Character Trait: Engaging

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Engaging refers to a person who is charming, charismatic, and able to hold the attention of others. Engaging people are often great conversationalists, able to connect with others and draw them in. They have an infectious energy that makes them fun to be around and can leave a lasting impression on those they meet. An engaging character in a story can be a powerful tool to draw readers in and keep them invested in the narrative.

Possible causes of being engaging

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

• Strong communication skills: Engaging individuals are often great communicators, whether it's through verbal or nonverbal means. They know how to convey their message in a way that captures people's attention and makes them feel heard and understood.
• Active listening: Engaging individuals are often great listeners. They pay attention to what others have to say and respond in a way that shows they are truly engaged and interested.
• Empathy: Engaging people are often empathetic and able to put themselves in other people's shoes. This allows them to relate to others and connect with them on a deeper level.
• Authenticity: Engaging people are often authentic and true to themselves. They don't put on airs or pretend to be someone they're not, which makes them approachable and relatable.
• Confidence: Engaging individuals are often confident in their own skin. They know who they are and what they stand for, and this confidence radiates outwards and draws people in.
• Sense of humor: Engaging people often have a great sense of humor. They know how to make people laugh and feel at ease, which helps to break down barriers and build connections.
• Positive attitude: Engaging individuals often have a positive attitude that is infectious. They see the best in people and situations, and this optimism draws others towards them.

Behaviors associated with being engaging

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

• Using humor to break the ice and make others feel comfortable
• Being empathetic and showing genuine interest in others' perspectives
• Using body language and gestures to convey interest and enthusiasm
• Making eye contact and actively listening to others
• Being mindful of others' feelings and emotions
• Asking open-ended questions to encourage conversation
• Being confident and showing enthusiasm for the topic at hand
• Telling interesting stories and sharing personal experiences
• Being approachable and friendly

Attitudes associated with being engaging

You may be able to show engaging through their attitudes.

• Being able to listen actively and respond thoughtfully
• Being enthusiastic and passionate
• Being able to adapt communication style to different audiences
• Having a positive and optimistic outlook
• Being able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
• Being able to inspire and motivate others
• Being curious and interested in others
• Being empathetic and understanding
• Being able to create a sense of connection and rapport with others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being engaging

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

• They may struggle with feelings of loneliness or isolation
• They may have a fear of rejection or not being liked by others
• They value honesty and authenticity in themselves and others
• They are often optimistic and hopeful, looking for the best in people and situations
• They are good listeners and ask thoughtful questions to understand others better
• They are curious and interested in learning about other people and their experiences
• They are often outgoing and charismatic, but may also have moments of self-doubt or insecurity
• They have a strong desire to connect with others and make meaningful relationships
• They may struggle with setting boundaries and saying "no" to others, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or taken advantage of

Emotions associated with being engaging

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

• Outgoing
• Sociable
• Inspiring
• Persuasive
• Warm
• Charismatic
• Confident
• Friendly
• Enthusiastic

Facial expressions associated with being engaging

Here are some facial expressions your engaging character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows that convey surprise or excitement
• Eye contact that shows interest and attentiveness
• Nodding the head to show agreement or understanding
• A tilted head that conveys curiosity or interest in what the other person is saying
• A genuine smile
• Animated facial expressions that reflect emotions and enhance communication
• Open body language, such as facing the other person directly and keeping arms uncrossed

Body language associated with being engaging

Here is some body language your engaging character may exhibit.

• Making eye contact with the person you are talking to
• Using open and inviting gestures, such as uncrossed arms and open palms
• Using appropriate tone and pitch in your voice to convey warmth and friendliness
• Mirroring the other person's body language to establish rapport and connection
• Demonstrating enthusiasm and energy through your facial expressions and gestures
• Leaning slightly towards the person to show you are actively listening
• Smiling and nodding appropriately to show interest and understanding

Behaviors associated with being engaging

Here are some behaviors your engaging character may exhibit.

