#original writing prompts

[scealaiscoite]

setting prompts ˗ˏˋ ꒰ 🕊️ ꒱

¹⁾ a rural gas station in the middle of the night

²⁾ the last room at a drive-in motel in the small hours of the morning

³⁾ a cold, draughty church on a thursday night

⁴⁾ a stranger’s bedroom at noon

⁵⁾ a window seat on a red-eye flight during a storm

⁶⁾ a hospital waiting room with only one other person in it

⁷⁾ a sleeper train eight hours from its destination

⁸⁾ the first night in a new house, alone

⁹⁾ the steps of a wedding chapel in the rain

¹⁰⁾ a dingy truck stop after ten hours on the road

¹¹⁾ a divorce attorney’s office on valentine’s day

¹²⁾ the beach at ten on a monday morning

¹³⁾ a police station in a foreign country

¹⁴⁾ a coffee shop at two in the morning

¹⁵⁾ a concert venue, hours after the band’s set has finished

¹⁶⁾ a boat miles from land in any direction

¹⁷⁾ the third highest floor in a skyscraper

¹⁸⁾ the end of the line at a b-list movie star’s meet-and-greet

¹⁹⁾ a bar an hour after last call

²⁰⁾ an overgrown garden in a heatwave

²¹⁾ a car park lit only by streetlamps

²²⁾ a film set two days from the end of production

²³⁾ a graveyard in spring

²⁴⁾ the lap of someone who’s been gone for too long

²⁵⁾ a kitchen counter whilst dinner’s being made

[butchfalin]

the funniest meltdown ive ever had was in college when i got so overstimulated that i could Not speak, including over text. one of my friends was trying to talk me through it but i was solely using emojis because they were easier than trying to come up with words so he started using primarily emojis as well just to make things feel balanced. this was not the Most effective strategy... until. he tried to ask me "you okay?" but the way he chose to do that was by sending "👉🏼👌🏼❓" and i was so shocked by suddenly being asked if i was dtf that i was like WHAT???? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?????????? and thus was verbal again

[peaceishim]

[literaryvein-templates]

Writing Worksheets & Templates

will update this every few weeks/months. alternatively, here are all my tagged Writing Worksheets & Templates

Chapter Outline ⚜ Character- or Plot-Driven Story

Death & Sacrifice ⚜ Magic & Rituals ⚜ Plot-Planning

Editing: Sentence Check ⚜ Writing Your Novel: 20 Questions

Tension ⚜ Thought Distortions ⚜ What's at Stake

Character Development

50 Questions ⚜ Backstory ⚜ Character Creation

Antagonist; Villain; Fighting ⚜ Protagonist & Antagonist

Character: Change; Adding Action; Conflict

Character: Creator; Name; Quirks; Flaws; Motivation

Character Profile (by Rick Riordan) ⚜ Character Sheet Template

Character Sketch & Bible ⚜ Interview your Character

Story-Worthy Hero ⚜ "Well-Rounded" Character Worksheet

Worldbuilding

20 Questions ⚜ Decisions & Categories ⚜ Worksheet

Setting ⚜ Dystopian World ⚜ Magic System (AALC Method)

Templates: Geography; World History; City; Fictional Plant

References: Worldbuilding ⚜ Plot ⚜ Character ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

all posts are queued. send questions/requests here.

[mischievous-thunder]

Some things never change even across the multiverse

[literaryvein-reblogs]

what are some ways to describe people other than eye and hair color

I am assuming you are looking for physical descriptors. Here are some examples. I may just make a different post on psychological descriptors.

Arms: Long, Muscular, Pudgy, Short, Skinny, Thin

Back: Bent, Hunched, Ramrod Straight, Rounded

Build: Anorexic, Athletic, Beefy, Brawny, Burly, Chubby, Coltish, Compact, Fat, Gangly, Gaunt, Gawky, Haggard, Heavy-set, Herculean, Husky, Lanky, Lithe, Muscular, Obese, Overweight, Petite, Rangy, Reed-like, Scrawny, Skinny, Slender, Slight, Solid, Spindly, Statuesque, Stocky, Strapping, Sylphlike, Taut, Thickset, Thin, Trim, Underweight, Voluptuous, Well-built, Willowy, Withered

Cheeks: Blushing, Bold, Curved, Dimpled, Bold, Curved, Dimpled, Disturbed, Glorious, Glowing, Hairless, High (cheekbones), Hollow, Honey, Livid, Pale, Pallid, Pink, Plump, Puffy, Radiant, Reddened, Rosy, Rounded, Ruddy, Shining, Smooth, Soft, Sun-burnt, Sun-bronzed, Sunken, Sun-tanned, Tanned, Tearful, White

Chin: Angular, Bony, Bumpy, Chiseled, Defined, Doughy, Firm, Protruding, Round, Smooth, Soft, Square, Strong

Ears: Jug-like, Large, Protruding, Tiny

Eyebrows: Arching, Bushy, Emphasized, Near, Spaced, Thick, Thin

Eyelashes: Artificial, Beaded, Beautiful, Blinking, Dark, Dark-fringed, Dense, Dusky, Heavily-fringed, Long, Mascaraed, Sandy, Sooty, Sopping, Tear-drenched, Thick, Uplifted

Eyes: Almond-shaped, Bright, Bulging, Expressive, Frightened, Gentle, Languishing, Little, Luminous, Made-up, Round, Shining, Shortsighted, Smart, Stunned, Thin, Wide, Woeful

Face: Baby, Blood-stained, Bold, Chiseled, Contorted, Dead, Expressionless, Fair, Familiar, Fierce, Flat, Frightened, Furrowed, Honest, Indifferent, Little, Pale, Poker, Pretty, Radiant, Rough, Ruddy, Sallow, Square, Stained, Swollen, Trim, Weather-beaten, Wry

