DIPLOMATIC DEFINITION:skilled at handling people while respecting their needs CATEGORIES:interactive, moral SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:tactful POSSIBLE CAUSES: Growing up with two or more siblings Being responsible for people whose views, attitudes, and needs differ Working in management or politics Obtaining a position of power and wanting to keep it Having a strong sense of teamwork and community Valuing fairness and respect Being strongly empathetic Having an intuitive nature Being the peacemaker in a family that often clashes Acting as a caregiver or support worker for those with chronic illnesses or mental instabilities ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Acknowledging others and their needs as valid and important Showing respect Being a strong listener Thinking before acting Being able to put oneself into someone else’s shoes Being trustworthy Treating everyone fairly and without bias Speaking in a neutral tone Having an aptitude for reasoning and logic Repeating the facts so there are no misunderstandings for anyone Defusing high emotions by remaining calm and reasonable Building people up in a genuine manner Offering opinions that show respect for everyone involved Speaking tactfully about past mistakes Not assigning blame unless it can be done in an instructive way Offering opinions on how to work together for the best outcome Holding to one’s beliefs and ideals Avoiding negative language such asI don’t like that,orThat won’t work,etc. Offering ideas and solutions for change Positivity Hesitating in order to choose one’s words carefully Not being aggressive Respecting other people’s boundaries and personal distance Maintaining strong eye contact Offering a joke or comment to defuse tension Showing kindness when correcting someone’s misconception or mistake Offering honesty—but carefully, in a way that won’t cause offense Avoiding arguments; having strong negotiating skills Leading by example Being willing to compromise Being highly aware of people’s emotions and working to avoid hurt feelings Sharing a personal struggle in an effort to put people at ease Paying close attention to and accurately interpreting the body language of others ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: Brenda’s mad about not being invited to Erica’s party. I’ll step in if this gets ugly. I need to show them they can help one another since they’re both after the same thing. If the kids swap chores every few weeks, then no one can complain about it being unfair. When Dad visits, I’ll show him how safe the city is. He’ll feel better about my move here. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:confidence, determination, hopefulness, resignation, satisfaction POSITIVE ASPECTS:Diplomatic characters are often wise, far-seeing, and intelligent. They can remove themselves emotionally from a situation and are skilled at providing insight that helps others make good decisions. Natural peacemakers, these characters don’t let passion rule them. They are careful with their words, seeking out information, investigating, and obtaining feedback before weighing in or offering potential solutions. A diplomatic character is able to be supportive, loyal, and trustworthy without judging, and so make good confidantes. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Diplomacy can be draining; when a diplomatic character has strong feelings and needs to vent, he may be reluctant to do so out of fear of damaging his reputation. Friends may frequently bring their disputes, beefs, and arguments to him, expecting to be heard and counseled. This can lead to high stress and unhappiness, as well as a sense of frustration born from knowing that whatever is decided, someone will always be dissatisfied with the outcome. A diplomatic character can also be viewed by others as manipulative, since his ability to read and persuade others can be used to his personal advantage. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s serving man in theBatmanfranchise, tactfully handles all manner of affairs for his employer whilst maintaining the secrecy of Bruce’s identity. As a confidante, he fulfills his role while being both a mentor and moral compass for Bruce, whose judgment is sometimes clouded by the negativity of Gotham City’s criminal underworld.Other Examples from Literature and Film:Gray Grantham (The Pelican Brief), Sean Maguire (Good Will Hunting) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:defensive, dishonest, impulsive, jaded, suspicious, sweet, unhelpful, whimsical CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE DIPLOMATIC CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Remaining diplomatic when one has personal stakes in the outcome PLOTLINE: Trying to help others find middle ground when one is morally opposed to their goal PLOTLINE: Being diplomatic in the face of disrespect, confrontation, threats, and manipulation