent to
Ignores deadlines or obligations,
consequences, experiences
blames others for mistakes,
frustration when confronted
Irresponsible avoids accountability for their
about their behavior, values
actions, prioritizes fun over
freedom over being
duties.
accountable for their actions.

Monitors or questions others’ Feels insecurity or fear of loss,

actions excessively, lashes out experiences resentment
when they feel threatened, toward perceived competition,
Jealous
avoids celebrating others’ feels bitter and resents other
successes, often competes people’s success, desire
unnecessarily. validation from others

Uses guilt, fear or sympathy so

others will act in their favor, tells Craves control over other
half-truths, uses flattery, people, likes having power,
Manipulative pressures people into making might feel insecure deep
rash decisions, pits people down, fear losing their status
against each other, sudden mood or influence
changes to get their way
SECTION 5
Fillable Sheets
Character Name:

Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues

Character Name:

Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues

Character Name:

Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues

Character Name:

Trait Behavioural Cues Emotional Cues