An individual is judged by his or her behavior in our society. Behavior is the outward manifestation of our values and core character traits.

These are labels that use personality adjectives to describe the nature of the person. These are deep-rooted qualities that develop over time and become a guiding principle for life.

What are Character Traits?


SUMMARY
The personal qualities that define your individuality are your character traits.

Character traits are the psychological and moral qualities that are distinctive of an individual. It determines 'how' you are.

These are the most priced and valued aspects of yourself that either get acclaimed or rejected by the society in which you live.

Everyone has character traits. Some are good and others are not. The good character traits are those that are liked and approved by others around us. The not so good traits are either disliked or rebuked by others.

Thus, your character traits explain those qualities that make you the person into the type of person you are. Character traits and personality traits are related concepts, but they are not the same.

Character traits are determined by ethical values and beliefs that bring in the difference between two persons.

Personality traits are a combination of one's attitudes, values, and behavior that gets manifested in social situations.

Character Traits Definition


Character traits are defined as those notable characteristics of a person that are typical of his or her nature. These are inherent values that don't change much with time and situation. it represents the way you behave consistently, even when alone.

Character Traits – Indispensable Life Skills
Character Traits – Indispensable Life Skills

Concept & Examples of Positive Character Traits


The traits that are liked, approved, and valued by others are your positive character traits. Few simple examples are kindness, honesty, optimism, generosity, bravery, etc. if you have positive traits, you can easily attract others.

Your amicable nature will help you to develop good relations in personal and professional life. You are admired and loved by others.

Positive character traits are strengths that help to fine-tune your personality in desirable ways. These are assets that influence your attitude and behavior in significant ways.

Concept & Examples Negative Character Traits


Your negative character traits refer to those aspects of yourself that are not liked by others.

These negative qualities are your shortcomings. These are considered bad or negative in social settings. You need to work on these traits to develop a good personality.

To attain success, you will have to remove these weaknesses. Few examples of negative traits are selfish, coward, dishonest, deceitful, etc. negative traits make you a pessimistic being. It makes you narrow, superficial, and unreliable.

Importance of Character Traits


Your character traits refer to all those viable features that make you prominent. These are inherent attributes that differentiate you from others. People having favorable traits can easily receive admiration from others.

Your character is a social construct. It is formed by continuous adherence to social norms and moral values. Your character traits get a count in all spheres of life.

The importance of character traits are

  • Character is the building block of your personality.
  • Positive traits are a symbol of trust, admiration, and leadership. You are liked and accepted by the people around you.
  • Since these traits are based on ethics and values, it makes you firm, confident, and positive in your outlook and behavior.
  • You can motivate and persuade others easily because of your attractive demeanor.
  • Good character traits help you to empathize with others. It makes you more supportive and less judgmental.
  • It helps you to make productive decisions. You are adaptable and open to accept situations as they are.
  • You can have a charming and appealing personality.
  • It defines your innate nature and value system, thus affecting the choices you make in your life.

