Scroll down for some awesome character development ideas on vices and bad habits. Set your character up to either fail or succeed.

---

How to Use Negative Character Traits to Create Believable and Engaging Stories

Negative character traits can add depth and complexity to a story. When used effectively, they can add depth, complexity, and realism to characters. When characters have flaws, it makes them more human and relatable to readers. It also makes it more interesting to see how they overcome their flaws and grow as people. Negative character traits can also create conflict and suspense in a story. If a character is selfish, for example, they may make decisions that hurt others. Scroll down for a list of negative character traits, and click here for more blog posts about characterization.

Here are a few tips for using negative character traits in your writing:

1. Choose the right traits for your character. Not all negative traits are created equal. Some traits, such as arrogance or selfishness, can make characters more interesting and complex. Others, such as cruelty or violence, can make them unlikable and even repulsive. It’s important to choose traits that are appropriate for your story and your character.
2. Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell readers that your character is arrogant or selfish. Show them how these traits manifest in their behavior. How do they treat others? How do they make decisions? How do they view the world? The more vividly you can illustrate your character’s negative traits, the more believable and engaging they will be.
3. Use negative traits to create conflict and suspense. Negative traits can create conflict between characters, both internal and external. For example, an arrogant character may clash with a more humble character. A selfish character may put their own needs ahead of the needs of others, which can lead to conflict and even disaster. Negative traits can also create suspense, as readers wonder what will happen next. Will the arrogant character learn to be humble? Will the selfish character put the needs of others first? The more conflict and suspense you can create, the more engaged your readers will be.
4. Don’t be afraid to redeem your characters. Even characters with negative traits can be redeemed. In fact, it can be even more satisfying to see a character overcome their flaws than to see a character who is perfect from the start. When you redeem a character, you give readers hope that they, too, can overcome their own flaws.

Here are some examples of how negative character traits have been used in successful stories:

• In the novel “Pride and Prejudice,” by Jane Austen, the character of Mr. Darcy is initially portrayed as arrogant and haughty. However, as the story progresses, we learn that Mr. Darcy is actually a kind and compassionate man. This redemption arc makes Mr. Darcy a more complex and relatable character, and it also makes the story more satisfying.
• In the film “The Godfather,” by Francis Ford Coppola, the character of Vito Corleone is a ruthless mob boss. However, he is also a loving father and husband. This juxtaposition of positive and negative traits makes Vito Corleone a more complex and interesting character.

Here are some specific examples of negative character traits:

