Character Trait: Dogmatic

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Dogmatic refers to a person who is stubbornly adhering to certain beliefs or principles, often without considering other viewpoints or evidence. Dogmatic individuals tend to be inflexible and unwilling to change their views, even when presented with facts that contradict their beliefs. They may come across as uncompromising and closed-minded, and may have difficulty in collaborating with others who have different perspectives. Despite their rigidity, dogmatic characters can be driven and passionate, and their unwavering commitment to their beliefs can be a source of strength and conviction.

Possible causes of being dogmatic

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

• Fear of uncertainty or change
• Lack of exposure to diverse perspectives
• Socialization with like-minded individuals or groups
• Religious or philosophical beliefs
• Need for control or authority
• Personality traits such as rigidity or stubbornness
• Past experiences that reinforced dogmatic thinking
• Family upbringing and cultural values

Behaviors associated with being dogmatic

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

• Resistance to change or new information
• Inability to compromise or negotiate
• Inflexibility in decision-making or problem-solving
• Overconfidence in one's own beliefs or abilities
• Lack of openness to feedback or criticism
• Tendency to judge or criticize those who do not share the same beliefs
• Refusal to consider alternative viewpoints or ideas
• Insistence on following rules or beliefs without question

Attitudes associated with being dogmatic

You may be able to show dogmatic through their attitudes.

• Discomfort with ambiguity or uncertainty
• Unquestioning adherence to rules or traditions
• Unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints
• Belief that one's own opinions and beliefs are always right
• Tendency to impose one's beliefs on others
• Rigid and inflexible thinking
• Resistance to change or new ideas

Thoughts and struggles associated with being dogmatic

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

• A dogmatic character may have a strong belief system that they adhere to rigidly, often without questioning or considering other perspectives.
• A dogmatic character may feel a sense of security in their beliefs and may be resistant to change or new ideas.
• They may struggle with feelings of superiority or judgment towards those who do not share their beliefs.
• They may have difficulty forming deep and meaningful relationships with others who do not share their beliefs.
• A dogmatic character may experience a fear of uncertainty and may feel uncomfortable with ambiguity or gray areas.
• They may struggle with cognitive dissonance when presented with information or experiences that challenge their beliefs.

Emotions associated with being dogmatic

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

• Arrogance
• Intolerance
• Self-righteousness
• Resistance to change
• Inflexibility
• Rigidity
• Unyieldingness
• Stubbornness
• Close-mindedness

Facial expressions associated with being dogmatic

Here are some facial expressions your dogmatic character may exhibit.

• A lack of facial expression or emotion
• A fixed or unchanging facial expression
• Stern or severe facial expression
• Squinted or narrowed eyes
• Raised eyebrows with a downward tilt
• Tightened jaw and lips pressed together

Body language associated with being dogmatic

Here is some body language your dogmatic character may exhibit.

• Interrupting or talking over others
• Standing with a rigid posture and arms crossed
• Using dismissive gestures such as waving a hand or rolling eyes
• Avoiding physical touch or proximity with those who disagree
• Speaking in a loud and commanding tone
• Displaying facial expressions of disapproval or anger
• Refusing to make eye contact or listen to others

Behaviors associated with being dogmatic

Here are some behaviors your dogmatic character may exhibit.

• Insistence on following rules or beliefs without question
• Lack of openness to feedback or criticism
• Refusal to consider alternative viewpoints or ideas
• Resistance to change or new information
• Inflexibility in decision-making or problem-solving
• Inability to compromise or negotiate
• Overconfidence in one's own beliefs or abilities
• Tendency to judge or criticize those who do not share the same beliefs

Growth and evolution of dogmatic characters

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

• Learn to compromise and find common ground with others
• Let go of rigid rules and embrace nuance and complexity
• Develop empathy towards others, even those who hold different beliefs
• Overcome their fear of change and adapt to new situations
• Recognize the value of diversity and different ways of thinking
• Question their own beliefs and values
• Become more flexible and open-minded
• Learn to listen to other perspectives and consider different viewpoints

Stereotypes of dogmatic characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical dogmatic character like these examples.

• Avoid making dogmatic characters preachy or overly didactic.
• Avoid making dogmatic characters overly aggressive or confrontational.
• Avoid making dogmatic characters one-dimensional and flat.
• Avoid portraying dogmatic characters as lacking empathy or understanding of others' experiences.
• Avoid portraying dogmatic characters as close-minded and intolerant of others' views.
• Avoid making dogmatic characters appear arrogant or superior to others.

Negatives of being dogmatic

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

• Close-mindedness
• Intolerance of differences
• Difficulty in adapting to new situations or information
• Lack of creativity or innovation
• Rigid adherence to rules or beliefs
• Inflexibility
• Resistance to change
• Tendency to judge or criticize others who don't share their beliefs
• Refusal to consider other perspectives or ideas

Positives of being dogmatic

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

• It can provide a sense of stability and structure in a person's life.
• Dogmatic individuals often have a strong sense of self-discipline and commitment to their principles.
• Being dogmatic can give a person a sense of conviction and purpose.
• Dogmatic people can be very influential and persuasive in their arguments.
• They may be more resistant to peer pressure or external influence.
• Being dogmatic can help a person stay focused on their goals and objectives.
• It can make a person more confident and assertive in their beliefs and values.

Verbal expressions of dogmatic characters

Here are some potential expressions used by dogmatic characters.

• "I'm always right."
• "It's black and white, no gray area."
• "It's my way or the highway."
• "There's no room for discussion."
• "I won't change my mind."
• "I don't care what others think."
• "There's no other option."
• "You're wrong and I'm right."
• "I know best."

Relationships of dogmatic characters

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

• They may have a tendency to judge others harshly or be critical of those who don't conform to their beliefs or values.
• They may come across as rigid or inflexible, making it difficult for others to connect with them on a personal level.
• Dogmatic people may struggle to empathize with others or understand their point of view, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Dogmatic individuals may struggle to compromise or negotiate in relationships, leading to power struggles and tension.
• Dogmatic individuals may have a tendency to dominate conversations or assert their opinions, which can lead to strained relationships.
• Dogmatic people may struggle to accept differing opinions or beliefs, leading to conflicts with those who don't share their views.
• They may have a narrow-minded approach to problem-solving, which can make it difficult to work collaboratively with others.

Examples from books of characters who are dogmatic

• Lady Bracknell from Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest"
• Captain Hook from J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan"
• Mrs. Norris from Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park"
• Captain Ahab from Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick"
• Sherlock Holmes from Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes" series
• Professor Umbridge from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series
• Uriah Heep from Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield"
• Reverend Mr. Collins from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"
• Lady Catherine de Bourgh from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"

Writing exercises for writing dogmatic characters

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

• Write a character who is struggling to break free from their dogmatic beliefs. Show the internal conflict they experience as they try to reconcile their beliefs with new information or experiences.
• Write a story in which your character's dogmatic beliefs lead them to make a decision that has unintended consequences.
• Write a dialogue between two characters, in which one is dogmatic and the other is more open-minded. Explore the tensions that arise from their differing viewpoints.
• Write a character who is a leader of a group or organization that is based on a dogmatic belief system. Show how their leadership style is influenced by their beliefs.
• Write a story in which your character is forced to confront a situation in which their dogmatic beliefs clash with their personal values.
• Create a character who strongly believes in a certain religion or ideology. Write a scene in which they encounter someone who challenges their beliefs.