Temperaments

 

Hello, friends!

Today, we'll go through the four basic temperament styles a human can possess. You can use temperament styles in both writing the story (for example: two characters react differently to an event, why?) and in character creation.

Let's get into it!

What is a TEMPERAMENT?

It's a system of consistent individual differences in behavior that are biologically based and are relatively independent of learning, system of values and attitudes.

Temperamental traits are shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors both early in development and across the childhood years.

The oldest and most famous temperament theory was created by Hippocrates and Galen, who named the four temperament styles.

We'll now look into them.

MELANCHOLIC

strengths: analytical, thoughtful, considerate, creative, independent

weaknesses: pessimistic, anxious, too cautious, difficult to please, moody

→ afraid of rejection, want to appear competent

SANGUINE

strengths: enthusiastic, sociable, charismatic, lively, spontaneous 

weaknesses: disorganized, unfocused, impulsive, too loud, an exaggerator

→ need approval and are afraid of its lack

CHOLERIC

strengths: decisive, confident, ambitious, motivating, efficient 

weaknesses: impulsive, impatient, aggressive, argumentative, unable to relax

→ afraid of failure, want to be in control

PHLEGMATIC

strengths: calm, reliable, consistent, curious, peace-making

weaknesses: indecisive, apathetic, fearful of change, undisciplined, sarcastic

→ need to protect their energy, afraid of over-obligation

Mixed types:

Melancholic-phlegmatic

Sanguine-choleric

…only rarely other combinations (since they're each other's opposites)

TEMPERAMENT VS PERSONALITY

TEMPERAMENT describes traits that shape how a person approaches the world.

PERSONALITY exists within the person and can be separate from temperament. It's a combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.