• Making eye contact and actively listening to others
• Being approachable and friendly
• Being confident and showing enthusiasm for the topic at hand
• Being empathetic and showing genuine interest in others' perspectives
• Using humor to break the ice and make others feel comfortable
• Being mindful of others' feelings and emotions
• Asking open-ended questions to encourage conversation
• Telling interesting stories and sharing personal experiences
• Using body language and gestures to convey interest and enthusiasm

Growth and evolution of engaging characters

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

• Learning a valuable lesson or gaining new knowledge
• Developing new skills or abilities
• Overcoming a fear or weakness
• Discovering their true identity or purpose
• Becoming more confident or assertive
• Letting go of past traumas or regrets
• Forming new relationships or strengthening existing ones
• Taking on new responsibilities or challenges
• Changing their beliefs or values

Stereotypes of engaging characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical engaging character like these examples.

• The "wise old mentor" who always has the answers and no flaws of their own
• The "tough guy" who is always brooding and unemotional
• The "damsel in distress" who constantly needs to be rescued
• The "clumsy" or "awkward" character who is only there for comic relief
• The "villain" who is evil simply for the sake of being evil
• The "love interest" who exists solely to be a romantic partner for the protagonist
• The "jester" who is always cracking jokes and never takes anything seriously
• The "perfect" character who has no flaws or struggles

By avoiding these stereotypes, writers can create more nuanced and engaging characters that readers will be invested in.

Negatives of being engaging

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

• Can struggle with being alone or feeling rejected
• Can come across as too eager or pushy
• May prioritize others' needs over their own
• May struggle to set boundaries with others
• Can have difficulty saying "no" or standing up for oneself
• May become too invested in relationships or situations

Positives of being engaging

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

• They are good listeners and show a genuine interest in what others have to say.
• They have excellent communication skills and are skilled at conveying their ideas and emotions effectively.
• They are confident and have a strong presence that makes them stand out in a crowd.
• They are empathetic and can relate to the feelings and experiences of others.
• Engaging characters are charismatic and have a natural ability to attract and hold the attention of others.
• They are likable and approachable, making it easy for others to connect with them on a personal level.
• They have a good sense of humor and can easily make others laugh or smile.
• They are persuasive and can convince others to see things from their perspective.
• They are creative and can come up with innovative solutions to problems.

Verbal expressions of engaging characters

Here are some potential expressions used by engaging characters.

• Being empathetic
• Using positive language
• Being authentic
• Using inclusive language
• Active listening
• Asking open-ended questions
• Using humor
• Using storytelling techniques
• Being enthusiastic

Relationships of engaging characters

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

• Engaging individuals are often very empathetic, able to put themselves in others' shoes and understand their perspective.
• They have a knack for making others feel comfortable and at ease, often using humor and warmth to build rapport.
• They tend to be very supportive and encouraging of others, believing in their potential and helping them to grow and thrive.
• Engaging individuals are also great at building and sustaining communities, whether it's through social events or shared interests and hobbies.
• They are often seen as charismatic and charming, able to draw others in and inspire them to action.
• Engaging people tend to have strong connections with others, often forming deep and meaningful relationships.
• They are skilled at active listening and are genuinely interested in what others have to say, making those around them feel seen and heard.
• Engaging people tend to be open-minded and accepting of others, valuing diversity and seeking out new experiences and perspectives.

Examples from books of characters who are engaging

• Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series by Stieg Larsson
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Sherlock Holmes from "Sherlock Holmes" series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling

Writing exercises for writing engaging characters

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

• Consider the impact of your character's engaging traits on the other characters in your story. How do they react to your protagonist? Do they feel drawn to them, challenged by them, or intimidated by them?
• Experiment with different scenarios that allow your character to display their engaging traits. For example, have them lead a group discussion, give a speech, or charm their way out of a difficult situation.
• Start by creating a character profile for your protagonist, including their background, motivations, and personality traits. Think about how their engaging traits might manifest in their actions, behavior, and interactions with others.
• Use sensory details to bring your character to life. Think about how their engaging qualities might be reflected in their appearance, mannerisms, or surroundings.
• Consider the specific qualities that make a character engaging, such as charisma, charm, humor, or intelligence. Choose one or more of these traits to focus on in your character development.
• Practice writing dialogue that showcases your character's engaging qualities. Think about how they might use humor, wit, or storytelling to engage others in conversation.