Character Trait: Adventurous

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Adventurous refers to a person who is willing to take risks and explore new or unfamiliar territory. An adventurous character is often motivated by a desire for excitement, novelty, and challenge. They may have a strong sense of curiosity, a thirst for knowledge and experiences, and a willingness to push past their comfort zone. An adventurous character can add depth and interest to a story, as they navigate unfamiliar situations and encounter unexpected obstacles.

Possible causes of being adventurous

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

• A tendency towards risk-taking and thrill-seeking behaviors
• A curiosity about the unknown and different cultures
• A belief in the importance of living life to the fullest
• A desire for new experiences and challenges
• A desire to escape from monotony or boredom
• A positive attitude towards uncertainty and ambiguity
• A belief in the value of personal growth and self-discovery
• A need for excitement and stimulation
• A preference for autonomy and independence

For detailed feedback on adventurous characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being adventurous

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

• Pushing oneself outside of comfort zones
• Being resilient in the face of setbacks or failures
• Taking risks and trying new things
• Seeking out new experiences and challenges
• Pursuing passions and dreams with gusto
• Being open-minded and curious
• Traveling and exploring new places
• Embracing uncertainty and spontaneity
• Engaging in physical activities or extreme sports

Attitudes associated with being adventurous

You may be able to show adventurous through their attitudes.

• A positive attitude towards failure, viewing it as a learning opportunity
• A sense of independence and self-reliance
• A thirst for excitement and a sense of thrill-seeking
• A tendency to challenge oneself and push beyond personal limits
• A preference for spontaneity and improvisation over strict planning
• A curiosity about the world and a desire to learn and grow
• A willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty
• A desire to explore new places and try new experiences

Thoughts and struggles associated with being adventurous

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

• Strong desire to explore new places and try new things
• Restlessness when stuck in routine or familiar surroundings
• Tendency to take risks and seek out excitement
• Need for independence and freedom to pursue their own interests
• Struggle to balance desire for adventure with responsibilities or commitments
• Fear of missing out on new experiences
• Potential to become bored or disillusioned with routine or stability
• Impulsiveness and willingness to act without thinking things through
• Difficulty with long-term planning or sticking to a set path

Emotions associated with being adventurous

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

• Excitement
• Fearlessness
• Courage
• Enthusiasm
• Spontaneity
• Open-mindedness
• Curiosity
• Thrill-seeking
• Boldness

Facial expressions associated with being adventurous

Here are some facial expressions your adventurous character may exhibit.

• A slightly tilted head, as if sizing up a challenge or opportunity
• A strong, determined jawline
• A relaxed and confident facial expression, with a hint of mischief
• A furrowed brow, as if deep in thought or planning a daring move
• Bright, sparkling eyes that show excitement and anticipation
• A playful smirk or grin, indicating a sense of fun and enjoyment in the adventure
• Raised eyebrows and a curious expression
• A wide, open-mouthed smile

Body language associated with being adventurous

Here is some body language your adventurous character may exhibit.

• Leaning forward with excitement and enthusiasm
• Taking calculated risks, such as jumping over a gap or climbing a tree
• Fidgeting with objects or tapping feet due to restlessness
• Displaying a sense of curiosity and wonder, often asking questions and exploring new places or experiences
• Standing with a straight posture and a wide stance
• Smiling frequently and easily, showing a sense of joy and eagerness
• Gesturing with open palms and expansive arm movements
• Walking with a confident stride, head held high, and eyes scanning the surroundings
• Being comfortable with physical discomfort, such as sweating or being out of breath, in pursuit of adventure

For detailed feedback on adventurous characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being adventurous

Here are some behaviors your adventurous character may exhibit.

