Character Traits List | 200+ Examples of Positive and Negative Character Traits

Ever heard of character traits? What exactly do they entail? This piece will delve into the definition and purpose of character traits. We’ll explore various examples to better comprehend how they function.

What Is A Character Trait?

A character trait refers to a behavioral aspect defining someone. These distinct characteristics shape the personality of both real individuals and fictional personas. Whether positive or negative, character traits exist in every person, including yourself!

While often mistaken for personality traits, character traits differ significantly. Personality traits are observable to outsiders, like when “John constantly made nasty remarks,” revealing his vicious nature.

In contrast, character traits are not immediately evident externally; they develop over time. For instance, meeting someone initially friendly might later reveal their underlying empathy, requiring deeper acquaintance to uncover.

Character traits serve as a means to describe someone familiar to you or to craft compelling fictional characters. They infuse depth and humanity into characters in fictional works, bringing them vividly to life on the page.

Character Traits List

Character traits come in diverse types, often categorized into smaller subgroups. Let’s explore these various character traits alongside examples showcasing their application.

In each example, we’ll delve into why a person exhibits a particular character trait, emphasizing our focus on their character rather than their personality.

Morals And Values

• Honest: Someone who is truthful
• Brave: Someone who shows courage
• Compassionate: Someone who understands the situations of other people
• Leader: Someone who can lead and take control
• Courageous: Someone who shows bravery
• Unselfish: Someone who puts others first
• Loyal: Someone who is consistently supportive of those close to them
• Hard-working: Someone who works hard
• Independent: Someone who thrives well on their own
• Selfish: Someone who puts themselves before others
• Responsible: Someone who is capable of being in charge of a task
• Considerate: Someone who thinks about the needs of other people
• Self-confident: Someone who believes in themselves
• Humble: Someone who is meek and does not have a big ego

Let’s explore how these character traits might describe a person:

• Susan has been through tough times, but it has made her stronger; she is a brave person.
• My brother always puts others before himself; he is such an unselfish man.
• Mike consistently encouraged and guided others to be their best; he was a great leader.

Emotional And Physical

• Rich/poor: Refers to a person’s material belongings
• Strong: Someone who can handle emotional pressure well
• Dark: Someone with a negative personality
• Light: Someone with a positive personality
• Handsome: Physically attractive, reflecting in their character
• Messy: Disorganized
• Gentle: Kind and soft, like a mother
• Wild: Vivacious and outgoing
• Joyful: Very happy
• Busy: Always occupied
• Popular: Loved by many
• Successful: Achieves a lot
• Able: Capable
• Fighter: Gets through tough times
• Expert: Adept in a certain field
• Imaginative: Creative
• Mischievous: Impish

Now, let’s discuss how these words describe someone’s character:

• Sarah has numerous friends at school and in her adult life; she has always been a popular person.
• John’s habit of making hurtful remarks as a form of fun suggests he is a very dark person.
• My sister excels in all she does; she is successful.

Personality

Thoughtful: Someone who thinks of others
Creative: Someone with a good imagination
Intelligent: Someone who is smart
Proud: Someone with pride
Daring: Someone unafraid to try new and adventurous things
Serious: Someone who is not light-hearted and takes things seriously
Funny: Someone who makes others laugh
Lazy: Someone who avoids overexertion
Dreamer: Someone with ambitions, not always realistic ones
Timid: Someone who is shy
Ambitious: Someone who aims to achieve
Bossy: Someone who orders others around
Impulsive: Someone who acts spontaneously

Now, let’s explore how these character traits describe a person or fictional character:

• My mother always tells people what to do; she can’t help it, she’s just a bossy person.
• My old English teacher never gave us an entertaining lesson; he was too much of a serious man.
• Sally feels uncomfortable talking to new people; she is very timid.
• I’m going to China next week; it’s a spur-of-the-moment vacation, but I’ve always been impulsive that way.

Positive Character Traits

Positive Character Traits List Associated with Morals and Values

• Honest
• Trustworthy
• Responsible
• Respectful
• Fair
• Compassionate
• Empathetic
• Humble
• Caring
• Generous
• Selfless
• Kind
• Loving
• Patient
• Forgiving
• Tolerant
• Courteous
• Grateful
• Modest
• Loyal
• Reliable
• Ethical
• Just
• Genuine
• Authentic
• Transparent
• Accountable
• Altruistic
• Courageous
• Integrity-driven
• Empowering
• Emotionally Intelligent
• Perseverant
• Proactive
• Creative
• Curious
• Appreciative
• Flexible
• Adaptable
• Empowering
• Supportive
• Understanding
• Empowering
• Inspired
• Resourceful
• Visionary
• Solution-oriented
• Disciplined
• Optimistic

Positive Character Traits List Associated with Emotional Well-being

• Self-aware
• Confident
• Resilient
• Mindful
• Positive
• Grateful
• Joyful
• Optimistic
• Assertive
• Patient
• Empathetic
• Compassionate
• Forgiving
• Patient
• Tolerant
• Authentic
• Honest
• Open-minded
• Curious
• Creative

List of Positive Character Traits Associated with Physical Well-being

• Active
• Fit
• Energetic
• Endurance
• Strong
• Flexible
• Balanced
• Healthy
• Rested
• Well-nourished

List of Positive Character Traits Associated with Personality

• Kind
• Empathetic
• Caring
• Considerate
• Respectful
• Honest
• Trustworthy
• Authentic
• Confident
• Compassionate
• Generous
• Selfless
• Humble
• Patient
• Forgiving
• Tolerant
• Curious
• Creative
• Optimistic
• Grateful
• Joyful
• Playful
• Open-minded
• Courageous
• Assertive
• Adaptable
• Resilient
• Mindful
• Self-aware
• Reflective
• Intelligent
• Inspiring
• Responsible
• Accountable
• Disciplined
• Perseverant
• Innovative
• Resourceful
• Visionary
• Authentic

Negative Character Traits

Negative Character Traits List Associated with Morals and Values

• Arrogant
• Bigoted
• Close-minded
• Deceitful
• Dishonest
• Greedy
• Hypocritical
• Inconsiderate
• Inflexible
• Intolerant
• Judgmental
• Narrow-minded
• Prejudiced
• Self-centered
• Self-righteous
• Unethical
• Unforgiving
• Unjust
• Unprincipled
• Vindictive

Negative Character Traits List Associated with Emotional Well-being

• Anxious
• Avoidant
• Defensive
• Dependent
• Impulsive
• Insecure
• Jealous
• Moody
• Narcissistic
• Pessimistic
• Self-doubting
• Self-centered

List of Negative Character Traits Associated with Physical Well-being

• Addictive
• Gluttonous
• Hedonistic
• Inactive
• Indulgent
• Lazy
• Negligent
• Obese
• Sedentary
• Slothful
• Unhealthy
• Unkempt
• Unsanitary
• Unwell
• Weak
• Withdrawn
• Worn-out
• Wretched

List of Negative Character Traits Associated with Personality

• Arrogant
• Closed-minded
• Controlling
• Cynical
• Dishonest
• Egocentric
• Inflexible
• Insecure
• Intolerant
• Manipulative
• Narcissistic
• Passive-aggressive
• Pessimistic
• Stubborn
• Suspicious
• Temperamental
• Unempathetic
• Unreliable
• Vain
• Vindictive

Conclusion

Character traits are incredibly useful when describing a person’s qualities and characteristics. Comprising a blend of various personality traits, a character trait can range from an emotion to a moral or belief and everything in between.

Writers frequently utilize character traits to craft distinctive personalities for their characters. This technique breathes life into the characters, making them feel more authentic and relatable, enhancing their realism.