Feet: Athlete's, Big, Flat, Pigeon-toed, Small, Sore, Stinky, Stubby, Swollen

Fingers: Gnarled, Long, Short, Stubby

Finger Nails: Bitten, Broken, Claw-like, Dirty, Hooked, Long, Painted, Sharp, Talon-like

Hair: Afro, Bald, Beehive, Braided, Bristles, Bun, Chignon, Coiffure, Combed, Corkscrew, Corn rows, Cowlicked, Crew cut, Curly, Disarrayed, Disheveled, Dreadlocks, Dry, Flattop, Flecked, French braid, French twist, Fringe, Greasy, Grizzled, Knotted, Layered, Locks, Matted, Messed up, Mohawk, Mussy, Muttonchops, Neat, Oily, Page boy, Perm, Pigtails, Plait, Pompadour, Ponytail, Ragged, Receding, Ringlets, Ruffled, Shaggy, Shorn, Shoulder-length, Skinhead, Spiky, Split-ended, Straight, Tangled, Thick, Thinning, Tidy, Topknot, Tousled, Twisted, Uncombed, Unshorn, Untidy, Wavy, Wiry, Wisps

Hand: Big, Elegant, Small

Height: Big, Knee-high, Medium, Short, Shoulder-high, Sky-high, Small, Tall, Towering, Waist-high

Legs: Amputated, Bandy, Bony, Bowed, Brawny, Bulging, Fluted, Gartered, Gouty, Graceful, Hacked, Hairy, Jagged, Knotted, Leaden, Long, Lower, Muscular, Pitiful, Rickety, Shapely, Shivering, Short, Sinewy, Slender, Slim, Spindle, Stockinged, Sturdy, Thin, Thread-like, Tinder, Tiny, Toothsome, Tree trunks

Lips: Blue, Cracked, Cupid's Bow, Downturned, Dry, Fat, Full, Grim, Large, Luscious, Parched, Parted, Red, Ruby, Small, Smiling, Thin, Wet

Mouth: Arch, Ascetic, Baby, Cavernous, Churning, Compressed, Cooing, Coral, Cracked, Cruel, Delicate, Dumpled, Distended, Dry, Fine, Firm, Frothy, Full, Funnel-shaped, Gaping, Grim, Handsome, Hungry, Insistent, Irritable, Large, Luscious, Munching, Musty, Perilous, Puckered, Querulous, Relaxed, Resolute, Sardonic, Sensuous, Serious, Slobbering, Small, Sulky, Sweet, Tender, Thin, Wide, Winsome, Wrinkled, Yawning

Neck: Bullnecked, Elegant, Long, Short, Swan-like, Thick

Palm: Broad, Oval, Rectangular, Square

Skin: Acned, Alabaster, Albino, Apricot, Black, Blemished, Blistered, Blooming, Blotchy, Blushing, Bronzed, Cadaverous, Calloused, Caramel, Clear, Craggy, Cream, Ebony, Fair, Flush, Freckled, Glowing, Greasy, Ivory, Jaundiced, Leathery, Lily-white, Lined, Milky, Mottled, Nut-brown, Olive, Pale, Pallid, Pasty, Peeling, Pimpled, Pink, Pitted, Pockmarked, Red, Rosy, Rough, Ruddy, Russet, Sallow, Scabby, Scarred, Smooth, Splotchy, Spotty, Sun-burnt, Tan, Wan, Waxen, White, Wrinkled, Yellow

Stomach: Bulging, Distended, Empty, Firm, Flabby, Flat, Heroic, Hollow, Lean, Paunchy, Protruding, Unbounded

Teeth: Artificial, Black, Blunted, Buck, Canine, Chattering, Clenched, Clinched, Compressed, Crooked, Dagger-like, Dazzling, Decayed, Deciduous, Extracted, False teeth, Feeble, Ferocious, Filed, Flashing, Fluoridated, Foam-laced, Fractured, Gap-toothed, Gleaming, Glistening, Glittering, Gnashing, Goofy, Grinding, Hooked, Horrid, Ivory, Jagged, Lacquered, Large, Milky, Mottled, Neglected, Pearly, Perfect, Pretty, Protruding, Razor-like, Sharp, Shining, Short, Small, Snowy, Sore, Spaced, Straight, Sweet tooth, Tender, Tiny, Toothless, Toothy, Ugly, Unrelenting, White, Wisdom, Wolfish, Yellow

Hope this helps! If it does, do tag me or send me a link to your writing. I'd love to read your work.

More: On Character Development

[theaftersundown]

a constant problem

[morallysuperiorlips]

10 Ways to Ensure Your Villain's Evil Monologuing Dialogue is as Unsettling as Possible!

1.) Make sure you're mixing body language with the words themselves: You can have your villain saying the most twisted shit, but if they're just standing there like a cardboard cutout, their words probably aren't going to hit as hard. Have them touch your protag. Have them toy with a weapon as if they're going to use it. Have them pace. Have them put together the blood ritual they're ranting about. Keep them moving.

2.) Have them use personal knowledge as a tool: Does your villain have some deep dark dirt on your protag? Don't let that all go in one swoop. Let them hint at it in drops before they open the dam. Maybe they use that knowledge as a bargaining tool to get an upper hand, or use it to send the trapped protag into a frenzy because they love to watch them scream.

3.) When it comes to threats, certainty is key: A threat is a threat, but there's nothing like a threat being spoken as if the villain knows it's going to happen. Whether your villain has already caught your protag, or is in the process of doing so, everything they say they want to see happen to your protag needs to come with absolute certainty. Almost as if it's a certain warning, and not just something they’re saying to be scary.

4.) Contradictions are your friend: Nothing indicates a warped villainous mind more than some juicy contradictions. Your villain might be talking about how they're going to flay your protag's hide after catching them in their dungeon, only to throw in a subtle "but, you're probably safer here with me." Find ways to toss in twisted contradictions that also underline the crazy shit they might be saying.

