700+ Character Traits: Crafting Memorable and Complex Characters

Characters can make or break your fiction story.

Believable characters feel almost real to your readers, causing deep emotional bonding and investment.

However, if your characters seem flat and artificial, readers may well give up on your book, even if it has a brilliant plot.

So what makes the difference between captivating and cringeworthy characters?

Your ability to use character traits effectively.

Let’s take a closer look.

What are character traits?

Embarking on the journey of character creation is like exploring a new world, one that’s teeming with possibilities.

Character traits are the building blocks that form the foundation of these fictional beings. They’re the attributes, both subtle and overt, that shape a character’s actions, reactions, and interactions. These traits encompass a broad spectrum that ranges from their personality quirks and moral compass to their intellectual prowess and emotional depth.

Just as a painter uses a variety of colors to bring their canvas to life, a writer employs an assortment of character traits to craft a compelling narrative. These traits aren’t limited to the protagonist alone; they extend to the ensemble cast, bestowing each character with a unique voice and perspective. They are the stepping stones that bridge the gap between the characters and the readers, fostering a connection that transcends the boundaries of the written word.

Character traits are the lens through which readers perceive your characters and the world they inhabit. They infuse your narrative with authenticity, serving as the guiding star that illuminates your characters’ journey. Whether it’s the protagonist’s unwavering bravery or the antagonist‘s chilling ruthlessness, character traits play a pivotal role in shaping the story’s trajectory.

Moral and ethical character traits

Here are 100 character traits relating to your character’s morality and concept of ethics.

1. Altruistic
2. Bigoted
3. Compassionate
4. Deceptive
5. Ethical
6. Faithful
7. Guiltless
8. Honorable
9. Impartial
10. Just
11. Lawful
12. Merciful
13. Noble
14. Opportunistic
15. Principled
16. Questioning
17. Righteous
18. Scrupulous
19. Truthful
20. Unbiased
21. Virtuous
22. Wicked
23. Xenial
24. Yielding
25. Zealot
26. Accountable
27. Benevolent
28. Conscientious
29. Disloyal
30. Equitable
31. Fair-minded
32. Grateful
33. Humane
34. Incorruptible
35. Judicious
36. Loyal
37. Magnanimous
38. Nonjudgmental
39. Obedient
40. Philanthropic
41. Quixotic
42. Respectful
43. Selfless
44. Trustful
45. Unselfish
46. Vindictive
47. Wary
48. Xenogeneic
49. Yearning
50. Zealous
51. Accepting
52. Blameless
53. Contrite
54. Dignified
55. Empathic
56. Forgiving
57. Greedy
58. Helpful
59. Inclusive
60. Jealous
61. Kindhearted
62. Loving
63. Modest
64. Nurturing
65. Open-hearted
66. Peaceful
67. Quiescent
68. Reliable
69. Self-righteous
70. Tolerant
71. Unjust
72. Vengeful
73. Unethical
74. Xenophilic
75. Yieldable
76. Zestful
77. Authentic
78. Benevolent
79. Charitable
80. Devout
81. Earnest
82. Fidelity
83. Gracious
84. Humble
85. Intuitive
86. Joyful
87. Kind
88. Loyal
89. Moral
90. Noble
91. Obedient
92. Pious
93. Quaint
94. Respectful
95. Sincere
96. Tactful
97. Unpretentious
98. Virtuous
99. Sage
100. Xenodochial

Emotional Character Traits

Here are 100 character traits related to emotion for you to incorporate into your fiction.

1. Affectionate

2. Bitter

3. Cheerful

4. Depressed

5. Excitable

6. Fearful

7. Grumpy

8. Happy

9. Irritable

10. Joyful

11. Loving

12. Melancholy

13. Nervous

14. Optimistic

15. Passionate

16. Quizzical

17. Regretful

18. Sanguine

19. Tearful

20. Unhappy

21. Vexed

22. Worried

23. Exuberant

24. Yearning

25. Zealous

26. Anxious

27. Blissful

28. Composed

29. Discontented

30. Envious

31. Frustrated

32. Hopeful

33. Impassioned

34. Jovial

35. Lonely

36. Moody

37. Nostalgic

38. Overjoyed

39. Pensive

40. Quiet

41. Resilient

42. Sad

43. Thankful

44. Upset

45. Vibrant

46. Wistful

47. Xanthic

48. Yearnful

49. Zealful

50. Apathetic

51. Bored

52. Contemplative

53. Delighted

54. Eager

55. Fickle

56. Grateful

57. Hesitant

58. Impatient

59. Jealous

60. Keen

61. Lethargic

62. Mournful

63. Numb

64. Overwhelmed

65. Pleased

66. Resentful

67. Sensitive

68. Tense

69. Uneasy

70. Valiant

71. Wary

72. Xenophobic

73. Yearning

74. Zealous

75. Angry

76. Brave

77. Cautious

78. Daring

79. Elated

80. Frustrated

81. Gloomy

82. Hopeful

83. Impulsive

84. Joyful

85. Kind

86. Lonely

87. Mild

88. Nervous

89. Outraged

90. Proud

91. Relieved

92. Surprised

93. Terrified

94. Unhappy

95. Vexed

96. Worried

97. Excited

98. Yearly

99. Zippy

100. Zenlike

Intellectual Character Traits

A character’s intellect, or lack of it, can play a big part in making them relatable to the reader. Here is a list of 100 intellectual character traits for you to consider.

