Traits

Your Sims are not puppets or clockwork toys. Instead they are shards of your own soul, alternate avatars that let you explore new situations and stimulae without the constraints of this world’s consequences. When you view life in Sunset Valley through that prism, it is liberating—and very exciting. It’s an adventure that could spin out into a million different possibilities.

What you put into these digital beings is what you get out of them. If you just check in once in a while and haphazardly pick traits or careers, you’ll see an interesting story. But you want an engaging one, don’t you? After all, that’s why you’re holding this guide.

This chapter explains all of the different factors that go into the development of a Sim’s personality. That personality evolves. Sometimes the changes are subtle. Sometimes they are drastic. Use Simology to help guide your Sims through their lives. But, life is random and Sunset Valley is full of surprises. Just like your life.

Traits are the building blocks of a Sim’s personality. When you fashion a Sim, the last thing you do is imbue them with a set of traits. Traits determine Lifetime Wishes, career tracks, skill development talents, social graces, and more. Almost every facet of the Sim’s life is affected by the choices you make assigning traits, so choose wisely.

Trait List

Use this list of traits to determine the best modifers for your Sims. This list explains the

“The human soul, as a part of the movement of life, is endowed with the ability to participate in the uplift, elevation, perfection, and completion.”

—Alfred Adler, founder of Individual Psychology

strengths and weaknesses of each trait as well as the unique features that having the trait brings into a Sim’s life.

Image	Name	Description	Benefits	Shortcomings	Unique Features
	Absent-Minded	Absent-Minded Sims get lost in their thoughts and occasionally forget what they are doing or where the are going.	None	Sim will often stop in mid-action, disrupting progress and losing valuable time.	Absent-Minded Sims sometimes turn off the television when they finish watching—even if other Sims are still watching.
	Ambitious	Ambitious Sims dream big and are more rewarded when their wishes are satisfied in life. They are driven to move up the corporate ladder more quickly, but fall prey to low mood if they don’t quickly receive the promotion they desire.	Ambitious Sims enjoy improved performance at work. Fulfilled wishes are worth more Lifetime Happiness Points.	Sim gets the Anxious to Advance negative moodlet if promotions or skill level advancements dont come at a regular pace.	To keep Ambitious Sims happy, make time to advance skills. Stay on top of goals at work, too.
	Angler	Anglers catch fish better than any other Sims. They also enjoy fishing more than anyone else.	Anglers catch more fish and gain Fishing skill faster than normal Sims.	None	Anglers start their lives with a Fishing skill book in their personal inventories. Fishing lowers their stress and decreases the need for Fun.
	Artistic	Artistic Sims are naturally gifted artists with a paint brush. They make pretty good writers or musicians.	Artistic Sims gain the Painting skill faster than normals Sims. They also gain the Writing and Guitar skills faster, too, but not as fast as the Painting skill.	None	Unique Features: Artistic Sims automatically interact with guitars and easels more often. Trait introduces Talk About Art social.
	Athletic	Athletic Sims are the best athletes in town. They can push themselves harder and longer than others, and will do so to feel the burn.	Athletic Sims earn the Athletic skill faster than normal Sims. Athletic Sims also take longer to get the Fatigued moodlet.	Do not like to listen to other Sims complain about exercise or athletic activities.	Athletic Sims cannot possess the Couch Potato trait. Athletic Sims get the Talk About Exercise socia
	Bookworm	Bookworms have a passion for reading that surpasses their other desires. They also tend to become good writers.	Bookworm Sims read faster. Bookworm Sims also write faster whether working on the Writing skill, writing novels, or doing homework. They get increased Fun from reading, which helps dispel the Stressed Out moodlet.	None	Bookworm Sims get an increased environmental bonus from a room with a bookcase. They receive a Talk About Books social.
	Brave	Brave Sims are fearless individuals who will fight fires, wrangle Burglars, and work to protect those around them.	Brave Sims will fight and defeat Burglars. If a fire breaks out on the lot with the Brave Sim, the Brave Sim will not panic. He/she will immediately grab a fire extinguisher and put out the flames. Brave Sims do better in the Military and Law Enforcement careers.	None	Brave Sims can sometimes demand a raise from their boss with success. Brave Sims are not scared by ghosts. Brave Sims cannot pick the Loser or Coward traits.
