Character Trait: Cold-hearted

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait of being cold-hearted refers to a lack of empathy or emotional warmth towards others. A cold-hearted person may appear distant, callous, and indifferent to the feelings and needs of those around them. They may be perceived as unfeeling, harsh, or even cruel. This trait can manifest in various ways, such as an inability to form close relationships, a disregard for the feelings of others, or a tendency to act in a ruthless or calculating manner.

Possible causes of being cold-hearted

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

• Socialization that rewards insensitivity or aggression
• Personality disorders such as narcissism or antisocial personality disorder
• Difficulty empathizing with others
• Habitual self-preservation and self-protection
• Beliefs or values that prioritize logic and reason over emotions
• Fear of vulnerability and emotional intimacy
• Past experiences of betrayal or trauma that have caused emotional detachment as a coping mechanism
• Upbringing in a family that values stoicism or emotional suppression

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

Behaviors associated with being cold-hearted

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

• Deliberately hurting others without remorse
• Being calculating and manipulative in relationships
• Being indifferent to the suffering of others
• Being apathetic towards emotional situations
• Choosing personal gain over others' welfare
• Being self-centered and lacking in compassion
• Showing no empathy towards others
• Being insensitive to others' feelings
• Refusing to show vulnerability or emotions

Attitudes associated with being cold-hearted

You may be able to show cold-hearted through their attitudes.

• Cruel
• Unfeeling
• Callous
• Aloof
• Dispassionate
• Indifferent
• Unemotional
• Detached
• Ruthless

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cold-hearted

Here are some ideas for things your cold-hearted character may think or struggle with.

• They may have a tendency to manipulate or use others for their own gain, as they often lack the ability to form genuine connections with others.
• They may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame over their lack of empathy, as they may recognize that their behavior is not socially acceptable or morally right.
• They may struggle with feelings of emptiness or boredom, as they often lack the ability to experience true joy or passion.
• A cold-hearted character may struggle with feeling disconnected from others, as they often struggle to form meaningful relationships due to their lack of empathy.
• They may feel a sense of superiority over others, believing that their lack of emotion makes them stronger or more rational than those who are more emotional.

Emotions associated with being cold-hearted

Here are some ideas for emotions your cold-hearted character may experience.

• Ruthlessness
• Lack of empathy
• Insensitivity
• Self-centeredness
• Cruelty
• Indifference
• Callousness
• Aloofness
• Disdain

Facial expressions associated with being cold-hearted

Here are some facial expressions your cold-hearted character may exhibit.

• A pursed or tight-lipped mouth
• A raised eyebrow in a condescending manner
• A scowl or frown
• A lack of eye contact or a piercing stare
• A curl of the lip or a snarl
• A sneer or smirk
• Narrowed or cold eyes
• A blank or emotionless expression

Body language associated with being cold-hearted

Here is some body language your cold-hearted character may exhibit.

• Lack of eye contact
• Avoiding personal conversations or topics
• Lack of empathy or emotional response to others
• Stiff posture
• Minimal facial expressions
• Avoiding physical touch or contact
• Slow or deliberate movements
• Folded arms or crossed legs
• Dismissive or curt gestures

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

Behaviors associated with being cold-hearted

Here are some behaviors your cold-hearted character may exhibit.

• Refusing to show vulnerability or emotions
• Being insensitive to others' feelings
• Being self-centered and lacking in compassion
• Deliberately hurting others without remorse
• Being apathetic towards emotional situations
• Choosing personal gain over others' welfare
• Showing no empathy towards others
• Being indifferent to the suffering of others
• Being calculating and manipulative in relationships

Growth and evolution of cold-hearted characters

Here are some ways that your cold-hearted character may grow and evolve over time.

• Confront and work through past traumas or experiences that may have contributed to their coldness, leading to a more open and vulnerable demeanor.
• Encounter challenges or obstacles that force them to reevaluate their beliefs or worldview, leading to a more nuanced perspective on the world around them.
• Learn to trust or rely on others, even if they previously believed they didn't need anyone.
• Face consequences for their actions, which can help them understand the impact of their behavior on others and inspire them to make changes.
• Discover a sense of purpose beyond their own self-interest, which can lead to a shift in priorities or goals.
• Experience empathy or develop emotional connections with others, which can lead to a change in their behavior or actions.
• Develop a sense of compassion or altruism, which can lead them to act in ways that benefit others rather than just themselves.