• Aggressive: An aggressive person is someone who is prone to anger and violence. They may be quick to argue or fight, and they may have a hard time controlling their temper.
  • Physical appearance: Aggressive characters may have a physical appearance that suggests they are capable of violence. They may be muscular, have a deep voice, or have a piercing gaze.
  • Body language: Aggressive characters may use body language to intimidate others. They may stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, their arms crossed, and their shoulders hunched. They may also make frequent eye contact and have a hard stare.
  • Speech: Aggressive characters may use language that is threatening or insulting. They may raise their voice, use profanity, or make threats.
  • Behavior: Aggressive characters may be quick to anger and may lash out verbally or physically. They may also be prone to bullying, intimidation, and violence.
• Arrogant: An arrogant person is someone who believes that they are better than everyone else. They may be condescending, boastful, and dismissive of others.
  • An arrogant character may make enemies easily. This can lead to conflict and suspense, as the character tries to navigate their relationships with others.
• Bitter: A bitter person is someone who is resentful and angry. They may hold grudges, and they may be difficult to please.
  • They may push people away. Bitter people often have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. They may be afraid of being hurt again, so they keep people at a distance.
  • They may make bad decisions. Bitter people often make decisions based on their emotions, rather than their logic. This can lead to them making choices that are harmful to themselves or others.
  • They may miss out on opportunities. Bitter people often have a negative outlook on life. This can prevent them from taking risks and pursuing their dreams.
  • A character who has been betrayed by a loved one. This character may be distrustful of others and may have difficulty opening up.
  • A character who has been through a traumatic experience. This character may be withdrawn and may have difficulty coping with their emotions.
  • A character who has been discriminated against. This character may be angry and resentful and may have difficulty trusting others.
• Cowardly: A cowardly person is someone who is afraid of danger or risk. They may avoid challenges, and they may be quick to give up.
  • A cowardly character may be afraid to take risks. This can prevent them from achieving their goals, and it can also make them vulnerable to attack.
• Cynical: A cynical person is someone who believes that the worst about people and events. They may be pessimistic, distrustful, and jaded.
  • A cynical character may have a negative view of the world. They may believe that people are selfish, greedy, and untrustworthy. They may also believe that the world is a cruel and unforgiving place.
  • A cynical character may be sarcastic and pessimistic. They may make jokes at the expense of others, and they may always expect the worst. They may also be quick to anger and frustration.
  • A cynical character may be closed off to new experiences. They may be afraid to take risks, and they may be reluctant to trust others. They may also be unwilling to change their beliefs, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
• Devious: A devious person is someone who is crafty and manipulative. They may be deceitful, dishonest, and untrustworthy.
  • Give them a hidden agenda. A devious character is always up to something. They may have a secret plan that they are working on, or they may be trying to manipulate others for their own gain.
  • Make them charming. Devious characters are often charming and charismatic. They can be very persuasive, and they can easily get others to do what they want.
  • Give them a dark past. Devious characters often have a dark past that has shaped their personality. They may have been abused, neglected, or abandoned, and this has led them to become manipulative and untrustworthy.
  • Make them unpredictable. Devious characters are often unpredictable. They may seem friendly and helpful one moment, and then turn on you the next. This makes them very dangerous, as you never know what they are capable of.
• Envious: An envious person is someone who feels resentful of the good fortune of others. They may be jealous, competitive, and petty.
  • Envious characters may feel resentful towards others who have what they want. They may be jealous of their success, their possessions, or their relationships.
  • Envious characters may try to sabotage the success of others. They may spread rumors, gossip, or try to steal their ideas.
  • Envious characters may become withdrawn and isolated. They may feel like they can’t measure up to others, and they may stop trying to achieve their own goals.
• Greedy: A greedy person is someone who is overly desirous of wealth or possessions. They may be materialistic, selfish, and uncaring.
  • Greedy characters are always looking for more. They may be greedy for money, power, or possessions. They may never be satisfied with what they have, and they may always be looking for ways to get more.
  • Greedy characters are often selfish. They may only care about themselves and their own needs. They may not be willing to share with others, and they may even take things from others that don’t belong to them.
  • Greedy characters can be dangerous. They may be willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want, even if it means hurting others. They may be manipulative, deceitful, and even violent.
• Impulsive: An impulsive person is someone who acts without thinking. They may be reckless, careless, and irresponsible.
  • Make them act without thinking. Impulsive characters often act without thinking about the consequences of their actions. They may say or do things that they later regret.
  • Have them be easily bored. Impulsive characters often get bored easily. They may need to constantly be doing something new and exciting.
  • Make them have a hard time controlling their emotions. Impulsive characters often have a hard time controlling their emotions. They may lash out in anger or frustration, or they may become easily overwhelmed by sadness or joy.