	Can't Stand Art	Sims who Can’t Stand Art will never appreciate the latest masterpiece or expensive home decor. They are the anti-connoisseur.	None	Sims with this trait have a negative reaction to all art. They do not like to talk about art either.	Sims get the negative Can’t Stand Art moodlet whenever they are around art.
	Charismatic	Charismatic Sims love to socialize and often know the perfect thing to say. They also like to throw parties.	Charismatic Sims start with a Charisma skill building book and gain the Charisma skill faster than other Sims. Charismatic Sims fare well in almost all conversations. It’s a useful trait for the Political career because it boosts the chances of contributions. Social-oriented tones in career have greater effect on performance.	None	Charismatic Sims are great in conversations, which makes it easier to make friends. They’re good at everything from Debate Politics to Boast About Fishing. Cannot have the Loser trait at the same time.
	Childish	Childish Sims find it difficult to “act their age.” They love playing with children’s toys, see things through the eyes of a child, and need to be constantly entertained.	Childish Sims get benefits from having children’s toys around, such as environmental boosts. They can also play with toys.	Childish Sims are easily bored in conversations. They are particularly sensitive to repeated socials.	Childish Sims are not afriad of ghosts. Childish Sims can fish in swimming pools.
	Clumsy	Clumsy Sims muck up life with shoddy footwork and poor planning.	None	Clumsy Sims drop food, trip, and lose fish while reeling them in from the water.	Clumsy Sims drop engagement rings when proposing. It’s actually cute...
	Commitment Issues	Sims with Commitment issues don’t really want to settle down into a long-term relationship or lifelong career. Marriage is out of the question.	None	This Sim reacts poorly to many relationship-oriented socials, like proposing marriage.	Commitment Issues Sims must have a high romantic relationship with another Sim to accept marriage proposal. This Sim will desire to change careers just when things are getting good at work.
	Computer Whiz	Computer Whizzes love spending time on the computer. They are great at tinkering with computers, and can even make money as hackers if they choose.	If the Sim has the Handiness skill, they almost instantly repair computers without fail. Unlocks the Hack interaction, which offers a new revenue stream. Sim gets greater pleasure out of Play Computer Games interaction.	None	Unlocks Talk About Computers social.
	Couch Potato	Couch Potatoes are perfectly happy sitting on the couch to watch TV and eat junk food. They’ll need additional prodding to lead active lives.	Comfy moodlet is 50 percent stronger. Watching TV improves Fun need quicker than other Sims.	Couch Potatos need to sleep longer.	Couch Potato Sims cannot have Athletic trait. Will not workout unless in a very good mood.
	Coward	Cowards are terrified of everything that can and will go bump in the night. They are scared of the dark and frequently faint in “dire” situations.	None	Gets the Scared moodlet when seeing any of the following—Burglar, ghost, fire, Grim Reaper. Runs from these things most times, but will occasionally faint.	The trait unlocks the Run Away interaction. Cowardly Sims cannot have the Brave or Daredevil traits.
	Daredevil	Daredevils seek the extreme side of life, even if it means making an everyday chore extreme. They also love fire.	Quickly puts out fire when on the same lot. Daredevils never burn to death if on fire.	None	Many interactions now have the word “extreme” in them. Adds the Watch This social, which asks others to watch as the Sim does something crazy. After being crazy, Sim enjoys the Adrenaline Rush moodlet. Cannot have Daredevil and Coward trait at same time.
	Dislikes Children	Sims who Dislike Children do not want to have anything to do with children. No talking, no playing, and certainly no reproduction.	None	Sims reacts poorly to Sims with children or on a lot with children.	Dislikes Children Sims are in a bad mood any time they are around young Sims.
	Easily Impressed	Easily Impressed Sims are easily astounded by everyday stories and are always pleased with the smallest of accomplishments.	Easily Impressed Sims are always receptive to boasting socials.	None	Discovering an Easily Impressed Sim is a goldmine for adulation. These Sims hang on every boastful word, whether it’s about fishing or dancing.
