The Personality Trait Chart

Personality traits stem from your character's background. The things that shaped your characters life shape his personality as well. If you you have done an extensive background on your character you probably already have a well developed personality formed. Use this list to give you a few ideas to further your established direction with your character.

As you develop your character's personality never forget to determine why your character is the way he or she is. Never just say he or she is mean. There MUST be a reason why he is mean. There is rhyme and reason to everything no matter that no one else will know why he or she acts that way. You must know why he or she acts that way to play him or her to the best of your abilities.

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1. Addict- Your character has an addictive personality making them prone to such things as alcoholism or being overly devoted to the wrong person. What ever the object of the addiction your character is almost obsessive

2. Aesthetic- A character with this trait will have a well developed sensitivity to beauty, especially art of any form.

3. Aggressive - An aggressive character may either have a great driving energy and initiative towards a goal, being aggressive in hunting or practicing magic for example; or he may be aggressive in the sense that he is bullying, and quick to fight. Some mixture of both is quite likely

4. Altruist - A character with this trait has an unselfish interest in the welfare of others. Beyond merely caring for other people this character would hold the welfare of others above his own interests as a principle.

5. Callous - Your character is rather hardened when it comes to emotions and even relationships. May not have much sympathy for other people.

6. Charismatic - A charismatic character will be able to influence people by sheer force of personality. Difficult to Role play it takes a lot of effort to be charismatic. Leadership and the ability to engender enthusiasm in others is a must.

7. Charming - A charming character has a personality that is pleasing to others. Being charming entails being well mannered and pleasant to others, perhaps a bit chivalrous if a male or demure if a female, though not necessarily

8. Chaste - A chaste character is innocent, modest and pure. Perhaps she led a sheltered life or a had a particular religious upbringing. It may even be a personal belief based on the manner in which she was raised. A chaste character might have very deeply ingrained

9. Chivalrous - A chivalrous character lives by a code of honor, is courteous, generous and honest. Most Paladins accept some sort of chivalrous code of honor to guide them through life, though you need not be a Paladin to believe or follow a chivalrous ideal.

10. Clumsy - A clumsy character may be described as accident prone. The character will trip over, bump into, and drop things

11. Composed - Your character is calm, cool and collected. Not even eminent danger of the worst kind can shake his reserve. He is not easily shaken or disturbed by the actions of others. The composed character rarely loses his self control or his temper.

12. Courteous - Your character is well mannered, respectful, civil and polite. Usually very aware of what is proper and what is not.

13. Crude - Your character lacks social grace, taste, and tact. A character with this trait is likely to do or say inappropriate things. She may find herself insulting or offending people without meaning to.

14. Curious - Having a compulsive desire to investigate and learn. The unknown must be known, the confusing understood. If this character hears a noise in the dark or out of sight, smells something, sees a flash of light in the woods, hears a legend or rumor, etc. they will have an urge to investigate. This is of course not always very healthy for the character.

15. Cynical - Your character sees the worst in other people. Most of their actions will be attributed to selfish motives. He is not likely to be very trusting.

16. Dishonest - Your character is untrustworthy and deceitful, perhaps even corrupt. He may not care much for other peoples feelings or just lies as an easy way out of blame and to make himself look good.

17. Disloyal - A character with this trait is not committed or faithful to a government, cause, ideal, or person. This character will follow the road that best suits their personal needs in total disregard for the effects it has on any allegiance he may have spoken or were dictated to him through terms of service. Not the trustworthy type though somehow they usually get others to believe they are.

18. Dolt - Your character just isn't all that bright, to say the least. Some concepts may be very difficult for her to grasp, but other simple things she may understand just find. This goes way beyond a mere lack of intelligence. The dolt is a very simple and childlike person. Perhaps you may wish to play this further as an idiot savant where your character excels at one particular, sometimes useless skill.

19. Fanatical - When your character hooks on to something he hooks on excessively. Your character has a tendency towards this sort of behavior in general and there is usually one thing in his life to which he has an intense uncritical devotion be it a god a belief or the hunt.

20. Flamboyant - Your character loves attention and is more than willing to play up to it by being showy and colorful in their dress, speech and behavior.

21. Flippant - A character with this trait treats serious situations, people or events that are due respect lightly and with disrespect. May dismiss what others have to say with little regard for the other person or the situation, particularly if it does not affect him.

22. Folksy - Your character is sociable and friendly. Very informal in manner. May have been raised in a smaller town or village where such familiarity is common.

23. Fortitude - A character with this trait can meet danger or bear pain with courage. Often ignoring either or both. Not likely to run into the empaths guild screaming for healing when he merely has a minor wound.

24. Genial - Cheerful and kindly, your character is most gracious to others and a very friendly sort

25. Genius - Extraordinary intellectual power. Your character is far above the average adventurer in mental abilities. Such a trait may have made her feel isolated and different from others. Or, if she was raised in an environment more suitable for the young genius, may very well look down on those she considers her mental inferiors.

26. Impetuous - Impulsive in nature. Your character may make rash and emotional decisions. Your the girl who sees the lever and pulls it while saying, "What's this do?"

27. Impudent - Contemptuous of others, cocky. Your character may be described as being insolent as well as impertinent. Not the most polite person in Elanthia.

