To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait admirable refers to a quality or trait that is worthy of respect, approval, or commendation. It is a positive characteristic that inspires admiration in others. Someone with an admirable trait is typically considered to be a role model or an example to follow. Examples of admirable traits include courage, honesty, generosity, and kindness.

Possible causes of being admirable

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

• Being motivated by a strong sense of purpose or mission
• Having a natural inclination towards empathy and compassion
• Living in a community or culture that values and rewards admirable behavior
• Experiencing and overcoming personal challenges or adversity
• Growing up with positive role models who demonstrated admirable traits
• Cultivating self-awareness and practicing self-improvement
• Being exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences that broaden one's understanding of the world
• Developing strong relationships with supportive and like-minded individuals
• Being influenced by inspiring works of art, literature, or philosophy

For detailed feedback on admirable characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being admirable

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

• Being selfless and putting the needs of others before one's own
• Acting with kindness and compassion towards all individuals
• Maintaining a positive attitude and outlook, even in difficult situations
• Showing courage in the face of fear or adversity
• Showing humility and being open to learning from others
• Demonstrating honesty and integrity in all aspects of life
• Taking responsibility for one's actions and accepting feedback to improve
• Striving for excellence and always pushing oneself to do better

Attitudes associated with being admirable

You may be able to show admirable through their attitudes.

• Honesty and integrity
• Courage and bravery
• Respect and gratitude
• Perseverance and determination
• Fairness and justice
• Humility and modesty
• Compassion and empathy
• Selflessness and generosity
• Responsibility and accountability

Thoughts and struggles associated with being admirable

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

• Admirable characters may be driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world or help others, which can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment but also feelings of burnout or exhaustion.
• Admirable characters may have a strong sense of duty and responsibility, which can lead to feelings of guilt or burden if they fail to meet their obligations.
• Admirable characters often possess strong moral values and principles that guide their actions.
• They may struggle with the conflict between doing what is right and doing what is easy or convenient.
• They may also struggle with self-doubt or imposter syndrome, questioning whether they are truly worthy of the praise or admiration they receive.
• They may also face challenges in balancing their own needs and desires with the needs of those around them, particularly if they tend to prioritize others over themselves.

Emotions associated with being admirable

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

• Selfless
• Compassionate
• Generous
• Inspiring
• Caring
• Charismatic
• Brave
• Respectful
• Determined
• Honest
• Trustworthy
• Humble
• Confident
• Helpful

Facial expressions associated with being admirable

Here are some facial expressions your admirable character may exhibit.

• A confident and assertive expression that demonstrates leadership and authority.
• An open and relaxed posture that exudes confidence and approachability.
• A clear and steady gaze that conveys honesty and integrity.
• A kind and compassionate expression that shows empathy and understanding.
• A calm and composed demeanor that reflects inner strength and resilience.
• A humble and gracious expression that acknowledges the contributions of others.
• A warm and friendly smile that is genuine and inviting.
• A determined and focused expression that shows commitment and resolve.

Body language associated with being admirable

Here is some body language your admirable character may exhibit.

• Speaking confidently and clearly
• Making eye contact with others
• Using open gestures, such as open palms and arms
• Nodding in agreement or understanding
• Expressing empathy and understanding towards others
• Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, even under pressure
• Smiling warmly
• Standing tall with good posture
• Displaying humility and gratitude

For detailed feedback on admirable characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being admirable

Here are some behaviors your admirable character may exhibit.

• Striving for excellence and always pushing oneself to do better
• Maintaining a positive attitude and outlook, even in difficult situations
• Acting with kindness and compassion towards all individuals
• Being selfless and putting the needs of others before one's own
• Showing humility and being open to learning from others
• Taking responsibility for one's actions and accepting feedback to improve
• Showing courage in the face of fear or adversity
• Demonstrating honesty and integrity in all aspects of life

Growth and evolution of admirable characters

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

• Breaking free from limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns
• Taking responsibility for their actions and their impact on others
• Developing a greater sense of purpose or direction
• Learning to trust others and build deeper relationships
• Learning to overcome their flaws or weaknesses
• Gaining a greater understanding of themselves and their values
• Becoming more resilient and adaptable
• Learning to forgive themselves and others
• Developing empathy and compassion for others

Stereotypes of admirable characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical admirable character like these examples.

• Being overly righteous or self-righteous
• Being too emotional or sensitive
• Being too passive or submissive
• Being too self-sacrificing or martyr-like
• Being too preachy or didactic
• Being too dependent on others
• Being too perfect or flawless
• Being too trusting or forgiving
• Being too naive or gullible
• Having no flaws or weaknesses

Remember, characters should be complex and multi-dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses that make them relatable and interesting. Avoiding stereotypes and cliches will help your characters feel more authentic and compelling.

Negatives of being admirable

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

• Admirable individuals may be overly selfless, putting others' needs before their own and neglecting their own self-care.
• Admirable individuals may struggle with perfectionism and have high expectations of themselves and others.
• They may have difficulty asserting themselves and setting boundaries, as they prioritize the needs of others.
• They may struggle with receiving criticism or failure, as they often hold themselves to a high standard.

Positives of being admirable

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

• They are resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks or challenges, inspiring others to do the same.
• They are often respected and trusted by others due to their integrity and character.
• They have a clear sense of purpose and are focused on achieving their goals while also helping others.
• Admirable individuals inspire and motivate others through their actions and words.
• They have a positive impact on their communities and are often involved in helping others.
• Admirable people are often selfless, placing the needs of others before their own.
• Admirable people often have a strong moral compass and make choices based on what is right and just.

Verbal expressions of admirable characters

Here are some potential expressions used by admirable characters.

• Using positive and uplifting language
• Speaking with conviction and confidence
• Encouraging and motivating others to be their best selves
• Using humor and wit in a tasteful and respectful manner
• Being a good listener and showing interest in others' perspectives
• Praising and acknowledging the accomplishments of others
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others
• Maintaining a calm and level-headed demeanor in difficult situations
• Being honest and transparent in communication

Relationships of admirable characters

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

• They are forgiving and willing to work through conflicts.
• They are kind and compassionate towards others.
• They are good listeners and are empathetic towards others.
• They are selfless and prioritize the needs of others.
• They are accepting and non-judgmental towards others.
• They are supportive and encouraging of their loved ones' goals and dreams.
• They are honest and communicate openly and respectfully.
• They are reliable and follow through with commitments.
• They are humble and do not seek attention or praise for their actions.
• They are respectful of others' boundaries and opinions.

Remember that these are just some examples, and admirable people may exhibit different relationship dynamics depending on their personality and individual values.

Examples from books of characters who are admirable

• Jean Valjean from "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Matilda Wormwood from "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins
• August Pullman from "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
• Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" series by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing exercises for writing admirable characters

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

• Consider the consequences of your character's actions. How do their admirable traits affect the plot, other characters, and the story's outcome?
• Start by defining what admirable means to you. Make a list of traits that you find admirable in a person.
• Think about real-life people who embody the trait you want to showcase. Take notes on their actions, behaviors, and mannerisms. Use these observations to inform your character's actions.
• Practice writing dialogue that showcases your character's admirable trait. How do they speak to others when they are being brave, kind, or resilient?
• Choose one of those traits and brainstorm situations that would showcase it. For example, if you find bravery admirable, you could write a scene where your character faces their fear.
• Experiment with different narrative styles to emphasize the admirable trait. For example, you could write a scene from a third-person omniscient perspective to show how others view your character's actions.
• Write a character backstory that explains why your character embodies this admirable trait. What experiences or values have shaped them into the person they are today?