  • Have them be reckless. Impulsive characters often take risks without considering the potential dangers. They may drive too fast, spend too much money, or engage in risky sexual behavior.
• Inconsiderate: An inconsiderate person is someone who does not think about the feelings or needs of others. They may be selfish, rude, and thoughtless.
  • They may be selfish. Inconsiderate people often put their own needs ahead of the needs of others. They may be quick to take what they want, without considering the consequences for others.
  • They may be rude. Inconsiderate people may be rude to others, without considering their feelings. They may interrupt, talk over others, or make insensitive comments.
  • They may be dismissive. Inconsiderate people may dismiss the needs of others, without considering them to be important. They may roll their eyes, sigh, or make other dismissive gestures.
  • Give them a reason to be inconsiderate. Maybe they’ve been through a traumatic experience, or they’ve been raised in a family where inconsiderate behavior is the norm. Maybe they’re just naturally inconsiderate. Whatever the reason, make sure you have a good explanation for why your character is the way they are.
  • Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell us that your character is inconsiderate. Show us how they act and how their inconsiderate behavior affects others. For example, maybe they’re always cutting in line, or they’re always talking over others.
  • Make them relatable. Even if you don’t think you’re inconsiderate, there’s probably something about your character that you can relate to. Maybe you’re also selfish, or maybe you have trouble considering the needs of others. Whatever it is, find a way to connect with your character on a personal level.
  • They may lose friends and relationships. People don’t like to be around people who are inconsiderate. If a character is inconsiderate, they may have trouble forming lasting relationships.
  • They may have trouble at work or school. Inconsiderate behavior can lead to problems at work or school. A character may be passed over for promotions, or they may get bad grades.
  • They may have trouble in their personal life. Inconsiderate behavior can lead to problems in a character’s personal life. They may have trouble finding a romantic partner, or they may have trouble getting along with their family and friends.
• Jealous: A jealous person is someone who feels resentful of the attention or affection that others receive. They may be possessive, insecure, and controlling.
  • Jealous characters can be interesting and complex, but it is important to make sure that their jealousy is believable and understandable.
  • Give the character a reason to be jealous. Jealousy is often rooted in insecurity or fear. What is the character jealous of? Why are they jealous? Once you know the reason for their jealousy, you can start to develop their character around that.
  • Show the character’s jealousy in their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Jealousy is not always obvious. It can be hidden beneath a facade of confidence or indifference. Pay attention to how the character thinks and feels about the person or thing they are jealous of. How does their jealousy affect their behavior?
  • Don’t be afraid to show the negative consequences of jealousy. Jealousy can be destructive. It can lead to anger, resentment, and even violence. If you want your character’s jealousy to be believable, don’t be afraid to show the negative consequences it can have on their life and the lives of those around them.
• Lazy: A lazy person is someone who is unwilling to work hard. They may be apathetic, unmotivated, and unproductive.
  • Physically lazy: A lazy character may be physically lazy, meaning they don’t like to move around or exert themselves. They may be overweight or obese, and they may have trouble keeping up with others.
  • Mentally lazy: A lazy character may be mentally lazy, meaning they don’t like to think or use their brains. They may be easily bored, and they may have trouble concentrating.
  • Emotionally lazy: A lazy character may be emotionally lazy, meaning they don’t like to deal with their emotions. They may bottle up their feelings, and they may have trouble expressing themselves.
  • Here are some examples on how to create a lazy character:
  • Give them a reason to be lazy. Maybe they’re depressed, or they’ve been through a traumatic experience. Maybe they’re just naturally lazy. Whatever the reason, make sure you have a good explanation for why your character is the way they are.
  • Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell us that your character is lazy. Show us how they act and how their laziness affects their life.
  • Here is the “telling” version: Jane was lazy. She was always late for work, and she never finished her homework. She was always looking for ways to avoid work, and she was often late for appointments. Her laziness was starting to affect her job, and she was starting to get behind in her classes.
  • Here is the “showing” version: Jane woke up with a start. She had overslept again. She quickly got dressed and ran out the door, barely making it to work on time. She spent the day feeling rushed and stressed, and she made a few mistakes. At the end of the day, she was exhausted and she didn’t have time to finish her homework. She went to bed feeling defeated.
  • Make them relatable. Even if you don’t think you’re lazy, there’s probably something about your character that you can relate to. Maybe you’re also a procrastinator, or maybe you have trouble getting motivated. Whatever it is, find a way to connect with your character on a personal level.
  • They may miss out on opportunities. If a character is always late for work, they may miss out on important opportunities. They may also be passed over for promotions or raises.
  • They may have trouble achieving their goals. If a character is never willing to put in the hard work, they’re unlikely to achieve their goals. They may also become frustrated and give up easily.
  • They may develop health problems. Laziness can lead to a number of health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
  • They may have trouble forming relationships. People don’t like to be around people who are always lazy and unmotivated. If a character is lazy, they may have trouble forming lasting relationships.
