Creating an original character is one thing. Users on CharacterHub are great at just that. Explaining characters to others requires different skills and may be more challenging than just creating them. Thankfully, character traits are one way to communicate the essence of a character in a few words, and we’ve got 1001 of them here for you to take advantage of when building your CharacterHub profiles. Not sure how to use these effectively? Well, we’ll help you out with that as well.
What are Character Traits?
Character traits are markers of all sorts that help define your character's personality. You can have positive character traits, and you can have negative character traits, sure. But did you know there are neutral traits as well? If you’re looking for a character trait definition, YourDictionary puts it succinctly; “Character traits describe aspects of a person's behavior, specifically inherent feelings, actions, and thoughts of a character in a book, movie, or other form of entertainment. Character traits are often labeled with descriptive adjectives [...]”
When we think of traits in the context of OCs, we mainly consider character personality traits.
How to Use These Traits in Character Creation
When creating textual references to your character, such as their CharacterHub profile, these character traits can be beneficial and utilized in a few ways. These traits can and should be worked into descriptions, such as character biographies and roleplay guides. For example, including a character trait list section in their description is a way to organize vital elements of their personality and background for easy reference. Similarly, under the creator's notes and roleplay guides, you can specify traits other writers must stick to to be consistent with the character’s canon.
Another thing to consider to round out a character is to think about character flaws. Flaws are essential in practical character concepts, as nobody is perfect, and neither should characters be. Flaws create depth in people, and we expect flaws to be present. After all, when we feel like a character has no flaws, we might be inclined to think about the whole Mary Sue/Gary Stu concept.
Positive Traits
Positive traits are the things we love about original characters and are usually what we consider first. This is especially true if we’re creating a protagonist. Good character traits that are positive tend to evoke the best of what we want to see in a person and, to a degree, ourselves.
However, it can also be easy to lean too hard into positivity and create flat, cliche characters that might be overly simplistic and idealized. That’s not a great thing. So, try not to go overboard when reviewing this positive trait list and avoid this common character design pitfall:
CharacterHub Favorites: A-M
These lists of traits can be a little lengthy, as we’re dealing with over 1000 of them. So, we thought we’d take a moment to spotlight some CharacterHub favorites. Try these positive character traits:
- Adept - Excellent for highly skilled or well-trained characters.
- Ardent - Good for characters who are particularly passionate about a cause.
- Bubbly - This can describe a lively and enthusiastic character.
- Dauntless - This word is perfect for describing your most fearless OC.
- Epochal - Imagine a character so influential they define an epoch. Now, that’s a key character trait!
- Fervent - For your most passionately intense characters, maybe even the true romantics.
- Magnanimous - Has your OC been wronged? If they forgive someone for their slights, you may describe them as such.
- Merry - A cheerful and lively disposition, great for the friendliest of characters.
Positive Character Traits: A - M
- Absent
- Academic
- Accepting
- Accommodating
- Accountable
- Accurate
- Active
- Adaptable
- Admirable
- Adventurous
- Affable
- Affectionate
- Agreeable
- Alert
- Alluring
- Altruistic
- Amenable
- Amiable
- Amicable
- Amorous
- Analytical
- Animated
- Anti-violence
- Anti-war
- Anticipative
- Approachable
- Articulate
- Artistic
- Artsy
- Assertive
- Astute
- Attentive
- Attractive
- Authentic
- Authoritative
- Autonomous
- Avid
- Balanced
- Benevolent
- Benign
- Big-hearted
- Bold
- Bookish
- Brainy
- Brave
- Brilliant
- Broadminded
- Capable
- Captivating
- Certain
- Charismatic
- Charitable
- Charming
- Cheerful
- Cheery
- Chivalrous
- Civil
- Classy
- Clear-headed
- Clever
- Comical
- Commanding
- Communicative
- Compassionate
- Competitive
- Compliant
- Concerned
- Conciliatory
- Confident
- Congenial
- Conscientious
- Considerate
- Content
- Conversant
- Cooperative
