Character Trait: Barren

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Barren" refers to someone or something that is unable to produce or create anything meaningful or fruitful. It can be used to describe a person who lacks creativity, imagination, or productivity, or to describe a place or situation that is devoid of life, energy, or potential. A "Barren" character may have a sense of emptiness, hopelessness, or despair, and may struggle to find purpose or fulfillment in their life. However, this trait can also be used to create compelling characters who undergo transformation or growth as they learn to overcome their limitations and find new sources of inspiration and creativity.

Possible causes of being barren

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

• Overly self-critical or perfectionistic tendencies
• Learned behavior from role models or cultural norms
• Genetic or biological factors that affect emotional regulation
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Difficulty expressing emotions or feeling emotions fully
• Social isolation or lack of meaningful relationships
• Traumatic experiences or abuse in the past
• Lack of emotional connection with caregivers or loved ones
• Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety

For detailed feedback on barren characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story pacing tool.

Behaviors associated with being barren

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

• Seeking medical treatments or alternative methods to conceive
• Straining relationships with partners or friends who do not understand the struggle
• Grieving the loss of the ability to have children
• Finding ways to cope with the emotional toll of infertility
• Considering adoption or other forms of parenthood
• Struggling with feelings of inadequacy or failure
• Feeling envious or resentful towards those who have children
• Feeling a sense of isolation or loneliness
• Avoiding situations that involve children or babies

Attitudes associated with being barren

You may be able to show barren through their attitudes.

• Shame or embarrassment
• Feelings of inadequacy or failure
• Loss of control or powerlessness
• Grief and mourning for the loss of potential children or family
• Self-doubt and questioning of self-worth
• Isolation or a sense of being different or abnormal
• Anger or frustration towards oneself or others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being barren

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

• Battling feelings of guilt or shame for not being able to fulfill societal or cultural expectations of parenthood
• Experiencing grief or sadness over the loss of the dream of having biological children
• Struggling with feelings of jealousy or resentment towards those who have children
• Striving to find a sense of purpose or meaning outside of motherhood or fatherhood
• Wrestling with the decision to pursue alternative options for having a child, such as adoption or fertility treatments
• Questioning one's worth as a person or a spouse/partner
• Feeling incomplete or inadequate due to the inability to conceive a child
• Feeling isolated or misunderstood by others who cannot relate to the experience of infertility

Emotions associated with being barren

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

• Hopelessness
• Anger
• Grief
• Guilt
• Inadequacy
• Regret
• Sadness
• Isolation
• Disappointment
• Despair
• Frustration
• Shame
• Envy

Facial expressions associated with being barren

Here are some facial expressions your barren character may exhibit.

• A solemn or serious expression
• A tired or fatigued look
• A lack of physical energy or vitality
• A withdrawn or distant look
• A lack of sparkle in the eyes
• Avoiding eye contact
• A blank or expressionless face
• A lack of animation or liveliness in the face
• A lack of emotion or enthusiasm

Body language associated with being barren

Here is some body language your barren character may exhibit.

• Avoiding social situations or crowded places
• Lack of facial expressions or monotone voice
• Avoiding eye contact or looking down
• Limited physical contact with others
• Fidgeting or restless movements
• Lack of enthusiasm or passion
• Closed off or slumped body posture
• Hesitant or slow movements
• Minimal or no gestures

For detailed feedback on barren characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story pacing tool.

Behaviors associated with being barren

Here are some behaviors your barren character may exhibit.