• Liar: A liar is someone who tells falsehoods. They may be dishonest, untrustworthy, and manipulative.
  • Give the character a reason to lie. What are they trying to achieve by lying? Are they trying to protect themselves, someone else, or their reputation? Are they trying to get ahead, or are they simply trying to avoid conflict?
  • Make the character good at lying. They should be able to lie convincingly, and they should be able to think on their feet. They should also be able to keep track of their lies, so they don’t get caught.
  • Give the character a conscience. Even though they are a liar, they should still have some sense of right and wrong. This will make them more complex and interesting, and it will also create conflict and tension in the story.
  • Show the consequences of the character’s lies. Lying can have a negative impact on the character’s relationships, their career, and their personal life. Show how the character’s lies eventually catch up to them.
• Narcissist: A narcissist is someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance. They may be arrogant, self-absorbed, and demanding.
  • Sense of entitlement: Narcissists believe that they are entitled to special treatment and that they deserve more than others. They may demand preferential treatment, expect others to cater to their needs, and become angry or resentful when they do not get their way.
  • Grandiosity: Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe that they are superior to others. They may boast about their accomplishments, exaggerate their talents, and expect to be treated as if they are special.
  • Need for admiration: Narcissists crave admiration and attention from others. They may constantly seek out compliments, praise, and validation. They may also become easily offended or threatened when they do not receive the attention they believe they deserve.
  • Lack of empathy: Narcissists have difficulty empathizing with others and understanding their feelings. They may be insensitive to the needs of others and may even exploit or manipulate them to get what they want.
  • Envy: Narcissists are often envious of others and may feel threatened by their accomplishments. They may try to sabotage others’ success or belittle their achievements.
  • Superficiality: Narcissists are often superficial and concerned with their appearance and image. They may be preoccupied with their physical appearance and may spend a lot of time and money on their looks. They may also be quick to judge others based on their appearance.
  • Need for control: Narcissists have a need for control and may be manipulative and controlling in their relationships. They may try to control others’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. They may also become angry or resentful when they do not have control over a situation.
• Obnoxious: An obnoxious person is someone who is irritating or offensive.
  • They are always talking. Obnoxious people love to hear themselves talk, and they don’t seem to care if anyone else is interested in what they have to say. They may interrupt others, talk over them, or change the subject to something they want to talk about.
  • They are rude. Obnoxious people often have no regard for other people’s feelings. They may be dismissive, condescending, or even downright insulting. They may make jokes at other people’s expense, or they may criticize others’ appearance, intelligence, or choices.
  • They are inconsiderate. Obnoxious people often don’t think about how their actions affect others. They may be loud, messy, or selfish. They may take up too much space, or they may hog the spotlight.
  • They are tactless. Obnoxious people often say things without thinking about how they will be received. They may make insensitive comments, or they may share personal information that is not theirs to share. They may also be overly blunt or confrontational.
• Petty: A petty person is someone who is easily offended or angered by minor matters. They may be vindictive, resentful, and unforgiving. Petty characters can be difficult to deal with, but they can also be interesting to write about.
  • Make them self-centered. Petty people are often very self-centered and only care about themselves. They may be quick to point out the flaws in others, but they are blind to their own faults.
  • Make them insecure. Petty people are often insecure and feel the need to put others down in order to feel better about themselves. They may be jealous of others and try to sabotage their success.
  • Make them vindictive. Petty people are often vindictive and hold grudges. They may go out of their way to get revenge on those who have wronged them, even if the offense was minor.
  • Make them manipulative. Petty people are often manipulative and use others to get what they want. They may be charming and charismatic, but they are only interested in using others for their own benefit.
  • Give them a clear motivation. What is it that drives them to be petty? Are they insecure? Jealous? Vengeful? Once you know their motivation, you can start to develop their personality and behavior.
  • Make them believable. Petty people are still human beings, and they should be written as such. They should have strengths and weaknesses, like any other character.
  • Show their flaws. One of the best ways to make a character believable is to show their flaws. Don’t be afraid to let your petty character make mistakes and show their true colors.
• Rude: A rude person is someone who is impolite or disrespectful. They may be inconsiderate, dismissive, and hurtful.
  • Tone of voice: A rude character might have a sharp, condescending, or sarcastic tone of voice. They might use words like “ugh,” “really?” and “whatever” frequently.
  • Body language: A rude character might have a closed-off body language, such as crossing their arms or rolling their eyes. They might also make dismissive gestures, such as waving their hand or brushing someone off.
  • Words and actions: A rude character might use words and actions that are hurtful, disrespectful, or insensitive. They might make mean jokes, put others down, or take advantage of people.