5.) Mess with syntax: Unsettling dialogue calls for unsettling structure. Incomplete sentences, unforeseen pauses, longwinded explanations broken up by more unforeseen pauses. Whatever it is, keep the rhythm offbeat. Don't give your reader a chance to be able to tell what's coming.

6.) Expectations? Subvert those: Your protag and even your readers might be suspecting one thing from your villain, so throw them a curveball and hit them with the complete opposite. Perhaps you've reached a point in your story where it seems like the villain might kill your protag on sight. But no, have your villain mention exactly why they aren't going to do that, and why they want to wait it out.

7.) Mix quiet confidence and loud assertion: Some might say that the silent seether is scarier, while others might agree that the sudden explosive type takes the bigger unsettling prize. In my opinion, you can really capitalize on the eeriness of villain dialogue by tapping into both. A villain that speaks on with refined confidence before very suddenly exploding, without much warning, can really power up the dread behind their words.

8.) Sometimes, ambiguity is better than being straightforward: Whether it's obvious that your villain has a lot of tricks up their sleeves--or not--leaving things to the imaginations of your protag, and subsequently, your readers is great for building dread. You can use dialogue to make it clear that they're up to something, but never make them fully disclose what that is. They might show it instead of tell it, or it might just never happen. Either way, it'll likely have everyone looking over their shoulders.

9.) There might be times where silence says everything: You might be worried about penning the correct verbiage for your villain's big evil speech, but sometimes, silence speaks wonders. When used correctly, a long pause, or a bout of silence after your protag has said their piece can build a sense of uneasiness more than them actually speaking would have.

10.) Find ways for your villain to mirror the hero: A monologuing villain is better when they're throwing your hero's values and beliefs back in their face. A hero that believes in mercy? Well, have your villain talk about how they'll make them beg for it. A hero that believes in the greater good? Have your villain talk about their idea of a greater good.

As always, GO WRITE SOMETHING TODAY! <3

[just-writing-ideas]

cw: abuse and trauma and other unsavory things

interesting character backstories

because "my parents hit me or force me to be perfect" won't cut it for every character in the cast

-characters who grew up poor. poverty is traumatizing, people. i wanna see characters who never ask for anything, count dollars and coins, freak out when the bill isn't split fairly and immediately suspect bed bugs when someone says they're itchy. and mention the ugly stuff too. smelling bad and having water stains on the walls. ice cream for dinner and not eating breakfast. lights going out and fourteen year olds supporting a family of five.

-characters who were neglected. not physically abused, neglected. who don't understand why people care when they don't show up, or seem kind of down today, or leave a party without saying goodbye. who are too independent for their own good. who can't think of anything to say when asked to describe their parents. who are okay with being lonely. who always feel lonely. who get uncomfortable if you even ask them how their day was. who does that?

-characters who were smothered. who were treated like a toddler well into their teens. who were practically stalked by their own parents, never allowed a moment of privacy. who were constantly belittled and denied their autonomy as the adults in their life made every decision for them. regardless of how loved they truly were, this is abuse. this could go in two diverging directions: end result of a very guarded, mature character feeling a constant need to prove themself, or end result of a passive, immature character who requires attention, praise and constant assistance. both have extremely low self-esteem.

-characters who are fundamentally different from their family. maybe they're queer, or adopted, or disabled, or aren't fully related to the rest of them (bonus points if they aren't the same race as their family). characters who watch like a ghost as everyone else smiles and bonds. and maybe it's their fault that they're like this, or maybe it's their fault for not reaching out to the family themself, but... nobody else had to ask for it.

i forgot about this blog

[c-poetjoycciwi]

Love is something I am full of, not something I am waiting for.

[promptsforthestrugglingauthor]

Writing Prompt #2892

"I can't fucking stand you."

"So sit," the villain crooned. "Or kneel! That's always something I prefer to see."

[joseefinwrites]

Ultimate "Know Your Character Inside Out" Template

The ultimate template for creating a character, without losing your mind, while you're at it.

Character Background Template ... (open)

1. Name:

2. Age:

3. Gender & Pronouns:

4. Physical Appearance:

   - Hair color:

   - Eye color:

   - Height:

   - Build:

   - Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos, etc.):

5. Background and Upbringing:

   - Where were they born and raised?

   - What was their family structure like (parents, siblings)?

   - Describe their childhood environment and upbringing.

   - Were there any significant events or traumas in their past?

6. Education and Skills:

   - What level of education did they receive?

   - Did they excel in any particular subjects or skills?

   - Have they pursued any additional training or education since then?

7. Personality Traits:

   - Describe their personality in a few words.

   - What are their strengths and weaknesses?

   - How do they typically react under stress or pressure?

8. Motivations and Goals:

   - What are their short-term and long-term goals?

   - What drives them to pursue these goals?

   - Are there any fears or insecurities that motivate or hinder them?

9. Relationships:

   - Who are the most important people in their life?

   - How do they interact with family, friends, and acquaintances?

   - Do they have any romantic interests or significant relationships?

10. Past Experiences:

    - Have they faced any major challenges or setbacks in the past?

    - How have these experiences shaped their beliefs and values?

    - Have they experienced any significant losses or tragedies?

11. Worldview and Beliefs:

    - What are their core beliefs and values?

    - How do they view the world around them?

    - Are there any cultural, religious, or philosophical influences in their life?

12. Inner Conflict:

    - What internal struggles do they face?

    - Are there any unresolved issues from their past that continue to affect them?

    - How do these inner conflicts impact their decisions and actions?

13. Connection to Outer Conflict/Plot:

    - How does their personal journey intersect with the main plot or external conflict?

    - What stakes are involved for the character in the larger story?

