EASYGOING DEFINITION:casual in manner and mindset CATEGORIES:identity, interactive SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:carefree, happy-go-lucky, lackadaisical, laid-back, mellow, relaxed POSSIBLE CAUSES: Having fun-loving parents who went with the flow Being confident in oneself Being naturally contented and satisfied Believing that things happen for a reason and one must let go of things beyond one’s control Growing up in an overly strict or highly stressful environment and choosing to live differently ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Happiness Having a non-competitive nature Acting as a peacemaker when there are conflicts Having a calm and agreeable demeanor Having fun without worrying about the judgment of others Avoiding stress Being willing to show one’s emotions Honesty Being low maintenance Not taking pains with one’s appearance Working to live, not living to work Enjoying holidays and weekends Making time for one’s interests Encouraging others to not worry and enjoy life Enjoying achievements when they happen Thoughtfulness Spontaneity A sense of fairness; being uncompetitive Doing things last minute as opposed to planning ahead Working well in a group setting Not feeling compelled to lead; being content to follow Preferring loose timelines rather than set deadlines Tardiness Easily overlooking offenses; forgiving and forgetting Sleeping in Being free of most worry Thinking positively Patience Having a good sense of humor Being even-keeled; not being easily upset Not worrying about success; just enjoying the experience Being friendly and accepting of others Having a go-with-the-flow attitude that allows one to fit in with many different groups Being slow to anger Deriving energy from the happiness of others Having an open mind Being at peace with oneself Preferring to let others make decisions ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: Whatever movie Debbie picks, I know I’ll enjoy it. The other team deserves to win. They definitely outplayed us today. I don’t think I could do Rick’s job, with all those deadlines and long hours. This camping trip will be so much fun. Even if it rains, we’ll play cards and catch up. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:amusement, confidence, happiness, indifference, satisfaction POSITIVE ASPECTS:Easygoing characters are comfortable to be around. They’re laid-back and take life as it comes. Rather than stress over things that are out of their control, they go with the flow and enjoy the positives. Characters with this trait don’t worry about winning or losing or chasing success; they simply enjoy the experience. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Easygoing characters don’t always have the same priorities as other people. Their mellow approach to life may lead others to believe that they’re apathetic or lack passion. Being easygoing means not being concerned with things that may be important to others, like punctuality, orderliness, or ambition. This difference in priorities can cause conflict with characters who value such things. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:In the course of his life, Forrest Gump encounters more than his share of danger and stress. But he takes everything in stride. Whether he’s being forced to wear “magic shoes,” saying goodbye to his best friend in the middle of a firefight, caring for a bitter paraplegic, or raising his young son on his own, Forrest doesn’t get rattled. He faces each challenge with a positive attitude and an open mind, ready to learn from what the day has to offer.Other Examples from Literature and Film:Novalee Nation (Where the Heart Is), Will Freeman (About a Boy) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:ambitious, introverted, judgmental, melodramatic, needy, nervous, obsessed, suspicious, workaholic CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE EASYGOING CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Seeing a friend or loved one in chronic pain and being unable to help PLOTLINE: Suffering an injustice (not being covered by insurance due to an administrative error, etc.) PLOTLINE: Having a desire or need so important that one would do anything to obtain it PLOTLINE: Experiencing a tragedy or disaster that pulls one out of one’s temperate emotional range