SPUNKY DEFINITION:an inclination toward liveliness and high energy CATEGORIES:interactive SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:animated, bubbly, energetic, lively, peppy, spirited POSSIBLE CAUSES: Being free-spirited Having an excess of energy Being fun-loving Having encouraging or permissive parents ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Enthusiasm Wanting to make people smile Excitability Curiosity Having a cheerful outlook Speaking quickly with lots of gesturing and touching Enjoying surprises and making new discoveries Waking up energized and looking forward to the day Desiring to learn by experience Seeing the magical in the everyday Trying new things just for fun Enjoying new challenges Friendliness Interrupting out of excitability rather than from intentional rudeness Skipping or moving with a bouncing step Positivity Assertiveness Enjoying music, crowds, and events Not complaining Letting go of things that are beyond one’s control Committing random acts of kindness Spontaneity Making suggestions for fun activities:I know…let’s go to the circus! Making silly faces and being goofy to raise people’s spirits Being active; enjoying exercise Not worrying about what others think Not wasting opportunities Being determined; never giving up Encouraging others Being happy Speaking one’s mind Making decisions that are driven by emotion Wearing colorful clothing Having a strong sense of identity Unpredictability Not being afraid to show one’s exuberance Difficulty going slowly, taking one’s time, or just lazing around ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: I love Emma’s red hair. I think I’ll color mine, too! I’m going to freak everyone out and start dancing on the table. They say only boys can try out, but who cares? I want to play rugby, too. Everyone’s worrying too much about winning. This is supposed to be fun! ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:anticipation, confidence, excitement, happiness, satisfaction POSITIVE ASPECTS:Spunky characters are bubbly and optimistic and know what makes them happy. They can bring up the mood in a room and can often be found encouraging people to try new things and chase their dreams. Leading by example, they help others to let go of their fears and be themselves. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Spunky characters are so energetic and unpredictable that it can be exhausting to be around them. They don’t always read situations well and may not know when to try and cheer someone up or when to step back and give them space. Others may believe them to be naïve or irresponsible because they live in the moment and don’t think too far ahead. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:Camp counselors Gary and Becky in the filmAddams Family Valuesare spunky and enthusiastic, spreading good cheer and encouragement among all the campers at Camp Chippewa. Their can-do attitude and refusal to be put off by rudeness or antisocial behavior make them worthy adversaries for Wednesday and Pugsley, who are determined to break out and save their uncle Fester.Other Examples from TV:Becky Rosen (Supernatural), Kenneth Parcell (30 Rock) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:abrasive, confrontational, proper, pretentious, stingy, traditional CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE SPUNKY CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Working through a relationship break up PLOTLINE: Being in a social situation where one must be composed or reserved PLOTLINE: Working within a tight deadline PLOTLINE: Having to follow rules that one does not agree with PLOTLINE: Feeling torn between being oneself and making a loved one proud