    - How do their goals and motivations align (or conflict) with the central conflict?

 

(Shorter) Knowing Your Character Inside Out Checklist

Personality Traits:

   - Introverted/Extroverted

   - Optimistic/Pessimistic

   - Assertive/Passive

   - Empathetic/Self-centered

   - Logical/Emotional

   - Adventurous/Cautious

   - Honest/Dishonest

   - Ambitious/Content

Beliefs and Values:

   - Religious beliefs (if any)

   - Moral code

   - Political beliefs

   - Views on relationships

   - Attitude towards authority

Fears and Insecurities:

   - Common fears (spiders, heights, etc.)

   - Deep-seated insecurities (failure, rejection, etc.)

   - Traumatic experiences (if applicable)

Desires and Goals:

   - Short-term goals

   - Long-term aspirations

   - What motivates them to pursue these goals?

Strengths:

   - Intellectual strengths

   - Physical abilities

   - Emotional resilience

   - Social skills

   - Unique talents or abilities

Weaknesses:

   - Personal flaws

   - Areas of vulnerability

   - Bad habits

   - Limiting beliefs

Backstory:

    - Family background

    - Childhood experiences

    - Significant life events that shaped their identity

    - Education and career path

    - Previous relationships

-Josie

[theplotmage]

Writing a Manipulative Character

- A manipulative character is a master of influence, skilled at bending others to their will without them even realizing it. Show their ability to read people, understanding their desires, fears, and weaknesses, and then use this knowledge to subtly guide their actions and decisions.

- These characters often present a facade of charm and trustworthiness. Highlight their charismatic nature and how they can easily win people over, making others believe that they have their best interests at heart, while secretly pulling the strings.

- A manipulative character is adept at creating and controlling narratives. Demonstrate their talent for spinning stories, spreading misinformation, and planting seeds of doubt to achieve their objectives. They always have a backup plan and can think several steps ahead.

- They thrive on secrecy and deception. Illustrate how they carefully conceal their true intentions and motives, keeping their schemes hidden while appearing innocent or even benevolent. They might use half-truths and strategic omissions to maintain control.

- Show their capacity for patience and strategic thinking. A manipulative character knows that some plans take time to come to fruition. They are willing to wait, gradually nudging events and people in their desired direction until they achieve their goal.

- Highlight their emotional intelligence. These characters can read a room, detect subtle shifts in mood, and adjust their approach accordingly. They know exactly when to apply pressure, offer comfort, or feign vulnerability to manipulate others.

- They often exploit relationships and social dynamics. Depict how they use friendships, family ties, and professional connections to their advantage, playing people against each other or leveraging loyalty and trust to further their own ends.

- A manipulative character is skilled at deflecting blame and responsibility. Show how they can twist situations to make others seem at fault, creating scapegoats or diverting attention from their own actions. They are experts at maintaining a clean image while orchestrating chaos behind the scenes.

- They use flattery and validation as tools. Illustrate their ability to make others feel special, understood, and valued, all the while steering them towards choices that serve the manipulator's agenda.

- Lastly, demonstrate the manipulative character's adaptability. They can quickly change tactics if their initial approach fails, always finding new ways to influence and control those around them. They are chameleons, constantly adjusting their persona to fit the needs of the moment.

[unboundprompts]

Hi hi! Do you think by any chance you could do a list of serious/refined sounding names with a cute nickname? For instance Victoire turning into Vicky. Sorry if this is too big an ask, but ty nonetheless and I hope your day is going great!!

Refined Names with Cute Nicknames

-> feel free to comment suggestions, I'll do my best to add them to the list.

Male:

Sebastian → Seb, Baz

Frederick → Freddie, Rick

Theodore → Theo, Teddy

Maximilian → Max, Milly

Alexander → Alex, Xander

Nathaniel → Nate, Niel

Dominic → Dom, Nicky

Vincent → Vince, Vinnie

Alistair → Ali, Lissy

Leonard → Leo, Lenny

Elliot → Eli, Lio

Benjamin → Ben, Benny

Nicholas → Nick, Nico

Christopher → Chris, Kit

Dominic → Dom, Mico

Reginald → Reggie, Reg

Samuel → Sam, Sammy

Zachary → Zac, Zack

Julian → Jules, Jay

Nathaniel → Nate, Nat

Frederick → Freddie, Rick

Female:

Genevieve → Genny, Vivi

Evangeline → Evie, Lina

Alexandria → Lexi, Andy

Anastasia → Annie, Stasie

Isadora → Izzy, Dora

Seraphina → Sera, Phina

Marguerite → Maggie, Daisy

Octavia → Tavi, Via

Wilhelmina → Mina, Willa

Theodora → Teddy, Dora

Caroline → Carrie, Lina

Clementine → Clem, Minnie

Penelope → Penny, Nell

Elizabeth → Lizzy, Ellie

Arabella → Bella, Ari

Charlotte → Charlie, Lottie

Josephine → Josie, Phina

Rosalind → Rosie, Lindy

Adelaide → Addie, Della

Beatrice → Bea, Trissy

Gender Neutral:

Avery → Avi, Ree

Cassidy → Cass, Sid

Bellamy → Bell, Amy

Julian → Jules, Juju

Vivian → Vivi

Quentin → Quinn, Q

Remington → Remi, Rem

Finnegan → Finn, Finny

Adrian → Addie, Rian

Emerson → Em, Sonny

Jordan → Jordy, Jory

Harper → Harp, Perry

Dakota → Kota, Dax

Rowan → Ro, Roni

Parker → Park, Pipp

Casey → Cas, Cee

Reagan → Rea, Gan

Ellis → Eli, Elle

Morgan → Morg, Mo

[mischievous-thunder]

Biting IS the universal love language for the Honey Badgers

[literaryvein-reblogs]

