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Character Traits List – 115+ Examples of Character Traits

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Looking for a comprehensive list of character traits? Here’s a list of 115+ character traits – positive, negative, neutral and unique traits and qualities with examples.

Character Traits List - 116 Character Traits & Examples | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List – 116 Character Traits & Examples

Whether you are a writer looking to develop your characters, a student, or simply interested in personality psychology, I’ve compiled a diverse selection of traits in a list of characteristics for you to choose from. 

Here are examples of positive and negative traits as well as neutral and unique traits.

You’ll first find a list in alphabetical order, then with categories and lists with examples + free printable character traits lists.

Character traits list (in alphabetical order)

Here’s a list of 116 common character traits in alphabetical order.

This list is not exhaustive and does not include all traits, but it’s pretty thorough and an excellent tool to define them.

Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - Green | SaturdayGift
List of Character Traits

A

  • Adaptable
  • Adventurous
  • Altruistic
  • Analytical
  • Arrogant
  • Assertive
  • Astute

C

  • Caring
  • Cautious
  • Charismatic
  • Charming
  • Compassionate
  • Confident
  • Conscientious
  • Cooperative
  • Courageous
  • Courteous
  • Creative
  • Cruel
  • Cynical
Character List - Alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
List of character traits in alphabetical order

D

  • Decisive
  • Defensive
  • Diligent
  • Discerning
  • Dishonest

E

  • Ebullient
  • Eccentric
  • Eclectic
  • Egotistical
  • Eloquent
  • Empathetic
  • Empathic
  • Empowering
  • Energetic
  • Enigmatic
  • Enthusiastic

F

  • Fair
  • Flexible
  • Forgiving
  • Forthright
Character Traits List - Horizontal - in Alphabetical order - Beige | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - Green | SaturdayGift

G

  • Generous
  • Genuine
  • Gracious
  • Grateful
  • Greedy

H

  • Honest
  • Hypocritical

I

  • Impatient
  • Impulsive
  • Inconsiderate
  • Independent
  • Indifferent
  • Innovative
  • Inquisitive
  • Insensitive
  • Inspirational
  • Intolerant
  • Intrepid
Character Traits List - Horizontal - in Alphabetical order - Grey | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Horizontal - in Alphabetical order - Pink | SaturdayGift

J

  • Jealous
  • Joyful

K

  • Kind-hearted

L

  • Lazy
  • Logical
  • Loyal

M

  • Manipulative
  • Methodical
  • Meticulous
  • Moderate
  • Modest
  • Mysterious
Character Traits List - Alphabetical order - black & white | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Horizontal - in Alphabetical order - Green | SaturdayGift

N

  • Narcissistic
  • Narrow-minded

O

  • Objective
  • Observant
  • Optimistic
Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - Grey | SaturdayGift

P

  • Patient
  • Perceptive
  • Persistent
  • Pessimistic
  • Practical
  • Pragmatic

Q

  • Quirky

R

  • Rational
  • Realistic
  • Reckless
  • Reflective
  • Reliable
  • Reserved
  • Resilient
  • Resolute
  • Resourceful
  • Respectful
  • Responsible
  • Rude
Character Traits List - Landscape - in Alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Landscape - Alphabetical order - Black & White | SaturdayGift

S

  • Sage
  • Sarcastic
  • Self-centered
  • Self-disciplined
  • Selfless
  • Sincere
  • Sociable
  • Spirited
  • Spontaneous
  • Stubborn
  • Supportive
Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - Beige | SaturdayGift

T

  • Tactful
  • Tenacious
  • Tolerant

U

  • Unconventional
  • Understanding
  • Unflappable
  • Unyielding

V

  • Versatile
  • Vindictive
  • Visionary

W

  • Whimsical
Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - Pink | SaturdayGift

Download character traits list PDF (in alphabetical order)

Download the character traits list PDF in alphabetical order. You can download the printable lists by clicking the download link under the images.

Paper size: US letter, but some are resizable (to A4 and other sizes).

All designs (free printables) ©SaturdayGift Ltd. For personal use only, not to be copied, distributed, altered, or sold.

Portrait printable lists of character traits in alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
Portrait printable lists of character traits in alphabetical order
Landscape printable lists of character traits in alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
Landscape printable lists of character traits in alphabetical order
Character Traits List - Alphabetical order - Black and White Horizontal | SaturdayGift
Black & White landscape printable lists of character traits in alphabetical order

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – VERTICAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – HORIZONTAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – PORTRAIT 4 colors (Grey, Pink, Beige & Green)

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – LANDSCAPE 4 colors (Grey, Pink, Beige & Green)

Want the character traits lists by categories instead? You can find them next + the Character Trait lists divided into positive, negative, neutral and unique traits PDFs.

