Causes: Living in an environment that encourages risk taking; a strong inclination to live in the moment and without boundaries; rebelling against a upbringing of rigid rules and expectations; selfishness; ADD or ADHD; a reaction to a near-death experience that brings home one's own mortality
Characters in Literature: Romeo (Romeo & Juliet); Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gabels); Fred & George Weasley (Harry Potter)
Positives: Impulsive characters are always interesting to be around as they are catalysts for change and conflict. Their ability to do and say what they please can be viewed by others as the ultimate freedom. Things 'happen' around these types, creating entertainment for others. If the impulsive character is also loyal to a friend, family member or cause, there is no limit to what they would do in a time of need.
Negatives: Impulsives create problems for those who hold to forethought and careful planning, causing friction in friendships. Because Impulsives are reactive, they do not think about how their actions affect other people or the big picture until it's too late. These characters can take a situation from bad to worse, and lose the trust of others or be viewed as selfish. Impulsive characters are volatile, ruled by emotion. Impulsives are also more prone to addiction because of their inability to apply the breaks to their own behavior.
Common Portrayals: Dare-devils & adrenaline junkies; people with ADD or ADHD; kids labeled with 'behavior problems'; Artists, Actors & creative types; Hoarders; Shoplifters; Shop-a-holics; People prone to violence; Mobsters & criminals; Celebrities; Teenagers
Cliches to Avoid: The troublemaker student; impulsive sex leading to pregnancy; the 'single impulsive choice resulting in terrible consequences' as a plot device (especially when impulsive behavior is not a character trait); pairing impulsiveness with stupidity; the 'straight-laced girl who acts impulsive to fit in' plot device
Twists on the Traditional Impulsive:
- Impulsives whose actions end in a good result instead of a bad result, and this causes unforeseen conflict. Think about it--usually bad things have to happen to get our characters into trouble. Wouldn't it be great to see the opposite? A challenge yes, but being able to offer something new to readers? Oh so worth it!
- Characters who are both impulsive and intelligent. Because Impulsiveness is often paired with doing something stupid, wouldn't it be great to see a character's inner conflict because of his or her's opposing traits?
- An organized, thoughtful character who must embrace impulsiveness for the greater good. So, rather than a personal gain, the character's impulsiveness is the key to something bigger. This would create a lot of inner turmoil, embracing a trait so unsuited to one's personality.
Conflicting Characteristics to make your Impulsive unique or more interesting: Selflessness, Kindness, Intelligence, Shyness, Lazy; Moral