460 Adjectives

as reference for your next poem/story

BEHAVIOURAL ADJECTIVES

Affectionate - feeling or showing affection or warm regard; loving

Adoring - feeling or showing great affection and devotion

Affable - being pleasant and at ease in talking to others

Amorous - strongly moved by love; enamored

Caring - feeling or showing concern for or kindness to others

Devoted - characterized by loyalty and devotion

Loving - affectionate

Sweet - pleasing to the mind or feelings; agreeable, gratifying

Sympathetic - given to, marked by, or arising from sympathy, compassion, friendliness, and sensitivity to others' emotions

Tenderhearted - easily moved to love, pity, or sorrow; compassionate, impressionable

Agreeable - ready or willing to agree or consent; being in harmony

Courteous - marked by respect for and consideration of others

Decorous - marked by propriety and good taste; correct

Gallant - nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing

Gracious - marked by kindness and courtesy

Pleasant - having qualities that tend to give pleasure; agreeable

Polite - marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy

Respectful - marked by or showing respect or deference

Well-behaved - behaving in a polite or correct way

Well-mannered - having good manners; polite

Amiable - friendly, sociable, and congenial; generally agreeable

Affable - being pleasant and at ease in talking to others

Congenial - sociable, genial

Convivial - relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company

Cordial - showing or marked by warm and often hearty friendliness, favor, or approval

Friendly - serving a beneficial or helpful purpose

Genial - marked by or freely expressing sympathy or friendliness

Hospitable - promising or suggesting generous and friendly welcome

Warm - marked by or readily showing affection, gratitude, cordiality, or sympathy

Welcoming - to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality

Cheerful - full of good spirits; merry

Buoyant - cheerful, gay

Cheery - marked by cheerfulness or good spirits

Forward-looking - concerned with or planning for the future

Hopeful - full of hope; inclined to hope

Lighthearted - cheerfully optimistic and hopeful; easygoing

Optimistic - of, relating to, or characterized by optimism; feeling or showing hope for the future

Positive - marked by optimism

Sanguine - marked by eager hopefulness; confidently optimistic

Upbeat - cheerful, optimistic

Clever - mentally quick and resourceful

Astute - mentally sharp or clever

Bright - intelligent, clever

Brilliant - distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness

Intelligent - guided or directed by intellect; rational

Knowledgeable - having or showing knowledge or intelligence

Quick-witted - quick in perception and understanding

Sharp - keen in intellect; quick-witted

Smart - intelligent, bright; witty, clever

Wise - marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment

Eloquent - marked by forceful and fluent expression

Articulate - expressing oneself readily, clearly, and effectively

Graceful - displaying grace in form or action

Influential - exerting or possessing influence (i.e., the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command)

Persuasive - tending to persuade (i.e., to plead with; urge)

Poised - marked by easy composure of manner or bearing

Refined - fastidious, cultivated

Silver-tongued - marked by convincing and eloquent expression

Smooth-tongued - ingratiating in speech; persuasive

Well-spoken - speaking well, fitly, or courteously

Good-natured - of a pleasant and cooperative disposition

Benevolent - marked by or disposed to doing good

Big-hearted - generous, charitable

Compassionate - having or showing compassion; sympathetic

Considerate - thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others

Good-hearted - having a kindly generous disposition

Helpful - of service or assistance; useful

Kind - of a sympathetic or helpful nature

Nice - polite, kind

Thoughtful - given to or chosen or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and wants of others

Patient - not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

Accommodating - willing to please; helpful, obliging

Forbearing - to hold oneself back from especially with an effort

Forgiving - willing or able to forgive (i.e., pardon)

Long-suffering - patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship

Stoical - firmly restraining response to pain or distress

Tolerant - permitting or accepting something (such as a behavior or belief) that one does not like

Uncomplaining - not complaining; patient

Understanding - endowed with understanding; tolerant, sympathetic

Unexcitable - not responsive to stimuli

Reflective - marked by reflection; thoughtful, deliberative

Contemplative - marked by or given to contemplation (i.e., an act of considering with attention)

Insightful - exhibiting or characterized by insight (i.e., the act or result of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively)

Introspective - characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings; thoughtfully reflective

Inward-looking - more interested in themselves than in other people or societies

Meditative - marked by or conducive to meditation (i.e., a discourse intended to express its author's reflections or to guide others in contemplation)

Pensive - musingly or dreamily thoughtful

Self-analyzing - relating to or using self-analysis (i.e., a systematic attempt by an individual to understand his or her own personality without the aid of another person)

Self-examining - a reflective examination (as of one's beliefs or motives); introspective

Self-observing - introspective

Sensible - having, containing, or indicative of good sense or reason

Analytical - skilled in or using analysis especially in thinking or reasoning

Cerebral - primarily intellectual in nature

Judicious - having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment

Logical - capable of reasoning or of using reason in an orderly cogent fashion

Practical - actively engaged in some course of action or occupation

Pragmatic - relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of intellectual or artistic matters; practical

Rational - relating to, based on, or agreeable to reason

Realistic - able to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way

Reasonable - being in accordance with reason

Valiant - possessing or acting with bravery or boldness

Adventurous - disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown

Bold - fearless before danger

Courageous - having or characterized by courage; brave

Dauntless - incapable of being intimidated or subdued

Fearless - free from fear

Gallant - spirited, brave

Heroic - exhibiting or marked by courage and daring

Plucky - spirited, brave

Valorous - valiant

Apprehensive - viewing the future with anxiety or alarm

Doubtful - marked by qualities that raise doubts about worth, honesty, or validity

Hesitant - slow to act or proceed (as from fear, indecision, or unwillingness)

Insecure - beset by fear and anxiety

Mistrustful - to be suspicious

Self-conscious - uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others; ill at ease