Character trait list (by category)

In this list, the character traits are categorized in

  • Positive character traits
  • Negative character traits
  • Neutral character traits
  • Unique character traits

This is one way of categorizing the traits. So please use these categories as a guide and not as an absolute method of defining character traits.

Please also note that certain character traits can exhibit in multiple categories, contingent upon their expression and the given circumstances.

This list is excellent whether you’re a writer and want to describe your novel’s fearless hero, villain, or other characters, or you’re a person who wants to learn more about different character types, behaviors, and traits.

Positive Character Trait List

  • Adaptable
  • Assertive
  • Caring
  • Compassionate
  • Confident
  • Cooperative
  • Courageous
  • Courteous
  • Creative
  • Diligent
  • Empathetic
  • Empowering
  • Energetic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Fair
  • Forgiving
  • Forthright
  • Generous
  • Genuine
  • Gracious
  • Grateful
  • Honest
  • Inspirational
  • Joyful
  • Kind-hearted
  • Loyal
  • Modest
  • Optimistic
  • Patient
  • Persistent
Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - Green | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Horizontal - Categories | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - Grey | SaturdayGift
  • Reliable
  • Resilient
  • Respectful
  • Responsible
  • Self-disciplined
  • Selfless
  • Sincere
  • Supportive
  • Tactful
  • Tolerant
  • Understanding
Character Traits List - Categories | SaturdayGift

RELATED POST: Positive Character Traits List – 100 Good Qualities & Examples

Negative Character Trait List

  • Arrogant
  • Cruel
  • Cynical
  • Defensive
  • Dishonest
  • Egotistical
  • Greedy
  • Hypocritical
  • Impatient
  • Impulsive
  • Inconsiderate
  • Indifferent
  • Insensitive
  • Intolerant
  • Jealous
  • Lazy
  • Manipulative
  • Narcissistic
  • Narrow-minded
Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Beige | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - Pink | SaturdayGift
  • Pessimistic
  • Reckless
  • Rude
  • Sarcastic
  • Self-centered
  • Stubborn
  • Vindictive
Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Green | SaturdayGift

RELATED POST: Negative Character Traits List – 98 Negative Qualities & Examples

Neutral Character Traits List

  • Analytical
  • Cautious
  • Conscientious
  • Decisive
  • Flexible
  • Independent
  • Inquisitive
  • Logical
  • Methodical
  • Meticulous
  • Moderate
  • Objective
  • Observant
  • Practical
  • Pragmatic
  • Rational
  • Realistic
  • Reflective
  • Reserved
  • Spontaneous
Character Traits List - Horizontal - Categories - Black & White | SaturdayGift
    Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - Beige | SaturdayGift

List of Unique Character Traits

  • Adventurous
  • Altruistic
  • Astute
  • Charismatic
  • Charming
  • Discerning
  • Ebullient
  • Eccentric
  • Eclectic
  • Eloquent
  • Empathic
  • Enigmatic
  • Innovative
  • Intrepid
  • Mysterious
  • Perceptive
  • Quirky
  • Resolute
  • Resourceful
  • Sage
  • Sociable
  • Spirited
  • Tenacious
  • Unconventional
  • Unflappable
  • Unyielding
  • Versatile
  • Visionary
  • Whimsical
Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Gret | SaturdayGift
Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Pink | SaturdayGift

Download character traits list PDF (by category)

Here, you can download the free printable character trait lists.

You can download the printable list of traits by clicking the download links under the images.

Character Traits List - 116 positive negative neutral and unique character traits - Vertical | SaturdayGift
Portrait printable lists of character traits by categories
Character Traits List - 116 Traits - positive traits, negative traits, neutral and unique traits - Beige Green Pink Grey Horizontal | SaturdayGift
Landscape printable lists of character traits by categories
Character Traits List - positive traits, negative traits, neutral and unique traits - Black and White Horizontal | SaturdayGift
Character Traits divided into positive, negative, neutral and unique traits – black & white lists

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – VERTICAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – HORIZONTAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – PORTRAIT 4 colors (Green, Beige, Pink & Grey)

DOWNLOAD: Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – LANDSCAPE 4 colors (Green, Beige, Pink & Grey)

And next you can find examples of positive and negative traits as well as neutral and unique traits.

Examples of positive character traits

These are considered positive traits. These are positive qualities that we should all strive to possess and develop. 