- Cordial
- Courageous
- Creative
- Cultured
- Decisive
- Dedicated
- Democratic
- Dependable
- Detail-oriented
- Detailed
- Determined
- Devoted
- Dignified
- Diligent
- Diplomatic
- Direct
- Disciplined
- Discriminating
- Disposed
- Distinctive
- Down-to-earth
- Driven
- Dutiful
- Dynamic
- Eager
- Earnest
- Economical
- Effervescent
- Egalitarian
- Elaborate
- Eloquent
- Empathetic
- Energetic
- Engaged
- Engaging
- Enterprising
- Entertaining
- Enthralling
- Enthusiastic
- Entrancing
- Entrepreneurial
- Equable
- Equipped
- Equitable
- Esthetic
- Ethical
- Even-handed
- Excellent
- Exceptional
- Expectant
- Experienced
- Expressive
- Exuberant
- Fair
- Faithful
- Familiar
- Far-sighted
- Feisty
- Felicific
- Firm
- Flexible
- Fluent
- Focused
- Forbearing
- Forgiving
- Formidable
- Friendly
- Fun
- Funny
- Futurist
- Gallant
- Generous
- Genial
- Genius
- Gentle
- Genuine
- Gifted
- Giving
- Go-getter
- Good-natured
- Graceful
- Gracious
- Grateful
- Gregarious
- Happy
- Hard-working
- Helpful
- Heroic
- High-minded
- High-profile
- Honest
- Hopeful
- Hospitable
- Humane
- Humanitarian
- Humble
- Hypnotic
- Imaginative
- Impartial
- Impressive
- Inclusive
- Incorruptible
- Independent
- Individualistic
- Industrious
- Informed
- Ingenious
- Innovative
- Inoffensive
- Inspired
- Inspiring
- Intellectual
- Intelligent
- Interested
- Inventive
- Involved
- Invulnerable
- Jolly
- Just
- Kind
- Kindhearted
- Knowledgeable
- Laudable
- Law-Abiding
- Level-headed
- Liberal
- Limitless
- Logical
- Lovely
- Loving
- Magnetic
- Marvellous
- Mature
- Merciful
- Mesmerizing
- Methodological
- Meticulous
- Mild
- Modest
- Moral
- Motivated
- Multifaceted
CharacterHub Favorites: N - Z
Of course, there are even more positive character traits that you can evoke in your character spotlights. Here are some exciting ones that would be great to work into your OC’s CharacterHub profile.
- Outgoing - Use this term for the most socially at-ease characters.
- Prudent - Characters who plan ahead might best be described this way.
- Repentant - Perfect for an OC who is trying to set something right.
- Sharp - Use this one for your most cutting-witted characters or the most observant ones.
- Unassuming - This term is great for OCs who are particularly modest.
- Vivacious - Usually associated with feminine personalities. Think of the liveliest woman in the room.
Positive Character Traits: N - Z
- Natural
- Neat
- Neighborly
- Nice
- No-nonsense
- Noble
- Noteworthy
- Obedient
- Objective
- Obliging
- Open
- Open-minded
- Optimistic
- Orderly
- Organized
- Original
- Outstanding
- Pacifist
- Painstaking
- Parsimonious
- Passionate
- Patient
- Patriotic
- Peacemaker
- Pedagogical
- Penitent
- Perfectionist
- Permissive
- Persistent
- Personable
- Persuasive
- Philanthropic
- Philosophical
- Pioneering
- Pleasant
- Poised
- Polished
- Polite
- Popular
- Positive
- Practical
- Precise
- Prepared
- Present
- Presentable
- Primed
- Principled
- Prodigy
- Productive
- Proficient
- Profound
- Prominent
- Prompt
- Punctual
- Purposeful
- Qualified
- Quick-witted
- Reasonable
- Receptive
- Refined
- Reflective
- Reliable
- Remarkable
- Remorseful
- Resolute
- Resourceful
- Respectable
- Respectful
- Responsive
- Result-oriented
- Results-driven
- Revolutionary
- Romantic
- Satisfied
- Scholarly
- Self-reliant
- Self-sufficient
- Selfless
- Sensible
- Sincere
- Skilled
- Skillful
- Smart
- Sober
- Sociable
- Soft-spoken
- Sophisticated
- Specific
- Spontaneous
- Sport
- Stable
- Staunch
- Steadfast
- Stoic
- Strategic
- Striking
- Striving
- Strong
- Studious
- Superior
- Supportive
- Sure
- Sweet
- Sympathetic
- Systematic
- Tactful
- Talented
- Tasteful
- Teachable
- Tenacious
- Tender
- Terrific
- Thankful
- Thoughtful
- Thrifty
- Tidy
- Timely
- Tolerant
- Tough
- Trainable
- Transparent
- Trendy
- Trusting
- Trustworthy
- Uncomplaining
- Uncomplicated
- Understanding
- Unequaled
- Unfazed
- Unorthodox
- Unperturbed
- Unpretentious
- Unshakeable
- Unstoppable
- Unwavering
- Unyielding
- Upbeat
- Updated
- Upright
- Valiant
- Versatile
- Vigorous
- Virtuoso
- Virtuous
- Visionary
- Well-behaved
- Well-bred
- Well-mannered
- Well-read
- Well-rounded
- Well-traveled
- Willing
- Winning
- Wise
- Witty
- Youthful
- Zealous
Negative Traits
Negative traits are some of the more fun traits to consider for characters, no matter where they fall on the spectrum of good and evil. Negative traits are character flaws that we tend to either love characters for or love to see them overcome. Peppering a few of these with any character will lead to a more complex character overall.