	Evil	Evil Sims love the dark, take great delight in the misfortune of others, and prefer to lead a life as far away from goodness as possible.	Evil Sims are not discouraged by a lack of light. These Sims also get positive moodlets from other Sims’ misery, like Very Hungry or Smelly. Natural advanced performance in the Criminal career track.	Other Sims are naturally wary of the Evil Sim once this trait is discovered, especially Good Sims or Sims in the Law Enforcement career.	Evil Sims cannot have the Good trait.
	Excitable	Excitable Sims get excited about everything. They enjoy an extra dose of self-satisfaction when good things happen.	Excitable Sims get positive moodlets from many activities, such going on dates, eating a favorite food, getting a promotion, or catching a fish.	None	Excitable Sims cannot have Grumpy trait.
	Family Oriented	Family Oriented Sims make great parents. They love big families and being surrounded by their children.	Family Oriented Sims can help children with walking and talking better than other Sims. These Sims also start out with even better familial relationships than other Sims.	None	Family Oriented Sims have the Talk About Family social.
	Flirty	Flirty Sims are constantly looking for romance and are most often quite successful in this endeavor.	Flirty Sims do exceptionally well with romantic socials and have more available right away. Massages from Flirty Sims have extra positive effects.	None	Flirty Sims naturally drift toward flirting unless it would negatively affect a current relationship.
	Friendly	Friendly Sims smile frequently at other and are quick to make friends.	Friendly Sims default to friendly socials and develop friendships faster. Friendly Sims have an easier time becoming friends with other Sims.	None	Friendly Sims cannot have the Mean trait.
	Frugal	Frugal Sims love to clip coupons to save money, relish a good deal, and hate being wasteful.	Frugal Sims get coupon-related interactions with newspapers and computers and enjoy the Got a Good Deal moodlet whenever a discounted object/service is purchased.	Frugal Sims react poorly to purchasing expensive objects, even if they are beneficial to household or Sim.	Frugal Sims give less in campaign donations.
	Genius	Geniuses are brilliant logical thinkers, masters of chess, and excellent hackers. They savor pursuits of the mind.	Genius Sims generally have accelerated learning with brain-related skills and activities, such as the Logic skill or using a telescope. Genius Sims do well in the Science, Law Enforement, and Medical careers and are naturals at chess.	None	Genius Sims often automatically use the Contemplate interaction.
	Good	Good Sims go out of their way to help friends and family in need, are charitable with their money, and frequently comfort those around them.	Good Sims don’t react negatively to socials or interactions as often and try to see everything in a positive light. When Good Sims “help” another Sim in a negative mood, that Sims gets the Comforted moodlet.	None	Good Sims cannot have the Evil trait. Good Sims get the Donate to Charity interaction with the mailbox. Donating results in the Charitable moodlet. Good Sims can only donate once per day.
	Good Sense of Humor	Sims with a Good Sense of Humor tell the best jokes.	Sims with this trait have an easier time starting relationships with other Sims, even those with No Sense of Humor. Jokes have a greater impact on relationships with other Sims.	None	Sims with a Good Sense of Humor also respond well to jokes.
	Great Kisser	Great Kissers kiss better than any other Sim. They give kisses that are not easily forgotten.	Kisses from Great Kissers are more readily accepted by other Sims and have larger positive effects on the relationship.	None	None
	Green Thumb	Green Thumbs are the best gardeners. They find solace and comfort in their gardens and can revive plants in the worst conditions.	Green Thumb Sims learn the Gardening skill faster than other Sims and start off with a Gardening skill book in their personal inventories. They create higher quality harvestables and can revive dead plants.	None	Green Thumb Sims have the Talk to Plants interaction with their gardens. This interaction can remove the Lonely moodlet.
	Grumpy	Grumpy Sims are rarely in a good mood. They simply don’t want to be happy.	None	Grumpy Sims naturally have decreased moods. It takes more work to make them happy.	Grumpy Sims cannot have the Excitable, Hot-Headed, Good Sense of Humor, or Neurotic traits.