Character Traits List

200 Positive Character Traits


A list of traits is as follows

  1. Accessible- Approachable
  2. Active – Energetic
  3. Adaptable – Can adjust to new situations.
  4. Adaptable- Flexible and adjustable
  5. Adventurous- Daring, fearless
  6. Affable- friendly
  7. Affectionate- Warm-hearted
  8. Agreeable – Pleasing and likable
  9. Alert – Vigilant
  10. Ambitious – Determined
  11. Amicable – Good nature
  12. Amusing – Jolly
  13. Articulate – Eloquent
  14. Attentive – Focused
  15. Austere – Good manners
  16. Balanced – Fair, just
  17. Benevolent- Kind-hearted
  18. Brave- Courageous
  19. Bold – Daring
  20. Bright – Intelligent
  21. Brilliant – Talented
  22. Broad-minded- Open to things
  23. Capable – Competent
  24. Careful- Cautious
  25. Caring- Concern for others
  26. Charismatic – Attractive
  27. Charitable – Generous
  28. Charming- Pleasant and attractive
  29. Clever – Bright and quick to understand
  30. Compassionate – kind
  31. Confident- Sure of oneself
  32. Considerate – Understanding
  33. Cooperative – Helpful
  34. Courteous- Well-mannered
  35. Creative – Develop new things
  36. Curious – Eager to know things
  37. Daring- Fearless
  38. Debonair – Stylish and charming
  39. Decent- Good enough
  40. Decisive – Plays a significant role
  41. Dedicated – Devoted to a task
  42. Dependable – Trusted
  43. Determined – Resolute
  44. Dignified – Noble and serious
  45. Diligent- Hardworking and persistent
  46. Disciplined – Follows rules
  47. Discreet – Cautious
  48. Dutiful – Devoted
  49. Dynamic – Energetic
  50. Easy-going- Carefree and relaxed
  51. Efficient – Methodical and systematic
  52. Elegant – Graceful
  53. Eloquent- Fluent and persuasive
  54. Empathetic- Feels for others
  55. Encouraging – Positive and hopeful
  56. Energetic – Dynamic
  57. Enthusiastic – Eager in doing things
  58. Excellent – Extremely good
  59. Exuberant – Full of energy
  60. Fair- Impartial
  61. Faithful- loyal
  62. Fearless – Bold, brave
  63. Firm – hard and stiff in values
  64. Flexible – Adaptable
  65. Focused – Attentive
  66. Forgiving- Merciful
  67. Frank – Candid
  68. Friendly- Kind and pleasant
  69. Frugal – Economical
  70. Funny – Humorous
  71. Generous – Kind
  72. Gentle – Mild temperament
  73. Genuine – Authentic
  74. Gracious- Courteous
  75. Gregarious – Sociable
  76. Gritty – Brave
  77. Hardworking- Energetic
  78. Helpful- Obliging and kind
  79. Heroic – Courageous
  80. Honest- Truthful
  81. Honorable – Respected
  82. Hopeful – Optimistic
  83. Humble – modest
  84. Humane – Compassionate and kind
  85. Humorous- Fun loving
  86. Idealistic – Visionary
  87. Imaginative – Creative and insightful
  88. Impartial – Unbiased
  89. Incisive – Sharp and clear thinking
  90. Independent – Can do things without help
  91. Industrious – Diligent
  92. Initiative – Enterprising
  93. Innovative- Original and pioneering
  94. Insightful – Inventive
  95. Intelligent – bright and sharp
  96. Intuitive- Good reasoning ability
  97. Inventive – Innovative
  98. Jovial- Happy and cheerful
  99. Just – Fair-Minded
  100. Keen – eager to do things
  101. Kind- Caring and helpful
  102. Liberal- Open to new ideas
  103. Listening – Attentive
  104. Lively – Jovial
  105. Logical- Objective and insightful
  106. Lovable – Charming
  107. Loyal- Faithful
  108. Magnanimous – Generous
  109. Mature – Full-grown abilities
  110. Methodical – Systematic
  111. Meticulous- Precise and particular
  112. Mindful – Aware of things
  113. Moderate – Average
  114. Modest- Fair and tolerable
  115. Neat- Organized and tidy
  116. Obedient – Comply with others
  117. Objective – Impartial
  118. Optimistic – Positive outlook
  119. Orderly- Well-organized
  120. Organized – Systematic
  121. Original – Genuine
  122. Passionate – Intense
  123. Patient- Tolerant and understanding
  124. Peaceful – Calmness
  125. Perfectionist – Idealist
  126. Persistent – Determined
  127. Persuasive – Convincing
  128. Placid – Even-tempered
  129. Playful – Amusing
  130. Polished – Bright
  131. Polite – Well-mannered
  132. Powerful – Strong
  133. Practical – Pragmatic
  134. Pragmatic – Realistic
  135. Precise – Exact and accurate
  136. Principled – Guided by moral values
  137. Protective – safeguarding others
  138. Prudent – Wise
  139. Punctual – On-time always
  140. Purposeful – Determined
  141. Quiet- Silent
  142. Rational- Logical and clear ideas
  143. Relaxed – Free from tension
  144. Reliable- Trustworthy
  145. Reserved – Reveal emotions slowly
  146. Resolute – Purposeful
  147. Resourceful – Sharp, Inventive
  148. Responsible – Accountable
  149. Responsive – Reacts quickly
  150. Righteous – Honest
  151. Romantic – Passionate, Intimate
  152. Rustic – Simple and homely
  153. Secure – Dependable
  154. Self-confident – Trust on oneself
  155. Self-disciplined- Mastery of oneself
  156. Selfless – Unselfish
  157. Self-sufficient – Depends on oneself
  158. Sensitive – Careful and tactful
  159. Silent – Quiet
  160. Simple – Straightforward
  161. Sincere – Honest and genuine
  162. Skillful – Gifted
  163. Sober – Serious
  164. Sociable – Affable
  165. Spontaneous – Voluntary
  166. Sporting – Lively
  167. Stable – Steady
  168. Steadfast – Committed
  169. Stoic – Endures pain and hardships without complaint
  170. Straightforward – Uncomplicated
  171. Strong – Powerful
  172. Suave – Charming
  173. Subtle – Nice and fine
  174. Supportive – Helpful
  175. Sympathetic – Expressing concern for others
  176. Temperate – Mild nature
  177. Thoughtful – pensive
  178. Thrifty – Uses resources carefully
  179. Tidy- Neat and clean
  180. Tolerant- Understanding and patient
  181. Tough – Strong
  182. Trustworthy – Dependable
  183. Truthful – Honest
  184. Unassuming – Modest
  185. Uncomplaining – Resigned
  186. Understanding- Sensitive and compassionate
  187. Undogmatic – Freethinker
  188. Unselfish – Altruistic
  189. Upright – Honest
  190. Valiant – Brave
  191. Versatile- Flexible and multi-talented
  192. Virtuous – having moral values
  193. Vital – Active
  194. Vivacious – Lively
  195. Warm – Friendly
  196. Well-rounded – Master of many skills
  197. Willing – Ready or prepared
  198. Wise- Learned and Insightful
  199. Witty- Funny and Amusing
  200. Youthful – Active and young

