EXTROVERTED DEFINITION:outgoing; socially adept CATEGORIES:identity, interactive SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:gregarious, outgoing, sociable POSSIBLE CAUSES: Genetics Being an adrenaline junkie Getting one’s energy from other people An adventurous upbringing (being exposed to new cultures and experiences, etc.) ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Having an outward focus (on other people, experiences, etc.) rather than an inward one Feeling confident in social situations Being friendly and chatty Being motivational Seeking new pursuits and experiences Being adventurous Enjoying large venues, events, and crowds Being reward-focused Being socially adept and gifted at small talk Becoming easily bored Thinking while speaking; working things out verbally Buying tickets to concerts or entertainment events Making the first move (approaching others, striking up a conversation, etc.) Impulsiveness Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone Being outgoing Competitiveness Being productive with one’s time Enjoying traveling and meeting new people Going to parties and hosting events Laughing and joking with others Texting and calling people to stay connected Needing constant activity and stimulation Asking direct questions rather than beating around the bush Being a thrill seeker Having many friendships rather than only one or two Cheerfulness and high-spiritedness Spontaneity:Let’s head out to the farm and have a bonfire! Having difficulty expressing one’s feelings Always moving and doing Feeling energetic and enthusiastic in social situations Seeking and taking advantage of opportunities Being trendy (buying the latest technology, staying current with fashions, etc.) Enjoying team sports Craving attention Openly sharing ideas and opinions Listening to loud music Being active on social media ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: Perfect temperature for a swim. I’ll call around to see who’s up for water polo. I can’t wait for Zack’s party. It’s going to be epic! That’s it—I’m ditching this conference. There must be something fun to do in this town. I love these tights, but if I show up in them, the girls will laugh me out of the office. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:confidence, eagerness, excitement, happiness, pride, satisfaction POSITIVE ASPECTS:Extroverted characters are almost never alone; they thrive in the company of others. They enjoy getting out, trying new experiences, and meeting new people. These characters are confident in most social situations and can mingle well. They often have a large group of friends and can be very spontaneous and open-minded. Their enthusiasm will affect others and bring up the energy level of any gathering. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Extroverted characters are easily bored and require almost constant stimulation. This can be exhausting for friends who are not so outgoing or lean toward being introverted. Their desire for something new and exciting can lead to rashness and poor decisions. They are also reward-driven and can be very competitive, causing friction among friends and colleagues. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:In the movieThe Talented Mr. Ripley, wealthy Dickie Greenleaf is living in Italy to escape his stuffy and controlling parents back in the United States. In constant need of excitement and adventure, Dickie is a natural extrovert, getting his energy from being out with his many friends at jazz clubs and bars. He travels extensively, moving to new locales when his current scene gets boring.Other Examples from Film and Literature:Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), Bridget Vreeland (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:calm, introverted, patient, perfectionist, proper, reckless, sentimental, untrusting CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE EXTROVERTED CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Being forced to attend long, drawn-out ceremonies (Sunday mass, weddings, funerals, etc.) PLOTLINE: Being stuck (in an elevator, for instance) with no stimulation until help arrives PLOTLINE: Falling in love with an introvert PLOTLINE: Having a job that requires one to be alone for long periods of time (a truck driver, etc.)