Interested a list of over 500 character and personality traits for your writing, self improvement and more? This ultimate list, plus a free character traits PDF is a great place to start!
Who doesn’t love a good list? I recently shared an ultimate List of Hobbies, and you all asked for more!
Turns out, we all love bettering ourselves and finding simple ways to become more well-rounded people.
A list of character traits is a great way to do this, and also acts as a go-to guide for your writing and creative projects.
Before we get to the ultimate list of character traits, let’s talk about what a character trait is, and how it differs from a personality trait.
Character Traits vs Personality Traits
What’s the difference between personality traits and character traits?
Character traits are the individual characteristics and qualities that make you who you are.
They encompass your personal values and who you are at the core of your being.
Personality traits describe how you appear to others. Your personality is your outward appearance and characteristics.
Character is more inward, personality is more outward. Character is who you are, and personality is how you appear.
It’s a subtle, but definable, line.
Character Traits vs Feelings
This is another good question that is so important as you craft your story.
Here is the difference between character traits and feelings or emotions:
Character feelings are fleeting. Feelings (such as contentment, peace, anger and surprise) come and go. They depend on circumstances, events and moods, all of which can change.
Character traits are less changeable. If you are a trustworthy person today, you were probably a trustworthy person yesterday, and will be a trustworthy person tomorrow.
Traits are who you are. They are constant and consistent and much less apt to change than feelings or emotions.
List of Character Traits
We’re going to break down character traits into two categories-positive and negative. I’ll also create a category for physical character traits.
These are perfect for crafting characters for stories and other creative writing, or for building your own personal character.
Positive Character Traits
- Humble
- Farsighted
- Steady
- Painstaking
- Colorful
- Sober
- Undogmatic
- Cultured
- Agreeable
- Popular
- Tidy
- Aspiring
- Unfoolable
- Relaxed
- Appreciative
- Practical
- Independent
- Open
- Methodical
- Well-rounded
- Extraordinary
- Debonair
- Trusting
- Amiable
- Personable
- Sane
- Punctual
- Perceptive
- Reverential
- Focused
- Sweet
- Honorable
- Companionly
- Sexy
- Well-bred
- Witty
- Brilliant
- Principled
- Esthetic
- Tolerant
- Tractable
- Forceful
- Perfectionist
- Athletic
- Self-critical
- Captivating
- Self-defacing
- Modest
- Imaginative
- Dynamic
- Purposeful
- Eloquent
- Sage
- Sophisticated
- Peaceful
- Spontaneous
- Lyrical
- Heroic
- Dramatic
- Gracious
- Organized
- Well-read
- Insightful
- Sporting
- Shrewd
- Disciplined
- Serious
- Healthy
- Clean
- Contemplative
- Discreet
- Knowledge
- Adventurous
- Decent
- Earnest
- Considerate
- Secure
- Good-natured
- Rational
- Responsive
- Studious
- Mature
- Genuine
- Precise
- Reflective
- Intelligent
- Winning
- Conciliatory
- Articulate
- Planful
- Many-sided
- Accessible
- Intuitive
- Charismatic
- Admirable
- Courteous
- Courageous
- Gentle
- Observant
- Thorough
- Suave
- Idealistic
- Stoic
- Meticulous
- Forthright
- Resourceful
- Youthful
- Vivacious
- Responsible
- Simple
- Prudent
- Gallant
- Curious
- Capable
- Deep
- Challenging
- Liberal
- Selfless
- Subtle
- Sympathetic
- Stable
- Self-sufficient
- Creative
- Sentimental
- Empathetic
- Clever
- Upright
- Constant
- Fun-loving
- Sociable
- Sharing
- Original
- Logical
- Reliable
- Patient
- Cooperative
- Freethinking
- Romantic
- Respectful
- Innovative
- Elegant
- Incorruptible
- Wise
- Humorous
- Venturesome
- Steadfast
- Realistic
- Scholarly
- Self-reliant
- Insouciant
- Alert
- Warm
- Dedicated
- Teacherly
- Hearty
- Loyal
- Forgiving
- Anticipative
- Impressive
- Dignified
- Allocentric
- Felicific
- Self-denying
- Adaptable
- Friendly
- Urbane
- Objective
- Seraphic
- Educated
- Skillful
- Efficient
- Profound
- Patriotic
- Attractive
- Helpful
- Polished
- Dutiful
- Kind
- Moderate
- High-minded
- Directed
- Generous
- Individualistic
- Optimistic
- Daring
- Honest
- Multi-leveled
- Conscientious
- Tasteful
- Inoffensive
- Understanding
- Flexible
- Calm
- Persuasive
- Strong
- Charming
- Nonauthoritarian
- Benevolent
- Ebullient
- Leisurely
- Fair
- Orderly
- Exciting
- Sensitive
- Magnanimous
- Neat
- Playful
