Character Trait: Approachable

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Approachability is a character trait that describes someone who is easy to talk to, open-minded, and welcoming. An approachable person makes others feel comfortable and is receptive to their ideas and perspectives. They are often seen as warm, friendly, and non-judgmental. This trait is particularly important for characters in literature because it makes them more relatable and helps readers connect with them on a deeper level.

Possible causes of being approachable

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

• Confidence: Approachable people are confident in themselves, which makes others feel at ease around them.
• Positive attitude: Approachable people tend to have a positive outlook on life and focus on the good in people.
• Relatability: They are able to connect with others on a personal level and find common ground.
• Empathy: They are able to put themselves in other people's shoes and understand their perspectives.
• Natural disposition: Some people are simply born with a friendly and approachable nature.
• Openness: They are open-minded and non-judgmental, which makes others feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with them.
• Humility: Approachable people are humble and don't feel the need to prove themselves or be the center of attention.
• Good listening skills: Approachable people listen actively and attentively, which makes others feel heard and understood.

For detailed feedback on approachable characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's writing style analysis.

Behaviors associated with being approachable

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

• Listening actively without interrupting or judging
• Being open to new ideas and perspectives
• Being humble and approachable, not arrogant or intimidating
• Using positive body language and gestures
• Offering help and support to others
• Being available and responsive to communication
• Smiling often and making eye contact
• Being willing to admit mistakes and learn from them
• Showing interest in others and their opinions

Attitudes associated with being approachable

You may be able to show approachable through their attitudes.

• Patience
• Friendly demeanor
• Empathy
• Non-judgmental attitude
• Humility
• Willingness to listen
• Ability to connect with others
• Willingness to help
• Open-mindedness

Thoughts and struggles associated with being approachable

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

• An approachable character may also feel pressure to always have the right answers or solutions for others, leading to self-doubt and anxiety.
• At times, an approachable character may feel frustrated or drained by constantly being available to others and may struggle to set healthy boundaries.
• They may have a desire to be liked and accepted by others, which could lead to them compromising their own values or beliefs to please others.
• An approachable character may struggle with feeling overwhelmed by the number of people seeking their attention or advice.
• They may have a fear of rejection or being seen as unapproachable, which could lead to them overcompensating by being overly friendly or accommodating.
• They may have a tendency to avoid conflict or difficult conversations in order to maintain their likability and approachability.
• An approachable character may also struggle with balancing their own needs and desires with those of the people around them, leading to feelings of guilt or resentment.

Emotions associated with being approachable

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

• Easy-going
• Cooperative
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Compassionate
• Trustworthy
• Empathetic
• Open-minded
• Relatable
• Supportive
• Inviting
• Kind-hearted
• Warm
• Non-judgmental

Facial expressions associated with being approachable

Here are some facial expressions your approachable character may exhibit.

• A relaxed and open facial posture
• A slight tilt of the head or leaning forward in conversation
• A gentle, welcoming tone of voice
• A smile or a warm, friendly expression
• A nod or other affirmative gestures
• Maintaining eye contact
• Avoiding tense or defensive expressions, such as furrowing the brow or pursing the lips

Body language associated with being approachable

Here is some body language your approachable character may exhibit.

• Being responsive and attentive to the person's needs
• Using open hand gestures
• Maintaining eye contact
• Smiling or having a friendly facial expression
• Leaning slightly forward towards the person
• Keeping an appropriate distance (not too close or too far)
• Open and relaxed posture
• Nodding and using affirmative gestures

For detailed feedback on approachable characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's writing style analysis.

Behaviors associated with being approachable

Here are some behaviors your approachable character may exhibit.

• Using positive body language and gestures
• Smiling often and making eye contact
• Offering help and support to others
• Being available and responsive to communication
• Being humble and approachable, not arrogant or intimidating
• Being open to new ideas and perspectives
• Being willing to admit mistakes and learn from them
• Showing interest in others and their opinions
• Listening actively without interrupting or judging

Growth and evolution of approachable characters

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

• Develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others
• Become more open-minded and accepting of different perspectives and backgrounds
• Overcome their fear of rejection and become more comfortable initiating conversations and interactions
• Learn to set boundaries and say "no" without coming across as unfriendly
• Become more confident in their ability to connect with others
• Learn to listen actively and respond with compassion and kindness
• Build stronger relationships with others by being honest and vulnerable about their own struggles and weaknesses

Stereotypes of approachable characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical approachable character like these examples.

• Avoid giving the character a one-dimensional personality, as it can make them appear predictable and boring.
• Avoid making the character too passive or indecisive as it can make them appear weak or ineffective.
• Avoid making the character too perfect or flawless as it can make them appear unrelatable and unrealistic.
• Avoid giving the character a holier-than-thou attitude that makes them seem better than everyone else.
• Avoid making the character too quirky or eccentric as it can make them difficult to relate to.

Negatives of being approachable

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

• Others may perceive approachability as a weakness and attempt to undermine or manipulate you.
• Being constantly available and accommodating may lead to burnout and stress.
• It can be difficult to maintain a sense of privacy and personal space when being approachable is a defining trait.
• It can be difficult to establish boundaries and assert oneself when constantly trying to accommodate others.
• Being too approachable may lead to others taking advantage of your time and resources.

Positives of being approachable

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

• Easy to talk to
• Builds trust and rapport with others
• Willingness to listen to others
• Creates a welcoming environment
• Encourages collaboration and teamwork
• Inviting body language
• Open-mindedness
• Empathy towards others
• Helps to diffuse tense situations

Verbal expressions of approachable characters

Here are some potential expressions used by approachable characters.

• "Don't hesitate to reach out to me."
• "I'm always happy to chat."
• "Feel free to ask me any questions."
• "I'm open to feedback and suggestions."
• "You can count on me to be there for you."
• "Hi, how can I help you today?"
• "Let's work together on this."
• "I'm here if you need anything."
• "Let's grab a coffee and discuss your ideas."

Relationships of approachable characters

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

• They have a positive outlook on life, which can be infectious and uplifting to those around them.
• They are non-judgmental and open-minded, which encourages others to share their thoughts and feelings.
• They are respectful of others' boundaries and opinions, which fosters mutual respect and trust.
• They have a friendly and warm demeanor, making others feel comfortable around them.
• They are good listeners and show genuine interest in what others have to say.
• Approachable people tend to build rapport easily with others.
• They are empathetic and compassionate, which allows them to connect with others on a deeper level.

Examples from books of characters who are approachable

• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Hermione Granger from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Gandalf from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Hazel Grace Lancaster from "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
• Jo March from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
• Anne Shirley from "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery
• August Pullman from "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

Writing exercises for writing approachable characters

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

• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who is hesitant to approach them. How does your character put the other person at ease and make them feel comfortable?
• Write a scene where your character is in a crowded or unfamiliar setting. How do they interact with others and make connections with new people?
• Think about a scenario where your character needs to approach someone else for help or advice. How do they go about it? Do they come across as confident and friendly, or nervous and unsure of themselves?
• Write a scene where your character is in a position of authority or leadership. How do they make their subordinates feel comfortable approaching them with questions or concerns?
• Think about someone in your life who is approachable. What specific characteristics or behaviors make them approachable? Write these down and use them as a reference when crafting your character.
• Write a scene where your character is approached by someone they don't know well. How do they react? Do they make the person feel welcome and at ease, or do they come across as distant or uninterested?