Have you decided what personality characteristics the antagonist in your novel will have? Do you need to convey some positive attributes of the individual? Read on to learn about 10 positive words that describe a person’s character.
1. Astute
Definition
Quick to understand a situation and act upon it.
Examples
“His astute thinking meant he easily worked his way through the ranks at the office.”
“Every kingdom needs an astute, intelligent, and brave ruler.”
How it Adds Description
If you have a character who is quick on their feet when it comes to thinking up a solution to a problem, “astute” is a great word choice. Often, characters that are quite resourceful, or face a lot of challenges in your story might become more astute over time!
2. Carefree
Definition
Being problem and worry-free.
Examples
“She threw herself into the task with carefree abandon.”
“His carefree attitude seemed to be rubbing off on the other applicants, helping to put them at ease.”
How it Adds Description
A character that is “carefree” is often happy with no anxiety. Often this is a useful word for characters at the beginning of a story when all seems to be well, but it can also be used for easygoing characters who never seem to get stressed no matter what is happening around them!
3. Contemplative
Definition
Engaging in deep thought.
Examples
“Instead of speaking up during the war table meeting as was expected, the general instead gave off a quiet and contemplative demeanor.”
“Although it took her significantly longer than most, her contemplative approach to tasks meant they were completed flawlessly.”
How it Adds Description
Characters that are seen as intelligent or wise can often be “contemplative”, too. Contemplative characters often take their time before acting or saying something, but often the result has a bigger impact than a character who comes up with something right away. The deep thinking of contemplative characters often means they pick up on details that others may have missed!
4. Courageous
Definition
Brave; fearless.
Examples
“As the knight rode into town, rumors began to spread of his courageous deeds.”
“Joe knew he had to be courageous, take a deep breath, and find out what was going on downstairs.”
How it Adds Description
Instead of just using the adjective “brave”, “courageous” is a much more powerful descriptive word. Although someone that is courageous may be without fear, it can also signify characters that press on despite being scared!
5. Gregarious
Definition
Enjoying being around other people and socializing.
Examples
“Gregarious to the core, Elodie was the life and soul of the party.”
“If you are going to become part of the royal family, young lady, then you will need to learn to become gregarious rather than hiding behind the pages of a book.”
How it Adds Description
If a character in your writing is a people person through and through, use “gregarious” to describe them! Being gregarious often implies a figure that is larger than life, and often powerful or influential people have this quality.
6. Inquisitive
Definition
Eager to learn or find things out.
Examples
“If you wish to do well on this course, you will need an inquisitive mind and be ready to question everything.”
“Even as a boy he had been highly inquisitive. He had even taken apart the family’s TV when he was seven to figure out how it worked.”
How it Adds Description
If you have a curious character who is always researching or trying to find something out, they are likely “inquisitive”! However, characters that have this trait can be a blessing and a curse. Sometimes their need to find out more can irritate others!
7. Open-handed
Definition
Generous and giving.
Examples
“When it came to birthdays, Aunt Sophia was always so open-handed with her gifts, yet expected nothing in return on her big day.”
“His open-handed delivery of knowledge meant that for his students no question was off the table.”
How it Adds Description
For an alternative to “generous”, try “open-handed” instead. Not only does it show someone with a giving personality, but can also show quite an honest or harmless person. As their hands are figuratively open through their giving gestures, they are showing they have nothing to hide.
8. Selfless
Definition
Looking after others over oneself.
Examples
“Members of the order are expected to be selfless in all that they do.”
“The doctor was truly selfless, always out on call to the point where sometimes he forgot to eat.”
How it Adds Description
“Selfless” adds another layer to just being generous, as selfless characters take their giving nature to the extreme! If you are writing a character that sacrifices something dear to them in order to help others or someone who constantly looks out for other people even though they might need to look after themselves, it is the perfect word choice. Not only that, the person that refers to the individual as “selfless” is also showing admiration of them, so can add to their personality, too!
9. Steadfast
Definition
Remaining constant, without rapid change.
Examples
“She had always been a steadfast supporter of the Count, even in his darkest days.”
“His steadfast determination helped to boost the morale of his team.”
How it Adds Description
“Steadfast” is a great word to choose for a character that is unwavering or unchanging in their personality or beliefs. It also can help to highlight their reliability and loyalty, as they are unlikely to turn on anyone with whom they hold a strong opinion. Steadfast characters are also very resilient and can show how determined they are to complete their goals despite any obstacles that they may face.
10. Vivacious
Definition
Full of energy and enthusiasm.
Examples
“Her vivacious presence helped to brighten up the room on what would have been a dreary occasion for him.”
“The vivacious dancer worked her way through the crowds without missing a single step.”
How it Adds Description
Although it is an adjective commonly used for describing females, this should not limit you from adding “vivacious” to your repertoire to describe all manner of things! For example, a festival could have a “vivacious” atmosphere. “Vivacious” also gives off the impression of attractiveness, making it perfect for characters whose bouncy personalities can make others fall head over heels for them!