Character Trait: Blunt

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Blunt refers to a person who is straightforward and direct in their communication style. They tend to speak their mind without sugarcoating their thoughts or feelings, regardless of the potential consequences. Blunt individuals are often seen as honest, confident, and assertive, but their lack of filter can also come across as insensitive or rude.

Possible causes of being blunt

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

• Learned behavior from a role model or authority figure who exhibited bluntness or aggression
• Fear of vulnerability or rejection that leads to a defensive or guarded demeanor
• Inability to perceive or express emotions effectively
• Cultural or familial norms that value directness and honesty over tactfulness
• Trauma or abuse that resulted in emotional numbing or withdrawal
• Neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD
• Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder

For detailed feedback on blunt characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being blunt

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

• Being straightforward and to the point in your communication
• Asking direct questions and expecting direct answers
• Giving direct and honest feedback, even if it may be uncomfortable or unpleasant
• Not beating around the bush or using euphemisms
• Speaking your mind without sugar-coating or mincing words
• Being unapologetic about your opinions and beliefs
• Making decisions quickly and confidently
• Avoiding small talk and getting straight to the topic at hand
• Avoiding passive-aggressive behavior and saying what you mean

Attitudes associated with being blunt

You may be able to show blunt through their attitudes.

• Lack of tact
• Frankness
• Honesty
• Boldness
• Brutal honesty
• Directness
• Confidence
• Openness
• Clarity
• Transparency
• No-nonsense attitude
• Authenticity
• Candor
• Assertiveness

Thoughts and struggles associated with being blunt

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

• A blunt character may struggle with being too honest and hurting others' feelings.
• They may have a tendency to speak their mind even when it's not appropriate or asked for.
• They may not understand why others get offended or upset by their words.
• They may have a hard time keeping secrets or lying, as they value honesty above all else.
• They may come across as insensitive or uncaring, even if that's not their intention.
• They may have trouble with social niceties and small talk, finding it a waste of time.
• They may have trouble with diplomacy and tact, which can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.
• They may struggle with vulnerability and opening up emotionally, as they fear being judged or rejected for their honesty.

Emotions associated with being blunt

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

• Bravery
• Impatience
• Rudeness
• Insensitivity
• Honesty
• Harshness
• Assertiveness
• Abrasiveness
• Confidence
• Bluntness
• Clarity
• Boldness
• Directness
• Frankness

Facial expressions associated with being blunt

Here are some facial expressions your blunt character may exhibit.

• A sarcastic smirk
• A furrowed brow
• A piercing gaze
• Squinted eyes
• A pursed mouth
• Raised eyebrows
• A tilt of the head
• A straight, unsmiling mouth

Body language associated with being blunt

Here is some body language your blunt character may exhibit.

• Direct eye contact
• Showing little emotion or facial expression
• Using sharp and abrupt movements
• Using short and concise gestures
• Avoiding small talk or pleasantries
• Standing straight and tall
• Interrupting others to make a point
• Speaking in a clear and firm tone
• Maintaining a serious facial expression

For detailed feedback on blunt characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being blunt

Here are some behaviors your blunt character may exhibit.

• Asking direct questions and expecting direct answers
• Avoiding small talk and getting straight to the topic at hand
• Giving direct and honest feedback, even if it may be uncomfortable or unpleasant
• Making decisions quickly and confidently
• Being unapologetic about your opinions and beliefs
• Avoiding passive-aggressive behavior and saying what you mean
• Not beating around the bush or using euphemisms
• Being straightforward and to the point in your communication
• Speaking your mind without sugar-coating or mincing words

Growth and evolution of blunt characters

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

• Realize that being honest doesn't always mean being harsh or insensitive
• Develop a sense of empathy and become more attuned to others' feelings
• Start to recognize the value of compromise and collaboration
• Develop a better understanding of the impact their words can have on others
• Start to understand the importance of tact and diplomacy in certain situations
• Discover the benefits of constructive criticism and feedback
• Learn to appreciate the value of sensitivity and vulnerability
• Discover the importance of emotional intelligence
• Learn to communicate more effectively and considerately with others

Stereotypes of blunt characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical blunt character like these examples.

• Avoid making the Blunt character rude or disrespectful towards others.
• Avoid making the Blunt character lack empathy or emotional intelligence.
• Avoid making the Blunt character lack self-awareness or introspection.
• Avoid making the Blunt character unable to adapt or compromise in social situations.
• Avoid making the Blunt character insensitive to the feelings of others.
• Avoid making the Blunt character overly aggressive or confrontational.
• Avoid making the Blunt character dismissive of other people's opinions or perspectives.

Negatives of being blunt

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

• It can create a negative or hostile work environment
• Blunt people may struggle with diplomacy or tact
• It may limit opportunities for growth or advancement
• It can come across as rude or insensitive
• It can make it difficult to maintain positive relationships
• It may hurt people's feelings or cause conflict

Positives of being blunt

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

• They are effective communicators who get to the point quickly.
• They often have a strong sense of boundaries and are not afraid to set them.
• Blunt people can be refreshing to be around because they don't engage in gossip or passive-aggressive behavior.
• Blunt individuals are typically reliable and dependable because they make their intentions clear.
• They don't waste time beating around the bush and can save time and energy by being direct.
• Blunt individuals tend to be assertive and confident in their opinions.
• Blunt people are often viewed as honest and straightforward.
• Blunt people are often respected for their candor and integrity.
• They can be good problem-solvers because they cut through unnecessary details and focus on what's essential.

Verbal expressions of blunt characters

Here are some potential expressions used by blunt characters.

• "I'm just going to come out and say it"
• "I'll get straight to the point"
• "I don't have time for beating around the bush"
• "I don't want to waste your time with small talk"
• "I'll be frank with you"
• "I'm afraid I have to tell you the truth"
• "I'm not one to sugarcoat things"
• "Let me be honest with you"

Relationships of blunt characters

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

• Blunt people may have a direct and honest communication style that can come across as rude or insensitive to others.
• Blunt people may also have a tendency to prioritize honesty over social harmony, which can create tension in group settings or social situations.
• Blunt people may be perceived as confident and assertive, but may also be seen as abrasive or aggressive.
• They may have difficulty expressing empathy or understanding others' emotions, leading to strained relationships with more emotionally sensitive individuals.
• They may struggle with tact and diplomacy, leading to conflicts with more sensitive or diplomatic individuals.

Examples from books of characters who are blunt

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Ender Wiggin from "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Sherlock Holmes from "Sherlock Holmes" series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Tyrion Lannister from "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl Who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larsson
• Hagrid from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Artemis Fowl from "Artemis Fowl" series by Eoin Colfer

Writing exercises for writing blunt characters

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

• Write a scene where the Blunt character is in a position of authority and has to make a tough call, but struggles with the emotional fallout of their decision.
• Write a scene where the Blunt character's honesty leads to a breakthrough in a relationship or problem-solving situation.
• Write a scene where the Blunt character gives feedback to someone, but struggles to find a tactful way to express their criticism.
• Write a scene where the Blunt character has to navigate a social situation where they feel out of place or uncomfortable due to their directness.
• Write a scene where the Blunt character is forced to navigate a situation where they must be diplomatic, even though their natural inclination is to be straightforward.
• Write a dialogue where the Blunt character unintentionally offends someone with their directness.
• Write a scene where the Blunt character expresses their opinion without any filter or sugar-coating.