In Well Rounded Characters - Part 1 we learned about temperaments and the historic theories used in the past to determine character traits based on these theories. In part 2 we'll look at specifics of the four temperaments and how to use them when creating well rounded characters that are not static but growing, thriving and unique.
Melancholic
Positives: A deep thinker, kind, creative, modest, careful, analytical, perfectionist, organized (good with details). Negatives: Worries (can think of anything that might go wrong with any new plan), obsessive, shy, depressed, self-conscious, slow to make up their mind, sensitive and easily hurt. Examples: Artists, writers; musicians.
These characters may come across as lone wolfs, detached and standoffish except from someone fortunate enough to become a close friend. Although artistically talented they're shy, self-conscious nature may overshadow their ability. Such a character could be a hermit surrounded by their own superb artwork cluttering a studio, but no one sees until they die.
Sanguine
Some attributes can be positive or negative. The sanguine propensity to be a talker is one such characteristic. Depending on circumstances, being a compulsive talker can be good or bad. Developing this characteristic within the plot may allow it to be
both.
Another trait that falls into both categories is the Sanguine's ability to live in the present. That's not a good thing if they've hurt someone in the past and never reconciled or if they've promised to do something but don't follow through. However, on the good
side this trait may allow them to move on and start a new life without emotional baggage that would mire some characters in the past.
Positives: Optimistic, cheerful, a talker, charismatic, sense of humor, lives in the present, spontaneous, curious, good stage
presence, makes people laugh Negatives: A talker, lives in the present, flashy, good starter but not a good finisher, apologizes quickly but may seem insincere, immature, doesn't remember names, has a loud voice and laugh, angers easily, comes across as phony, hates to be alone so can appear clingy or needy. Examples: Salesman, motivational speaker
A Sanguine personality is the life of the party, easily liked at first, tends to make friends easily (but not close friends with
long-term relationships). Makes promises but often doesn't follow through. This character is a charmer, better at getting other people to do what he has promised to deliver.
Choleric
Positives: Leadership qualities, gets things done, unemotional, sees the big picture, goal-setter, strong-willed, practical, flourishes on opposition, confident and doesn't discourage easily. Negatives: Aggressive, hot tempered, tense, bossy, thinks they are right, doesn't need friends, impatient, no time for family, intolerant, demanding, know-it-all. Examples: CEO, problem solver
A choleric character may be characterized by tense muscles, a controlling nature and no friends. This character may glean meaning for life from the business world, but if they lose their job they lose their purpose.
Phlegmatic
Positives: Easy-going, relaxed, dry sense of humor, calm, good under pressure, slow to lose their temper, good administrative abilities, rolls with the punches and takes good with the bad, many friends (good listener), compassionate Negatives: So laid back appears to be lazy, slow, pessimist, keeps emotions hidden so people don't know how they really feel. Examples: Good parent, Mediator
Phlegmatic characters make a great reluctant hero as they avoid conflict and are good under pressure. For the phlegmatic, good character traits can easily hide behind a negative first impression.
How to Create a Well-rounded Character
Just like people, characters are a blend of the temperaments. Combine two or more temperaments to create a well-rounded fictional character. Have fun building characters from scratch
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