  • Use dialogue: One way to create a rude character is to use dialogue. Have them say things that are hurtful, disrespectful, or insensitive. For example, they might say something like, “You’re so stupid!” or “I don’t care about your feelings.”
  • Show their body language: Another way to create a rude character is to show their body language. Have them cross their arms, roll their eyes, or make dismissive gestures. For example, they might roll their eyes when someone is talking to them, or they might wave their hand in someone’s face to dismiss them.
  • Have them do things that are rude: Finally, you can create a rude character by having them do things that are rude. For example, they might make mean jokes, put others down, or take advantage of people.
  • It is important to note that not all rude characters are bad people. Some rude characters might be rude because they are insecure, or because they have been hurt in the past. However, even if a rude character has good intentions, their behavior can still be hurtful to others.
  • If you are creating a rude character, it is important to think about why they are rude. What is their motivation? What are their goals? Once you understand why your character is rude, you can start to develop their personality and backstory. This will help you to create a more believable and complex character.
• Selfish: A selfish person is someone who puts their own needs and wants above the needs of others. They may be inconsiderate, uncaring, and uncooperative.
  • Make them self-centered. A selfish character only thinks about their own needs and wants. They are not interested in the needs or wants of others.
  • Make them manipulative. A selfish character will often use others to get what they want. They may lie, cheat, or steal to get what they want.
  • Make them uncaring. A selfish character does not care about the feelings or well-being of others. They may be cruel or indifferent to the suffering of others.
  • Make them entitled. A selfish character believes that they deserve more than others. They may feel that they are better than others and that they should get special treatment.
• Sneaky: A sneaky person is someone who is deceitful and underhanded. They may be manipulative, untrustworthy, and dishonest.
  • Physical Appearance: A sneaky character might be small and wiry, with a face that is hard to read. They might be dressed in dark colors and wear a hat or hood to obscure their face.
  • Personality: A sneaky character is often cunning and manipulative. They are good at reading people and figuring out how to get what they want. They are also good at keeping secrets and lying.
  • Behavior: A sneaky character is often quiet and stealthy. They are good at blending in and going unnoticed. They are also good at taking advantage of opportunities and getting away with things.
• Stubborn: A stubborn person is someone who refuses to change their mind or opinion. They may be inflexible, opinionated, and resistant to new ideas.
  • Give them a strong sense of conviction. Stubborn characters believe in what they are doing, even when others disagree. They are not easily swayed by others’ opinions, and they are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.
  • Make them passionate about their goals. Stubborn characters are not just set in their ways, they are also passionate about their goals. They are willing to put in the hard work and effort to achieve their goals, even if it means going against the odds.
  • Give them a strong will. Stubborn characters have a strong will and they are not easily discouraged. They are able to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks.
  • Show them making mistakes. Even though stubborn characters are often successful, they are not perfect. They make mistakes just like everyone else. This shows that they are human and that they are capable of learning and growing.
  • Give them a reason to change. Stubborn characters may not be willing to change their ways for just anyone. However, if they have a strong reason to change, such as the love of a family member or friend, they may be more willing to listen to others and consider new possibilities.
• Taciturn: A taciturn person is someone who is quiet and reserved. They may be shy, introverted, and uncommunicative.
  • Give them a reason to be quiet. Maybe they’re shy, or they’ve been hurt in the past and don’t trust easily. Maybe they’re a mystery, or they have a secret that they’re keeping. Whatever the reason, make sure it’s something that makes sense for the character and their story.
  • Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell us that the character is taciturn, show us. Let us see how they interact with other characters, and how their silence affects the people around them.
  • Use vivid language. When describing a taciturn character, use vivid language that helps us to picture them in our minds. What do they look like? How do they carry themselves? What is their body language like? The more detail you can provide, the more believable your character will be.
  • Don’t be afraid to break the silence. Just because a character is taciturn doesn’t mean they never speak. In fact, it can be even more interesting when they do speak, because it’s a rare occurrence. When they do speak, make sure their words are meaningful and impactful.
• Vindictive: A vindictive person is someone who is motivated by revenge. They may be spiteful, resentful, and unforgiving.
  • Make them a victim. Vindictive people often have a history of being victimized. They may have been bullied, abused, or neglected as children. This can lead to a deep-seated anger and resentment that can manifest itself in vindictive behavior.
  • Give them a strong sense of justice. Vindictive people often believe that they are upholding justice by punishing those who have wronged them. They may see themselves as the good guys, even though their actions are often harmful.
  • Make them charismatic. Vindictive people can be very charming and persuasive. They can easily manipulate others into doing their bidding. This makes them even more dangerous, as they can easily get away with their crimes.
  • Show them as being in control. Vindictive people often feel like they have no control over their own lives. They may feel like they have been wronged by the world, and they may lash out in an attempt to regain control.

