“People generally agree that each individual is a unique blend of traits that serve to satisfy basic wants and needs according to one’s moral code.” — Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
Let’s have fun.
I have Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi’s writer’s resource, The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Attributes. I chose 24 character traits from their list and wrote thoughts the characters with these traits might think.
For each set below, can you match the thoughts of these characters at a party to their traits? My Answers are in the comments.
Match the Thought to the Character Trait
Set 1
|
Thoughts |
|
Traits |
A |
Jerry’s drinking too much. I’ll ask him to take a look at my car’s starter problem. Get him away from the party. |
1 |
Innocent |
B |
I wish Erin wouldn’t praise me for how much I helped her with the party. Lots of people helped. |
2 |
Ambitious |
C |
I wish John would stop holding the bungee rope or instructing me. I know how to gear up. |
3 |
Introvert |
D |
Man, it’s crowded. Maybe we can leave early. Oh, oh. Here comes chatty Pam. Time to visit the restroom. |
4 |
Patient |
E |
Best make sure guests know exactly what they’re supposed to do in Fictionary. Is that lint on my skirt? |
5 |
Humble |
F |
Why is Cassie upset? I’m sure John danced with Candy just to be polite. |
6 |
Diplomatic |
G |
Forget the chitchat. Let’s see how many more prizes we can win than Anthony. |
7 |
Meticulous |
H |
Anthony butted in line. Oh well, let him. I’m in no rush. |
8 |
Independent |
Set 2
|
Thoughts |
|
Traits |
I |
Jill has goosebumps. I’ll take her sweater to her. And give her my cherry pie recipe. Her nieces will love it. |
9 |
Honest |
J |
I’ll collect cups on the way to the kitchen and store the leftovers in the containers I brought with me. |
10 |
Bold |
K |
I must tell Erin she reimbursed me too much for the shrimp. |
11 |
Extroverted |
L |
Great! They have bungee jumping. I’ve never done that before. Let’s do it. |
12 |
Quirky |
M |
I’ll sing my Fictionary definition. And I’ll add some cha-cha-cha to that dance as boring as a waltz. |
13 |
Easygoing |
N |
We’re here! There’s Jill from my painting class. I want to talk to Cass. Got my ballet flats on. Let’s all dance. |
14 |
Organized |
O |
I bet if I ask, Erin will let us sit at the head of the table. |
15 |
Nurturing |
P |
Whichever event Pam wants to do is OK by me. |
16 |
Adventurous |
Set 3
|
Thoughts |
|
Traits |
Q |
Meatballs would’ve done as well as the shrimp. No wonder Erin and Ralph are in debt. |
17 |
Analytical |
R |
If Candy comes over, I’ll stay courteous but neutral. I have to fire her, but I’ll do it tactfully on Monday. |
18 |
Charming |
S |
Look. Each person takes one minute in the food line. If we play Fictionary for an hour, we can avoid the line. |
19 |
Patriotic |
T |
Who’s that with Lisa? I don’t recall inviting him. Lisa is vulnerable. I’d better join them. |
20 |
Professional |
U |
When Tim moves to the food, I’ll happen to cross his path and ask his advice on IRAs. I’ll touch my lips. |
21 |
Protective |
V |
Beth wore holey jeans to a party? And why’d Tom try to recruit my son? Upholstery is our family business. |
22 |
Flirtatious |
W |
Jerry should live somewhere else if he doesn’t like how things are done in this country. |
23 |
Thrifty |
X |
Let me help Pam with her coat. Great dress Sylvia’s wearing. I’ll tell her. Mark could use one of my jokes. |
24 |
Traditional |
Thoughts that characters with specific traits would think. Click to tweet.
What might a loyal character think at the party?
Zoe here. Answers:
SET 1: A6, B5, C8, D3, E7, F1, G2, H4
SET 2: I15, J14, K9, L16, M12, N11, O10, P13
SET 3: Q23, R20, S17, T21, U22, V24, W19, X18
I love this book! I have all these thesauruses and I always forget to use them. Thanks for the reminder. They are excellent resources. I highly recommend!
Karla, I will definitely use them more. I like the Flip Dictionary too.
I love the Flip Dictionary, too!
Great exercise. I had fun trying to figure it out. Then, I realized I was learning at the same time. Good job.
Hi Janet, I learned a lot writing the thoughts. I plan to use The Positive Trait Thesaurus more.
You’re right, this is fun Zoe, and instructive. Thanks!
I’m glad you had fun, Gail. I remember liking to draw lines to the right matches in elementary school.
This is brilliant! What fun, and great job. Doing this is a great exercise to getting into you’re character’s mindset! 🙂
Hi Angela, thanks for stopping in. Your and Becca’s books have a wealth of good information.