1. Analytical

2. Brilliant

3. Creative

4. Discerning

5. Educated

6. Focused

7. Genius

8. Humorous

9. Inquisitive

10. Judicious

11. Knowledgeable

12. Logical

13. Meticulous

14. Numerate

15. Observant

16. Perceptive

17. Questioning

18. Rational

19. Scholarly

20. Thoughtful

21. Unconventional

22. Visionary

23. experimental

24. exacting

25. Yielding

26. Zestful

27. Artistic

28. Brainy

29. Clever

30. Deep

31. Erudite

32. Fast-thinking

33. Gifted

34. Headstrong

35. Imaginative

36. Judicious

37. Keen

38. Learned

39. Mindful

40. Nerdish

41. Objective

42. Philosophical

43. Quick

44. Reflective

45. Smart

46. Talented

47. Unassuming

48. Verbose

49. Witty

50. explorative

51. Youthful

52. Zealous

53. Astute

54. Bright

55. Conceptual

56. Determined

57. Empirical

58. Fluent

59. Holistic

60. Insightful

61. Jargon-free

62. Knowledge-seeking

63. Literal

64. Methodical

65. Notional

66. Original

67. Pragmatic

68. Quantitative

69. Reasoning

70. Skeptical

71. Theoretical

72. Unbiased

73. Versatile

74. Wordy

75. experimental

76. Yearning

77. Zenithal

78. Absorptive

79. Bookish

80. Critical

81. Didactic

82. Enlightened

83. Futuristic

84. Heuristic

85. Intellectual

86. Juristic

87. Kinesthetic

88. Linguistic

89. Mathematical

90. Non-linear

91. Optimistic

92. Practical

93. Quotational

94. Scientific

95. Tactful

96. Unconventional

97. Visionary

98. Wary

99. Excogitative

100. Zetetic

Social Character Traits

Very few characters exist in isolation. The magic happens in the way they interact with others. Here is a list of 100 social character traits to help your story’s relationship dynamics.

1. Amiable

2. Bold

3. Charismatic

4. Dominant

5. Extroverted

6. Friendly

7. Gregarious

8. Hospitable

9. Introverted

10. Jolly

11. Kind

12. Lively

13. Modest

14. Nurturing

15. Outgoing

16. Polite

17. Quiet

18. Respectful

19. Sociable

20. Talkative

21. Unreserved

22. Vivacious

23. Warm

24. expressive

25. Yielding

26. Zesty

27. Approachable

28. Boisterous

29. Compliant

30. Diplomatic

31. Engaging

32. Fun-loving

33. Humble

34. Independent

35. Jovial

36. Kind-hearted

37. Likable

38. Mannered

39. Non-confrontational

40. Observant

41. Personable

42. Quiescent

43. Reticent

44. Shy

45. Tactful

46. Unassuming

47. Versatile

48. Welcoming

49. exuberant

50. Youthful

51. Zealous

52. Adaptable

53. Bubbly

54. Considerate

55. Dependable

56. Empathetic

57. Generous

58. Honest

59. Inclusive

60. Joyful

61. Loyal

62. Mediator

63. Non-judgmental

64. Open-minded

65. Patient

66. Reliable

67. Sincere

68. Trustworthy

69. Understanding

70. Vibrant

71. Witty

72. excitable

73. Youth-oriented

74. Zippy

75. Altruistic

76. Balanced

77. Co-operative

78. Direct

79. Energetic

80. Flexible

81. Humorous

82. Inspiring

83. Just

84. Listener

85. Motivated

86. Nonchalant

87. Optimistic

88. Playful

89. Quiet

90. Resilient

91. Sympathetic

92. Tolerant

93. Uninhibited

94. Vocal

95. Domineering

96. extraverted

97. Youthful

98. Zealot

99. Affable

100. Benevolent

Physical Character Traits

While you never want to over-describe your character, providing at least some idea of their physical appearance and movement allows your reader’s imagination to do the rest.

Here is a list of 100 character traits related to physical description.