Also, negative traits are popular choices. We have so many that there are nearly twice as many as the positive traits. Are we generally negative?
CharacterHub Favorites: A - M
We aren't negative about these traits; here are some of the CharacterHub favorites:
- Abrasive - A harsh personality, someone who may be uncaring of others.
- Boisterous - Use this one for the real rowdy characters.
- Debauched - If you call someone debauched you are noting their pursuit of pleasure is morally harmful.
- Domineering - OCs with this trait force their arrogant will on others.
- Grim - Use this for OCs whose worldview is far from positive, to the point of being bleak.
- Impudent - This word is great for describing characters who have no respect for others.
- Lethargic - Use this for the most sluggish and apathetic OCs.
- Melodramatic - This is great for characters with a real diva-like personality and the over-the-top, sensational types.
Negative Character Traits: A - M
- Abnormal
- Abusive
- Adamant
- Addicted
- Aggressive
- Agitated
- Aimless
- Alcoholic
- Aloof
- Ambiguous
- Amoral
- Annoying
- Antagonistic
- Antisocial
- Anxious
- Apathetic
- Appalling
- Argumentative
- Arrogant
- Asinine
- Audacious
- Austere
- Awful
- Awkward
- Backbiter
- Banal
- Barbaric
- Bashful
- Bawd
- Belligerent
- Bigot
- Bitter
- Bland
- Blasphemous
- Blunt
- Boastful
- Boorish
- Boring
- Bossy
- Bothersome
- Braggart
- Brooding
- Brutal
- Bull-headed
- Bureaucratic
- Callous
- Cantankerous
- Capricious
- Careless
- Chauvinist
- Childish
- Clingy
- Clumsy
- Coarse
- Cocky
- Cold
- Complaintive
- Complicated
- Compulsive
- Conceited
- Condemnatory
- Condescending
- Confrontational
- Confused
- Conniving
- Conspiring
- Contemptible
- Contemptuous
- Contrite
- Controlling
- Convoluted
- Copycat
- Corrupt
- Covetous
- Coward
- Crabby
- Crafty
- Cranky
- Crass
- Creepy
- Critical
- Crooked
- Crude
- Cruel
- Cunning
- Cynical
- Daredevil
- Decadent
- Deceitful
- Deceptive
- Defector
- Defenseless
- Defensive
- Defiant
- Deficient
- Demanding
- Demeaning
- Dense
- Dependent
- Deplorable
- Derisive
- Deserter
- Desperate
- Despicable
- Detached
- Deviant
- Devious
- Difficult
- Disbelieving
- Discomfited
- Disconcerting
- Discouraging
- Discourteous
- Discriminatory
- Disdainful
- Disgraceful
- Dishonest
- Dishonorable
- Disingenuous
- Disinterested
- Disloyal
- Dismissive
- Disorganized
- Dispiriting
- Disreputable
- Disrespectful
- Disruptive
- Dissolute
- Distant
- Distressful
- Distrustful
- Disturbed
- Docile
- Dominating
- Dormant
- Doubtful
- Dubious
- Dull
- Eccentric
- Egocentric
- Egoistic
- Enervated
- Envious
- Erratic
- Erring
- Escapist
- Evil
- Exaggerated
- Extra
- Extravagant
- Facetious
- Fanatical
- Fascist
- Fearful
- Finicky
- Flippant
- Foolhardy
- Foolish
- Forgetful
- Foul-mouthed
- Fraudster
- Fraudulent
- Freak
- Frenzied
- Frightful
- Frivolous
- Frugal
- Fussy
- Gloomy
- Glum
- Gnarly
- Gossiper
- Grandiose
- Greedy
- Grouchy
- Grumpy
- Guilt-ridden
- Guilt-stricken
- Gullible
- Harebrained
- Harried
- Harsh
- Hasty
- Hateful
- Haughty
- Helpless
- Heretical
- Hesitant
- Hideous
- High-handed
- Hoity-toity
- Hostile
- Hot-headed
- Huffy
- Humorless
- Hurtful
- Hypocrite
- Idiotic
- Idle
- Ignorant
- Ill-mannered
- Illiterate
- Illogical
- Imbecile
- Imitative
- Immature
- Impatient
- Imperious
- Impersonal
- Impetuous
- Impious
- Imploring
- Impolite
- Impractical
- Impressionistic
- Impulsive
- Inactive
- Inadequate
- Inappropriate
- Inapt
- Inattentive
- Incompetent
- Incongruous
- Inconsiderate
- Indecent
- Indifferent
- Indiscreet
- Indiscriminate
- Indolent
- Inefficient
- Inept
- Inert
