Causes: experiencing negative consequences first-hand or witnessing them happen to others; a bad track record regarding risk-taking; overly protective parents; being given responsibility over others at a young age; believing in superstition and 'bad luck'; exposure to danger long-term; being a leader or adviser to people whose welfare depends on sound judgement
Characters in Literature: Elrond (Lord of the Rings); Hermione Granger (Harry Potter); Stanley Yelnats (Holes)
Positives: Cautious people are observant, connected to their environment and are aware of shifting dynamics. When emotions are high, cautious characters can restore balance and apply reasoning techniques to bring people back to a place where they can make decisions with a clear head. Cautious characters try and look before they leap, think before they act and generally are the ones still alive at the end of a Horror movie.
Negatives: Cautious characters can sometimes be seen as mood-killers when others want to be spontaneous. Worried about possible risks, this character type relies on data and fact--they need to know the possible variables and potential outcomes before they act. They also see it as their duty to point out risk factors to others, which can be viewed 'mothering'. Cautious people may have a hard time relaxing in an environment that is not part of their comfort zone and may be adverse to trying new things. If too much of a path is unknown, they are often unable to commit to it.
Common Portrayals: Parents, politicians worried about voters; health and critical care specialists (surgeons, doctors, nurses and hospital staff); the police, firemen and other first responders; military leaders; publicists; people keeping secrets
Cliches to Avoid: The sheltering parent who practically bubble-wraps their kid before letting them out the door; the teacher or committee that over plans, sucking all the fun out of an event; a cautious character used as a plot device, warning the main character that their reckless ways will land them in deep trouble...and then it does
Twists on the Traditional Cautious:
- Anyone bearing responsibility for others is naturally cautious. However, few truly dangerous situations allow time to plan. Put a Cautious character responsible for more than himself in a situation with a high stakes and a ramped up 'ticking clock', forcing them to act.
- Do caution and instinct go hand-in-hand, or do they lay at opposite ends of the spectrum? Explore this relationship with a cautious character--will their instinct lead to caution, or does caution actually hamper their instincts, forcing them to stop and think about the pros and cons rather than act in a way that feels natural?