Stereotypes of cold-hearted characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cold-hearted character like these examples.

• Don't use the character's coldness as an excuse for them to be cruel or abusive to others without any consequences or growth.
• Avoid making the character's coldness the only defining characteristic, as this can make them unrelatable or uninteresting.
• Don't make the character's coldness inconsistent or erratic without any explanation or development.
• Avoid making the character one-dimensional by solely focusing on their coldness and lack of empathy.

Negatives of being cold-hearted

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

• Tendency to be seen as aloof or distant
• Difficulty expressing and recognizing emotions
• Lack of compassion and concern for others' well-being
• Lack of empathy towards others
• Difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships
• Risk of becoming isolated and lonely
• Inability to connect emotionally with others
• Tendency to prioritize self-interest over others' needs
• Tendency to manipulate and use others for personal gain

Positives of being cold-hearted

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

• They may have a strong sense of self-preservation, leading them to take calculated risks and avoid unnecessary danger.
• They may be better able to handle difficult or unpleasant tasks, as they are less likely to be bothered by discomfort or emotional strain.
• They are often very independent and self-sufficient, not relying on others for emotional support.
• They may be less likely to be taken advantage of or manipulated by others, as they are not easily swayed by emotional appeals or flattery.
• They tend to keep a level head in stressful or dangerous situations, making them good leaders.
• They are less likely to be swayed by emotions or biases, allowing them to make more objective decisions.
• They can be very focused and driven, able to pursue their goals without getting sidetracked by distractions or setbacks.
• They can be very effective at cutting ties with people or situations that are holding them back or causing them harm.
• They can be highly rational and analytical, making them great problem-solvers.

Verbal expressions of cold-hearted characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cold-hearted characters.

• Using sarcasm or cynicism to belittle others
• Dismissing others' feelings or emotions
• Making insensitive or callous remarks
• Speaking in a monotone or emotionless voice
• Using harsh or critical language without remorse
• Refusing to apologize or show remorse for past actions
• Ignoring or showing little interest in others' needs or wants
• Being overly logical and unemotional in decision-making
• Refusing to show vulnerability or weakness

Relationships of cold-hearted characters

Here are some ways that being cold-hearted could affect your character's relationships.

• Cold-hearted individuals may be manipulative and use others for their own benefit, without feeling guilty or remorseful.
• They may have a tendency to dominate others in relationships, seeking control and power over those around them.
• Cold-hearted people may struggle with expressing emotions and may find it difficult to connect with others on an emotional level.
• Cold-hearted people may struggle to form close relationships with others due to their lack of empathy and emotional detachment.
• They may come across as aloof, distant, or uncaring in their interactions with others, causing others to feel ignored or undervalued.
• Cold-hearted individuals may view vulnerability and emotional openness as weakness, and may avoid these traits in themselves and others.
• They may view others as tools to be used for their own gain, rather than as individuals with their own thoughts and feelings.
• They may be prone to anger and aggression, using intimidation or violence to get what they want.

Examples from books of characters who are cold-hearted

• Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris
• Tom Ripley from "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith
• Amy Dunne from "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Dolores Umbridge from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Nurse Ratched from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
• Cersei Lannister from "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin
• Cathy Ames from "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
• Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess

Writing exercises for writing cold-hearted characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write cold-hearted characters.

• Use physical descriptions and actions to convey the character's coldness, such as a lack of eye contact or a stiff posture.
• Write a scene where the character is faced with a situation that challenges their coldness, and they are forced to make a difficult choice.
• Explore how the character's coldness affects those around them, such as causing fear or resentment in others.
• Write a scene where the character is presented with a situation that requires empathy, but they choose to ignore it or act in a callous manner.
• Create a backstory that justifies the character's coldness, such as a traumatic event that caused them to shut down emotionally.
• Write a scene where the character is forced to confront their own coldness and how it has affected their relationships.
• Explore the character's internal monologue to show how they rationalize their behavior and lack of empathy.