Final answer:
Trait theories attempt to explain personality by identifying stable characteristics and ways of behaving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to psychodynamic theories that describe personality, trait theories attempt to explain personality. Psychodynamic theories, like Freud's theory, focus on inner processes and unconscious motivations, while trait theories focus on observable behaviors and stable characteristics. Trait theorists believe that all people have certain traits that can be used to understand their personality, such as being sociable or shy, optimistic or pessimistic, or moody or even-tempered.