Vices

The seven deadly sins are pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. They are considered to be the root of all other sins, and they can lead to a variety of negative consequences, both for the individual and for society as a whole.

There are many different vices, but some of the most common include:

• Greed: This is the excessive desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It can lead to people making decisions that are harmful to themselves or others.
• Anger: This is an intense emotion that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as frustration, hurt, or injustice. It can lead to people lashing out at others or engaging in destructive behaviors.
• Wrath: A character who is wrathful may be quick to anger, violent, and aggressive. This could lead to conflict with other characters, as well as with themselves.
• Lust: This is an intense sexual desire. It can lead people to engage in risky or harmful sexual behaviors.
• Envy: This is a feeling of discontent or resentment that is caused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. It can lead people to do things to try to harm the person they envy.
• Gluttony: This is the excessive consumption of food or drink. It can lead to health problems and can also interfere with people’s ability to function in their daily lives.
• Pride: This is an excessive belief in one’s own importance or abilities. It can lead people to make decisions that are harmful to themselves or others.
• Sloth: This is a lack of motivation or energy. It can lead people to neglect their responsibilities and can also interfere with their ability to enjoy life.

Vices can help with character development and characterization in writing in a number of ways. They can:

• Make characters more complex and realistic. Real people are not perfect, and they all have vices. By giving your characters vices, you make them more relatable and believable.
• Create conflict and tension. Vices can lead characters to make bad decisions, which can create conflict and tension in your story. This can keep readers engaged and invested in the story.
• Motivate characters to change. If a character’s vices are causing them problems, they may be motivated to change their behavior. This can lead to character development and growth.
• Add depth and interest to your story. Vices can add depth and interest to your story by giving your characters more layers and making them more interesting to read about.

Here are some examples of how vices can be used to develop characters and create conflict in a story:

• A character who is greedy may be willing to do anything to get what they want, even if it means hurting others. This could lead to conflict with other characters who are trying to stop them.
• A character who is angry may lash out at others, which could lead to fights or even violence. This could create conflict with other characters, as well as with the law.
• A character who is lustful may be tempted to cheat on their partner or engage in other risky behaviors. This could lead to conflict in their personal relationships.

By giving your characters vices, you can create more complex, realistic, and engaging stories.

Here are some tips for using vices in your writing:

• Choose vices that are appropriate for your story and characters. Not all vices are created equal. Some vices, such as greed or anger, are more likely to lead to conflict than others, such as laziness or gluttony.
• Be consistent with your characters’ vices. Once you’ve chosen vices for your characters, make sure they stay true to those vices throughout the story. This will help to make your characters more believable and consistent.
• Don’t be afraid to show the negative consequences of vices. Vices can have a negative impact on characters’ lives. Don’t be afraid to show the consequences of vices in your writing. This will help to make your story more realistic and engaging.
• Keep in mind, a little bit of anger can be motivating, and a little bit of pride can help people to achieve their goals. However, when vices become excessive, they can have a negative impact on people’s lives.