Self-doubting - timid, diffident, insecure

Self-effacing - having or showing a tendency to make oneself modestly or shyly inconspicuous

Uncertain - not having certain knowledge; doubtful

Unconfident - lacking in confidence; unsure

Disillusioned - having lost faith or trust in something formerly regarded as good or valuable

Bleak - not hopeful or encouraging; depressing

Cynical - contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives

Defeatist - an attitude of accepting, expecting, or being resigned to defeat

Downbeat - pessimistic, gloomy

Fatalistic - hacing a belief or attitude determined by a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them

Hardened - callous

Negative - marked by features of hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism

Pessimistic - of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism; gloomy

Skeptical - relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism (i.e., an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object)

Dull - tedious, uninteresting

Bland - dull, insipid

Boring - causing weariness and restlessness through lack of interest

Charmless - unattractive or unpleasant

Stodgy - boring, dull

Tiresome - wearisome, tedious

Uncharismatic - lacking charisma (i.e., a special magnetic charm or appeal)

Unexciting - not exciting; dull, commonplace

Uninspiring - not having an animating or exalting effect

Uninteresting - not attracting interest or attention

Fierce - violently hostile or aggressive in temperament

Aggressive - marked by obtrusive energy and self-assertiveness

Antagonistic - showing dislike or opposition

Argumentative - having or showing a tendency to disagree or argue with other people in an angry way; disputatious

Bellicose - favoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars

Belligerent - inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness

Confrontational - clashing of forces or ideas; conflict

Defiant - full of or showing a disposition to challenge, resist, or fight; bold, impudent

Hostile - marked by malevolence; having or showing unfriendly feelings

Violent - emotionally agitated to the point of using harmful physical force

Impassive - giving no sign of feeling or emotion

Aloof - removed or distant either physically or emotionally

Apathetic - having or showing little or no interest, concern, or emotion

Cold - marked by a lack of the warmth of normal human emotion, friendliness, or compassion

Detached - exhibiting an aloof objectivity usually free from prejudice or self-interest

Dispassionate - not affected by personal or emotional involvement

Expressionless - lacking expression

Indifferent - marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something

Stoic - not affected by or showing passion or feeling

Unemotional - not easily aroused or excited; cold

Lethargic - of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy

Idle - not occupied or employed

Inactive - not active; sedentary

Indolent - averse to activity, effort, or movement; habitually lazy

Inert - very slow to move or act

Languid - sluggish in character or disposition; listless

Lazy - disinclined to activity or exertion; not energetic or vigorous

Slothful - inclined to sloth; indolent

Slow-moving - slow-footed, slowgoing

Sluggish - averse to activity or exertion; indolent; torpid

Mysterious - exciting wonder, curiosity, or surprise while baffling efforts to comprehend or identify; mystifying

Closemouthed - cautious in speaking; uncommunicative; also: secretive

Discreet - having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech; prudent

Enigmatic - of, relating to, or resembling an enigma; mysterious

Evasive - tending or intended to evade; equivocal

Inscrutable - not readily investigated, interpreted, or understood; mysterious

Secretive - disposed to secrecy; not open or outgoing in speech, activity, or purposes

Taciturn - temperamentally disinclined to talk

Tight-lipped - reluctant to speak; taciturn

Uncommunicative - not disposed to talk or impart information; reserved

Odious - arousing or deserving hatred or repugnance; hateful

Abhorrent - causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred; being so repugnant as to stir up positive antagonism

Despicable - deserving to be despised; so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation

Detestable - arousing or meriting intense dislike; abominable

Hateful - full of hate; malicious; deserving of or arousing hate

Horrible - extremely bad or unpleasant

Loathsome - giving rise to loathing; disgusting

Unkind - not pleasing or mild; inclement; harsh, cruel

Vicious - dangerously aggressive; savage

Vile - morally despicable or abhorrent

Presumptuous - overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy); taking liberties

Audacious - intrepidly daring; adventurous; recklessly bold

Bad-mannered - discourteous, disrespectful, ill-bred, impolite

Churlish - of, resembling, or characteristic of a churl; vulgar

Discourteous - lacking courtesy; rude

Disrespectful - to show or express disrespect or contempt for; insult, dis

Ill-mannered - having bad manners; rude

Impolite - not polite; rude

Impudent - marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others; insolent

Rude - offensive in manner or action; discourteous

Prickly - vexatious; easily irritated

Bad-tempered - easily annoyed or angered; surly, ill-tempered

Cantankerous - difficult or irritating to deal with

Crabby - easily irritated; peevish and irritable; grouchy

Curmudgeonly - (especially of an old person) bad-tempered and negative

Grouchy - given to grumbling; peevish

Ill-natured - having a bad disposition; cross, surly

Irritable - easily exasperated or excited

Sensitive - highly responsive or susceptible

Surly - irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner; crabbed

Proud - having or displaying excessive self-esteem

Cocky - boldly or brashly self-confident

Conceited - having or showing an excessively high opinion of oneself

Haughty - blatantly and disdainfully proud; having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior

Overbearing - harshly and haughtily arrogant

Overconfident - excessively or unjustifiably confident; having too much confidence (as in one's abilities or judgment)

Pompous - having or exhibiting self-importance; arrogant

Smug - highly self-satisfied

Snobbish - being, characteristic of, or befitting a snob (i.e., one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste)

Supercilious - coolly and patronizingly haughty

Silly - exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment

Brainless - devoid of intelligence

Dense - slow to understand

Foolish - having or showing a lack of good sense, judgment, or discretion

Idiotic - showing complete lack of thought or common sense

Ignorant - destitute of knowledge or education; unaware, uninformed

Mindless - marked by or displaying no use of the powers of the intellect

Slow-witted - mentally slow

Vapid - acking flavor, zest, interest, animation, or spirit; flat, dull

Witless - lacking wit or understanding; foolish

Talkative - given to talking

Babbling - idle, foolish, or nonsensical talk or chatter

Blathering - engaging in or characterized by foolish or nonsensical talk or writing

