Character Trait: Creative

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "creative" refers to the ability to think imaginatively and generate original ideas. A creative person is someone who is able to see things from a fresh perspective, think outside the box, and come up with unique solutions to problems. They have a natural inclination towards artistic expression, innovation, and experimentation. This trait can manifest in various fields such as writing, art, music, design, and entrepreneurship. A creative character is one who possesses these qualities and uses them to drive the story forward.

Possible causes of being creative

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

• Openness: Being open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives can also contribute to a creative personality.
• Experiences: Unique or challenging life experiences can inspire creativity and shape a person's creative personality.
• Environment: Growing up in an environment that encourages creativity, such as having access to art supplies or being exposed to creative activities, can foster a creative personality.
• Genetics: Some people may have a predisposition to creativity due to their genetic makeup.
• Education: Formal education in the arts or creative fields can also play a role in developing a creative personality.

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

Behaviors associated with being creative

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

• Questioning assumptions and challenging the status quo
• Seeking out inspiration and learning from others
• Using imagination and intuition to solve problems
• Making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts
• Brainstorming ideas and solutions
• Experimenting with new approaches and techniques
• Adapting to changing circumstances and challenges
• Embracing ambiguity and uncertainty
• Taking risks and trying new things

Attitudes associated with being creative

You may be able to show creative through their attitudes.

• Curiosity
• Persistence
• Empathy
• Non-conformity
• Open-mindedness
• Flexibility
• Playfulness
• Perseverance
• Patience
• Adaptability
• Willingness to take risks
• Self-expression
• Passion
• Eagerness to learn
• Imagination

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and different people may have different attitudes that they associate with being creative.

Thoughts and struggles associated with being creative

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

• Struggling to balance their creativity with practicality and financial stability
• Feeling misunderstood and unappreciated by those who don't understand their creative process
• Constantly questioning their own work and abilities
• Facing the challenge of putting themselves out there and sharing their work with the world, and the fear of rejection and criticism
• Feeling a sense of responsibility to use their creativity to make a positive impact on the world
• Wrestling with the need for validation and recognition while also wanting to stay true to their own vision
• Struggling to find a balance between their personal life and their creative pursuits
• Battling imposter syndrome and the fear of being exposed as a fraud
• Dealing with the pressure to consistently produce new and original work

Emotions associated with being creative

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

• Joy
• Satisfaction
• Enthusiasm
• Empathy
• Frustration
• Excitement
• Inspiration
• Sensitivity
• Insecurity
• Passion
• Curiosity
• Vulnerability
• Doubt
• Anxiety

Facial expressions associated with being creative

Here are some facial expressions your creative character may exhibit.

• A furrowed brow with a thoughtful or introspective expression
• A smirk or sly grin with a mischievous or playful attitude
• A slight smile with eyes squinted in concentration or contemplation
• A tilted head and pursed lips with a curious or questioning look
• A pensive or brooding expression with a hint of melancholy or intensity
• Raised eyebrows and wide eyes with a sense of wonder or excitement
• An open-mouthed, slack-jawed expression of awe or surprise

Body language associated with being creative

Here is some body language your creative character may exhibit.

• Animated facial expressions and gestures when discussing or describing a creative project or idea
• Engaging in physical movements or activities to stimulate creativity, such as walking or doodling
• Slouching or leaning forward in excitement or deep thought
• Tendency to fidget or play with objects while thinking
• Frequent use of hand gestures while speaking or explaining ideas
• Intense eye contact when discussing a creative idea or project
• Facial expressions that convey emotions and ideas, such as raising eyebrows in surprise or biting lips in concentration

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

Behaviors associated with being creative

Here are some behaviors your creative character may exhibit.

• Questioning assumptions and challenging the status quo
• Brainstorming ideas and solutions
• Seeking out inspiration and learning from others
• Taking risks and trying new things
• Adapting to changing circumstances and challenges
• Experimenting with new approaches and techniques
• Embracing ambiguity and uncertainty
• Using imagination and intuition to solve problems
• Making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts

Growth and evolution of creative characters

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

• Discovering a new passion or talent
• Taking on a leadership role
• Overcoming a fear or weakness
• Learning to trust others or themselves
• Developing a deeper understanding of themselves or others
• Learning to forgive or let go of grudges
• Overcoming a personal obstacle or challenge
• Changing their perspective or worldview
• Facing a difficult decision and learning from the consequences

Stereotypes of creative characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical creative character like these examples.

• The "diva" who is difficult to work with and demands attention at all times
• The "crazy writer" who is perpetually drunk, high, or otherwise unhinged in their pursuit of creativity
• The "mad genius" who is eccentric to the point of being nonsensical and out of touch with reality
• The "tortured artist" who is always brooding and melancholic
• The "suffering artist" who believes that true creativity can only come from pain and misery.
• The "manic pixie dream girl/boy" who exists solely to inspire the protagonist and has no real depth or agency of their own

While these character traits may seem interesting or unique at first glance, they can quickly become clichéd and one-dimensional if not handled carefully. As a writer, it's important to create characters who are complex and multidimensional, with strengths and weaknesses that make them feel like real people rather than stereotypes.

Negatives of being creative

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

• Criticism and rejection of work
• Difficulty balancing personal life with creative work
• Financial instability and uncertainty
• Self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Difficulty in taking constructive criticism
• Overthinking and perfectionism
• Creative blocks and difficulty generating new ideas
• Isolation and loneliness
• Pressure to constantly produce and meet deadlines

Positives of being creative

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

• It can inspire and influence others.
• It fosters innovation and new ideas.
• Creativity allows you to express yourself in unique ways.
• It can bring people together through shared experiences.
• It can lead to a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.
• It enhances problem-solving skills.
• It encourages experimentation and taking risks.
• It helps to relieve stress and boost mood.

Verbal expressions of creative characters

Here are some potential expressions used by creative characters.

• Incorporating personal experiences into work
• Imagining possibilities
• Challenging conventions
• Embracing ambiguity and uncertainty
• Trusting instincts
• Finding inspiration in unexpected places
• Exploring new ideas
• Collaborating with others to generate ideas
• Taking risks
• Thinking outside the box
• Experimenting with different approaches
• Pushing boundaries

Relationships of creative characters

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

• Creative people may also be highly sensitive to criticism, which can make it difficult to receive feedback or collaborate with others.
• Conversely, they may be prone to self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which can lead them to undervalue their own contributions and seek validation from others.
• On the other hand, they may be highly empathetic and attuned to the emotions of others, making them good listeners and supportive friends.
• They may have a tendency to idealize or romanticize relationships, which can lead to disappointment or disillusionment when reality doesn't live up to expectations.
• Creative people may have strong emotional connections with others, which can lead to intense and sometimes turbulent relationships.
• They may struggle with vulnerability and have a hard time opening up to others, leading to a sense of isolation or loneliness.

Examples from books of characters who are creative

• Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Huckleberry Finn from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing creative characters

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

• Write a scene where the character faces a creative block or setback and has to find a way to overcome it.
• Consider the character's backstory and how it has influenced their creative outlook and approach to problem-solving.
• Experiment with different writing styles and techniques when writing from the character's perspective to reflect their unique creative voice.
• Consider how the character's creativity affects their relationships with others, both positively and negatively.
• Start by creating a character profile that outlines the traits of the character, including their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and goals.
• Explore the character's hobbies or interests that showcase their creative skills, such as painting, music, or writing.
• Write a scene where the character has to think outside the box to solve a problem or come up with a creative solution.
• Write a scene where the character is challenged to come up with a creative idea on the spot, such as improvising a speech or inventing a new product.