By following these tips, you can use vices to create more complex, realistic, and engaging characters in your writing.

Wrath

Wrath can be a helpful tool for characterization in fiction. Here are some ways that wrath can be used in fiction:

• To create complex and realistic characters: Wrath is a powerful emotion that can be used to create complex and realistic characters. A character who is wrathful may be quick to anger, violent, and aggressive. This can make them a more interesting and engaging character, as well as a more believable one.
• To create conflict and tension: Wrath can also be used to create conflict and tension in a story. A character who is wrathful may be quick to anger, which can lead to them getting into fights, making rash decisions, or even harming others. This can create a sense of excitement and suspense in a story, as readers will be wondering what the wrathful character will do next.
• To motivate characters to change: Wrath can also be used to motivate characters to change. A character who is wrathful may eventually realize that their anger is causing them problems, and they may seek to change their behavior. This can lead to character development and growth, which can make a story more satisfying for readers.

Here are some examples of how wrath has been used in fiction:

• The Hulk: The Hulk is a fictional character who is known for his immense strength and his uncontrollable rage. His wrath has led him to destroy countless things and hurt many people, but it has also made him a powerful ally.
• King Lear: King Lear is a tragic hero who is driven to madness by his wrath. His anger leads him to make poor decisions, which ultimately destroy his kingdom and his family.
• Scar: Scar is a villain from the Disney movie “The Lion King.” He is driven by his wrath to overthrow his brother Mufasa and take over the Pride Lands. His anger ultimately leads to his downfall.

Inner Turmoil

Inner turmoil can be used to reflect upon and draw more focus to a negative character trait. A character who is struggling with inner turmoil may eventually realize that they need to make a change in their life. This can lead to character development and growth, which can make a story more satisfying for readers.

Here are some examples of how inner turmoil has been used in fiction:

• Hamlet: Hamlet is a tragic hero who is struggling with inner turmoil. He is haunted by the ghost of his father, who tells him to avenge his murder. Hamlet is torn between his desire to do what is right and his fear of the consequences.
• Jane Eyre: Jane Eyre is a young woman who is struggling with inner turmoil. She has been abused and neglected her entire life, and she is unsure of her place in the world. Jane eventually finds her way, but it is a long and difficult journey.
• The Catcher in the Rye: Holden Caulfield is a teenager who is struggling with inner turmoil. He is disillusioned with the world around him, and he feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere. Holden eventually finds his way back to society, but it is a long and difficult journey.

Have your character struggle to break a bad habit

Some of your readers will relate to a character who is struggling with a bad habit or vice. Here are some ideas:

1. Identify your character’s bad routines. Use inner turmoil or interactions with other characters to have them eventually realize they have a problem. To do this, have the vice or bad habit cause a problem or incident.
2. Find a replacement behavior. Once they identify the problem, give them a replacement behavior they can do instead. For a twist, add more excitement by making this replacement behavior even worse.
3. Make a plan. Once the character has a replacement behavior, they could come up with a plan to include specific steps to break their vice. For example, if they want to break the habit of smoking, they could make a plan that includes setting a date, or finding ways to cope with the stress.
4. Setbacks. Give them setbacks. Set them up to fail at first. They can be prepared for these setbacks or unprepared, depending on how you want your story to go. You can use setbacks to show how your character learns and grows (in negative or positive ways).
5. Have breaking their vice take time. The effort (or non-effort) will show their determination or weakness. Will they give up if they don’t see results immediately, or will they keep working at it and eventually you will succeed?

More ideas on having your character break their vices:

• Find a support system. Will they have a support system? You can make it easier on them with friends, family, or a therapist.
• Your character might reward themselves for their progress to help themselves stay motivated. Use this to show characterization as well. What would your character reward themselves with? It could be anything, depending on their personality and the story genre. It could even something small, such as a favorite movie or going out to eat, or if they are wealthy, maybe they will go buy themselves something extravagant. Add even more to the story by destroying that item later.
• Are they impatient or will they realize that breaking their vice takes time? Do they expect to see results overnight and realize that isn’t possible?

.

Cover image: You can try the AI art prompt here on my Nightcafe account.