• Seeking out new experiences and challenges
• Pushing oneself outside of comfort zones
• Traveling and exploring new places
• Embracing uncertainty and spontaneity
• Engaging in physical activities or extreme sports
• Being open-minded and curious
• Being resilient in the face of setbacks or failures
• Taking risks and trying new things
• Pursuing passions and dreams with gusto

Growth and evolution of adventurous characters

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

• Learning to balance their thrill-seeking tendencies with responsibility and caution
• Overcoming their fears and taking bigger risks
• Becoming more adaptable to new and unexpected situations
• Developing empathy and understanding for other people's perspectives and backgrounds
• Developing problem-solving skills to navigate obstacles and challenges
• Discovering their own limitations and weaknesses, and working to improve them
• Gaining new experiences and knowledge that broaden their perspective
• Learning to collaborate and work with others towards a common goal
• Learning to trust their instincts and intuition

Stereotypes of adventurous characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical adventurous character like these examples.

• Avoid making your Adventurous character a lone wolf who never relies on others or refuses to work as part of a team.
• Avoid making your Adventurous character invincible or immune to danger, as this can make them unrealistic and uninteresting.
• Avoid making your Adventurous character overly confident to the point of arrogance, as this can make them unlikeable or unrelatable.
• Avoid making your Adventurous character insensitive to the feelings or needs of others, as this can make them seem callous or selfish.
• Avoid making your Adventurous character reckless or impulsive without any consideration for the consequences of their actions.

Negatives of being adventurous

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

• Overconfidence can lead to underestimating the risks and dangers involved in an adventure
• Risk-taking can lead to dangerous situations and potential harm
• Impulsiveness can result in poor decision-making and regrettable actions
• Lack of planning and preparation can lead to unexpected and unfavorable outcomes

Positives of being adventurous

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

• They can be great leaders, inspiring others to follow their lead and take risks in pursuit of a common goal.
• Adventurous individuals tend to be curious and open-minded, always seeking new experiences and challenges.
• They tend to have a positive attitude and approach life with enthusiasm and energy, inspiring others to do the same.
• They are comfortable with uncertainty and are willing to take risks, which can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
• Adventurous individuals are often resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks, using their experiences to learn and grow.
• Adventurous people are often adaptable and resourceful, able to think on their feet and find solutions to unexpected problems.

Verbal expressions of adventurous characters

Here are some potential expressions used by adventurous characters.

• "I don't mind taking risks."
• "Bring on the challenge!"
• "I'll try anything once."
• "Let's go explore!"
• "I'm up for anything!"
• "The unknown excites me."
• "I've always wanted to try that."
• "I'm always looking for new experiences."
• "Adventure awaits!"

Relationships of adventurous characters

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

• They may feel drawn to people who are open-minded and willing to try new things, as they share a similar mindset.
• They may enjoy collaborating with others on adventurous projects or activities, as they find inspiration and motivation in bouncing ideas off of others.
• Adventurous people may clash with those who are more reserved or introverted, as they may feel like their energy and enthusiasm is not being reciprocated.
• They may feel frustrated or bored by people who are overly cautious or risk-averse, as they may feel like their sense of adventure is being stifled.
• Adventurous people may enjoy being around other adventurous individuals who share their love of trying new things and exploring new places.
• Adventurous people may enjoy taking on leadership roles in group settings, as they tend to be comfortable with taking charge and making decisions.

Examples from books of characters who are adventurous

• Harry Potter from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Robin Hood from "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood" by Howard Pyle
• Odysseus from "The Odyssey" by Homer
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Alice from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll
• Tom Sawyer from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain
• Indiana Jones from the "Indiana Jones" series by Max McCoy, Rob MacGregor, and others
• Lara Croft from the "Tomb Raider" series by multiple authors
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing exercises for writing adventurous characters

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

• Have your character encounter an obstacle that they must overcome through creative problem-solving.
• Have your character make a split-second decision that puts them in danger.
• Write a scene where your character is lost in a new place and has to find their way back.
• Have your character encounter a situation where they must use their wit and charm to get what they want.
• Create a setting that is completely foreign to your character and describe how they react to it.
• Write a scene where your character tries a new activity or hobby.
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a moral dilemma that requires them to choose between safety and adventure.
• Write a scene where your character takes a risk they normally wouldn't take.
• Have your character encounter a person who is the complete opposite of them and describe how they interact.