Chatty - fond of chatting; talkative

Conversational - given to conversation

Garrulous - given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity; pointlessly or annoyingly talkative

Gossipy - characterized by, full of, or given to gossip (i.e., rumor or report of an intimate nature)

Loquacious - given to fluent or excessive talk; garrulous

Rambling - straying from subject to subject

Verbose - given to wordiness

Timid - lacking in courage or self-confidence

Bashful - socially shy or timid

Diffident - reserved, unassertive

Introverted - possessing a reserved or quiet nature typically with an inclination to solitude

Meek - deficient in spirit and courage; submissive

Reserved - restrained in words and actions

Reticent - inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech

Sheepish - meek, timid

Shy - easily frightened; timid

Withdrawn - socially detached and unresponsive

Tightfisted - reluctant to part with money

Avaricious - greedy of gain; excessively acquisitive especially in seeking to hoard riches

Close-fisted - unwilling to spend money; stingy

Miserly - marked by grasping meanness and penuriousness

Parsimonious - frugal to the point of stinginess; sparing

Penny-pinching - frugal

Penurious - given to or marked by extreme stinting frugality

Scroogelike - not generous with money; miserly

Stingy - not generous or liberal; sparing or scant in using, giving, or spending

Ungenerous - not generous; petty, mean; stingy

EMOTIONAL ADJECTIVES

Angry - feeling or showing anger (i.e., a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism)

Enraged - very angry; furious

Furious - exhibiting or goaded by anger

Incensed - very angry; enraged

Infuriated - furiously angry

Irate - roused to ire; arising from anger

Raging - causing great pain or distress

Seething - constantly moving or active; agitated

Upset - emotionally disturbed or agitated

Wrathful - filled with wrath; irate

Calm - free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance; still

Peaceful - untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion

Relaxed - easy of manner

Sedate - keeping a quiet steady attitude or pace; unruffled

Serene - marked by or suggestive of utter calm and unruffled repose or quietude

Tranquil - free from agitation of mind or spirit

Unbothered - not feeling or showing agitation, worry, or annoyance

Unflappable - marked by assurance and self-control

Unperturbed - not worried, upset, or disquieted

Untroubled - not given trouble; not made uneasy; calm

Cheerful - conducive to cheer; likely to dispel gloom or worry

Beaming - radiant; bright; smiling brightly; cheerful

Content - contented, satisfied

Gleeful - full of glee; merry

Happy - glad, pleased

Jocular - characterized by jesting; playful

Jovial - characterized by good-humored cheerfulness and conviviality; jolly

Joyful - experiencing, causing, or showing joy; happy

Merry - full of gaiety or high spirits; mirthful

Radiant - marked by or expressive of love, confidence, or happiness

Content - contented, satisfied

Appreciative - having or showing appreciation (i.e., a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude)

Fulfilled - feeling happiness and satisfaction

Grateful - appreciative of benefits received

Gruntled - in good humor; happy, contented

Pleased - feeling or showing pleasure and satisfaction, especially at an event or a situation

Satisfied - pleased or content with what has been experienced or received

Thankful - well pleased; glad

Untroubled - not given trouble; not made uneasy

Unworried - not afflicted with mental distress or agitation

Disgruntled - unhappy and annoyed

Agitated - troubled in mind; disturbed and upset

Annoyed - feeling or showing angry irritation

Cross - marked by typically transitory bad temper

Distressed - of, relating to, or experiencing economic decline or difficulty

Exasperated - having or showing strong feelings of irritation or annoyance

Irritable - easily exasperated or excited

Resentful - full of resentment (i.e., a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury)

Stressed - subjected to or affected by stress (i.e., bodily or mental tension)

Vexed - feeling or showing irritation, annoyance, or distress

Jealous - hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage

Begrudging - said, done, or given reluctantly; grudging

Bitter - exhibiting intense animosity

Covetous - marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions

Desirous - impelled or governed by desire (i.e., conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment)

Envious - feeling or showing envy

Grudging - unwilling, reluctant

Malicious - having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone; given to, marked by, or arising from malice (i.e., desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another)

Resentful - caused or marked by resentment (i.e., a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury)

Spiteful - filled with or showing spite; malicious

Lively - briskly alert and energetic; vigorous, animated

Animated - full of vigor and spirit; lively

Elated - marked by high spirits; exultant

Electrified - to excite intensely or suddenly

Energetic - operating with or marked by vigor or effect

Enthusiastic - filled with or marked by enthusiasm (i.e., strong excitement of feeling)

Excited - having, showing, or characterized by a heightened state of energy, enthusiasm, eagerness, etc.

Exhilarated - very happy and excited or elated

Spirited - full of energy, animation, or courage

Thrilled - extremely pleased and excited

Unhappy - not cheerful or glad; sad, wretched

Crestfallen - feeling shame or humiliation; dejected

Dejected - low in spirits; depressed

Gloomy - low in spirits; melancholy

Glum - broodingly morose

Grief-stricken - very sad; deeply affected by grief

Melancholic - of, relating to, or subject to melancholy; depressed

Miserable - being in a pitiable state of distress or unhappiness

Sad - affected with or expressive of grief or unhappiness; downcast

Sorrowful - expressive of or inducing sorrow (i.e., resultant unhappy or unpleasant state)

