INSPIRATIONAL
DEFINITION:encouraging others, through one’s example, to strive for change and fulfillment

CATEGORIES:identity, interactive

SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:motivational

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Being successful or accomplished
Having an extremely positive outlook
Having wisdom or insight into the human condition
Having an encouraging, supportive mentality
Having big dreams and the willingness to go after them
Being passionate about a topic and wanting to raise awareness

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS:
Making the time to create meaningful connections with other people
Leading by example
Having a strong work ethic
Believing in oneself and others
Having high self-esteem and confidence
Being goal driven
Cheering on the big and small successes of others
Taking control of one’s destiny no matter what setbacks occur
Seeing worth in other people and appreciating them for who they are
Creating challenges in order to foster growth
Honesty
Creating awareness or sharing information that one believes others should know
Encouraging others to explore their individuality and find fulfillment
Being open, even with acquaintances or strangers
Believing in the best side of people
Discussing one’s vulnerability in an effort to connect with others
Being genuine
Feeling empowered by helping others make positive changes
Not being derailed by hardship or adversity
Striving for growth and a deeper understanding of oneself
Being articulate or thoughtful when speaking
Including others rather than excluding them
Being highly energetic and focused
Living one’s beliefs and encouraging others to stand up for what they believe in
Being a deep thinker
Knowing what is important and prioritizing accordingly
Sharing one’s story and how one’s choices and determination have opened doors
Offering words of encouragement to those who need it
Giving more than one takes
Being willing to help
Having patience
Having faith in one’s actions, that they will lead to reaching one’s goals
Desiring to learn, gather information, and share it with others

ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS:
This won’t be easy, but I can do it.
I should tell Carol my story; maybe it will encourage her to keep trying.
I don’t know how I’ll pay for it, but I’m going to go to college.
People need to know the truth!

ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:confidence, desire, determination, gratitude, happiness, peacefulness, satisfaction

POSITIVE ASPECTS:Inspirational characters are doers who aren’t afraid to follow their dreams and stand up for what they believe in. They are focused on goals that often lead to self-growth and willingly champion causes that bring about positive change for others. Characters like this are hard working, dedicated, and supportive in nature, cheering on others and encouraging them to be better. They unwittingly motivate people and frequently make a positive impact on others.

NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Sometimes inspirational characters can be so focused on the goal that they forget to enjoy small accomplishments and other constants in their lives. The inspiring character may become so accomplished that family and friends start to feel as though they are not striving hard enough themselves and that they should be accomplishing more. This may lead them to struggle with doubt or resentment and low self-esteem.

EXAMPLE FROM HISTORY:Born without the ability to see, hear, or verbally communicate with others, Helen Keller could easily have lived her entire life in darkness, cut off from everyone around her. But due to her stubbornness, her intelligence, and the determination of a visionary teacher, Helen was able to overcome her deficiencies and become one of the most inspiring people who ever lived.Other Examples from History and Film:Martin Luther King, Jr., Anne Frank, Joan of Arc, Terry Fox, Mahatma Gandhi, Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird), Oskar Schindler (Schindler’s List), William Wallace (Braveheart)

TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:controlling, frivolous, haughty, jealous, laid-back, lazy, proper, shy, unethical, unmotivated, wishy-washy

CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE INSPIRATIONAL CHARACTER:
PLOTLINE: Wishing to persevere but not having the resources or health to do so
PLOTLINE: Experiencing repeat failures that cause a crisis of faith
PLOTLINE: Being so weighed down by responsibility for others that one’s own dreams are sidelined
PLOTLINE: Experiencing an injury that causes a goal to become seemingly impossible