Character Trait: Argumentative

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait of being argumentative refers to a person's tendency to frequently engage in verbal disputes or disagreements, often in a confrontational or aggressive manner. People with this trait may enjoy challenging others' opinions and ideas, and may feel compelled to prove their own point of view, even if it means arguing with others. They may also be quick to get defensive and become argumentative when they feel threatened or challenged.

Possible causes of being argumentative

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

• A lack of effective communication skills to express their opinions and feelings in a non-confrontational way
• A need for control and power in social situations
• A history of growing up in an environment where arguments were common and normalized
• A need to feel validated and heard, even if it means being argumentative
• A tendency to perceive disagreement as a personal attack

For detailed feedback on argumentative characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being argumentative

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

• Dismissing others' feelings or experiences
• Nitpicking or finding fault with minor details
• Being confrontational or aggressive in discussions
• Challenging others' opinions or statements
• Using sarcasm or insults to belittle others
• Refusing to listen to opposing viewpoints
• Interrupting others while they speak
• Getting defensive or agitated when challenged
• Taking a contrarian stance just for the sake of argument

Attitudes associated with being argumentative

You may be able to show argumentative through their attitudes.

• A tendency to focus on flaws or weaknesses in others' arguments
• A belief that conflict can be productive or enlightening
• A need to control the conversation or situation
• A tendency to challenge others' opinions or beliefs
• A tendency to become defensive or aggressive when challenged
• A desire to prove oneself right in a discussion
• A preference for logic and reason over emotion or intuition
• A tendency to interrupt or talk over others
• A willingness to engage in debate or conflict

Thoughts and struggles associated with being argumentative

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

• A tendency to use aggressive or confrontational language
• Struggling to see things from others' points of view
• Getting frustrated or angry when others disagree with them
• Constantly questioning and challenging others' opinions and beliefs
• A fear of being seen as weak or easily persuaded
• Feeling the need to always be right and win arguments
• Difficulty separating their personal beliefs from objective facts
• Difficulty accepting other perspectives or admitting when they are wrong
• Feeling the need to prove themselves and their intelligence in debates

Emotions associated with being argumentative

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

• Intolerance
• Aggression
• Irritation
• Hostility
• Disrespect
• Defensiveness
• Contempt
• Frustration
• Impatience

Facial expressions associated with being argumentative

Here are some facial expressions your argumentative character may exhibit.

• Tightened jaw
• Raised eyebrows
• Snarled upper lip
• Clenched teeth
• Squinted eyes
• Pursed lips
• Tilted head
• Furrowed brows
• Rolled eyes

Body language associated with being argumentative

Here is some body language your argumentative character may exhibit.

• Interrupting or talking over others
• Clenched fists or tense muscles
• Raising voice or speaking in a confrontational tone
• Crossed arms or legs
• Leaning forward aggressively
• Rolling eyes or making sarcastic facial expressions
• Pointing or wagging finger
• Pursed lips or tight jaw
• Raised eyebrows and narrowed eyes

For detailed feedback on argumentative characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being argumentative

Here are some behaviors your argumentative character may exhibit.

• Nitpicking or finding fault with minor details
• Refusing to listen to opposing viewpoints
• Taking a contrarian stance just for the sake of argument
• Challenging others' opinions or statements
• Dismissing others' feelings or experiences
• Getting defensive or agitated when challenged
• Being confrontational or aggressive in discussions
• Using sarcasm or insults to belittle others
• Interrupting others while they speak

Growth and evolution of argumentative characters

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

• Recognize the importance of building relationships and connections with others.
• Learn to control their emotions and avoid becoming defensive or aggressive.
• Discover the value of compromise and collaboration.
• Learn how to express their opinions and ideas in a way that is respectful and constructive.
• Develop a greater understanding of the nuances of complex issues and topics.
• Gain a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Develop the ability to see multiple sides of an argument or issue.
• Learn to listen actively and empathetically to others' perspectives.
• Become more open-minded and receptive to new ideas and experiences.

Stereotypes of argumentative characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical argumentative character like these examples.

• Being closed-minded or resistant to change
• Being stubborn or unwilling to compromise
• Rude or disrespectful behavior towards others
• Refusing to listen to other viewpoints or ideas
• Constantly interrupting or talking over others
• Being overly aggressive or confrontational without reason
• Using personal attacks or insults instead of logical arguments

Negatives of being argumentative

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

• Straining personal and professional relationships
• Missing out on potential opportunities for growth and collaboration
• Being perceived as stubborn and inflexible
• Turning every conversation into a debate
• Being confrontational and aggressive in communication
• Refusing to listen to other people's perspectives or ideas
• Losing credibility and respect due to constant arguing

Positives of being argumentative

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

• They can help to identify potential weaknesses in plans or decisions through their critical analysis.
• Argumentative people can be great debaters and enjoy engaging in discussions and debates.
• Argumentative individuals tend to be critical thinkers and are not easily swayed by popular opinion or groupthink.
• They are often good at negotiating and can be effective at getting what they want.
• They are often skilled at identifying flaws in others' arguments and pointing out inconsistencies.
• They are not afraid to speak their minds and are often willing to stand up for what they believe in.
• Argumentative individuals tend to be passionate and confident in their beliefs.

Verbal expressions of argumentative characters

Here are some potential expressions used by argumentative characters.

• Refusing to listen to other viewpoints
• Disagreeing with everything
• Using aggressive language
• Interrupting others when they speak
• Insisting on having the last word
• Being defensive
• Being confrontational
• Belittling or mocking opposing opinions
• Always playing the devil's advocate

Relationships of argumentative characters

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

• They may attract or seek out others who enjoy debating or arguing, while others may try to avoid them.
• They may have a reputation for being difficult to work with or for causing drama in social situations.
• They may frequently engage in heated debates or arguments with others, even over minor issues.
• They may come across as confrontational, aggressive, or stubborn when discussing their opinions.
• They may inadvertently alienate or offend others with their communication style, leading to conflict or tension in relationships.
• They may have difficulty maintaining close relationships with people who don't share their values or beliefs.
• They may struggle to handle criticism or feedback that doesn't align with their own views.
• They may struggle to build trust or rapport with others who perceive them as argumentative or combative.
• They may struggle to see things from others' perspectives or to compromise on their own beliefs.

Examples from books of characters who are argumentative

• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games
• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye
• Ender Wiggin from Ender's Game
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series
• Tyrion Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones)
• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice
• Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird
• Jo March from Little Women

Writing exercises for writing argumentative characters

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

• Write a scene where your character engages in a debate or argument with someone who disagrees with them. Show how they use logic and reasoning to defend their position and counter their opponent's arguments.
• Consider how your character's argumentative nature affects their relationships with others. Write a scene where they clash with someone they care about, and explore the emotional fallout of that conflict.
• Write a monologue or inner dialogue from your character's perspective, where they explain why they hold their beliefs and what experiences or values have shaped their worldview.
• Give your character a flaw or blind spot that complicates their argumentative nature. For example, they may be so focused on winning an argument that they overlook the feelings of others, or they may be so convinced of their own righteousness that they refuse to consider alternative viewpoints.
• Start with a character who has a clear opinion or stance on a controversial topic. This could be anything from politics to social issues to personal beliefs.
• Experiment with different formats for showcasing your character's arguments, such as a courtroom drama, a political speech, or a debate with a supernatural entity. This can help you think outside the box and find new ways to showcase their strengths and weaknesses.