200 Negative Character Traits


A list of character traits not considered worthy in our society are:

  1. Abrasive – Harsh
  2. Adamant – Stubborn
  3. Addictive – Susceptible to depend on something
  4. Aggressive-Hostile and violent
  5. Aimless – Without purpose
  6. Antisocial – Offensive
  7. Apathetic – Indifferent and detached
  8. Arbitrary – Whimsical
  9. Argumentative – Given to arguing
  10. Arrogant – Feeling superior of oneself
  11. Belligerent – hostile
  12. Bewildered-Confused, puzzled
  13. Bizarre – Odd, peculiar
  14. Bland – Dull and boring
  15. Blunt – Unsharpened
  16. Boorish – Rough and bad manners
  17. Boring – Dull
  18. Bossy – Dominating
  19. Brutal – Cruel and violent
  20. Callous – Lack of care and insensitive
  21. Caustic – Sarcastic
  22. Charmless – Unattractive
  23. Clingy – Inseparable
  24. Clumsy – Awkward
  25. Coarse – Rough
  26. Complacent – Proud of oneself
  27. Compulsive – uncontrollable
  28. Conceited – Proud of oneself
  29. Coward – Not brave and bold
  30. Crazy – Out of one's mind
  31. Critical – Criticize others
  32. Crude – Coarse and rough
  33. Cruel – Harsh, rude
  34. Cunning – With wicked intentions
  35. Cynical – Self-interested, selfish
  36. Deceitful – Dishonest, false
  37. Demanding – Nagging
  38. Desperate – Anguished
  39. Detached – Disconnected
  40. Discontented – Dissatisfied
  41. Discouraging – Depressing
  42. Disloyal – Unfaithful
  43. Disobedient – Do not obey others
  44. Disorganized – Unsystematic
  45. Disruptive – Troublesome
  46. Distractible – Inattentive
  47. Dominating – Rules others
  48. Egocentric – Thinks only of oneself
  49. Enervated – Lack of energy
  50. Envious-Jealous
  51. Erratic-Inconsistent, uncertain
  52. Evasive – Avoid commitment
  53. Evil – Wicked
  54. Extravagant – Spendthrift
  55. Facetious – Waggish
  56. Fanatical – Bigoted
  57. Fawning – Gets irritated quickly
  58. Fickle – Changes frequently, not stable
  59. Fierce – Angry
  60. Finicky – Fussy
  61. Flaky – Acts in an unconventional way
  62. Flamboyant – Extravagant
  63. Flippant – Carefree
  64. Foolish – Silly
  65. Forgetful – Absent-minded
  66. Fraudulent – Cheat and dishonest
  67. Frightening – Fearful
  68. Frivolous-Not purposeful, lack values
  69. Fussy – Hard to please
  70. Gossipy – Enjoys talking about other private life
  71. Greedy – Insatiable
  72. Grumpy – Short-tempered
  73. Gullible – Can be easily persuaded  to believe things
  74. Haughty – Arrogant
  75. Hopeless – Feeling of despair
  76. Hostile – Aggressive, unfriendly
  77. Impatient – Gets irritated quickly
  78. Impolite – Rude
  79. Impulsive – spontaneous
  80. Inconsiderate-Self-centered
  81. Inconsistent – Not the same throughout
  82. Indecisive-Confusing and unclear
  83. Indiscreet – Imprudent
  84. Inhibited – Reserved
  85. Interfering – Tends to interfere
  86. Intolerant – Narrow-minded
  87. Irresponsible – Careless
  88. Jealous-Selfish, envious
  89. Judgmental – Fault finding
  90. Lazy – Unwilling to work
  91. Liar – Dishonest and lacks truth
  92. Malicious – Intends to harm others
  93. Manipulative – Cunning and calculative
  94. Materialistic – Consumerist
  95. Mean – dominating
  96. Messy – Untidy
  97. Mischievous –Naughty
  98. Miserly – Niggardly
  99. Moody – Unpredictable
