Character Trait: Coarse

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "coarse" refers to a person who lacks refinement or social grace and is often rude or vulgar in their behavior or language. Coarse individuals may display a lack of sensitivity or tact, and they may be confrontational or abrasive in their interactions with others. This trait can manifest in a variety of ways, including a lack of manners, a disregard for social conventions, or an inability to communicate effectively in polite company.

Possible causes of being coarse

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

• Lack of emotional intelligence or self-awareness
• Cultural or societal norms that value aggression or dominance
• Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
• Insecurity or low self-esteem leading to defensive behavior
• Learned behavior from role models or media portrayals
• Childhood experiences or trauma
• Personality disorders such as borderline or narcissistic personality disorder
• Negative influences from family or peers
• Drug or alcohol abuse

For detailed feedback on coarse characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story developmental critique.

Behaviors associated with being coarse

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

• Speaking loudly or rudely
• Ignoring social norms or etiquette
• Being impulsive or lacking self-control
• Being aggressive or confrontational
• Being insensitive to others' feelings
• Insulting or belittling others
• Using profanity or vulgar language
• Making inappropriate jokes or comments

Attitudes associated with being coarse

You may be able to show coarse through their attitudes.

• Insensitivity to the feelings and sensitivities of others
• Lack of refinement or sophistication
• Crude or vulgar behavior
• Disrespectful or inappropriate behavior in public settings
• Disregard for manners and etiquette
• Insensitivity to social norms and conventions
• Blunt and direct communication style
• Tendency to prioritize personal desires over social expectations
• Lack of consideration for others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being coarse

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

• They may struggle with vulnerability and intimacy, as they fear showing weakness or being hurt by others.
• They may have a chip on their shoulder or feel that they have been wronged by others, leading to a defensive or combative attitude.
• A coarse character may struggle with impulsiveness and a lack of self-control, leading to frequent outbursts or reckless behavior.
• They may have a tendency to speak their mind bluntly and without regard for others' feelings, leading to strained relationships.
• They may feel a constant sense of frustration or dissatisfaction, as they struggle to meet their own high standards or feel that others are not living up to theirs.
• They may have a strong sense of individualism and resist conforming to societal norms or expectations.

Emotions associated with being coarse

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

• Insensitivity
• Hostility
• Bluntness
• Arrogance
• Unrefined behavior
• Lack of empathy
• Impatience
• Rudeness
• Aggressiveness

Facial expressions associated with being coarse

Here are some facial expressions your coarse character may exhibit.

• Flared nostrils
• Furrowing the brow
• Grimacing
• Squinting eyes
• Rolling the eyes
• Scowling
• Sneering
• Curling the lips downward
• Clenched jaw

Body language associated with being coarse

Here is some body language your coarse character may exhibit.

• Speaking loudly or aggressively
• Leaning forward in a confrontational manner
• Clenching jaw or tensing muscles
• Invading personal space of others
• Standing too close to others in a confrontational manner
• Crossing arms and legs aggressively
• Rolling eyes or sneering
• Making aggressive gestures with hands or fists

For detailed feedback on coarse characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story developmental critique.

Behaviors associated with being coarse

Here are some behaviors your coarse character may exhibit.

• Being insensitive to others' feelings
• Making inappropriate jokes or comments
• Using profanity or vulgar language
• Being aggressive or confrontational
• Insulting or belittling others
• Ignoring social norms or etiquette
• Speaking loudly or rudely
• Being impulsive or lacking self-control

Growth and evolution of coarse characters

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

• Recognize the consequences of their actions on others
• Learn to control their temper and reactions
• Recognize the value of kindness and compassion
• Develop a sense of responsibility towards others
• Open up emotionally and become vulnerable
• Develop empathy and understanding towards others
• Realize the importance of teamwork and collaboration
• Learn to listen and communicate effectively
• Challenge their own beliefs and prejudices

Stereotypes of coarse characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical coarse character like these examples.

• Avoid making Coarse characters too predictable or stereotypical, as this can make them feel like caricatures rather than fully realized individuals.
• Avoid making Coarse characters one-dimensional or solely defined by their Coarse behavior.
• Avoid using Coarse language excessively or gratuitously, as it can become distracting or off-putting to readers.
• Avoid glorifying or romanticizing Coarse behavior, as this can send a harmful message to readers and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Negatives of being coarse

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

• Using vulgar or profane language in inappropriate situations
• Ignoring social norms and etiquette
• Lacking in tact or diplomacy in communication
• Being unrefined or lacking in sophistication
• Being confrontational or aggressive towards others
• Being perceived as uneducated or uncultured
• Displaying a lack of empathy or consideration for others' feelings
• Being offensive or insensitive towards others

Positives of being coarse

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

• Coarse characters can be very passionate and intense, which can add depth and complexity to their relationships and motivations.
• Coarse characters can also be very effective at delivering tough love or constructive criticism, which can help other characters grow and develop.
• They may be better at setting boundaries and standing up for themselves, which can be inspiring for readers who struggle with assertiveness.
• They may be more comfortable with their flaws and imperfections, which can make them relatable and human.
• They tend to have a strong sense of self and are not easily swayed by others' opinions, making them resilient and independent.
• Coarse characters can be humorous and entertaining, using their bluntness to comedic effect.
• Coarse characters are often portrayed as honest and straightforward, which can be refreshing and endearing to readers.

Verbal expressions of coarse characters

Here are some potential expressions used by coarse characters.

• Making crude jokes or comments
• Interrupting or talking over others
• Speaking loudly or aggressively
• Being blunt or tactless in communication
• Using sarcasm or mockery
• Insulting or belittling others
• Swearing or using vulgar language
• Using offensive or insensitive language

Relationships of coarse characters

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

• They may be quick to anger or frustration, which can lead to conflict with others.
• They may be perceived as arrogant or self-centered, as they may prioritize their own needs and wants over those of others.
• Coarse people may have a tendency to be blunt and direct in their communication, which can come across as rude or insensitive to others.
• Coarse individuals may struggle with empathy or understanding the emotions of others, leading to difficulty in forming meaningful connections with others.
• Coarse people may also struggle with boundaries and personal space, making others feel uncomfortable or intruded upon.
• They may have a "my way or the highway" mentality, which can make it difficult for them to compromise or work collaboratively with others.

Examples from books of characters who are coarse

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess
• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
• Tyler Durden from "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Huckleberry Finn from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
• Ignatius J. Reilly from "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
• Grendel from "Grendel" by John Gardner

Writing exercises for writing coarse characters

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

• Show the character making insensitive or offensive comments about someone's appearance or background.
• Write a scene where the character uses profanity in a situation where it is inappropriate.
• Show the character's lack of empathy or concern for others' feelings.
• Create a scene where the character disregards social norms or etiquette.
• Show the character engaging in risky or illegal behavior without concern for the consequences.
• Write a scene where the character belittles or humiliates someone in front of others.
• Have the character act impulsively and aggressively when confronted with a challenge.
• Write a monologue from the character's perspective justifying their coarse behavior.
• Create a dialogue between the character and someone they disrespect, such as a subordinate or family member.