	Handy	Handy Sims are the best tinkerers. They will never fail when repairing or upgrading a household item, which makes electrical objects far less dangerous.	Handy Sims learn the Handiness skill faster and start out with a Handiness skill book in their personal inventory. Handy Sims never fail when repairing or upgrading objects.	None	Objects repaired by Handy Sims have a lower chance of breaking again.
	Hates the Outdoors	Sims who Hate the Outdoors despise being outside and will remain indoors whenever possible.	None	These Sims get the Plagued by Outdoors negative moodlet when they are outside for longer than just a few minutes. (Travel to work is excluded.) These Sims make poor anglers because they don’t like being outside.	They cannot have the Loves the Outdoors trait.
	Heavy Sleeper	Heavy Sleepers will sleep through any situation, no matter how loud or alarming. They also tend to snore.	Heavy Sleepers are not awakened by loud appliances or music, letting them get a full night’s sleep.	Heavy Sleepers sleep through bad events, too, like burglaries and fires. Not even the alarms for these rouse the Sim.	Heavy Sleepers cannot have the Light Sleeper trait. They also get the Sleep at Work tone for careers.
	Hopeless Romantic	Hopeless Romantics passionately seek their soul mate. They want romance and true love, and surround themselves with cheesy romantic television and novels.	Hopeless Romantics are more receptive to romantic socials and get an environment bonus if they are in the same room as a romantic interest in their lives.	The Stood Up and Heart Broken negative moodlets are more potent with Hopeless Romantic Sims.	Hopeless Romantics have more fun reading romance novels and if they are writers, they create higher quality romance novels.
	Hot-Headed	Hot-Headed Sims are quick to anger. Broken household objects, conversations gone awry, or even the slightest negative moodlet will send them into a boiling rage.	None	Negative moodlets related to anger are more potent. Hot-Headed Sims have increased negative reactions to getting fired and broken objects.	Hot-Headed Sims react poorly to negative socials, such as Mock or Break Up.
	Hydrophobic	Hydrophobic Sims are terrified of swimming. They loathe every second they have to spend in the pool.	None	This Sim hates the water and will experience negative moodlets whenever around it.	Hydrophobic Sims never automatically get in the pool. They will not play with the rubber duckie in the bath, excluding them from Duck Time moodlet.
	Inappropriate	Inappropriate Sims talk about the wrong thing at the wrong time, never think to dress properly, and never think to apologize when they’ve wronged someone. They enjoy mocking others with harsh words.	Inappropriate Sims can rummage through other Sims’ trash cans to find cool things (and trash).	Inappropriate Sims cannot Apologize—they simply do not have this social option. They have the Make Fun Of social that is just cruel to other Sims.	Inappropriate Sims cannot have the Friendly trait.
	Insane	Insane Sims respond to events in life unpredictably. They say what they want, do what they want, and even wear what they want, even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.	Insane Sims are not frightened by ghosts.	Insane Sims have a random response to a marriage proposal, no matter the level of the relationship.	Insane Sims will sometimes put on inappropriate outfits for occasions, like formal wear for going to bed. Insane Sims can fish in swimming pools. Insane Sims have the Talk to Self social, which removes the Lonely moodlet.
	Kleptomaniac	Kleptomaniacs "accidentally" end up with things owned by others. They  often permanently borrow items from work, school, or even their  neighbors' homes.	None	Kleptomaniac Sims often come home with stolen objects, which can severely damage relationships.	Stolen objects are tagged with the object’s origin. Kleptomaniacs get the Return to Owner interaction with stolen objects that results in Returned Stolen Object moodlet.
	Light Sleeper	Light Sleepers toss and turn throughout the night and are awakened by the slightest sound or bump.	Light Sleepers always wake up when a Burglar arrives.	Light Sleepers have trouble getting Fully Rested and are easily woken by music, children, and noisy objects.	Can use the Research Sleep techniques interaction on computer, but this has no specific benefit. Light Sleepers cannot have the Heavy Sleeper trait.
	Loner	Loners enjoy time spent alone more than time spent with others, Quite shy, they never approach anyone who isn’t a close friend. They prize their solitude and get nervous around large groups.	Loner Sims do not mind being by themselves. In fact, they get the Enjoying Solitude moodlet.	Loners get the Too Many People negative moodlet in social situations.	Loner Sims cannot have the Party Animal trait.