  100. Morbid – Horrible and ghastly
  101. Nagging – Demanding
  102. Naive – Lack of wisdom or judgment
  103. Narrow-minded – Intolerant
  104. Nasty – Unpleasant
  105. Naughty – Misbehaved
  106. Neglectful – Careless
  107. Nervous – Easily agitated
  108. Nihilistic – Rejects moral values
  109. Nosy – Probing
  110. Obnoxious – Unpleasant
  111. Obsessive – Fanatical
  112. Obstinate – Stubborn
  113. Outrageous – Shockingly bad
  114. Overcritical – Too much criticism of others
  115. Overemotional – weepy and tender
  116. Overwhelming – Emotionally immense and formidable
  117. Paranoia – Suffering from mental distress
  118. Parsimonious – Miserly
  119. Perverse – Awkward and unhelpful
  120. Pessimistic – Gloomy, negative
  121. Petulant – Sulky
  122. Plodding – Slow moving, unexciting
  123. Pompous – dominating
  124. Possessive – Clingy
  125. Predatory – Exploitative
  126. Prejudiced – Biased
  127. Pretentious – Showy
  128. Prim – Prudish
  129. Promiscuous – Immoral
  130. Quarrelsome – Argumentative
  131. Quick-tempered – Irritable mood
  132. Quixotic – Impractical
  133. Repulsive – Intense disgust against others
  134. Resentful – Dissatisfied
  135. Ridiculous – Laughable
  136. Rigid – Not flexible
  137. Rowdy – Unruly
  138. Rude-Impolite and lack courtesy
  139. Ruthless – Merciless
  140. Sadistic – Callous
  141. Sanctimonious – Hypocritical
  142. Sarcastic – Ironical, ridiculing
  143. Scornful – Expressing Contempt
  144. Secretive – Careful
  145. Self-indulgent – Pleasure seeking
  146. Selfish-One who doesn't think for others
  147. Shameless – Unashamed
  148. Silly – Foolish
  149. Slovenly – Untidy
  150. Sly – Cunning and Crafty
  151. Sneaky – Cunning, Clever
  152. Stingy – Mean-minded
  153. Stubborn – Obstinate
  154. Submissive – Compliant
  155. Subservient – Compliant with everything
  156. Sullen – bad-tempered
  157. Superficial – Not in-depth or thorough
  158. Superstitious – Irrational
  159. Surly – Grumpy
  160. Tactless-Lack of skill
  161. Thoughtless – Uncaring
  162. Treacherous – Disloyal
  163. Troublesome – Annoying
  164. Truculent – Defiant
  165. Un-appreciating – Ungrateful
  166. Unconvincing – Improbable
  167. Uncouth – Uncivilized
  168. Uncreative – Lacks imagination
  169. Unethical – Immoral
  170. Ungrateful – Thankless
  171. Unimaginative – Not inspiring and creative
  172. Unimpressive – Lacks attractiveness
  173. Unkind – Harsh
  174. Unlovable – Not lovable
  175. Unpleasant-Annoying, not likable by others
  176. Unpredictable – Uncertain
  177. Unreliable – Cannot be relied upon
  178. Unrestrained – Not restricted
  179. Unruly – Disorderly
  180. Unstable – Unsteady
  181. Untidy – Messy
  182. Untrustworthy – Dishonest
  183. Vacuous – Thoughtless
  184. Vague – Uncertain
  185. Vain – Conceited
  186. Venal – Corrupt
  187. Vengeful – Revengeful
  188. Venomous – Harmful, Toxic
  189. Violent – Aggressive
  190. Vulgar – Flamboyant
  191. Weak-Fragile, lack of energy
  192. Weak-willed – Irresolute
  193. Whimsical – Playful
  194. Whiny – Complaining person
  195. Wicked-Evil and immoral
  196. Withdrawn – Introvert
  197. Worried-Anxious or mentally disturbed
  198. Worrywart – A person who dwells on difficulties
  199. Zany – Eccentric, weird
  200. Zombie – will-less, not determined

