Internal traits

Definition

Internal traits refer to the psychological and emotional characteristics that define a character's personality, motivations, and behaviors. These traits are often contrasted with external traits, which are observable actions or appearances, and they play a critical role in character development and arc design by influencing how a character responds to challenges and evolves throughout a story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal traits are crucial for creating relatable and complex characters that resonate with audiences and contribute to a compelling narrative.
2. These traits often include aspects such as values, beliefs, fears, and desires that motivate a character's actions throughout the story.
3. Internal traits can evolve over time, reflecting the character's experiences and growth as they face various challenges.
4. Effective character arcs typically involve a clear change in internal traits, showing how characters learn from their experiences and develop new perspectives.
5. Writers often use internal traits to create depth in characters, allowing for nuanced interactions and conflicts that drive the narrative forward.

Review Questions

• How do internal traits influence a character's decisions and relationships throughout a narrative?
  • Internal traits significantly shape a character's decisions and relationships by serving as the foundation for their motivations and responses to various situations. For instance, a character with strong values may react differently to ethical dilemmas than one who prioritizes personal gain. By understanding these traits, writers can craft more authentic interactions between characters, enhancing the overall depth of the narrative.
• Discuss the relationship between internal traits and character arcs in storytelling. How do changes in internal traits reflect a character's journey?
  • Internal traits are deeply intertwined with character arcs, as they define how a character evolves throughout the story. A well-developed character arc usually shows significant shifts in internal traits that align with the challenges faced. For example, a character who starts off fearful may become courageous by the end, illustrating growth through their experiences. This transformation not only makes the character more relatable but also adds emotional weight to the narrative.
• Evaluate the impact of internal traits on audience engagement and emotional connection with characters. How can writers effectively leverage these traits?
  • Internal traits play a vital role in audience engagement by fostering emotional connections with characters. When writers create complex internal traits that resonate with viewers' experiences or feelings, they cultivate empathy and investment in the characters' journeys. To effectively leverage these traits, writers should ensure that characters' motivations are clear and relatable while allowing for realistic development over time. This approach enhances audience attachment, making the characters' triumphs and struggles more impactful.

Related terms

Character Arc: The transformation or journey a character undergoes throughout a narrative, often involving significant changes in internal traits.

Motivation: The driving forces behind a character's actions, deeply tied to their internal traits and influencing their decisions and interactions.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, which often reveals and tests a character's internal traits, shaping their development.