#Positive Character TraitExample
1Adaptable Capable of adjusting to new situations.
2Assertive Able to express their needs and opinions.
3Caring Concerned about the well-being of others.
4Compassionate Showing empathy and kindness towards others.
5Confident Believing in their abilities and potential.
6Cooperative Willing to work harmoniously with others.
7Courageous Willing to face challenges without fear.
8Courteous Polite and respectful in their interactions.
9Creative Imaginative and innovative in their thinking.
10Diligent Hardworking and persistent in their efforts.
11Empathetic Able to share and understand the feelings of others.
12Empowering Uplifting and inspiring to those around them.
13Energetic Possessing high levels of vitality and enthusiasm.
14Enthusiastic Energetic and passionate about their pursuits.
15Fair Just and equitable in their judgments.
16Forgiving Willing to pardon others for their mistakes.
17Forthright Honest and direct in their communication.
18Generous Willing to give and share with others.
19Genuine Authentic and true to themselves.
20Gracious Displaying politeness and charm.
21Grateful Appreciative of the good in their life.
22Honest Truthful and sincere in their words and actions.
23Inspirational Motivating and encouraging to others.
24Joyful Radiating happiness and positivity.
25Kind-hearted Possessing a compassionate and gentle nature.
26Loyal Dedicated and faithful to friends and loved ones.
27Modest Humble and not boastful about their achievements.
28Optimistic Maintaining a positive outlook on life.
29Patient Able to endure difficulties without complaint.
30Persistent Not giving up easily in the face of obstacles.
31Reliable Consistently trustworthy and dependable.
32Resilient Able to bounce back from adversity.
33Respectful Treating others with consideration and dignity.
34Responsible Reliable and accountable for their obligations.
35Self-disciplined Able to control their actions and impulses.
36Selfless Putting the needs of others before their own.
37Sincere Genuine and honest in their intentions.
38Supportive Offering encouragement and assistance to others.
39Tactful Skilled in handling sensitive situations with care.
40Tolerant Accepting of diverse opinions and beliefs.
41Understanding Capable of comprehending different viewpoints.
List of Positive Character Trait examples

Psst! Want more positive character traits examples?

POST: Positive Character Traits List – 100 Good Qualities & Examples

Examples of negative character traits

These are considered negative traits. 

#Negative Character TraitExample
42Arrogant Exaggerating their own importance.
43Cruel Enjoying causing suffering to others.
44Cynical Distrustful and pessimistic.
45Defensive Quick to take offense and defend themselves.
46Dishonest Telling lies and lacking integrity.
47Egotistical Excessively self-centered and conceited.
48Greedy Excessively desiring wealth or possessions.
49Hypocritical Saying one thing and doing another.
50Impatient Easily frustrated by delays or obstacles.
51Impulsive Acting without thinking of the consequences.
52Inconsiderate Thoughtless of others’ needs.
53Indifferent Showing a lack of interest or concern.
54Insensitive Not considering the feelings of others.
55Intolerant Unwilling to accept differences.
56Jealous Envious of others’ success or possessions.
57Lazy Avoiding work, effort and responsibilities.
58Manipulative Using others for personal gain.
59Narcissistic Excessively self-absorbed and egotistical.
60Narrow-minded Unwilling to consider different viewpoints.
61Pessimistic Always expecting the worst outcome.
62Reckless Acting without concern for safety.
63Rude Disrespectful in their behavior and speech.
64Sarcastic Using mocking or ironic language.
65Self-centered Focused on their own needs and desires.
66Stubborn Unyielding and inflexible in their opinions and actions.
67Vindictive Seeking revenge when wronged.
List of Negative Character Trait examples

Psst! Want more negative character traits examples?

POST: Negative Character Traits List – 98 Negative Qualities & Examples

Download positive and negative character traits lists with examples

Positive & Negative Character Traits List - Examples of Positive & Negative Character Traits | SaturdayGift
Positive Character Traits List & Negative Character Traits List Examples

Neutral character traits – examples

These are examples of neutral character traits.

