Character Trait Entry: Just

Definition : believing in or pursuing what is morally right or good




Causes : a religious upbringing that focuses on right vs wrong; growing up in an environment where fairness was emphasized; fear of doing wrong or being perceived as doing wrong; fear of punishment; a self-righteous attitude; wanting to be "better" than others; wanting to be seen as better than others




Characters in Literature & Pop Culture: Robin Hood, Dumbledore, Reverend Mr. John Williams (The Scarlet Letter)




Positives :  Just people long for things to be made right. They rail against injustice and are quick to stand up for the oppressed. They aren't afraid to try and right wrongs, even when their beliefs bring them into conflict with powerful or influential people. Because their beliefs are constantly being challenged by those in opposition, just characters are usually well-spoken and are able to intelligently defend their point of view.




Negatives : It's easy for just characters to be more concerned with right/wrong than they are with people. They tend to see things in black and white and can easily slip into stereotypical or judgmental thinking. Taken to an extreme, the just character lacks empathy and mercy, and can become vigilante in their desire for justice. They can also become so devoted to their opinions that they're unable to see or admit when they're in the wrong




Common Portrayals: religious figures, judges, social activists




Clichés to Avoid: the self-righteous, hypocritical priest or pastor; the just character who bravely stands alone in his quest to right a wrong




Twists on the Traditional Just Character:   



Just characters are usually bold and confrontational. How about a meek or wallflower-type person who is compelled to stand up for what's right?
People with a strong sense of right and wrong are often firmly convinced of their own rightness. It would be refreshing to see a just character who takes a stand on something, but struggles with his own convictions on the subject.
The self-righteous just character has been done to death. There are so many other faults and flaws  that can realistically be applied. Break the cliché and come up with a new pairing of strength with weakness.

Conflicting Characteristics to Make your Just Character Unique or More Interesting: timid, coarse, depressed, grouchy, popular, unintelligent