PHYSICAL ADJECTIVES

Aged - grown old

Ancient - having had an existence of many years; venerable

Centenarian - one that is 100 years old or older

Elderly - of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons

Gray-haired - having gray hair; of or relating to old age or old people

Mature - of, relating to, or being an older adult; elderly

Nonagenarian - a person whose age is in the nineties

Old - advanced in years or age

Senior - a person older than another; of, relating to, or intended for seniors

Wrinkled - to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

Attractive - arousing interest or pleasure; charming

Beautiful - having qualities of beauty; exciting aesthetic pleasure

Dashing - marked by vigorous action; spirited

Fetching - attractive, appealing

Good-looking - having a pleasing or attractive appearance

Gorgeous - splendidly or showily brilliant or magnificent

Handsome - having a pleasing and usually impressive or dignified appearance

Pretty - having conventionally accepted elements of beauty

Striking - attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities

Stunning - strikingly impressive especially in beauty or excellence

Average - not out of the ordinary; common

Forgettable - fit or likely to be forgotten

Homely - plain or unattractive in appearance

Mediocre - of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance

Ordinary-looking - not different or special or unexpected in any way; usual

Plain - lacking ornament; undecorated

Plain-featured - ordinary

Plain-looking - not beautiful, distinctive, or remarkable in appearance; normal

Unexceptional - not out of the ordinary; commonplace

Unremarkable - unworthy or unlikely to be noticed; not remarkable; common, ordinary

Feeble - markedly lacking in strength

Decrepit - wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age

Delicate - not robust in health or constitution; weak, sickly

Doddering - showing or involving a loss of physical or cognitive abilities in old age

Frail - easily broken or destroyed; fragile; physically weak

Infirm - of poor or deteriorated vitality, especially: feeble from age

Sickly - somewhat unwell, also : habitually ailing

Unwell - being in poor health; ailing, sick

Wan - suggestive of poor health; sickly, pallid

Weak - lacking strength

Muscular - of or relating to physical strength; full-bodied

Athletic - vigorous, active

Brawny - muscular, also: strong, powerful

Burly - strongly and heavily built

Fit - sound physically and mentally

Herculean - of extraordinary power, extent, intensity, or difficulty

Powerful - having great power, prestige, or influence

Robust - having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health

Strong - having or marked by great physical power

Sturdy - firmly built or constituted 

Short - having little length; not tall or high

Diminutive - exceptionally or notably small

Little - not big

Petite - having a small trim figure

Pint-sized - small

Short-legged - having short legs, particularly in proportion to one's body

Small - having comparatively little size or slight dimensions

Stubby - being short and thick

Teeny - tiny

Tiny - very small or diminutive; minute

Sophisticated - deprived of native or original simplicity

Chic - cleverly stylish; smart

Dapper - neat and trim in appearance

Dignified - showing or expressing dignity (i.e., formal reserve or seriousness of manner, appearance, or language)

Elegant - of a high grade or quality; splendid

Majestic - having or exhibiting majesty; stately

Noble - possessing outstanding qualities; illustrious

Regal - of notable excellence or magnificence; splendid

Stately - marked by lofty or imposing dignity; haughty

Stylish - conforming to current fashion

Stout - bulky in body

Big - large or great in dimensions, bulk, or extent

Chubby - somewhat fat; having a full, rounded form

Heavy - having great weight

Large - exceeding most other things of like kind especially in quantity or size

Overweight - exceeding expected, normal, or proper weight

Plump - having a full rounded usually pleasing form

Plus-size - extra large

Portly - heavy or rotund of body; stout

Potbellied - having a potbelly (i.e., an enlarged, swollen, or protruding abdomen)

Tall - high in stature

Colossal - of, relating to, or resembling a colossus (i.e., a person or thing of immense size or power)

Gangling - tall, thin, and awkwardly built; lanky, gangly

Giant - having extremely large size, proportion, or power

Gigantic - exceeding the usual or expected (as in size, force, or prominence)

Long-legged - having long legs

Massive - forming or consisting of a large mass; bulky; weighty

Monstrous - having extraordinary often overwhelming size

Statuesque - having a tall and shapely form

Towering - impressively high or great; imposing

Thin - not well fleshed; lean

Angular - lean and having prominent bone structure

Bony - having prominent bones

Lean - lacking or deficient in flesh

Scrawny - exceptionally thin and slight or meager in body or size

Skinny - lacking usual or desirable bulk, quantity, qualities, or significance

Slender - spare in frame or flesh, especially: gracefully slight

Slim - of small diameter or thickness in proportion to the height or length; slender

Underweight - weighing less than the normal or requisite amount

Willowy - pliant; gracefully tall and slender

Unattractive - not attractive; plain, dull

Ugly - offensive to the sight; hideous

Displeasing - to incur the disapproval or dislike of especially by annoying; to give displeasure

Hideous - offensive to the senses and especially to sight; exceedingly ugly

Ghastly - terrifyingly horrible to the senses; frightening

Repulsive - tending to repel or reject; cold, forbidding; arousing aversion or disgust

Unpleasant - not pleasant; not amiable or agreeable; displeasing

Grotesque - fanciful, bizarre; absurdly incongruous; departing markedly from the natural, the expected, or the typical

Revolting - extremely offensive

Unsightly - not pleasing to the sight; not comely

Young - being in the first or an early stage of life, growth, or development

Adolescent - of, relating to, or being in adolescence; emotionally or intellectually immature

Boyish - of, like, or characteristic of a male child or young man

Childlike - resembling, suggesting, or appropriate to a child or childhood, especially: marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness

Girlish - of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a girl or girlhood

Juvenile - reflecting psychological or intellectual immaturity; childish

Immature - exhibiting less than an expected degree of maturity

Teenaged - of, being, relating to, or intended for teenagers (i,e., someone who is between 13 and 19 years old)

Underage - of less than mature or legal age

Youthful - having the vitality or freshness of youth; vigorous

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs +600 Traits ⚜ 170 Quirks ⚜ 200+ Character Quirks ⚜ Types of Adjectives