- Inexperienced
- Infantile
- Inflated
- Inflexible
- Infuriating
- Ingrate
- Inhibited
- Inquisitive
- Insecure
- Insensitive
- Insincere
- Insistent
- Insulting
- Interfering
- Intimidating
- Intolerant
- Intrusive
- Invasive
- Irascible
- Irate
- Irrational
- Irresponsible
- Irreverent
- Irritable
- Jealous
- Judgmental
- Killjoy
- Lacking
- Languid
- Lascivious
- Late
- Lazy
- Lewd
- Liar
- Libidinous
- Listless
- Loud
- Ludicrous
- Machiavellian
- Mad
- Malicious
- Malignant
- Manic
- Manipulative
- Mannerless
- Materialistic
- Mean
- Mechanical
- Meddlesome
- Meek
- Melancholic
- Messy
- Mischievous
- Miserable
- Misinformed
- Misleading
- Monotonous
- Moody
- Morbid
- Morose
CharacterHub Favorites: N - Z
This collection of negative traits has some really fun ones that make for great additions to character descriptions, profiles, and roleplaying guides. Among the CharacterHub favorites you have:
- Nihilistic - For the real “life is meaningless” type of character.
- Officious - Use this for a character who tends to suck up to a higher power and feels superior about it.
- Quarrelsome - For overly combative and nitpicky characters.
- Sadistic - OCs who love to inflict pain and misery would be described with this word.
- Slothful - This is a more evocative way to call someone lazy.
- Thievish - For OCs with sticky fingers and loose morals regarding personal property.
- Unnerving - For those characters who feel off and make others nervous or lose their courage.
- Vindictive - Shoutout to those OCs who take things very personally.
Negative Character Traits: N - Z
- Nagging
- Naïve
- Narcissistic
- Narrow-minded
- Nasty
- Neglectful
- Nervous
- Nonchalant
- Nosy
- Nuisance
- Nutty
- Obnoxious
- Obscure
- Obsessive
- Obstinate
- Obtuse
- Odd
- Offensive
- Offhand
- One-sided
- Opportunistic
- Oppressing
- Outdated
- Outrageous
- Over-critical
- Overachieving
- Overbearing
- Overconfident
- Overexcited
- Overreacting
- Panicky
- Paranoid
- Party-pooper
- Passive
- Pathetic
- Patronizing
- Perplexing
- Perverse
- Pessimistic
- Petty
- Petulant
- Phlegmatic
- Pitiable
- Placid
- Plodding
- Pompous
- Possessive
- Power-hungry
- Predatory
- Prejudiced
- Preposterous
- Presumptuous
- Pretentious
- Privy
- Procrastinator
- Prodigal
- Profane
- Proud
- Provocative
- Provoking
- Prying
- Pushy
- Quick-tempered
- Racist
- Radical
- Rash
- Reactionary
- Rebellious
- Reckless
- Redundant
- Regimental
- Repetitive
- Repressed
- Repulsive
- Resentful
- Ridiculous
- Rigid
- Rowdy
- Rude
- Rumor-monger
- Ruthless
- Sacrilegious
- Sarcastic
- Scandalous
- Scheming
- Scornful
- Sedentary
- Self-absorbed
- Self-centered
- Self-conscious
- Self-harming
- Self-important
- Self-indulgent
- Self-pitying
- Self-righteous
- Selfish
- Shallow
- Shameful
- Short-sighted
- Show-off
- Showy
- Shy
- Silly
- Sinister
- Sketchy
- Slack
- Slandering
- Sloppy
- Sloth
- Slovenly
- Slow
- Sluggish
- Sly
- Smartaleck
- Snappy
- Sneaky
- Snobbish
- Snooping
- Snooty
- Sophomoric
- Sordid
- Spaced-out
- Spiteful
- Spoiled
- Spoilsport
- Stagnant
- Stealthy
- Steely
- Stern
- Stingy
- Strict
- Stringent
- Strong-willed
- Stubborn
- Stupid
- Subjective
- Submissive
- Subservient
- Sullen
- Superficial
- Superfluous
- Superstitious
- Surly
- Tactless
- Tale-bearing
- Tardy
- Tasteless
- Temperamental
- Tense
- Terrible
- Testy
- Thoughtless
- Threatened
- Threatening
- Timid
- Traitor
- Treacherous
- Turgid
- Unapologetic
- Unappreciative
- Unbearable
- Unbecoming
- Uncaring
- Uncertain
- Uncharitable
- Unchaste
- Uncivilized
- Uncooperative
- Uncouth
- Uncultured
- Underachieving
- Undeserving
- Undiplomatic