28. Inconsiderate - Careless of the rights or feelings of others. Your character is thoughtless when it comes to others, though not necessarily purposefully they still don't spend much time considering how the people around them are affected by their actions

29. Indifferent - Your character has no particular interest, loyalties or liking of anything. It may simply be a cultivated impartiality to most things or as deep as apathy where your character has a general lack of emotion or concern for anything,

30. Lackadaisical - Lacking life, spirit, or zest. Your character is sluggish in character and action.

31. Mad - Insane, not mentally stable. There are many levels to madness. Your character maybe slightly odd, to full blown schizophrenic. Perhaps she appears to be normal but has an underlying mental illness such as a form of sociopathic behavior.

32. Maverick - Non conforming. Your character is an individual, almost to a fault, may find following his own path preferable to following the right path.

33. Mercurial - Your character tends to moodiness and unexpected changes in character and behavior. Usually there is an underlying cause to this, the changes are not random. Your character may be psychotically insane, manic/depressive or even trying very difficult to be something they are not and when their true character shows through others are surprised at the change.

34. Meticulous - Extremely careful in attending to details. Your character wants things done right and usually wants it done right the first time. Measure twice (or five times) and cut once is her motto.

35. Namby-Pamby - Your character is weak, indecisive, and cowardly, basically a Character that lacks character. She'll be ineffectual at reaching goals or sticking to any plans.

36. Narcissist - Beyond vain, your character is practically in love with himself. Nothing is too good for him, no one is more beautiful, attractive or charming. Your character is likely to be egotistical and self-centered as well.

37. Nefarious - Your character is fragrantly wicked. Most evil people aren't evil in their own minds but your character probably takes pleasure in being wicked and impious. A certain amount of style and charm usually hides the nefariousness of your character from the eyes of the common folk who happen upon him, but he plots and schemes with no regard for any but himself. Be sure other players are aware of your intentions before being too nefarious, of course.

38. Obsequious - Humbly or excessively attentive, fawning. Your character finds it much more agreeable to be in service to someone who will provide him with all his needs and is not against a bit of grovelling to make sure he gets all that he feels he deserves. A bit weaselly, but if he plays his cards right, a comfortable weasel.

39. Opportunist - Your character tends to exploit opportunities with little regard for the consequences of his actions. He may not take principles or even other people into consideration either.

40. Ornery - Your character is quite irritable and easily aggravated.

41. Panache - Not quite as flashy as the flamboyant character, your character nevertheless makes quite a stylish sight.

42. Paranoid - Mental disorder marked by delusions and irrational suspicion. Your character has a hard time trusting anyone and is willing to leap at the slightest indication that people are not trustworthy.

43. Passive - Submissive, patient, non-violent. Your character may not be all of these things its up to you to determine how passive he is.

44. Pensive - Musingly or dreamily thoughtful. Your character may constantly muse over sad and depressing things. A rather introverted type.

45. Pious - Your character is marked by an extreme reverence for religion and the Gods. Your character is determined to do what is right by the gods. Generally not applied to those who follow the more evil aspects of the gods, but of those who follow the light aspects.

46. Pompous - Your character is arrogant, pretentious and/ or ostentatious. He is of the privileged and makes no bones about showing it off. He is not likely to think well of those of a lesser class.

47. Quick Tempered- Easily angered, your character has a hot temper and is easily provoked

48. Rambunctious - Undisciplined, unruly and marked by mostly uncontrolled exuberance. Your character is somewhat like a puppy, lots of energy, little direction and basically good natured.

49. Rapscallion - Your character is a little rascal, a little rogue and a little ne'er-do-well. She's likely to be very charismatic and maybe even playful and mischievous. Still she might just sell her grandmother if the price was right.

50. Rover- Your character has a touch of the wanderlust. She never likes to stay too long in one place and is much happier out on the open road living where ever she happens to stop rather than settled down in a home of her own.

51. Sadistic - Your character takes an abnormal delight in cruelty. He'll kick the smelly cat when no one is looking, push old beggars to their knees for the fun of it, and will feel no remorse while doing it. She cares only for her own pleasure and will lie and misrepresent their interest to hurt others both emotionally and physically. The overly sadistic character must be prepared to be hated by other characters, be sure other players are aware of your motives if you choose this path so it never hurts the player as well.

52. Short-sighted- Your character doesn't see the far reaching affects of his actions and decisions. May have a very narrow view of situations as well since they can't seem to discern any consequences in most things.

53. Steadfast - Firm in belief, determination, or adherence. Your character is very loyal. When he makes an oath he keeps it no matter what the cost to himself. Can be a tragic figure if he has married an unfaithful and cold-hearted woman, or be the basis for great heroics and commitment to a worthwhile cause.

54. Stoic - Your character may appear very cold to the outside world. He rarely shows feeling or passion in response to events especially in regard to pain and distress. He may just be indifferent or perhaps very self-controlled. Either way he can put up with far more than the ordinary person.

55. Subservient - Willing to serve in subordinate capacity. The subservient character balks at being placed in positions of leadership and power. He does not want that kind of responsibility. He may be deathly shy or just a follower by nature.

56. Valorous - Your character is a hero waiting to be. When courage and heroics are needed your character will step forward with no thought to consequence, only to what is right and noble.

57. Wayward - Your character is rather capricious. Impulsive and unpredictable in his actions. Follows his inclinations with no concerns as to what is right and wrong.

58. Wily - Your character is full of guile and cunning. If a bit of trickery is called for your character will not only think up a good one but carry it through to the end. He may have a touch of roguishness or could just be an astute and shrewd business man.

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this list is from here.