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redd956 · 1 year

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Writing Characters with Varying Empathy, Sympathy, & Compassion

Prt.1 Empathy

First of all, let’s put down the elephant in the room. Lately online there has been a lot of misinformation over the factors of empathy, sympathy, and compassion. So first we need to define how these things differ from each other, and what exactly they are.

The Difference

There is a big difference between these three, made significant by how groups of people tend to overreact and get these terms mixed up, causing unnecessary drama. So...

Empathy

The ability to feel, share and/or understand someone else’s pain/emotions from their standpoint.

Sympathy

The ability to acknowledge and feel pity for someone else’s pain/emotions.

Compassion

Action in good faith deriving from thoughts and feelings from empathy and/or sympathy, to relieve someone else of a negative emotion/pain.

Examples

Character A is sad, because a family member of theirs passed away

Character B cries seeing Character A cry, thinking of their own family member, and imagining how tough it also must be for Character A. They go through the motions together that night, finding comfort in each other. -Usage of empathy

Character B frowns at the sight of Character A crying, knowing what had happened. They waltz into the room, readying a comforting pat. “I’m so sorry, Character A.”, They whisper, leaning up against them, and clasping their shaking hand. -Usage of sympathy

Character B sits beside Character A, a large bowl of their favorite ice cream in hand. “Hey Character A, I heard what happened and I just couldn’t stop thinking about how bad that must be. I brought you some ice cream, it could help with the sore throat from all this crying.” - Usage of Compassion

The Variation Aspect

It is important to note that having empathy doesn’t inherently make someone a better or good person, same goes to lacking empathy making people villainous. There are natural variations of empathy among people, and these do not dictate whether or not someone is more likely to follow what societal alignment or another.

People with high empathy can still be awful, just as those with low empathy can still be kind souls. Empathy levels are detached from morals and ideologies, which is an important notion to make when creating characters.

Average Empathy

Average empathy is being able to feel and express empathy of course at an average level. They have an easy time sharing their emotions, and feeling when someone is going through a particular emotion. They simply experiencing empathy as expected an as most due, and don’t share the same realities as those with heightened empathy, and lower empathy.

Heightened Empathy

Empaths or those with Hyper Empathy are people who have heightened empathy. Some people can be this way naturally, but more commonly hyper empathy can be a side effect to having mental illness, such as PTSD, BPD, or ADHD.

(BPD and ADHD can also have lack of empathy as a side effect)

Obviously, empaths feel more empathy than the average person, this leads to both pros and cons, one more than the other depending on which angle you look at it. Empaths share others’ emotions at a noticeable intensity compared the average. They can more easily spot emotional differences, unearth other people’s masks, and are sensitive to tiny changes in mood. They take the other person’s pain as their own very seriously, as others

Because of this crowds of people can be incredibly overwhelming. Human interaction is more emotionally draining, and they can get socially burnt out far quicker than the average person. Empaths have a difficult time setting boundaries with others. They are often labeled over emotional, and sensitive. With empathy having such positive connotations, many assume that empaths have it easier and live a whimsical life.

Lower Empathy

Those with empathy lower than the average don’t have it easy either, as just like empaths, it drastically affects life, especially socially. Different neurotypes, those with mental illnesses, head trauma, psychological trauma, and more can lead to lacking empathy in one way or another. More well known those with cluster B disorders infamously get their bad reputation due to low empathy.

Those with lower empathy have a difficult time taking on and sharing other people’s emotions. Because of this they can struggle to understand and relate to other’s experiences. They have harder time coping with emotional situations, and can easily misinterpret the emotions/emotional responses of others. Their emotions themselves can seem callus, and inappropriate to situations.

All of this leads to difficulty in decision making related to others, social struggles, and trouble fitting in with societal standards. Lack of empathy itself can range drastically. For many it makes them more susceptible to negative and potential dangerous behaviors, as well as a lack of healthy self-esteem. This has lead to people with low empathy being vilified, especially in media.

OH YEAH IM A WRITING BLOG-

When writing a character with varying empathy there’s definitely a lot to consider. Especially since their levels of compassion or sympathy can vary themselves, separate from empathy.

You want to avoid

Using empathy related terms incorrectly, but especially disorder/medical terms related to these things incorrectly

Making a character evil solely because their empathy is low

Making a character a pure hero solely because their empathy is high

Things to consider about a character’s empathy

How a character reacts to situations based on a mixture of their empathy, compassion, and sympathy

If you’re character is lacking empathy, how are they handling sympathy

Are their reactions realistic

How a character’s morals and ideals differ from their empathy

Character dynamics formed by a difference or similarity in empathy

Characters in a group reacting differently based on their empathy, sympathy, and compassion

One character displaying empathy more, while another displays sympathy more

How the character feels about their own level of empathy

How their empathy affects them in their worldbuilding

Do proper research if you’ve decided you want a character with a level of empathy

To be continued, Hopefully here -> [ ] [ ]

Maybe, HeavenlySoup this is a sign of me trying to come up with writing refs for heroic and empathetic characters for those with low empathy to understand, maybe you my dear love, are my guinea pig?

