Character Trait: Direct (2024)

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters.The character trait Direct refers to a person who is straightforward and honest in their communication. They don't beat around the bush or hide their intentions, but rather express themselves clearly and assertively. A direct character is often seen as confident and decisive, and they tend to get to the point quickly. They may come across as blunt or insensitive at times, but their intentions are usually good, and they value honesty and authenticity in themselves and others.

Possible causes of being direct

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

• Having a job or role that requires direct communication and decision-making
• Prioritizing efficiency and productivity over social niceties and diplomacy
• Being naturally extroverted and outgoing
• Being raised in a culture that values directness and bluntness
• A natural inclination towards assertiveness and confidence
• Growing up in an environment that encouraged straightforward communication and honesty
• Experiencing negative consequences of indirect communication or passive behavior
• Having a strong sense of self and valuing authenticity over conformity

Behaviors associated with being direct

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

• Not sugarcoating feedback or criticism
• Making decisions quickly and decisively
• Getting straight to the point without beating around the bush
• Avoiding passive-aggressive behavior
• Being assertive and confident in expressing opinions or ideas
• Speaking candidly and honestly
• Taking charge and leading by example
• Being clear and concise in communication

Attitudes associated with being direct

You may be able to show direct through their attitudes.

• May struggle with diplomacy and tact in sensitive situations
• Clear and concise expression of thoughts and opinions
• Tends to prioritize results over maintaining relationships
• Confident and assertive in decision making
• Honest and straightforward communication
• Unafraid to speak up and take charge
• May come across as blunt or insensitive to others
• Focused on facts and logic rather than emotions and feelings

Thoughts and struggles associated with being direct

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

• They may struggle with being seen as rude or insensitive, even if they don't intend to be.
• Direct characters can have a hard time understanding or empathizing with people who are more indirect or passive in their communication style.
• They may struggle to compromise or see things from multiple perspectives, since they tend to have a clear and direct way of thinking.
• They may feel frustrated or impatient with others who don't share their directness and take longer to get to the point.
• Direct characters can sometimes come across as controlling or bossy, especially in group situations.
• Direct characters tend to speak their minds and express their opinions without sugarcoating or beating around the bush.

Emotions associated with being direct

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

• Confidence
• Honesty
• Decisiveness
• Clarity
• Bluntness
• Transparency
• Assertiveness
• Courage
• Boldness

Facial expressions associated with being direct

Here are some facial expressions your direct character may exhibit.

• A direct eye contact
• A straight and firm posture
• A lack of smile or a very small one
• A stern and unwavering facial expression
• A raised eyebrow
• A focused and intense gaze
• A tight and pressed lips
• A furrowed brow
• A serious and no-nonsense look

Body language associated with being direct

Here is some body language your direct character may exhibit.

• Making direct eye contact
• Maintaining a calm but firm tone
• Using minimal or no filler words, such as "um" or "like"
• Avoiding fidgeting or nervous movements
• Using assertive gestures, such as pointing or chopping motions
• Using short and to-the-point sentences
• Speaking clearly and confidently
• Standing up straight or leaning slightly forward
• Keeping a neutral or serious facial expression

Behaviors associated with being direct

Here are some behaviors your direct character may exhibit.

• Speaking candidly and honestly
• Being assertive and confident in expressing opinions or ideas
• Getting straight to the point without beating around the bush
• Taking charge and leading by example
• Avoiding passive-aggressive behavior
• Making decisions quickly and decisively
• Not sugarcoating feedback or criticism
• Being clear and concise in communication

Growth and evolution of direct characters

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

• Learn to be more empathetic and understanding of others
• Develop greater self-awareness and understanding of their own motivations and values
• Become a better leader or mentor for others
• Gain new skills or knowledge that contribute to their personal growth
• Change their outlook on life or perspective on certain issues
• Develop greater resilience and coping mechanisms for dealing with challenges
• Learn to communicate more effectively with others, improving their relationships
• Confront and overcome their personal fears, weaknesses, or flaws

Stereotypes of direct characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical direct character like these examples.

• Lack of nuance or subtlety in communication or behavior
• Disregard for social norms or rules
• Inability to show vulnerability or express emotions in a healthy way
• Being overly critical or judgmental of others
• Inability to compromise or work collaboratively with others
• Dominating conversations or situations without considering others' opinions
• Aggressiveness or hostility towards others
• Being blunt or tactless without any regard for others' feelings
• Lack of empathy or emotional intelligence

Negatives of being direct

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

• Direct individuals may struggle with empathy or understanding the perspectives of others, leading to a lack of sensitivity in their interactions
• Directness can be mistaken for aggression or hostility, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary tension
• Direct people may come across as blunt or rude, which can hurt others' feelings
• They may lack tact and diplomacy, causing friction in relationships and conflicts in communication

Positives of being direct

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

• Direct communication can foster trust and respect.
• Being direct can save time and prevent misunderstandings.
• Direct individuals tend to be confident and assertive.
• Being direct can help establish clear boundaries and expectations.
• Directness can encourage honesty and transparency in relationships.
• Direct people are often seen as trustworthy and dependable.

Verbal expressions of direct characters

Here are some potential expressions used by direct characters.

• "I disagree..."
• "Let's get to the point..."
• "I'm not interested in..."
• "Don't do that..."
• "This is what I expect..."
• "I want..."
• "Cut to the chase..."
• "Do this..."
• "I need..."

Relationships of direct characters

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

• They can be decisive and assertive, which can be a positive trait in leadership roles or in situations that require quick action.
• Direct people tend to be straightforward and honest in their communication with others.
• They may have a tendency to dominate conversations or take control in group settings, which can cause tension in some relationships.
• They may come across as blunt or brusque at times, but they value efficiency and clarity in their interactions.
• Direct individuals may struggle with empathy and emotional intelligence, which can make it difficult for them to connect with others on a deeper level.
• In relationships, direct individuals may have trouble with subtlety and may prefer to get to the point quickly.

Examples from books of characters who are direct

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

Writing exercises for writing direct characters

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

• Write a scene in which your character speaks their mind directly, without any sugarcoating or beating around the bush.
• Show your character making a decision quickly and confidently, without second-guessing themselves or seeking approval from others.
• Show your character taking action without hesitation or deliberation, based on their own intuition and judgement.
• Create a scene in which your character stands up for themselves or someone else, using assertive and direct language.
• Write a scene in which your character confronts someone about a difficult or uncomfortable topic, using direct and honest language.
• Create a dialogue between your character and someone they disagree with, in which they directly state their opposing view.
• Write a scene in which your character gives someone feedback, using direct and specific language to highlight areas for improvement.
• Write a monologue from your character's perspective, in which they express their beliefs and values in a straightforward and unapologetic way.
• Have your character take charge of a situation by giving clear and concise instructions to others.