1. Agile

2. Brawny

3. Compact

4. Dainty

5. Energetic

6. Fit

7. Graceful

8. Hirsute

9. Iridescent

10. Jaunty

11. Knobby

12. Lithe

13. Muscular

14. Nimble

15. Obese

16. Petite

17. Quick

18. Rugged

19. Statuesque

20. Trim

21. Unkempt

22. Voluptuous

23. Wiry

24. exotic

25. Yare 

26. Zippy

27. Athletic

28. Buxom

29. Crisp

30. Deft

31. Elastic

32. Frail

33. Gangly

34. Hulking

35. Intrepid

36. Jumpy

37. Knotted

38. Lanky

39. Midget

40. Natty

41. Oily

42. Pudgy

43. Quirky

44. Robust

45. Scrawny

46. Toned

47. Ungainly

48. Venerable

49. Willowy

50. extraordinary

51. Young-looking

52. Zaftig

53. Adroit

54. Bald

55. Clumsy

56. Dapper

57. Enormous

58. Flabby

59. Gaunt

60. Haggard

61. Invigorated

62. Jittery

63. Knock-kneed

64. Lean

65. Matted

66. Nervous

67. Oversized

68. Plump

69. Queasy

70. Ruddy

71. Stiff

72. Tiny

73. Upright

74. Vain

75. Wrinkled

76. expressive

77. Yawning

78. Zestful

79. Angular

80. Blush

81. Curvaceous

82. Delicate

83. Endowed

84. Flexible

85. Gritty

86. Handsome

87. Icy

88. Jovial

89. Kempt

90. Lustrous

91. Mauve

92. Nautical

93. Opulent

94. Pale

95. Queer

96. Radiant

97. Sweaty

98. Taut

99. Unusual

100. Vibrant

Spiritual and Philosophical Character Traits

The spiritual and philosophical beliefs your character holds won’t play a big part in every fiction story, but for the ones they are relevant to, getting it right is crucial.

Here are 100 spiritual and philosophical character traits to help describe your character’s views and motivations.

1. Ascetic 

2. Benevolent

3. Contemplative

4. Devout

5. Enlightened

6. Faithful

7. Gracious

8. Humble

9. Inspirational

10. Judicious

11. Karmic

12. Loving

13. Mystical

14. Noble

15. Open-minded

16. Philosophical

17. Quiet

18. Reverent

19. Spiritual

20. Tranquil

21. Unbiased

22. Virtuous

23. Wise

24. explorative

25. Yielding

26. Zenlike

27. Authentic

28. Blissful

29. Charitable

30. Divine

31. Empathic

32. Forgiving

33. Grateful

34. Hopeful

35. Intuitive

36. Joyful

37. Kindred

38. Loyal

39. Mindful

40. Numinous

41. Optimistic

42. Peaceful

43. Quixotic

44. Reflective

45. Selfless

46. Thankful

47. Understanding

48. Virtuous

49. Warmhearted

50. exuberant

51. Yielding

52. Zestful

53. Accepting

54. Blessed

55. Compassionate

56. Dignified

57. Ethical

58. Free-spirited

59. Harmonious

60. Idealistic

61. Joyous

62. Kind-hearted

63. Loving

64. Mystical

65. Nonjudgmental

66. Open-hearted

67. Prudent

68. Quiet

69. Respectful

70. Serene

71. Tolerant

72. Unpretentious

73. Visionary

74. Warm

75. exalted

76. Yearning

77. Zealful

78. Aesthetic

79. Beatific

80. Contemplative

81. Devotional

82. Empathetic

83. Forbearing

84. Gracious

85. Humble

86. Introspective

87. Just

88. Karmic

89. Luminous

90. Moral

91. Nurturing

92. Optimistic

93. Philosophical

94. Quiescent

95. Reverent

96. Serene

97. Thoughtful

98. Unassuming

99. Veracious

100. Wholesome

Why character traits matter for fiction writers

The essence of fiction lies in its ability to transport readers to a different realm, a feat achieved by crafting characters that resonate with the audience.

Character traits, in this context, serve as the threads that weave together the tapestry of a compelling narrative. They breathe life into the characters, making them tangible entities rather than mere figments of the writer’s imagination.

Character traits matter because they are the driving force behind a character’s decisions and actions.

They influence the plot, molding it in ways that align with the characters’ core attributes. A character’s traits determine their response to challenges, shaping their journey and, by extension, the story’s outcome. They add depth and complexity, preventing characters from becoming one-dimensional figures devoid of growth or evolution.

Plus, character traits facilitate reader engagement.

They foster empathy, enabling readers to connect with the characters on an emotional level. Whether it’s rooting for the hero’s victory or empathizing with the villain’s plight, these connections are predicated on the understanding and identification of character traits. They enrich the reading experience, transforming it into a journey of shared moments and emotions.

How should writers use character traits

So how do you put these character traits into use when crafting fiction? Just follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Identify core traits

Start by defining the key traits for each character. These traits will guide your characters’ actions and reactions throughout the story.

Step 2: Match traits with the story

Ensure your characters’ traits are suitable for the story’s context. For instance, a dystopian story might require characters to be resilient and resourceful.

Step 3: Balance the traits

Give your characters a mix of positive and negative traits. This balance adds depth and realism to your characters.

Step 4: Show, don’t tell

Instead of directly stating your characters’ traits, let them emerge through actions, dialogues, and interactions. This approach allows readers to deduce the traits themselves, which can be more engaging.

Step 5: Allow room for growth

Let your characters change and grow throughout the story. Their traits can evolve based on their experiences and the challenges they face.

Step 6: Maintain consistency

While characters should be allowed to grow, their fundamental traits should stay consistent unless there is a significant event that justifies a change. This consistency helps keep the characters believable.

Step 7: Use traits to drive the plot

Character traits should play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of your story. By influencing the decisions, actions, and reactions of your characters, their traits can add depth to your plot, fostering intrigue and driving the narrative forward.