- Uneconomical
- Uneducated
- Unethical
- Unfit
- Unforgiving
- Unfriendly
- Unglamorous
- Ungrateful
- Unjust
- Unlikable
- Unpardonable
- Unpredictable
- Unproductive
- Unrealistic
- Unreasonable
- Unreliable
- Unremarkable
- Unrepentant
- Unresponsive
- Unruly
- Unsatisfied
- Unschooled
- Unskilled
- Unsophisticated
- Unstable
- Unsuitable
- Unthinking
- Untidy
- Untruthful
- Unwise
- Vain
- Vengeful
- Vicious
- Vile
- Violent
- Vulgar
- Vulnerable
- Wallowing
- War-monger
- Wasteful
- Weak
- Whiny
- Wicked
- Withdrawn
- Workaholic
- Worrywart
- Worthless
- Zonked
CharacterHub Favorite
How can character traits be neutral? Well, it is all in how you use them. These traits don’t carry heavily positive or negative connotations. However, depending on how they are used, can be used as character flaws or positive traits. Among some of the CharacterHub favorites on this list, we have:
- Composed - For characters who exert a lot of control over how they are perceived emotionally.
- Dogmatic - For the true believers who are quite adamant about it.
- Inconspicuous - A character who attracts so little attention they are almost invisible.
- Noncommittal - Picture Archie and his eternal decision between Betty and Veronica.
- Solemn - Deeply sincere but also quite formal and dignified.
- Watchful - Use this for OCs who are particularly aware and who stay ahead of events.
Neutral Traits
- Androgynous
- Average
- Calm
- Carefree
- Careful
- Cautious
- Conformist
- Conservative
- Daring
- Discerning
- Discreet
- Easy-going
- Effeminate
- Enigmatic
- Experimental
- Expressionless
- Familial
- Fanciful
- Free-wheeling
- Guileless
- Happy-go-lucky
- Heedful
- Idiosyncratic
- Impassive
- Insightful
- Instinctive
- Intense
- Intuitive
- Investigative
- Keen
- Laid-back
- Lenient
- Low-profile
- Mellow
- Meticulous
- Moralistic
- Neutral
- Observant
- Opinionated
- Ordinary
- Outspoken
- Particular
- Perceptive
- Picky
- Playful
- Pokerfaced
- Political
- Protective
- Quiet
- Quirky
- Quixotic
- Relaxed
- Replaceable
- Reserved
- Restrained
- Ritualistic
- Scrupulous
- Secretive
- Serious
- Simple
- Stern
- Stiff
- Straightforward
- Strange
- Stylish
- Subtle
- Thorough
- Typical
- Unconcerned
- Unhurried
- Unmoved
- Unruffled
- Unsophisticated
- Unusual
- Vigilant
- Wary
- Weird
- Whimsical
Balancing Character Traits
The biggest challenge in character traits is balancing to avoid creating flat, cliche paragons and renegades. Just as you are a complex person (we hope), characters should also be complex. But how do you ensure that?
Well, depending on how you write characters, it may be an issue of proportion. Don’t worry; we’re not leaning too hard into scary math concepts here. It is more about trying to find a balance between good and bad traits without one side overwhelming the other.
The simplest solution? Consider adding a negative trait for every couple of positive traits on a character. People, much less characters, are not math problems. However, when developing a character trait list, a little visual balance in their traits might help to keep you from swinging too far in one direction and ending up with something dull. No worries, finding the perfect blend of traits often starts with a spark of inspiration!
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David Davis
David Davis is a cartoonist with around twenty years of experience in comics, including independent work and established IPs such as SpongeBob Squarepants. He also works as a college composition instructor and records weekly podcasts. Find out more about him at his website!
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