
I just recently posted this on my tumblr as well.
For some time I’ve always had a fascination about the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Heavenly Virtues. But I had never thought to apply them to my character. Always a character can be attributed to a sin, usually as a weak point or something that does move their character in particular direction but we don’t often hear of the Virtues. So, I’ve developed a small exercise for others to look at and get to know their characters more when it comes to what Sin and/or Virtues they can represent. After all, we are not all Sinful and we are not all Virtuous. That’s what makes a character round!
For some time I’ve always had a fascination about the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Heavenly Virtues. But I had never thought to apply them to my character. Always a character can be attributed to a sin, usually as a weak point or something that does move their character in particular direction but we don’t often hear of the Virtues. So, I’ve developed a small exercise for others to look at and get to know their characters more when it comes to what Sin and/or Virtues they can represent. After all, we are not all Sinful and we are not all Virtuous. That’s what makes a character round!
Quote:Rating Scale:
1 - 10. 1 as complete Sin. 10 as complete Virtue. 4 near the middle, closer to the Sin. 5 near the middle closer to the Virtue.
Lust vs Chasity
Lust: To have an intense desire for something/someone. Usually depicted as sexual desire but can also be a desire for money, power, food, etc.
"Lust is a powerful psychological force producing intense wanting for an object, or circumstance fulfilling the emotion"
Chasity:Â To abstain from sexual behavior. To be the opposite from lust is to also abstain from the intense desires that one has.
Gluttony vs Temperance
Gluttony:Â The over indulgence of anything to the point of waste. Does not always pertain to food but is most common to food.
Temperance:Â To exercise restraint. Being mindful of those around you and of your surroundings and practicing self-control.
“Restraint, temperance, justice. Constant mindfulness of others and one’s surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, moderation and deferred gratification. Prudence to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time. Proper moderation between self-interest, versus public-interest, and against the rights and needs of others.â€
Greed vs Charity
Greed:Â A sin much like lust and gluttony as a sin of excess. However, greed depicts the need for material possession in abundance.
Charity:Â Generosity, self sacrifice. However, it is also a reference to love, as love is unlimited loving kindness towards all others.
Sloth vs Diligence
Sloth:Â Described as both physical and spiritual laziness.
“Sloth has also been defined as a failure to do things that one should do. By this definition, evil exists when good men fail to act.â€
Diligence:Â To have a work ethic and not be one to give up.
“A zealous and careful nature in one’s actions and work; decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, fortitude, and the capability of not giving up. Budgeting one’s time; monitoring one’s own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one’s convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watchingâ€
Wrath vs Patience
Wrath:Â Described as uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger. Seen as self destructive and in its purest form violence.
“ Feelings of anger can manifest in different ways, including impatience, revenge, and self-destructive behavior, such as drug abuse or suicide.â€
Patience:Â Going about to resolve conflicts peacefully. The ability to have the grace to forgive others transgressions.
“Creating a sense of peaceful stability and community rather than suffering, hostility, and antagonism.â€
Envy vs Kindness
Envy:Â Much like lust it is a desire but in this case it is insatiable. It can be seen as jealousy as well as often it arises when someone else has something that you want.
“Envy is similar to jealousy in that they both feel discontent towards someone’s traits, status, abilities, or rewards. The difference is the envious also desire the entity and covet it.â€
Kindness: â€Charity, compassion and friendship for its own sake. Empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment. Unselfish love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite. Having positive outlooks and cheerful demeanor; to inspire kindness in others.â€
Pride vs Humility
Pride:Â Considered the original and most serious of sins and the source of all the others. It is considered to self centered and to believe oneself better than all others.
“It is identified as believing that one is essentially better than others, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of others, and excessive admiration of the personal self.â€
Humility:Â Modest behavior, thinking not less of oneself but thinking of yourself less in situations.Â
“Reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one’s own self. Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be. Refraining from despair and the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation.â€
Does your character lean more towards the Sins or the Virtues?
Which Sin does your character most emulate?
Which Virtue does your character most emulate?
Which of these Sins or Virtues do you and/or your character believe they need to work on the most?