#writing empathy #empathy #low empathy #high empathy #empath #lack of empathy #writing #writing mental illness #writing disability #cluster b

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julierysava · 10 months

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🌟 The Power of Kindness: Transcending Meanness for a Better World 🌟

Hey Tumblr fam! 💕 Today, let's delve into the incredible transformative power of kindness and how it can create a more compassionate and harmonious world. In a society often tainted by meanness, it's time to break free from the cycle and embrace the extraordinary impact of kindness! 🌍✨

Kindness is not just a mere gesture; it's a force with the potential to change lives and shape our world. In this article, we celebrate acts of compassion and explore practical ways to cultivate kindness in our everyday lives. Together, we can transcend meanness and pave the way for a better and more harmonious future! 💫💖

#PowerOfKindness #CompassionInAction #ChooseKindness #SpreadLove #HarmonyAndKindness #BeTheChange #KindnessMatters #InspireGoodness #CreateABetterWorld #KindnessRevolution

It all starts with recognizing the profound impact of our actions. A simple act of kindness, whether it's a smile, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement, has the power to brighten someone's day and restore faith in humanity. By cultivating kindness, we can create a ripple effect that spreads positivity and compassion throughout our communities. 🌟🌈

#SmallActsBigImpact #KindnessRippleEffect #SpreadPositivity #BeTheLight #MakeADifference #KindnessChangesEverything #BrightenSomeoneDay #PositivityInMotion #KindnessInspires #PositiveVibesOnly

To foster a kinder world, let's practice empathy and strive to understand the experiences and perspectives of others. Empathy allows us to connect deeply, to listen with an open heart, and to respond with compassion. Understanding others helps us to understand ourselves better, we can break down barriers, bridge divides, and cultivate a sense of unity. 🤝💞

#EmpathyFirst #ConnectWithCompassion #UnderstandingHearts #BridgingDivides #UnityInDiversity #EmpathyInAction #CompassionateListening #WalkInTheirShoes #BuildBridges #EmpathyIsKey

In our fast-paced lives, let's not forget to prioritize acts of kindness towards ourselves. Self-care, self-compassion, and self-love are essential components of a kinder world. By nurturing our own well-being, we can show up as our best selves and extend kindness and understanding to others. Remember, you deserve kindness too! 💕✨

#KindnessToSelf #SelfLoveMatters #NurtureYourWellBeing #SelfCompassion #PrioritizeSelfCare #LoveYourselfFirst #BeKindToYou #InnerKindness #EmbraceYourWorth #SelfKindnessJourney

So, dear Tumblr fam, let's embrace the power of kindness and transcend meanness in our world. Through our words, actions, and choices, we can make a difference. Together, let's create a ripple of kindness spreading far and wide, leaving a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and our beautiful planet. 🌍💖

#KindnessInAction #ChooseLove #KindnessChangesLives #EmbraceCompassion #SpreadKindnessEverywhere #BeKindAlways #KindnessIsContagious #MakeKindnessTheNorm #EmbraceTheKind #OneActOfKindnessAtATime

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larrylucasarch · 5 years

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Learning about parenting small kids with Love & Logic...because I need all the help I can get! ~ In my blog #GreenHeartTown (link in bio) I write about "Renewing Your Home, Neighborhood and Downtown from the Inside Out." Healthy relationships at home that champion love & respect are the building block for that inside out renewal process. . . . . #sustainablehomes #happyhome #happyfamilies #responsiblekids #empathyfirst #empathy #empathyforlife #sustainablehealthyrelationships #respectfulparenting #loveandlogic #newparents #firsttimeparents #funwithkids #familyadventure #familytime #fathersofmultiples #lovemytwins #momsofmultiples #mops #lucasfamily #lovemyfamily💕 #coloradolove #coloradoadventure ~ @love_and_logic_institute @loveandlogicworkshopsftc

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salimavastani-blog · 8 years

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Real world UX lessons for a rookie

In today’s blog post, I don’t have a lot to write about processes that I followed this week. I have been learning some QA work, finished the usability test results analysis and continued with incorporating changes in the wireframes I designed some weeks ago.

The boss was happy with our usability test results. I was happy that we were able to articulate through examples the issues that the current app has and how it’s hampering a smooth experience for the user. And based on this test, I have been assigned more usability tests for the next version of the app so we can compare the progress of the design. Not all the recommendations are going to be incorporated in this next version. Partly, because the redesigning had already started based on in-house usability tests done in the past and partly because the recommendations are to overhaul the overall design which would take lot more resources of the team. But, some suggestions have been incorporated and it will be interesting to note how this affects the user’s experience in the next version.

The choice of the title of today’s blog post reflects what I learnt re-editing the wireframes. This is something that had been on my mind since I started working at my internship. My first post was about how a UX designer’s job gets tough as we have to strike a balance between advocating for the user by putting forth what we believe will work for them; and at the same time going with what the client/boss wants because they make the final decision. A classmate and I had been discussing this as he too was having a similar issue in which he thought the user experience may not be optimal if he designs something what his client wanted. Both of us, in our own situation, had strong and valid opinions about our design but it was unnerving when we felt that the client/boss wasn’t seeing our point of view. From all the discussions I had with my supervisors and my friend, the lesson I learnt is put your point forward in an articulate and common sensical way, corroborate it (through usability tests, comparative analysis etc.) but be dispassionate about your work. Present it, and if the client still feels passionate about his idea, give him what he wants. He does make the final call and I have to respect that. Because as a UX designer, I have to be empathetic first - to the user as well as the client. Taking this approach, keeps the communication open with your client and it’s easier to work together.

#rookielessons #empathyfirst #UXdesigner #useradvocate

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