Character Trait: Accommodating

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "accommodating" describes a person who is easy to work or live with, who is willing to compromise and adapt to the needs of others. An accommodating person is friendly, considerate and willing to make adjustments to their own plans or preferences for the sake of others. This trait is often seen as a positive quality in interpersonal relationships and can help build strong connections with others.

Possible causes of being accommodating

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

• Growing up in an environment where being agreeable was highly valued
• Cultural or societal expectations of gender roles and behavior
• Prior negative experiences with standing up for oneself
• Fear of conflict or confrontation
• Personal beliefs about the importance of harmony and peace in relationships
• Desire for acceptance and approval from others
• Lack of self-confidence or assertiveness

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Behaviors associated with being accommodating

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

• Willingness to compromise
• Finding ways to work around obstacles or challenges
• Being patient and understanding with others' mistakes or shortcomings
• Flexibility in adapting to different situations
• Making concessions or sacrifices to reach a common goal
• Active listening and empathy towards others' perspectives
• Prioritizing others' needs over one's own
• Offering help or assistance to others
• Avoiding confrontations or arguments

Attitudes associated with being accommodating

You may be able to show accommodating through their attitudes.

• Flexibility in adapting to changing situations
• Empathy towards others' feelings and experiences
• Tolerance for differences among people
• Putting others' needs before one's own
• Willingness to compromise
• Desire to please others and make them happy
• Patience with others
• Avoidance of conflict or confrontation
• Openness to new ideas and perspectives

Thoughts and struggles associated with being accommodating

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

• Struggling to set boundaries
• Always putting others' needs before their own
• Feeling undervalued or taken advantage of
• Tendency to downplay their own desires or opinions
• Worrying about disappointing or upsetting others
• Fear of conflict or confrontation
• Difficulty making decisions for themselves
• Resentment building up due to feeling unappreciated
• Difficulty saying no to requests or demands

Emotions associated with being accommodating

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

• Flexibility
• Understanding
• Open-mindedness
• Generosity
• Diplomacy
• Kindness
• Tolerance
• Empathy
• Patience
• Compromise
• Politeness
• Adaptability
• Cooperation
• Selflessness
• Consideration

Facial expressions associated with being accommodating

Here are some facial expressions your accommodating character may exhibit.

• Maintaining eye contact
• Tilting the head slightly
• Appearing open-minded and approachable
• Using a soft and gentle tone of voice
• Displaying a pleasant and friendly demeanor
• Relaxing the facial muscles
• Nodding frequently
• Smiling warmly
• Avoiding direct confrontation

Body language associated with being accommodating

Here is some body language your accommodating character may exhibit.

• Maintaining eye contact
• Using open gestures (e.g. uncrossed arms, palms up)
• Apologizing frequently, even if not at fault
• Leaning forward while listening
• Nodding in agreement
• Smiling frequently and warmly
• Mirroring the body language of others
• Avoiding confrontation or disagreement
• Giving in to others' requests without complaint

For detailed feedback on accommodating characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's creative writing analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being accommodating

Here are some behaviors your accommodating character may exhibit.

• Being patient and understanding with others' mistakes or shortcomings
• Active listening and empathy towards others' perspectives
• Flexibility in adapting to different situations
• Making concessions or sacrifices to reach a common goal
• Avoiding confrontations or arguments
• Offering help or assistance to others
• Willingness to compromise
• Finding ways to work around obstacles or challenges
• Prioritizing others' needs over one's own

Growth and evolution of accommodating characters

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

• Learn to set boundaries and say "no" when necessary
• Learn to navigate conflict and find solutions that benefit everyone involved
• Develop a stronger sense of self and identity
• Develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others' perspectives
• Learn to recognize and address codependent behaviors or relationships
• Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of compromise in relationships
• Become more confident in their abilities and decisions
• Learn to prioritize their own needs and desires
• Become more assertive in their communication and decision-making

Stereotypes of accommodating characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical accommodating character like these examples.

• Avoiding expressing one's true opinions or feelings to avoid conflict
• Ignoring one's own needs and desires completely
• Being too agreeable or passive in conflicts or disagreements
• Being a pushover or overly submissive
• Always apologizing, even when not at fault
• Being a people-pleaser to the point of sacrificing personal boundaries
• Being taken advantage of by others without standing up for oneself

Negatives of being accommodating

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

• May cause difficulty setting boundaries and saying "no"
• Can lead to feeling overwhelmed or overcommitted
• May result in being perceived as indecisive or lacking assertiveness
• Can result in feeling taken advantage of or resentful
• Can hinder personal and professional growth
• May lead to neglecting one's own needs and desires

Positives of being accommodating

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

• Accommodating individuals are often seen as approachable and easy to work with.
• Being accommodating shows a willingness to work with others and meet their needs.
• Being accommodating can help build strong relationships and foster collaboration.
• Accommodating people are good listeners, empathetic and considerate of others’ feelings.
• Accommodating individuals are good problem-solvers, able to navigate difficult situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Accommodating individuals are skilled at finding win-win solutions that benefit everyone involved.
• Accommodating people are adaptable and flexible, able to adjust to changing circumstances and needs.

Verbal expressions of accommodating characters

Here are some potential expressions used by accommodating characters.

• "I don't mind"
• "No problem"
• "You can count on me"
• "It's okay, I understand"
• "I'm happy to help"
• "Sure, I can do that"
• "Whatever works for you"
• "I'll work around your schedule"
• "Let's find a compromise"

Relationships of accommodating characters

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

• Accommodating people may have a tendency to avoid conflict, which can lead to unspoken tensions and misunderstandings.
• They may be great at compromising, but may also feel like they always have to give in and never get their way.
• In relationships, they may struggle with expressing their own desires or needs, leading to a lack of balance in the relationship.
• Accommodating individuals are often seen as kind and selfless, but may also be seen as pushovers or lacking assertiveness.
• Accommodating people tend to prioritize the needs and wants of others over their own.
• They may struggle with setting boundaries and saying no, leading to feelings of being taken advantage of or resentful.
• Accommodating individuals can sometimes struggle with being honest and direct, instead opting for indirect communication to avoid upsetting others.

Examples from books of characters who are accommodating

• Yoda from the "Star Wars" series by George Lucas
• Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Charlotte A. Cavatica from "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White
• Gandalf from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Hazel Grace Lancaster from "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
• Augustus Waters from "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Writing exercises for writing accommodating characters

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

• Consider the character's background and upbringing: Were they raised to always put others first? Were they taught to prioritize harmony and avoid conflict?
• Write a scene where the character learns the importance of setting boundaries and standing up for themselves, even if it means being less accommodating.
• Write a scene where the character compromises their own wants or needs in order to please someone else.
• Write a scene where the character struggles with being accommodating to the point of sacrificing their own wellbeing or values.
• Explore the character's motivations for being accommodating: Is it out of genuine care for others, or is it a way to avoid confrontation or gain approval?
• Write a scene where the character goes out of their way to help someone else, even if it inconveniences them or goes against their own desires.
• Consider how the character's accommodating nature affects their relationships with others. Write a scene where they must navigate a conflict with someone who is not as accommodating as they are.