The Character House, Pt. 11: Roof and Personality Traits

Just as a house would be incomplete without a roof, the Character House needs a roof—a consistent personality.

Putting the Roof on Top

Just as the roof rests on top of the walls, the personality traits (roof) stem from consistent actions (walls). A character who consistently helps others is a “kind person,” while a character who consistently snaps at people is a “bad-tempered person.” 

Every action reflects a belief, no matter how minor. As these actions pile up, they form a personality trait. True beliefs and false beliefs can form both strengths and flaws.

When you follow the logical path from beliefs to actions to personality traits—or vice versa—you’ll be able to determine what your character would do in any situation. 

As you develop character personalities, watch out for the following pitfalls.

Potential Pitfall #1: Characters with No Personality

The problem

Some characters do what the plot demands of them, but their choices don’t reveal their personal strengths and flaws. Other characters might display a few generic traits, such as stubbornness or kindness, but their personality lacks unique defining qualities.

Possible solutions

Consider the other parts of the Character House. What personality traits might result from your characters’ experiences, beliefs, fears, and goals? When you let these components inform your characters’ actions, their personalities will naturally follow (because personality is simply the result of consistent actions). 

Brainstorm actions that fit with existing personality traits. If you already know your character’s strengths and weaknesses, you can use these details to brainstorm associated behaviors. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi’s Positive Trait Thesaurus and Negative Trait Thesaurus list over 100 different strengths and flaws, as well as associated causes, behaviors, thoughts, and challenges for each trait.

Show your characters under pressure. In high-pressure situations, characters reveal their true personality traits. During a sudden earthquake, a nervous character might panic, while a level-headed character might try to remain calm.

Potential Pitfall #2: One-Sided Characters

The problem

Once you pin down your characters’ personality traits, resist the temptation to flatten them to a single trait. A jokester should have serious moments, a grumpy character might care about one person, and an even-tempered character might have an occasional pet peeve. 

Possible solutions

Add variation to the flaws. Let’s say your protagonist, Paul, tries to exert control over every area of his life—his schedule, his workspace, and the people around him. This overpowering flaw might overwhelm readers.

To tone down Paul’s controlling tendencies, perhaps he controls his schedule but not the people around him. Or he tries to tell others what to do, but his workspace is a mess. This variation prevents Paul from becoming one-sided.

Choose an unexpected personality trait. Suppose your character is a typical sweet grandmother, always baking cookies and doting on her grandchildren. If you want to make this character more unique, what if she has a creative, adventurous, or stubborn side? Ackerman and Puglisi’s Character Type and Trope Thesaurus can help you brainstorm traits that put a new spin on common archetypes. 

Potential Pitfall #3: Characters with No Positive or No Negative Traits

The problem

Some characters are either downright scoundrels (no positive traits) or perfect angels (no negative traits). Both issues tend to produce unrealistic and unlikable characters. Even the most noble hero should have weaknesses, and even the most ruthless villain should have virtues. 

Possible solutions

Look at your character’s existing traits. To add positive or negative traits to your character, consider the traits that the character already has. In The Positive Trait Thesaurus and The Negative Trait Thesaurus, each entry lists the benefits and drawbacks of the trait. 

In some cases, a strength can become a hindrance—a loyal character might be loyal to a dishonorable cause. Conversely, a flaw can work to a character’s advantage—a stubborn character might be willing to pursue a goal regardless of the cost.

Consider the extremes and medians of a trait. If your character has too many positive traits, brainstorm issues posed by the extremes of these traits. Courage can lead to recklessness; patience can lead to passivity.

On the other hand, if your character has too many flaws, consider decreasing the intensity of these traits. Instead of being domineering, perhaps your character is simply a good leader.

Standing on the Rooftops

Just as the roof of a house rests on top of the walls, consistent actions result in personality traits. To develop three-dimensional characters, portray their choices and reactions, choose unexpected attributes, and balance strengths with weaknesses.

With these tools, you can create personalities that remain as consistent and comforting as the roof over readers’ heads. 

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What are your favorite ways to develop engaging character personalities? 

You May Also Like

• The Character House, Pt. 13: 3 Ways to Build a Character House
• The Character House, Pt. 12: The 5 Stages of a Moving Character Arc
• The Character House, Pt. 11: Roof and Personality Traits
• The Character House, Pt. 10: Emotions and Home Utilities
• The Character House, Pt. 9: The Windows of Voice and Vulnerability