Character Trait: Creative

Definition : marked with the desire or skill to create




Causes : innate giftedness, coming from a creative family or environment, a desire for power or recognition, an unavoidable need to share what's inside with others, finding a void and wanting to fill it, seeing and appreciating beauty in untraditional forms




Characters in Literature: Olivia (the pig), Amy March (Little Women), Skeeter Phelan (The Help), Joe (The Sky is Everywhere)




Positives : Creative people usually see the world a little differently than most, and so they almost always have a fresh perspective to offer. The power of creation doesn't come easy, so those who seek to create are usually determined, hard-working, and driven. Creatives have a long-distance perspective that enables them to work through criticism, discouragement, and rejection.




Negatives : Because creative types tend to be focused on their gift, they may be somewhat out of touch with reality. This can lead to awkwardness or insecurity in social situations. Their focus on the muse can distract them from day-to-day practicalities, like house cleaning, paying the bills, and getting places on time. The need to create can become so all-consuming that it leads to the neglect of important relationships, creating isolation. The path to creation is also rife with naysayers, turning some creatives negative and jaded. 




Common Portrayals: artists, authors and poets, actors, dancers, musicians, chefs, interior designers, fashion designers, entrepreneurs, child prodigies




Cliches to Avoid: the tormented artist; the hermit author; the frustrated, alcoholic or drug-addicted creative; the brilliant but socially awkward creative; the penniless, desperate actor




Twists on the Traditional Creative:  



Creatives are almost always driven by the passion to create. What about the reluctant creator? Someone who doesn't necessarily want to do it for some reason, but they need to?
Personally, I think the artist/author/musician creative has been overdone. I'd like to see more stories about highly creative characters in other fields: architecture, automotive manufacturing, city planning
In the real world, successful CEOs are also creators, but their product is less tactile and "beautiful" than in the traditional creative arts. And all we hear about them is their financial prowess. Why not focus on their creative process instead?







Conflicting Characteristics to Make your Creative Unique or More Interesting: reluctant, practical, wicked, glamorous, charming, wealthy