Character Trait: Aggressive

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Aggressive is a character trait that is defined by a tendency to be forceful, pushy, and confrontational in one's actions and interactions with others. It can manifest as a desire to dominate or control others, or to achieve one's goals through assertiveness, intimidation, or even violence. This trait can be both positive and negative, depending on the context and how it is expressed. In some situations, an aggressive approach may be necessary to achieve success or defend oneself, while in others it can be counterproductive and damaging to relationships and personal growth.

Possible causes of being aggressive

You might want to weave these into your character's back story to build a more believable character.

• Genetics or hereditary factors
• Poor impulse control or difficulty managing emotions
• Environmental factors, such as living in a high-stress or violent community
• Childhood experiences, such as abuse or neglect
• Cultural or societal norms that value aggression or violence
• Mental health disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or intermittent explosive disorder
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Trauma or exposure to violence

For detailed feedback on aggressive characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative quality assessment.

Behaviors associated with being aggressive

You may be able to show your character's trait of aggressive by using these.

• Using physical force or gestures to intimidate
• Speaking loudly or yelling
• Interrupting others while they are speaking
• Showing a lack of empathy or consideration for others' feelings
• Invading personal space
• Engaging in confrontational behavior or arguments
• Making demands or giving ultimatums
• Using sarcasm or insults to belittle others

Attitudes associated with being aggressive

You may be able to show aggressive through their attitudes.

• Proactivity
• Vigor
• Persistence
• Ambition
• Competitiveness
• Willingness to take risks
• Assertiveness
• Courage
• Confidence

Thoughts and struggles associated with being aggressive

Here are some ideas for things your aggressive character may think or struggle with.

• They may have difficulty controlling their impulses and act before thinking, which can lead to rash decisions and consequences.
• Aggressive characters may struggle with feelings of powerlessness or insecurity, leading them to overcompensate with aggression to prove themselves.
• They may have a fear of vulnerability or being seen as weak, leading them to avoid expressing emotions or seeking help when they need it.
• Aggressive characters may struggle with relationships, as their behavior can be intimidating or hurtful to others, and they may have a hard time trusting others.
• They may have a history of trauma or abuse that has contributed to their aggressive tendencies.
• Aggressive characters often struggle with anger management and can easily lose their temper, sometimes even over small things.

Emotions associated with being aggressive

Here are some ideas for emotions your aggressive character may experience.

• Intimidation
• Hostility
• Impatience
• Defensiveness
• Frustration
• Provocation
• Arrogance
• Domineering
• Anger

Facial expressions associated with being aggressive

Here are some facial expressions your aggressive character may exhibit.

• Tightened lips
• Furrowed brows
• Clenched jaw
• Raised chin
• Pursed lips
• Squinted eyes
• Narrowed eyes
• Flared nostrils

Body language associated with being aggressive

Here is some body language your aggressive character may exhibit.

• Puffing out chest or expanding body size
• Invading personal space
• Pointing with fingers or aggressive gestures
• Clenching fists or jaw
• Staring or glaring with intense eye contact
• Raising voice or shouting
• Standing tall with a straight posture
• Pacing or fidgeting
• Biting lips or nails

For detailed feedback on aggressive characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative quality assessment.

Behaviors associated with being aggressive

Here are some behaviors your aggressive character may exhibit.

• Engaging in confrontational behavior or arguments
• Speaking loudly or yelling
• Using sarcasm or insults to belittle others
• Interrupting others while they are speaking
• Using physical force or gestures to intimidate
• Invading personal space
• Showing a lack of empathy or consideration for others' feelings
• Making demands or giving ultimatums

Growth and evolution of aggressive characters

Here are some ways that your aggressive character may grow and evolve over time.

• Accept and manage their emotions in a healthier way, such as through therapy or self-reflection.
• Learn to channel their aggression in a positive way, such as standing up for themselves or others without resorting to violence.
• Learn to communicate effectively and assertively without being confrontational or intimidating.
• Realize the negative consequences of their aggressive behavior, such as damaging relationships or losing opportunities.
• Develop empathy for others and understand the impact their aggression can have on those around them.
• Develop a sense of self-control and patience, allowing them to think before acting on their impulses.
• Learn to forgive and let go of grudges, reducing the need to lash out in anger or frustration.

