Character Trait: Fun

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Fun is typically associated with a person who enjoys being playful, lighthearted, and humorous. A fun-loving individual tends to find joy in activities that are entertaining and engaging, and they often have a positive outlook on life. They are not afraid to be silly, take risks, or laugh at themselves. Fun characters can bring levity to a story, provide comic relief, and help readers connect with the plot and other characters.

Possible causes of being fun

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

• They are optimistic and have a positive outlook on life.
• They have a strong sense of self and are comfortable expressing themselves authentically.
• They are outgoing and enjoy socializing with others.
• They have a good sense of humor and enjoy making others laugh.
• They have a natural inclination towards joy and pleasure-seeking.
• They have a relaxed and carefree attitude towards life.
• They have a creative spirit and enjoy exploring new ideas and experiences.
• They prioritize having fun and enjoying life over other pursuits.
• They have a playful nature and enjoy engaging in games and activities.

Behaviors associated with being fun

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

• Laughing and making others laugh
• Being lighthearted and carefree
• Telling funny stories or anecdotes
• Embracing new experiences and challenges
• Being spontaneous and adventurous
• Encouraging others to have fun and enjoy themselves
• Playing games and engaging in playful activities
• Being open-minded and non-judgmental
• Creating a positive and energetic atmosphere
• Making jokes and puns

Attitudes associated with being fun

You may be able to show fun through their attitudes.

• Positive and optimistic outlook on life
• Playful and lighthearted demeanor
• Natural ability to connect with others and create a sense of community
• Ability to let loose and have fun in any situation
• Willingness to take risks and try new things
• Ability to find joy in simple pleasures
• Sense of humor and ability to make others laugh
• Appreciation for creativity and the arts
• Openness to new experiences and ideas

Thoughts and struggles associated with being fun

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

• They may struggle with forming deep and meaningful relationships, as their focus on having fun can sometimes come at the expense of emotional connection.
• Fun characters might struggle with the fear of missing out (FOMO) and have a hard time saying no to social invitations or new experiences.
• They may also have a tendency to avoid responsibilities or commitments that they perceive as boring or unenjoyable.
• Fun characters may also feel a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction when they are not having fun, which can lead to them constantly seeking out new experiences or stimulation.
• They may have a fear of being seen as boring or uncool, which can lead to them making impulsive or risky decisions.
• Fun characters may struggle with balancing their desire for fun with the need to be responsible and take care of themselves and others.

Emotions associated with being fun

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

• Playful
• Witty
• Amusing
• Jovial
• Enthusiastic
• Entertaining
• Cheerful
• Joyful
• Lighthearted

Facial expressions associated with being fun

Here are some facial expressions your fun character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows
• Raised cheeks
• Tongue sticking out playfully
• A big, genuine smile
• A tilted head
• An open mouth with teeth showing
• Laugh lines around the eyes
• Winking
• Squinted eyes

Body language associated with being fun

Here is some body language your fun character may exhibit.

• Having an open and relaxed posture
• Being expressive with hand movements while talking
• Using playful gestures, such as high-fives or fist-bumps
• Using animated facial expressions
• Being comfortable with physical touch, such as hugs or pats on the back
• Making eye contact with others
• Smiling and laughing frequently
• Being physically active, such as dancing or jumping

Behaviors associated with being fun

Here are some behaviors your fun character may exhibit.

• Being open-minded and non-judgmental
• Telling funny stories or anecdotes
• Being spontaneous and adventurous
• Creating a positive and energetic atmosphere
• Making jokes and puns
• Encouraging others to have fun and enjoy themselves
• Laughing and making others laugh
• Embracing new experiences and challenges
• Being lighthearted and carefree
• Playing games and engaging in playful activities

Growth and evolution of fun characters

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

• They might learn to cope with difficult situations and emotions in a more positive and productive way, leading to greater resilience and maturity.
• They might become more open-minded and accepting of others, embracing diversity and difference.
• They might learn to appreciate the beauty and value of life, finding joy in the simple things and not taking things for granted.
• They might realize the importance of relationships and connection, becoming more invested in their relationships with others.
• They might become more selfless and willing to help others, showing that there is more to life than just having fun.
• They might become more empathetic towards others as they learn to understand the impact their actions have on those around them.
• They might develop a greater sense of self-awareness as they reflect on their own behavior and motivations.
• They might learn to take risks and step out of their comfort zone, leading to personal growth and discovery.
• A fun character might become more responsible as they learn to balance their playful nature with their duties and obligations.

Stereotypes of fun characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical fun character like these examples.

• The "always happy" character with no depth or complexity
• The constantly hyperactive and loud character
• The character who uses humor as a defense mechanism and cannot be serious
• The quirky for the sake of being quirky character
• The one-dimensional clown or jester character
• The character who is only defined by their sense of humor and nothing else

Negatives of being fun

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

• May come across as immature or not taking things seriously
• Can be seen as a distraction or hindrance in serious situations
• Can lead to being perceived as unreliable or flaky if the focus on fun over responsibilities
• May struggle to be taken seriously in professional settings
• Tendency to avoid conflict or difficult conversations in favor of keeping things light and fun

Positives of being fun

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

• Fun people tend to be optimistic and positive, which can help them navigate difficult situations with grace and resilience.
• Fun people are generally liked by others and tend to have a lot of friends.
• They are often creative and spontaneous, which can lead to more exciting and memorable experiences.
• Fun individuals tend to have a good sense of humor and can make others laugh, which can improve their mood and reduce stress.
• They are often seen as approachable and easy to talk to, which can lead to more meaningful connections with others.
• They have a contagious energy that can inspire others to let loose and have fun themselves.

Verbal expressions of fun characters

Here are some potential expressions used by fun characters.

• Telling funny stories
• Making witty remarks
• Being playful
• Joking around
• Using sarcasm
• Cracking jokes
• Teasing in good fun
• Being lighthearted
• Laughing frequently

Relationships of fun characters

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

• They often enjoy making others laugh and feel good, which can create a sense of joy and lightheartedness in their relationships.
• Fun people may be seen as spontaneous and adventurous, which can make them exciting and inspiring to be around.
• They may prioritize having fun and enjoying life, which can lead to a relaxed and carefree attitude that others may find refreshing.
• Fun people tend to have a positive and energetic presence, which can draw others to them.

Examples from books of characters who are fun

• The Cat in the Hat from "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss
• Matilda Wormwood from "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
• Hermione Granger from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Hagrid from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Mary Poppins from "Mary Poppins" by P.L. Travers
• Winnie-the-Pooh from "Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne
• Alice from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll
• Pippi Longstocking from "Pippi Longstocking" by Astrid Lindgren
• Willy Wonka from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl

Writing exercises for writing fun characters

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

• Have the character take a spontaneous, impulsive action that brings them joy, even if it's something silly or unconventional.
• Write a scene where the character is in a playful mood and engages in lighthearted banter with another character.
• Have the character connect with others through shared laughter or joy, such as telling a funny story or watching a comedy together.
• Have the character play a practical joke on a friend or family member, and show their delight in the outcome.
• Show the character's ability to find joy in small moments by having them notice and appreciate something beautiful or interesting in their surroundings.
• Write a scene where the character is trying something new and exciting for the first time, and show their enthusiasm and excitement.
• Show the character's sense of humor by having them make a witty remark or pun in a conversation.
• Write a scene where the character is reminiscing about a particularly enjoyable experience from their past.
• Write a scene where the character is engaging in their favorite hobby or activity and truly enjoying themselves.