- Providential
- Confident
- Firm
- Hardworking
- Incisive
- Enthusiastic
- Compassionate
- Cheerful
- Clear-headed
- Systematic
- Scrupulous
- Rustic
- Lovable
- Faithful
- Active
- Balanced
- Caring
- Decisive
- Protean
- Solid
- Energetic
- Protective
- Invulnerable
- Passionate
Negative Character Traits
- Unhealthy
- Unrestrained
- Imprudent
- Aimless
- Narrow-minded
- Opinionated
- Treacherous
- Narcissistic
- Hidebound
- Complacent
- Pompous
- Hateful
- Plodding
- Insensitive
- Extreme
- Irrational
- Dissonant
- Money-minded
- Amoral
- Disorderly
- Blunt
- Tactless
- Shallow
- Ridiculous
- Mannered
- Barbaric
- Regimental
- Rowdy
- Compulsive
- Critical
- High-handed
- Miserly
- Conceited
- Abrupt
- Cowardly
- Tasteless
- Misguided
- Irresponsible
- Unreliable
- Dull
- Offhand
- Demanding
- Irritable
- Secretive
- Anxious
- Predatory
- Fixed
- Brittle
- Presumptuous
- Venomous
- Frivolous
- Venal
- Disconcerting
- Pedantic
- Miserable
- Irascible
- Hedonistic
- Obsessive
- Paranoid
- Discourteous
- Cantankerous
- Inert
- Bizarre
- Fiery
- Apathetic
- Shortsighted
- Conventional
- Cautious
- Meretricious
- Aloof
- Crass
- Repressed
- Criminal
- Hostile
- Superficial
- Haughty
- Fawning
- Selfish
- Destructive
- Natty
- Extravagant
- Odd
- Conformist
- Unctuous
- Small-thinking
- Narrow
- Reactionary
- Mannerless
- Unpolished
- Lazy
- Intolerant
- Complaintive
- Submissive
- Meddlesome
- Crazy
- Troublesome
- Fraudulent
- Desperate
- Phlegmatic
- Arrogant
- Charmless
- Muddle-headed
- Timid
- Difficult
- Rigid
- Tense
- Bewildered
- Discouraging
- Stupid
- Reactive
- Vacuous
- Mawkish
- Enervated
- Foolish
- Abrasive
- Bland
- Discontented
- Slow
- Greedy
- Strong-willed
- Sordid
- Uncooperative
- Unfriendly
- Transparent
- Silly
- Argumentative
- Condemnatory
- Shy
- Unreflective
- Obnoxious
- Scheming
- Hesitant
- Fanatical
- Trendy
- Inhibited
- Dirty
- Loquacious
- Cold
- Passive
- Steely
- Fatalistic
- Indulgent
- Pugnacious
- Unrealistic
- Artificial
- Unprincipled
- Sedentary
- Monstrous
- Scornful
- Incurious
- Impulsive
- Childish
- Mistaken
- Softheaded
- Brutal
- Frightening
- Disloyal
- Thievish
- Crafty
- Calculating
- Uncreative
- Colorless
- Well-meaning
- Devious
- Gullible
- Insincere
- Dependent
- Airy
- Uncharitable
- Self-indulgent
- Graceless
- Uncritical
- Melancholic
- Puritanical
- Obvious
- Inconsiderate
- Expedient
- Provocative
- Sanctimonious
- Outrageous
- Disturbing
- Unappreciative
- Willful
- Vindictive
- Sloppy
- Unconvincing
- Undisciplined
- Decadent
- Thoughtless
- Profligate
- Single-minded
- Suspicious
- Regretful
- Ungrateful
- Deceitful
- Disorganized
- Stiff
- Moody
- Insulting
- Agonizing
- Distractible
- Unimpressive
- Morbid
- Oppressed
- Unlovable
- Weak
- Unimaginative
- Ruined
- Sly
- Confused
- Mechanical
- Resentful
- Assertive
- Prejudiced
- Contemptible
- Weak-willed
- Messy
- Forgetful
- Gloomy
- Dogmatic
- Prim
- Malicious
- Imitative
- False
- Domineering
- Grim
- Envious
- Disputatious
- Fickle
- Neurotic
- Flamboyant
- Careless
- Nihilistic
- Callous
- Faithless
- Petty
- Fearful
- Dishonest
- Disrespectful
- Egocentric
- Ritualistic
- Coarse
- Uncaring
- Libidinous
- Dissolute
- Opportunistic
- Vulnerable
- Cruel
- Possessive
- Perverse
- Unstable
- Escapist
- Excitable
- Angry
- Insecure
- Ignorant
- Arbitrary
- Impatient
- Disruptive
- Vague
- Pretentious
- Erratic
- One-dimensional
- Superstitious
- Impractical
- Sadistic
- Neglectful
- Naïve
- Indecisive
- Disobedient
- Procrastinating
- Power-hungry
- Crude
- Clumsy
- Fanciful
- Cynical
- One-sided
Physical Traits
- slim
- stocky
- skinny
- heavy
- average
- trim
- obese
- overweight
- blond
- brunette
- fair
- red-headed
- dark
- light
- curly
- frizzy
- silver-haired
- short
- tall
- petite
- delicate
- sophisticated
- freckled
- messy
- put-together
- disheveled
- approachable
- plain
- exotic
- ordinary
- stout
- prim
- proper
- elegant
- plump
- athletic
- lanky
- muscular
- buff
- towering
- rosy
- clear-eyed
- sickly
- healthy
Character Traits PDF
Looking for positive and negative traits in a handy PDF format? We have that, too.
Download and print these PDFs so you can keep these lists of character traits handy and portable.
Positive Character Traits PDF
Negative Character Traits PDF
I hope these character traits help improve your creative writing!
Did I leave any off that you want to add? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks so much for reading about our List of Character Traits {Character and Personality Traits for Self Improvement, Writing and More}.
Have a great day!