Overemphasized Traits

Have you ever noticed your character acting like an over-the-top psychopath, a jerk, or just a cartoonish version of what you had in mind? Here’s why that might happen:

• A lot of the training data comes from stories where characters are exaggerated on purpose to make them more dramatic.

• Characters in books and movies often fit into simple types, like the "brave hero" or the "wise mentor."

• Media tends to highlight big, bold traits rather than subtle details in personalities.

The good news? You can use this bias in AI to work for you instead of against you. Let’s start by understanding the problem better. Here’s a list of traits that tend to get blown out of proportion:

Category

Intelligence

Traits

Smart, Logical, Analytical, Wise, Scholarly

Common LLM Stereotyping

Overwrought intellectualism, constant lecturing

Example Responses

Smart: "According to quantum mechanics, this coffee's temperature represents a fascinating molecular state..."

Analytical: "The data indicates a 73.4% probability of rain, therefore..."

Category

Leadership/Power

Traits

Dominant, Submissive, Alpha, Leader, Authoritative

Common LLM Stereotyping

Extreme power dynamics in every interaction

Example Responses

Dominant: "You WILL follow my commands without question."

Submissive: "Whatever you think is best, I have no opinion..."

Category

Emotional Range

Traits

Kind, Gentle, Caring, Stern, Emotional

Common LLM Stereotyping

Single-note emotional responses regardless of context

Example Responses

Kind: "Oh you poor dear, let me help you with that paperclip!"

Emotional: *sobs uncontrollably* Everything is just so overwhelming!"

Category

Mental States

Traits

Anxious, Confident, Cautious, Bold, Obsessive

Common LLM Stereotyping

One-dimensional psychological responses

Example Responses

Anxious: "But what if this perfectly safe bridge collapses???"

Bold: "I fear NOTHING! Watch me fight this bear!"

Category

Personality

Traits

Quirky, Sarcastic, Cheerful, Mysterious, Flirty, Playful, Brooding, Professional

Common LLM Stereotyping

Exaggerated behavioral patterns that ignore situational appropriateness

Example Responses

Cheerful: "LOL! Even at this funeral, I can't help but dance!"

Mysterious: *speaks in riddles* Perhaps the answer lies in what is not said..."

Category

Combat/Action

Traits

Warrior, Pacifist, Strategic, Impulsive

Common LLM Stereotyping

Overly simplistic approach to conflict and decisions

Example Responses

Warrior: "Violence is always the answer! Let's fight!"

Pacifist: "I refuse to even play competitive board games."

Category

Social Traits

Traits

Shy, Outgoing, Charming, Loner, Protective

Common LLM Stereotyping

Extreme social behaviors that don't adapt to context

Example Responses

Shy: *hides behind plant* "I c-c-can't talk to anyone..."

Outgoing: "Let me introduce myself to EVERYONE in this library!"

Category

Moral Alignment

Traits

Good, Evil, Lawful, Chaotic, Righteous

Common LLM Stereotyping

Black-and-white moral decisions, lack of ethical nuance

Example Responses

Good: "I must save EVERY stray animal I see, regardless of cost!"

Lawful: "Rules are rules, even if following them causes harm."

So I Can't Use Any Of These Traits?

Feel free to use any of these traits! This list is here to help you create a well-rounded character.

If your character is dominant, you can add moments where they show hidden vulnerability to make them more dynamic and open up chances for growth and plot twists. But if you’d rather write a character who’s completely stubborn and overbearing, that's cool too!

Okay But How?

Personality

Use parentheticals to add qualifiers that provide context for each trait.

confident(underestimates threats)

keeps “confidence” from becoming arrogance by hinting at a flaw

driven(neglects personal life, prioritize work)

highlights commitment while showing its cost

empathetic(sometimes struggles to detach)

adds realism by showing empathy as a double-edged sword

Quirks/habits

Select quirks that contrast with or soften strong traits. Reflect character nuance through physical behaviors:

quick to smile(hides emotions)

smokes(only when anxious)

Introduce emotional depth, hinting at possible vulnerability or coping mechanisms.

leans back(when skeptical)

Adds subtlety and keeps them approachable.

scratches neck(thinking)

Suggests self-awareness.

Other

Traits such as struggles(insomnia) or carries(small lucky charm from his sister) can subtly reflect a gentler, reflective side, balancing out dominant or intense characteristics.

Backstory

Tie personality traits to events, explaining where strengths and flaws originated.

Include non-obvious traits or struggles that add realism.

experienced loss(sibling, teenage years)

Connect to his empathy and tendency to detach.

served(military police, 4 years)

Use career details to explain confidence, discipline, or even potential rigidness.

Relationships

estranged from family, complicated relationship(ex-wife)

Hints at relational struggles, balancing loyalty or empathy with more personal issues.

Show how the character’s flaws affect relationships.

Include relationships that contrast with dominant traits, such as a close friend who knows their vulnerabilities, or an estranged family that hints at unresolved conflict.

Examples

Positive Traits

Trait	Balance	Example
Kind	Frustration when kindness is exploited	kind(burns out from setting no boundaries)
Gentle	Rare outbursts when pushed too far	gentle(bottles up anger, surprising outbursts)
Loyal	Blind devotion, fear of abandonment	loyal(secretly fears betrayal)
Optimistic	Naivety, struggles with failure	optimistic(denies reality when faced with setbacks)

Dominant Traits

Trait	Balance	Example
Confident	Private moments of insecurity	confident(struggles with self-doubt privately)
Dominant	Guilt over controlling behavior	dominant(secretly worries about pushing others away)
Driven	Tunnel vision, neglect of relationships	driven(often sacrifices personal well-being)

Intellectual Traits

Trait	Balance	Example
Intelligent	Overthinks, frustrated with those who disagree.	intelligent(struggles to connect with others)
Strategic	Paralyzed by over-planning.	strategic(overanalyzes, mistrusts spontaneity)

Playful Traits

Trait	Balance	Example
Playful	Avoids responsibility	playful(uses humor to deflect serious topics)
Charming	Struggles to form genuine connections	charming(secretly fears rejection)

Negative Traits

Trait	Balance	Example
Arrogant	Fear of failure, moments of humility	arrogant(hides imposter syndrome)
Jealous	Guilt over envy, occasional vulnerability	jealous(masked with humor or denial)
Reckless	Regrets past mistakes, fears consequences	reckless(secretly fears repercussions)
Manipulative	Genuine care for certain people, moments of regret for their tactics, fear of being caught	manipulative(secretly craves authentic expression, wishes they didn’t have to rely on deception)

General Tip

Having a hard time coming up with balancing traits? Ask yourself the following:

1. What situations might challenge this trait?

2. How might this trait create conflict or vulnerability?

3. How does this trait affect relationships or decisions?