#Neutral Character TraitExample
68Analytical Methodical and systematic in their approach.
69Cautious Exercises careful consideration and hesitation before taking risks or making decisions.
70Conscientious Demonstrates a sense of responsibility and attention to detail.
71Decisive Capable of making firm choices.
72Flexible Willing to adapt to changing circumstances.
73Independent Self-reliant and self-sufficient.
74Inquisitive Curious and eager to learn.
75Logical Making decisions based on reason and evidence.
76Methodical Systematic and organized in their approach.
77Meticulous Paying great attention to detail.
78Moderate Practices balance and avoids extreme behaviors or opinions.
79Objective Maintains a neutral and unbiased perspective in assessing situations or information.
80Observant Paying close attention to details.
81Practical Focused on what is useful and effective.
82Pragmatic Focused on practical solutions.
83Rational Using reason and logic to make decisions.
84Realistic Grounded in practicality and facts.
85Reflective Thoughtful and contemplative.
86Reserved Tends to be quiet and discreet in social interactions.
87Spontaneous Acting on impulse and intuition.
List of Neutral Character Trait examples

Unique character traits – examples

These can be considered unique character traits.

#Unique Character TraitEExample
88Adventurous Always seeking new and thrilling experiences.
89Altruistic Devoted to the well-being of others.
90Astute Shrewd and discerning in their observations.
91Charismatic Exudes a compelling charm and magnetic personality.
92Charming Delightfully charismatic and attractive.
93Discerning Demonstrates keen insight and good judgment in decision-making.
94Ebullient Radiates enthusiasm and high spirits.
95Eccentric Odd or unconventional in behavior or appearance.
96Eclectic Drawing from a wide range of sources and influences.
97Eloquent Fluent and persuasive in speech.
98Empathic Highly attuned to the emotions of others.
99Enigmatic Possesses a mysterious and captivating aura that intrigues others.
100Innovative Possesses creative and groundbreaking ideas or solutions.
101Intrepid Fearless and willing to face difficult or dangerous situations.
102Mysterious Enigmatic and difficult to understand.
103Perceptive Quick to notice and understand things.
104Quirky Unconventional and idiosyncratic.
105Resolute Determined and unwavering in their convictions.
106Resourceful Finds ingenious and innovative solutions to problems.
107Sage Wise and experienced in judgment.
108Sociable Enjoying the company of others.
109Spirited Full of energy and enthusiasm.
110Tenacious Persistent and unyielding in their pursuits.
111Unconventional Prefers to think and act outside of traditional norms and boundaries.
112Unflappable Remains calm and composed under pressure or in stressful situations.
113Unyielding Maintains strong principles and refuses to compromise on values.
114Versatile Possesses a wide range of skills and abilities, adaptable to various tasks.
115Visionary Has a forward-thinking and imaginative perspective on the future.
116Whimsical Playful and imaginative.
List of Unique Character Trait examples

Download neutral and unique character trait lists with examples

Neutral and Unique Character Traits List - Examples of Neutral and Unique Character Traits | SaturdayGift
Neutral Character Traits List & Unique Character Traits List Examples

What are character traits, and why are they important?

Character traits are the specific qualities and characteristics that make up an individual’s personality. 

They can include many attributes such as honesty, kindness, determination, a sense of humor, etc.

Understanding and developing character traits is crucial to personal growth and success. 

It not only helps us understand ourselves better but also allows us to build solid and healthy relationships with others.

Is character and personality the same? 

While the terms character and personality are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between them. 

Personality is an individual’s unique combination of mental, emotional, and behavioral patterns (such as introversion or extroversion) that distinguish them from others. 

On the other hand, character refers to the moral and ethical values that guide a person’s actions and decisions.

In simpler terms, personality is who we are on the surface, whereas character is who we are at our core.

RELATED POST: Personality vs. Character – What’s the difference between personality and character

RELATED POST: Personality Traits List – 137+ Examples of Personality Traits

RELATED POST: Big 5 Personality Traits: Introduction to Big Five Personality Traits

Character traits vs. personality traits vs. core values

Character traits and personality traits are often confused with each other, but they are not the same. 

Character traits are qualities and individual characteristics that make you who you are, and personality traits describe how you appear to others.

While character and personality shape an individual’s overall identity, core values are the foundation of one’s character.

Core values represent our beliefs, principles, and ideals that guide our behavior and decision-making process. 

In other words, core values are what we stand for and consider important in life.

RELATED POST: Core Values: Examples of 150+ Personal Values + Core Values List PDF

Why should you work on developing positive character traits?

Developing positive character traits has numerous benefits in personal and professional aspects of life. 

First and foremost, it helps us become better individuals – kinder, more compassionate, and more empathetic towards others. 

It also allows us to build stronger relationships with those around us, as people are drawn to individuals with positive character traits. 

In the workplace, having strong character traits such as integrity and reliability can lead to career advancement and success.

Moreover, possessing positive character traits can improve our mental and emotional well-being, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

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