	Loser	Losers encounter woe and misfortune throughouts their lives, beginning with school and continuing into their career. They will fail, and fail often. They won’t get mad even when life falls apart. They’ll just cry.	Loser Sims will get a nice mood bump from the Winner moodlet in the rare event they actually win a game.	Losers rarely win at games, such as chess or videogames. Losers complain more often in conversations.	Loser Sims cannot have the Charismatic or Brave traits.
	Loves the Outdoors	These Sims love spending time outdoors and find special joy amid nature.	Sims get great moodlets for being outside and love careers like Athletic, Science, and Military, and enjoy talking about the outdoors.	Loves the Outdoors Sims need to be outside more often, which can be disruptive at times.	Sims cannot have the Hates the Outdoors trait at the same time.
	Lucky	Lucky Sims are closely followed through life with comforting sense of luck. They win often and they win big.	If a Lucky Sim gets at least four hours of straight sleep, they have a chance at the Feeling Lucky moodlet. This staves off misfortune, like fires, broken objects, and burglaries. Lucky Sims also have a greater chance of getting raises at work.	None	Lucky Sims have increased chances at winning chess games or videogames.
	Mean-Spirited	Mean-Spirited Sims love to fight, mostly because they never lose in a brawl. They take satisfaction with every new enemy made and dream of new ways to be nasty to others.	Mean Sims always win fights. Of course, that means they had to get into a fight in the first place. Every enemy a mean Sim has contributes to the Sim’s overall mood. In other words, the more enemies they have, the better mood they’ll be in.	Mean-Spirited Sims regularly make enemies and often veer toward negative socials.	Mean-Spirited Sims cannot have the Friendly trait.
	Mooch	Mooches can mooch food and money from their neighbors, who for the most part, just go along with it.	Mooch Sims can actually get free food and Simoleons from other Sims.	While many Sims just roll with it, not everybody likes a Mooch.	Mooch Sims have the Have Snack interaction on other Sim’s lots and the Mooch interactions in conversations.
	Natural Cook	Natural Cooks can improve any dish, making their food the most delicious.	Natural Cooks learn the Cooking skill faster than other Sims and start off with a Cooking skill book in their personal inventory. They never start kitchen fires and never burn food.	None	Natural Cooks can learn recipes just by trying foods on other lots.
	Neat	Neat Sims always find the time to clean, regardless of their mood. They are easily devastated by filthy surroundings, but will never leave a mess behind.	Neat Sims will automatically clean up their surroundings and clean objects more thoroughly.	Neat Sims get negative moodlets around dirty surroundings or unclean Sims.	Neat Sims have the Clean House interaction, which sets them to clean every filthy/dirty surface or object in a house.
	Neurotic	Neurotic Sims will freak out at the most minor of provocations. They become stressed easily and can be difficult to mellow. Luckily, they take solace in sharing their worries with others.	Neurotic Sims have a self-interaction to freak out, which gives them a mood boost for a while (at the mood expense of nearby Sims).	Neurotic Sims take longer to shake stress. Sims can automatically Freak Out after an unfortunate event, such as burning food or breaking an object.	Neurotic Sims can use a new Freak Out interaction that is disruptive to nearby Sims. At the end of the Freak Out, they get the Tranquil moodlet.
	Never Nud	Never Nudes despise nudity and will never completely remove their clothing.	None	None	Never Nude Sims wear swimwear into the bath or shower.
	No Sense of Humor	Sims with No Sense of Humor tell terrible jokes, so they tend not to tell them. They don’t enjoy the jokes of others, either. Humor is simply wasted on them.	None	No Sense of Humor Sims have weak reactions to jokes or humorous socials.	No Sense of Humor Sims cannot have the Good Sense of Humor or Schmoozer traits.
	Over-Emotional	Over-Emotional Sims experience great mood swings when both good and bad things happen. They are constantly shedding tears of joy, whether it’s at a wedding or just on the couch watching romantic television.	Over-Emotional Sims get an extra bump out of positive moodlets.	Over-Emotional Sims also get an extra dip out of negative moodlets.	Over-Emotional Sims have extreme reactions to events such as getting a raise/promotion, having a child, or getting married.