Character Traits for Kids


Parents are always concerned about their child's overall academic and social progress.

One integral part of this development that often gets overlooked is the development of character traits. These are important skills for progress and all-round development of personality.

Many of the traits will help kids to become successful in their adult life. Character traits are treasures that teach gratitude and rightful living. Few of the common traits for kids are as follows

1. Assertiveness

Assertiveness
Assertiveness

Children should be taught to become bold and confident. They should know to speak their mind. It brings wisdom, patience, confidence, tolerance, and acceptance. An assertive kid is respectful and bold enough to face life's challenges in a positive way.

2. Courage

Courage
Courage

kids should be taught to become brave and courageous. It helps them to face academic and social challenges easily. They will learn to handle defeat and emerge as confident beings. Courage brings resilience and the ability to fight back.

3. Compassion

Compassion
Compassion

Being kind and helpful to others is what compassion is. It is a desirable trait that builds helpfulness and removes indifference towards others. Kind people are loved and respected by all.

4. Empathy

Empathy
Empathy

Empathy develops out of modeling. If you wish to see empathetic kids at home, you need to empathize with others in various social situations. Empathy reduces cruelty. It makes kids feel for others' needs. Good social relations develop if empathy and concern for others become a priority.

5. Honesty

Honesty
Honesty

Truthful kids are liked by others. They usually do well in all aspects of life. Truth leads to trust. It makes kids reliable and trustworthy.