• Finding ways to cope with the emotional toll of infertility
• Seeking medical treatments or alternative methods to conceive
• Feeling a sense of isolation or loneliness
• Avoiding situations that involve children or babies
• Feeling envious or resentful towards those who have children
• Grieving the loss of the ability to have children
• Straining relationships with partners or friends who do not understand the struggle
• Struggling with feelings of inadequacy or failure
• Considering adoption or other forms of parenthood

Growth and evolution of barren characters

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

• Learn to accept and love themselves for who they are
• Find a new purpose or passion in life
• Form meaningful connections with others
• Learn to appreciate and find joy in small things
• Discover a hidden talent or skill that brings them fulfillment
• Acknowledge and confront their feelings of inadequacy or emptiness
• Confront and overcome any personal demons or traumas
• Develop a sense of empathy and understanding towards others
• Overcome their fear of failure and take risks in life

Stereotypes of barren characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical barren character like these examples.

• Avoid making Barren characters one-dimensional, solely defined by their inability to bear children.
• Avoid using Barrenness as a punishment or a way to make the character tragic or pitiable.
• Avoid portraying Barren characters as bitter or resentful towards others who are able to have children.
• Avoid using Barrenness as a plot device to create conflict or drama without exploring the character's emotions and experiences.
• Avoid portraying Barren characters as emotionless or cold-hearted individuals.

Negatives of being barren

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

• Risk of depression or anxiety related to infertility
• Inability to conceive or bear children
• Strained relationships with partners or family members who desire children
• Financial strain from pursuing fertility treatments or other options
• Feelings of inadequacy or failure
• Social pressure or stigma related to childbearing
• Limited options for building a family, such as adoption or surrogacy

Positives of being barren

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

• They can also bring a unique perspective to stories about parenting and child-rearing, as they may have to navigate these issues without the traditional expectation of having biological children.
• Barren characters can be portrayed as resilient and strong-willed, as they have likely faced disappointment and adversity in their journey to conceive.
• They can also be depicted as empathetic and nurturing towards others, as they have a deep understanding of the value of life and the struggles that come with it.
• Barren characters can provide an opportunity for exploring themes of family, identity, and self-acceptance, as they come to terms with the reality of their situation and find new ways to define themselves and their relationships.

Verbal expressions of barren characters

Here are some potential expressions used by barren characters.

• "I can't seem to come up with anything."
• "I'm drawing a blank."
• "I don't have any ideas."
• "I'm at a loss for words."
• "I'm not creative enough."
• "My mind is blank."
• "I'm not feeling it."
• "I'm feeling uninspired."
• "I'm stuck."

Relationships of barren characters

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

• Barren people may feel pressure from society or loved ones to adopt or pursue other methods of having children, which can create conflict in their relationships.
• They may struggle with jealousy or resentment towards those who are able to have children, which can create tension in their relationships.
• Barren people may seek out support and understanding from others who are going through similar experiences, leading to closer relationships with those individuals.
• Barren people may feel isolated and disconnected from friends and family who have children, leading to strained relationships.
• They may also find comfort in relationships with pets or other non-human companions.

Examples from books of characters who are barren

• Sethe from "Beloved" by Toni Morrison
• Celie from "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker
• Janie from "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Meursault from "The Stranger" by Albert Camus
• Ophelia from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Offred from "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Writing exercises for writing barren characters

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

• Write a scene where the character is confronted with a situation that requires them to be creative or inventive. How do they respond? Do they struggle, or do they find a way to make it work despite their limitations?
• Start by considering the root of the character's barrenness. Is it physical, emotional, or intellectual? This will help you understand how their barrenness manifests in different areas of their life.
• Use sensory details and imagery to convey the character's barrenness. For example, if their creativity is stunted, describe their surroundings as dull and lifeless. If their emotional life is stunted, use metaphors that evoke a sense of emptiness or desolation.
• Explore the character's relationships with others. How do they interact with people who are more creative or productive than they are? Do they feel threatened or inferior, or do they appreciate and admire their talents?
• Write a monologue or internal dialogue where the character reflects on their barrenness and how it affects their self-esteem and sense of purpose. Do they feel like they are missing out on something essential, or do they see their limitations as an opportunity to focus on other things?
• Consider how the character's barrenness might be a source of conflict or tension in the story. Are there other characters who challenge or push them to grow and change? How do they respond to these challenges?