Character Trait: Extravagant

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Extravagant is a character trait that describes someone who is excessive or lavish in their spending habits, behavior, or lifestyle. They often have a tendency to go overboard with their actions and can be seen as wasteful or showy. Extravagant individuals may prioritize luxury and material possessions over practicality and may be more concerned with appearances and status than with practicality or functionality. They can be fun to write about because they often have a larger-than-life personality and can add a lot of color and drama to a story. However, it's important to remember that this trait can also have negative consequences, such as financial ruin or strained relationships.

Possible causes of being extravagant

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

• A desire to live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest
• An upbringing where material goods were highly valued or used as a means of expressing love
• A tendency towards impulsivity and indulgence
• A fear of being forgotten or overlooked
• A desire to stand out and be noticed by others
• A need for attention and validation
• A belief that material possessions equate to success or happiness

Behaviors associated with being extravagant

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

• Giving extravagant gifts or gestures
• Spending large amounts of money on luxurious items or experiences
• Seeking attention or admiration through conspicuous consumption or behavior
• Pursuing grandiose ambitions or dreams
• Being impulsive or reckless with money or resources
• Engaging in ostentatious or flamboyant displays of wealth or status
• Being showy or flashy in appearance or behavior
• Hosting elaborate parties or events

Attitudes associated with being extravagant

You may be able to show extravagant through their attitudes.

• A belief that one's worth is tied to their ability to display wealth and status
• A love for attention and admiration
• A willingness to spend money freely and generously
• A dislike for limitations or restrictions
• A tendency to take risks and push boundaries
• A tendency to be flamboyant or ostentatious
• A tendency to prioritize pleasure and enjoyment over practical considerations
• A desire for luxury and opulence
• A belief that life should be lived to the fullest and enjoyed to the maximum

Thoughts and struggles associated with being extravagant

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

• Constant need for attention and validation
• Insecurity and anxiety about being perceived as boring or uninteresting
• Possible disregard for the feelings and needs of others in pursuit of their own desires
• Tendency to overspend and live beyond their means
• Struggle with maintaining long-term relationships due to their extravagant behavior
• Fear of missing out on experiences and opportunities
• Inner conflict between enjoying their extravagance and feeling guilty for it
• Difficulty with impulse control
• Guilt and shame about their behavior, but difficulty changing it

Emotions associated with being extravagant

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

• Indulgence
• Freedom
• Excessiveness
• Joy
• Recklessness
• Arrogance
• Entitlement
• Confidence
• Excitement

Facial expressions associated with being extravagant

Here are some facial expressions your extravagant character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows
• Winking
• Pursed lips
• Sweeping hand gestures
• Exaggerated smiles
• Wide eyes
• Open-mouthed laughter
• Flushed cheeks

Body language associated with being extravagant

Here is some body language your extravagant character may exhibit.

• Standing or sitting with a wide, expansive posture
• Laughing loudly and frequently
• Making grandiose statements or exaggerating for effect
• Using large, sweeping gestures when speaking or expressing emotion
• Using physical touch to emphasize points or make a point
• Wearing bold or flashy clothing/accessories to draw attention
• Speaking in a booming, theatrical voice
• Displaying physical affection liberally with others
• Being unafraid to take up space and draw attention to oneself

Behaviors associated with being extravagant

Here are some behaviors your extravagant character may exhibit.

• Giving extravagant gifts or gestures
• Pursuing grandiose ambitions or dreams
• Being showy or flashy in appearance or behavior
• Hosting elaborate parties or events
• Seeking attention or admiration through conspicuous consumption or behavior
• Engaging in ostentatious or flamboyant displays of wealth or status
• Being impulsive or reckless with money or resources
• Spending large amounts of money on luxurious items or experiences

Growth and evolution of extravagant characters

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

• The Extravagant character might learn to be more generous with their wealth and use it to help others.
• The Extravagant character might learn to find joy in experiences rather than things.
• They may develop a deeper understanding of the importance of saving money and become more financially responsible.
• The character might learn to prioritize their relationships with others over material possessions.
• They may develop a greater sense of empathy and awareness of the struggles of those who are less fortunate.
• The character might learn to let go of their need to impress others and feel more comfortable in their own skin.
• They may learn to be more humble and less showy about their wealth or possessions.
• The Extravagant character might learn to appreciate the value of simplicity and minimalism.
• They may learn to find beauty in the everyday and the simple things in life.

Stereotypes of extravagant characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical extravagant character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character arrogant or condescending towards others who may not share their lavish lifestyle.
• Avoid making the character irresponsible with their finances or reckless with their decisions.
• Avoid making the character shallow and lacking depth or complexity beyond their extravagant behavior.
• Avoid making the character one-dimensional or solely focused on material possessions.
• Avoid making the character selfish and unwilling to share their wealth or resources with others.

Negatives of being extravagant

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

• Being seen as showy or attention-seeking
• Prioritizing material possessions over experiences or relationships
• Overspending and accumulating debt
• Neglecting responsibilities or obligations in favor of indulgence
• Risking financial stability for the sake of appearances
• Being easily influenced by marketing or advertising
• Struggling to maintain a consistent image or lifestyle

Positives of being extravagant

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

• Their enthusiasm and energy can be infectious and inspiring to those around them.
• Extravagant people tend to be outgoing, confident, and bold in their actions and decisions.
• They often have a great sense of humor and enjoy being the life of the party.
• They tend to be very passionate and driven, and this can translate into success in their personal and professional lives.
• They are often very generous and enjoy sharing their resources and experiences with others.
• Extravagant individuals are usually creative and have a knack for coming up with unique and exciting ideas.
• Extravagant people are not afraid to take risks and try new things, which can lead to exciting opportunities and adventures.

Verbal expressions of extravagant characters

Here are some potential expressions used by extravagant characters.

• "I spare no expense."
• "I'm living the high life."
• "I'm willing to pay top dollar."
• "Money is no object."
• "I'll take one of everything."
• "I deserve the best."
• "The sky's the limit."
• "I'm in the market for something extravagant."
• "Go big or go home."

Relationships of extravagant characters

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

• However, this generosity may also come with expectations of reciprocation or may be used as a way to gain favor or influence with others.
• Extravagant individuals may also have a tendency to be generous with their friends and loved ones, showering them with gifts and extravagant gestures as a way of expressing their affection.
• Extravagant people may have a tendency to surround themselves with others who share their lavish lifestyle and enjoy spending money on luxury items.
• In romantic relationships, an extravagant person may struggle with finding a partner who can keep up with their spending habits or who shares their values around money and material possessions.
• They may struggle in relationships with those who are more frugal or budget-conscious, as they may not understand or appreciate the importance of splurging on expensive items or experiences.

Examples from books of characters who are extravagant

• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
• Willy Wonka from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl
• Count Dracula from "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
• Mr. Toad from "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Daisy Buchanan from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Writing exercises for writing extravagant characters

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

• Write a scene where the character splurges on something they've always wanted but couldn't afford before.
• Write a scene where the character is in a situation where they must rely on their own resourcefulness instead of their wealth or status.
• Create a scene where the character is faced with a choice between their desire for luxury and their obligations to others, such as donating money to a charity or helping a friend in need.
• Write a scene where the character attends a high-end event, such as a gala or a fashion show, and describe how they react to the opulence around them.
• Create a backstory that explains why the character is so drawn to luxury and excess.
• Write a scene where the character is forced to confront the consequences of their extravagant behavior, such as debt or strained relationships.
• Have the character make a grand gesture, such as buying an expensive gift for someone or throwing an elaborate party.