Character Trait: Compulsive

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Compulsive is a character trait that describes a person who feels compelled to perform certain actions or behaviors repeatedly, often to the point where it interferes with their daily life or causes distress. This may manifest in various ways, such as an obsession with cleanliness or orderliness, hoarding, or repetitive actions like checking and rechecking doors or appliances. The compulsive behavior is typically driven by a sense of anxiety or the need to alleviate feelings of uncertainty, and may be difficult to control without professional help.

Possible causes of being compulsive

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

• Genetic factors
• Certain medical conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Environmental factors, such as stress or pressure to perform
• Personality traits, such as perfectionism or a need for control
• Childhood experiences, such as traumatic events or a strict upbringing

For detailed feedback on compulsive characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being compulsive

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

• Feeling the need to count, arrange, or organize things mentally
• Feeling a strong urge to perform certain actions, even if they don't make sense or seem necessary
• Being excessively neat or clean
• Arranging or organizing items in a specific way
• Maintaining strict routines or schedules
• Repeatedly checking things (like locks, appliances, etc.)
• Engaging in repetitive behaviors or rituals
• Hoarding or collecting items excessively

Attitudes associated with being compulsive

You may be able to show compulsive through their attitudes.

• Anxiety and stress when things are out of order
• A tendency to overthink and overanalyze
• A strong work ethic and focus on productivity
• Difficulty relaxing and letting go
• Perfectionism and high standards
• A need for control and order
• A fear of failure or making mistakes
• A strong sense of responsibility and duty
• Difficulty with flexibility and change

Thoughts and struggles associated with being compulsive

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

• They may have difficulty making decisions or completing tasks because of their need for perfection or strict adherence to rules.
• They may feel a sense of relief or temporary satisfaction when they perform their compulsions, but this feeling is often followed by guilt or remorse.
• They may feel shame or embarrassment about their compulsive behaviors and try to hide them from others.
• They may have strained relationships with others who do not understand or accept their compulsive behaviors.
• They may feel a sense of loss of control over their own thoughts and actions, which can be frustrating and distressing.
• A Compulsive character may have obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviors that they feel compelled to perform.
• They may struggle with anxiety and fear of something bad happening if they don't follow their compulsions.

Emotions associated with being compulsive

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

• Urgency
• Guilt
• Anxiety
• Rigidity
• Restlessness
• Fear
• Shame
• Perfectionism
• Obsession

Facial expressions associated with being compulsive

Here are some facial expressions your compulsive character may exhibit.

• Repeatedly clearing throat or coughing
• Tightening of the lips or jaw
• Nail biting or picking at skin
• Clenched jaw or grinding teeth
• Scrunching of the forehead
• Tapping or fidgeting with fingers or objects
• Twisting or pulling hair
• Frequent eye blinking
• Pursed lips or wrinkled nose

Body language associated with being compulsive

Here is some body language your compulsive character may exhibit.

• Tightening and releasing muscles
• Constantly checking and rechecking things
• Aligning objects symmetrically
• Maintaining a rigid posture
• Avoiding eye contact
• Grinding teeth or clenching jaw
• Repetitive actions, such as tapping fingers or feet
• Picking at skin or nails
• Fidgeting or restlessness

For detailed feedback on compulsive characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's literary analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being compulsive

Here are some behaviors your compulsive character may exhibit.

• Feeling the need to count, arrange, or organize things mentally
• Hoarding or collecting items excessively
• Engaging in repetitive behaviors or rituals
• Maintaining strict routines or schedules
• Arranging or organizing items in a specific way
• Being excessively neat or clean
• Feeling a strong urge to perform certain actions, even if they don't make sense or seem necessary
• Repeatedly checking things (like locks, appliances, etc.)

Growth and evolution of compulsive characters

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

• Developing healthier coping mechanisms to deal with stress and anxiety.
• Recognizing the negative impact of their compulsions on their life and relationships.
• Letting go of their need for control and learning to embrace uncertainty.
• Seeking professional help to manage their compulsions and improve their mental health.
• Discovering new interests and passions that help distract them from their compulsions.
• Learning to trust others and rely on them for support instead of relying solely on their compulsions.

Stereotypes of compulsive characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical compulsive character like these examples.

• Making the character's Compulsive behavior magically disappear without explanation or effort
• Failing to show the consequences or negative effects of the character's Compulsive behavior
• Overusing stereotypes and clichés associated with Compulsive behavior, such as excessive cleaning or counting
• Making the character's Compulsive behavior the only defining characteristic
• Using the character's Compulsive behavior as a plot device rather than a genuine aspect of their personality
• Portraying the character as completely irrational or out of control
• Using the Compulsive behavior as a punchline or comedic relief

Negatives of being compulsive

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

• Compulsions can cause physical harm, such as skin picking or hair pulling.
• Compulsive behaviors can cause financial problems if the individual spends money excessively or impulsively.
• People with compulsions may experience social isolation if their behavior interferes with social interactions or if they feel ashamed of their behavior.
• Individuals with compulsions may experience anxiety or distress if they are unable to engage in their compulsive behavior.
• Compulsive behavior can lead to legal problems if it involves illegal activity, such as theft or substance abuse.
• A compulsion can take up a significant amount of time and interfere with daily life responsibilities.

Positives of being compulsive

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

• Strong work ethic
• Perfectionist mindset
• Ability to stick to a schedule
• Strong sense of responsibility
• High attention to detail
• Great at follow-through
• Reliable and punctual
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Organized and efficient

Verbal expressions of compulsive characters

Here are some potential expressions used by compulsive characters.

• "I can't stand the thought of not doing it perfectly."
• "I can't help but..."
• "I'll do it later, after I finish this other task."
• "I need to do it again, just to be sure."
• "I have to double-check everything."
• "I have a routine and I can't deviate from it."
• "I'm obsessed with getting it right."
• "I have to..."
• "It's imperative that..."

Relationships of compulsive characters

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

• Compulsive individuals may also have a rigid sense of rules or structure, which can make it challenging for them to adapt to change or unexpected situations.
• Compulsive individuals may have a tendency to be controlling or micromanaging in their relationships.
• Compulsive people may also be perfectionists, which can lead to high expectations of themselves and others.
• They may struggle with expressing emotions or vulnerability, which can make it difficult for them to form close relationships.
• They may struggle with trusting others and may have a hard time delegating tasks or responsibilities.

Examples from books of characters who are compulsive

• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
• Sherlock Holmes from the series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Howard Roark from "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand
• Melvin Udall from "As Good as It Gets" by Mark Andrus and James L. Brooks
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Oskar Schell from "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing compulsive characters

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

• Create a backstory for your character that explains the root of their compulsive behavior. Was it caused by a traumatic event or a genetic predisposition?
• Start by identifying the compulsive behavior of your character. What are they obsessed with? What do they feel compelled to do or think about constantly?
• Write a scene where your character realizes the negative impact of their compulsive behavior and decides to seek help or make a change. How do they go about it? What challenges do they face?
• Write a scene where your character tries to resist their compulsive behavior but ultimately gives in. What are the consequences of their actions?
• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who confronts them about their compulsive behavior. How does your character react? Do they deny it or acknowledge it?
• Experiment with different writing styles to convey the intensity of your character's compulsive behavior. Use repetition, metaphors, and imagery to create a sense of urgency or distress.
• Create a scene where your character is engaging in their compulsive behavior. Show how it affects their daily life and relationships.