Character Trait: Firm

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Firm" refers to an individual who is resolute in their beliefs and decisions. A firm character is someone who is not easily swayed or influenced by external pressures, but rather remains steadfast in their convictions. They are confident in their abilities and have a strong sense of self-worth, which allows them to stand up for what they believe in and make difficult decisions with conviction. A firm character is also someone who is reliable and consistent in their actions, making them a trustworthy ally or opponent.

Possible causes of being firm

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

• Being in a position of authority or leadership
• Growing up in an environment with strict rules or expectations
• Having a personality type that naturally leans towards firmness, such as a Type A personality
• Facing numerous challenges or obstacles in life that required a persistent and determined attitude
• Experiencing a traumatic event that required a tough exterior for protection
• Being exposed to harsh criticism or rejection in the past
• Having a strong sense of personal values or principles

Behaviors associated with being firm

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

• Holding one's ground in the face of opposition
• Refusing to compromise on important principles or values
• Making tough decisions confidently
• Standing up for oneself and others
• Setting and enforcing boundaries
• Being direct and honest in communication
• Displaying strength and confidence in body language
• Maintaining composure and control in difficult situations
• Speaking clearly and assertively

Attitudes associated with being firm

You may be able to show firm through their attitudes.

• Confidence in one's beliefs and decisions
• Resilience in the face of adversity or opposition
• Professionalism in dealing with conflict or difficult situations
• Persistence in pursuing goals and objectives
• Willingness to stand up for oneself and others
• Clear communication of boundaries and expectations
• Ability to make tough decisions and stick to them

Thoughts and struggles associated with being firm

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

• They may have a deep-seated fear of failure or weakness, which can cause them to push themselves too hard and not ask for help when they need it
• They may have a tendency to be stubborn and unwilling to compromise, which can lead to conflicts with others
• They may struggle with vulnerability and opening up to others, preferring to keep their emotions and thoughts to themselves
• A firm character may struggle with being perceived as cold or unfeeling
• They may have a strong sense of duty and responsibility, which can cause them to make difficult decisions that others may not agree with
• They may have difficulty empathizing with others, as they tend to see things in black and white rather than shades of gray
• They may have a clear sense of right and wrong, which can lead them to judge others harshly if they don't share the same values

Emotions associated with being firm

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

• Self-assuredness
• Steadfastness
• Confidence
• Courage
• Resilience
• Conviction
• Assertiveness
• Determination
• Perseverance

Facial expressions associated with being firm

Here are some facial expressions your firm character may exhibit.

• A stern or serious expression
• A slight frown or scowl
• Tightened jaw and lips pressed together
• A set, determined look
• Raised eyebrows and a furrowed brow
• A straight, unwavering gaze

Body language associated with being firm

Here is some body language your firm character may exhibit.

• Standing tall and straight with shoulders back and chest out
• Crossing arms across the chest to indicate a closed stance
• Using decisive hand gestures
• Maintaining eye contact with others
• Speaking in a clear and firm tone of voice
• Nodding head in a firm manner to show agreement

Behaviors associated with being firm

Here are some behaviors your firm character may exhibit.

• Standing up for oneself and others
• Setting and enforcing boundaries
• Maintaining composure and control in difficult situations
• Being direct and honest in communication
• Holding one's ground in the face of opposition
• Making tough decisions confidently
• Speaking clearly and assertively
• Displaying strength and confidence in body language
• Refusing to compromise on important principles or values

Growth and evolution of firm characters

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

• Letting go of past traumas or regrets
• Changing their beliefs or values
• Overcoming a fear or a weakness
• Discovering a new passion or purpose
• Developing a sense of responsibility or accountability
• Learning from their mistakes and becoming more resilient
• Becoming more empathetic or compassionate
• Becoming more assertive or confident
• Learning to trust others or themselves

Stereotypes of firm characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical firm character like these examples.

• Being overly serious and lacking a sense of humor.
• Being overly aggressive or confrontational
• Being unapproachable or uncommunicative
• Being obsessed with power and control
• Being overly competitive or cutthroat
• Being arrogant or egotistical
• Being completely inflexible or stubborn
• Being overly critical or judgmental of others
• Being obsessed with rules and regulations to the point of being rigid and uncompromising
• Being emotionless or robotic

Remember, while it's important to portray your firm characters as strong and confident, it's equally important to avoid falling into these negative stereotypes that can make your character unlikable or one-dimensional.

Negatives of being firm

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

• May have difficulty building and maintaining relationships with others
• Can come across as inflexible or stubborn
• Might struggle with creativity or thinking outside the box
• May struggle with compromise or adapting to change
• Could be perceived as harsh or unsympathetic

Positives of being firm

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

• Shows characters are not easily swayed or manipulated
• Can aid in achieving goals and making difficult decisions
• Can inspire respect and admiration from others
• Helps characters stand up for themselves and their beliefs
• Can lead to better communication and clearer boundaries in relationships
• Conveys a sense of confidence and assertiveness

Verbal expressions of firm characters

Here are some potential expressions used by firm characters.

• "I'm confident in my decision and I'm not second-guessing myself."
• "I'm not easily swayed by others' opinions."
• "I appreciate your input, but I have to do what's best for me/my project."
• "I have to stand my ground on this matter."
• "I'm sorry, but that's not going to work."
• "I understand where you're coming from, but I have to stick to my decision."
• "I'm not willing to compromise on this issue."
• "I've made up my mind and I'm sticking to it."

Relationships of firm characters

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

• They may struggle with expressing vulnerability or emotions, which can make it difficult for them to connect deeply with others.
• Firm individuals may be highly driven and motivated, setting high standards for themselves and those around them.
• In some cases, Firm individuals may struggle with delegation or trust, preferring to take on tasks themselves rather than relying on others.
• They may be less tolerant of inefficiency or incompetence, which can sometimes create tension in collaborative or team-oriented environments.
• In relationships, Firm people may come across as highly independent and self-sufficient, sometimes appearing aloof or unemotional.
• Firm people may have a tendency to be direct and assertive in their interactions with others.
• They may value efficiency and productivity, often prioritizing tasks and goals over socializing or small talk.

Examples from books of characters who are firm

• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing firm characters

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

• Write a conversation between the character and someone who challenges their beliefs, and have the character defend their position with logic and conviction.
• Write a scene where the character is faced with a moral dilemma and must make a difficult choice that aligns with their values, even if it means going against the status quo.
• Write a scene where the character stands up for someone else who is being mistreated or oppressed, even if it means putting themselves in danger or risking their reputation.
• Write a backstory for the character that explains why they developed such a strong sense of determination and resilience.
• Write a scene where the character takes charge and makes difficult decisions with confidence, despite opposition or criticism from others.
• Write a scene where the character faces failure or setback, but instead of giving up, they channel that energy into working harder and pushing themselves further.
• Write a scene where the character refuses to compromise on their principles, even when it goes against their personal interests.