	Party Animal	Party Animals love to party, and others love to party with them. When a Party Animal hosts a party, everyone comes and has a great time. Wooo!	Any Sim invited to a party from a Party Animal will attend regardless of relationship. These Sims have a greater chance bringing gifts to a Party Animal’s party.	None	Party Animals have the Wooo! social. If the other Sim reacts positively, the Party Animal gets the Awesome Party and Life of the Party moodlets.
	Perfectionist	Perfectionists spend more time cooking, writing, or even painting, but what they eventually finish is noticeably better than average. Perfectionists accept nothing shy of perfection.	Perfectionist Sims have the chance to make higher quality painting, novels, recipes, and homework.	If a Perfectionist Sim is making a high-quality piece of art or food, the action takes longer.	The Perfectionist Sim always makes the bed after waking up from sleep.
	Scmoozer	Schmoozers are really good at befriending neighbors and co-workers, and sucking up to their bosses. They love to flatter and are very good at it.	Schmoozer Sims more effectively socialize/suck-up with co-workers and bosses.		Compliments from Schmoozers are always accepted and always improve a relationship. The Chat social is replaced with Schmooze.
	Slob	Slobs constantly leave messes in their wake. To make matters worse, they won’t offer to pick up or clean. Luckily, common filth won’t offend their senses.	Slob Sims are not negatively affected my messes or bad smells. Slob Sims can eat spoiled or burnt food without negative effects.	Objects used by Slobs get dirtier faster than when used by other Sims.	Slobs can use the Lick Dish Clean interaction.
	Snob	Snobs are very hard to impress, though they love hearing about themselves and will never turn down a compliment. They dream of owning only the finest things and being associated with the highest echelon of neighborhood Sims.	Snob Sims love mirrors and expensive objects. They also always accept compliments regardless of relationship.	Snobs are very hard to impress in conversations.	Snobs often wish to make money, date wealthy Sims, take well-paying jobs, and buy new objects -- particularly mirrors! Technophobe
	Technophobe	Technophobe Sims hate television. They rarely watch television and always look for alternate entertainment.	None	Technophobes have negative reactions to computers and televisions.	Because Technophobes do not like computers or televisions, they have a difficult time repairing them and have a harder time learning the Writing skill.
	Unflirty	Unflirty Sims do not appreciate romantic advances and are difficult to woo. It’s not that they don’t want to love, it’s just difficult for them.	None	Unflirty Sims have negative reactions to romantic socials, such as kisses or flirtatious jokes.	Unflirty Sims cannot have the Flirty trait. They also have fewer romantic socials.
	Unlucky	Things rarely go right for Unlucky Sims. They lose at everything they touch.	The Grim Reaper sometimes takes pity on Unlucky Sims who die of accidents and revives them.	Unlucky Sims occasionally get the Feeling Unlucky moodlet after four hours of sleep, which affects their chances of burning food, setting fires, and losing games.	Unlucky Sims cannot have the Lucky trait.
	Vegetarian	Vegetarian Sims never choose to eat meat and doing so makes them ill.	Vegetarians live longer than other Sims.	Vegetarian Sims who eat meat earn the Nauseous moodlet.	Vegetarian Sims cannot prepare recipes with meat in them. Vegetarians can also cook vegetarian versions of some recipes, such as veggie burgers and tofu dogs.
	Virtuoso	Virtuosos have a natural gift with musical instruments and make the best musicians. Benefits: Virtuosos learn the Guitar skill faster than other Sims and start with a Guitar skill book in their personal inventory. They earn more Simoleons from tips.	None	None	Virtuoso Sims tend to sing in the shower.
	Workaholic	Workaholics love to work and rarely become stressed from working. Their mood suffers when they miss work, but they can make it up by working from home. Workaholics make the best employees.	Workaholics finish homework faster and have fun doing it. Workaholics have a better chance at getting raises at careers. They get the Likes Work moodlet when working.	Workaholics suffer from the Missing Work moodlet if they accidentally miss a shift.	Workaholics can check in at work via the cellphone. These Sims can also work from home on the computer, which helps with career advancement.