Stereotypes of aggressive characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical aggressive character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character overly violent or abusive towards others without consequences
• Avoid using aggression as a justification for unethical or immoral behavior
• Avoid stereotyping the character as male or overly masculine
• Avoid using aggression as a shorthand for strength or power
• Avoid portraying the character as constantly angry or hostile towards everyone they encounter
• Avoid portraying the character as one-dimensional and solely defined by their aggression

Negatives of being aggressive

Here are some potential negatives of being aggressive. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as positives depending on the context.

• It can cause others to feel intimidated or threatened.
• It can alienate others and damage relationships.
• It can be perceived as a sign of weakness rather than strength.
• It can make it difficult to compromise or find common ground.
• It can lead to conflicts and confrontations.
• It can result in physical or emotional harm to oneself or others.

Positives of being aggressive

Here are some potential positives of being aggressive. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as negatives depending on the context.

• Aggressive individuals may be more likely to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, which can lead to greater personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
• Aggressive individuals are often confident and assertive, which can help them to take charge and lead others effectively.
• Aggression can be a useful tool for self-defense or in situations where individuals need to protect themselves or others.
• They tend to be goal-oriented and driven, which can lead to high levels of achievement and success in various fields.
• In some cases, aggression can be a manifestation of passion and intensity, which can be channeled into creative endeavors or other productive pursuits.

Verbal expressions of aggressive characters

Here are some potential expressions used by aggressive characters.

• Refusing to listen to opposing viewpoints
• Interrupting others while they speak
• Insulting or belittling others
• Using a loud and commanding tone of voice
• Speaking with a sarcastic or condescending tone
• Making demands instead of requests
• Using foul language or profanity

Relationships of aggressive characters

Here are some ways that being aggressive could affect your character's relationships.

• Conflict and confrontation: Aggressive people may be quick to start arguments or conflicts with others, and may be confrontational even in minor disagreements.
• Difficulty with boundaries: Aggressive individuals may struggle to respect other people's boundaries, and may push others to do things they are uncomfortable with or unwilling to do.
• Lack of empathy: Aggressive individuals may struggle to see things from other people's perspectives, and may be less able to understand or empathize with others.
• Dominance and control: Aggressive individuals tend to dominate and control their relationships, often using intimidation or force to get what they want.
• Power struggles: Aggressive people may be more likely to engage in power struggles with others, seeking to assert their dominance and control in a relationship.
• Distrust and suspicion: Aggressive people may be more likely to see others as potential threats, and may be suspicious or distrustful of others' intentions.

It's worth noting that not all aggressive people will display all of these relationship dynamics, and that there are many factors that can influence someone's behavior in relationships. However, these are some common patterns that may be helpful to be aware of when writing aggressive characters in your creative writing.

Examples from books of characters who are aggressive

• The Joker from "Batman" comics by various authors
• Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess
• Sauron from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Nurse Ratched from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
• Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
• Tyler Durden from "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk
• Cersei Lannister from "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin
• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov

Writing exercises for writing aggressive characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write aggressive characters.

• Create a situation where your character is forced to defend themselves or someone they care about, and they use aggressive means to do so.
• Write a scene where your character is competing with someone else, and they use aggressive tactics to try to win.
• Create a dialogue where your character is arguing with someone, using aggressive language and body language.
• Create a dialogue where your character is negotiating a deal or agreement, using their aggressive nature to get what they want.
• Have your character confront someone about a difficult issue, using their aggression to get their point across.
• Have your character make a bold and assertive decision, even if it goes against the norm or what others are suggesting.
• Write a scene where your character is in a leadership position and uses their aggressive nature to motivate and inspire others.
• Write a scene where your character gets into a physical altercation with someone.
• Write a scene where your character is dealing with a frustrating situation and lets their aggressive emotions take over.