character traits

I like to look for a major trait in a character and use that to help "round them out".  For example, if I decide a character is a coward, I dig deeper and look for what has led to the character being like that.  I can also look at whether they're ashamed of this or not.  Not everything I outline here will make it into my story but I know that if I know what the answers are here, I will write my character with more confidence (and therefore conviction as well) and I believe THAT comes through to the reader.

So useful character traits to consider then could include:-

1. Cowardice/Heroism;
   
2. Being a Liar/Being Honest (the latter could cause as much trouble as the former and the potential for comedy is here too);
   
3. Stubbornness/Being Flexible;
   
4. Being Unfriendly/Being Sociable;
   
5. Being Prejudiced/Being Open.
   

There are of course many more traits than these and practically every trait has its opposite flaw/virtue which could also be used.

Questions to ask yourself when using these:-

1. How did the character develop this flaw/virtue?
   
2. Do they see it as a flaw or virtue?  Are they right about this?
   
3. How do others around the character react to them and their flaw/virtue?
   
4. What are their society's expectations?
   
5. Does the character change - for better or worse?
   

Have fun!