6. Humility

Humility
Humility

Humility is a virtue that all kids should learn, otherwise they may become arrogant adults. Being a humble person fetches love and affection. With it comes kindness and empathy. A humble kid is self-assured and won't feel the need to show off in front of others.

7. Integrity

Integrity
Integrity

It is the quality of living a life with values. Children should learn strong moral principles that guide their behavior and actions. They become truthful, considerate, and open to new ideas. You should discuss family values with your child. It makes them understand what is expected of them. They learn the right ways of social conduct.

8. Patience

Patience
Patience

This character trait is very important in today's fast-paced life. Patience is all about teaching them to wait for their turn. It means to accept the delay and wait for the right time without getting irritated. Kids need this character trait to become self-controlled adults. It controls instant reactions.

9. Polite

Polite
Polite

This trait is an asset for life. Polite children are well-mannered and humble. They are grateful for whatever they have. They become quiet and resourceful speakers. Others love them for their kind words and amicable gestures. Politeness teaches good manners. It allows kids to treat others with respect.

10. Resilience

Resilience
Resilience

It is the ability to recover from difficulties. When children learn this character trait, they can face challenges with courage and optimism.


The link mentioned below shows the importance of character traits.


Difference Between Character Traits and Personality Traits


Successful people have positive character traits and a pleasing personality. Usually, they are guided by a strong desire to excel in everything they do.

Strong people are guided by moral principles. Studies show that people with a developed character trait can become good leaders. They can take calculated risks to achieve their goals.

The terms character traits and personality traits are often used interchangeably but they are not the same. Few subtle differences between the two are

Character traits Personality traits
Character traits are based on moral principles and ethical values. Personality is the sum of your attitudes, values, physical appearance, and mental dispositions.
These are innate and inbuilt qualities. Personality traits are those that appear to others in social situations.
This defines 'how' you are. It defines 'what' you are.
Character traits are difficult to identify. You may have to observe him or her for some time to know the character. Personality traits are easy to identify as it manifests from outward appearance and code of conduct.
It revolves around setting a moral code of conduct that appears, even when nobody is seeing. It revolves around image creation and developing good public relations.
Character is shaped by daily choices and social interactions. Personality is innate and develops fully by the age of 10 years.
These are objective and define the way you are from within. It is subjective and is the way you carry yourself in front of others.
Difference between Character Traits and personality traits

'Good Character Traits' Benefits


The benefits of character traits are

  1. Character traits are blessings that count everywhere. You are loved, admired, and followed by others.
  2. Good character traits help to develop positive interpersonal relationships at the workplace and elsewhere.
  3. It guides you to achieve your long term goals.
  4. These are guiding principles that help you to hold on to life's values and moral principles.
  5. You will find yourself easily accepted in social circles because of your attractive personality.
  6. You can build a solid reputation for yourself that helps to achieve leadership roles.
  7. It strengthens trust and builds the confidence of others on you.
  8. Character traits drive you towards a purposeful life.
  9. People with good character traits are happy and forgiving. They have peace of time, as they are clear of their intentions.
  10. You stay true to your moral values and beliefs. You do things that matter the most in life.
  11. Character traits bring openness to your attitude and perspectives.
  12. People consider you as reliable and trustworthy.
  13. You can take responsibility for your actions.
  14. You can become a role model for others to follow.
  15. It helps you to be present in your moments as well as make plans and decisions for the future.
  16. You learn to get through tough situations and do not give up after a failure.
  17. You appreciate others and are less jealous of their success.
  18. Patience and perseverance teach you to accept all odds positively.
  19. You know your mistakes better and can work on it to develop a positive attitude.
  20. Character traits teach you to accept all situations positively. You don't feel frustrated easily.

"Character is what you do when no one is watching"

Paul Rabil

Closing Thoughts

There is no replacement for a good character. It is an epitome of how you think, feel, and act in various situations.

Building character traits happen overtime. You know you can make better choices that are in tune with your moral principles and ethical standards.

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