Using Elements for Characters

Use the four elements and think about what personality traits would be associated with each element. Assign an element to a character. You do not have to use all the personality traits associated with an element, but you should make sure you have a nice balance of good and bad traits. Good traits make the character likable, while bad traits (or character flaws) make them relatable.

For more unique characters, try combining elements, like water + earth = mud, and fire + water = steam. If any traits clash or cancel out each other, remove one of them. I wouldn't recommend you combine more than two elements, because the character might become unbalanced.

Earth:

Good:
- reliable
- sturdy
- brave
- strong
- busy
- wise
- patient
- empathetic
- quiet
- resourceful
- loyal
- frugal
- creative

Bad:
- strict
- stubborn
- easily annoyed
- grouchy
- lazy
- fussy
- obnoxious
- disinterested
- serious
- anti social
- snobbish
- messy

Summary: Earth is a sturdy and strong element, commonly associated with the "strong silent type". Earth can have much knowledge, but they aren't going to share it with just anyone. It can be a little hard to impress and earn the trust of an earth element, but to be guided and educated by them is well worth it.


Fire:

Good:
- brave
- competitive
- assertive
- adventurous
- ambitious
- fun loving
- excitable
- funny
- eager
- enthusiastic

Bad:
- aggressive
- fierce
- hostile
- mischievous
- evil
- arrogant
- greedy
- ignorant
- annoying
- impolite
- dangerous
- foolish
- careless
- cunning
- selfish
- tense
- cruel
- combative
- rebellious
- anti social
- narcissistic/vein
- overconfident
- crazy
- irresponsible
- hot headed
- over emotional
- destructive
- impatient

Summary: Fire is an aggressive and furious element. Although fire can be adventurous and brave, it can also be very destructive and foolish. Fire of course has a heated temper which can at times spiral out of control and drive others away.


Air:

Good:
- adventurous
- social
- caring
- fun loving
- ambitious
- curious
- cooperative
- funny
- assertive
- encouraging
- excitable
- lucky
- friendly
- fair
- cheerful
- helpful
- gentle
- pleasant
- perfectionist
- imaginative
- optimistic

Bad:
- foolish
- mysterious
- ignorant
- wild
- rebellious
- impatient
- narcissistic/vein
- pushy
- absent minded
- forgetful
- messy
- clumsy

Summary: Air is the good side of fire. Free spirited and excitable. Air craves adventure and excitement in their lives and gets bored easily. Air attracts many friends, because of its bubbly personality and courage, but also because they don't get angry or frustrated as easily as fire does. Unfortunately air can get so wrapped up in their optimistic view of the world that they may accidentally ignore or forget important things, and don't easily recognize it when their friends are hiding their true emotions.


Water:

Good:
- agreeable
- calm
- caring
- cautious
- clever
- polite
- social
- quiet
- curious
- cooperative
- obedient
- empathetic
- loyal
- smart
- friendly
- wise
- patient
- helpful
- generous
- pleasant
- neat
- perfectionist
- creative
- easily impressed

Bad:
- bewildered
- mysterious
- shy
- lazy
- pessimistic
- unlucky
- doubtful
- forgetful
- nervous
- insecure
- clumsy
- anxious

Summary: Water makes a good friend, as it is a kind, caring and wise element, however it is also easy for others to take advantage of. Of course the water element will like to keep everything in their life neat and organized. In most situations water will try to remain calm and relaxed, but sometimes it might get out of their control, causing them to become anxious and doubtful. Some water elements may be so anxious that they may depend on others to accomplish things.