Character Trait: Crazed

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "crazed" refers to a state of being mentally unstable or emotionally out of control. A character who is crazed may exhibit erratic behavior, have wild mood swings, or display extreme and unpredictable reactions to different situations. This trait can add complexity and depth to a character, making them more interesting and engaging for readers. However, it's important to handle this trait with care and sensitivity, avoiding stereotypes or stigmatizing portrayals of mental illness.

Possible causes of being crazed

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

• A traumatic event or experience that triggered a mental breakdown.
• Personality disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder.
• Genetic predisposition to mental health issues.
• A history of abuse or neglect that led to extreme emotional distress.
• Environmental factors such as living in a high-stress environment or experiencing significant life changes or losses.
• Substance abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
• A mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder.

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

Behaviors associated with being crazed

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

• Acting unpredictably and irrationally
• Displaying paranoia or delusional thoughts
• Engaging in self-destructive behavior
• Talking or screaming loudly and uncontrollably
• Erratic movements and behavior
• Acting impulsively and without regard for consequences
• Laughing or crying uncontrollably
• Obsessively repeating certain actions or phrases
• Displaying extreme emotions, such as fear, anger, or excitement

Attitudes associated with being crazed

You may be able to show crazed through their attitudes.

• Intense focus or fixation on one thing
• Recklessness or impulsivity
• Obsessive behavior
• Unpredictable behavior
• Paranoia or delusions
• Lack of self-control
• Extreme emotions or mood swings
• Irrational thoughts or beliefs
• Frantic actions or movements

Thoughts and struggles associated with being crazed

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

• Racing thoughts and difficulty focusing on one task or idea for extended periods of time
• Impulsive behavior and decision-making
• Deep-seated feelings of loneliness and isolation, despite their erratic behavior pushing others away
• Difficulty distinguishing between reality and their own delusions or hallucinations
• Constantly feeling intense emotions such as anger, fear, and paranoia
• Feeling a sense of superiority or invincibility, leading to reckless actions
• Feeling like they are constantly being watched or persecuted by others
• Struggling to form and maintain relationships due to their unpredictable behavior

Emotions associated with being crazed

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

• Intense and unpredictable behavior
• Rapid mood swings
• Extreme excitement or agitation
• Confusion or disorientation
• Lack of impulse control
• Paranoia or delusions
• Obsessive or compulsive behavior
• Hyperactivity or restlessness
• Irrational thoughts or actions

Facial expressions associated with being crazed

Here are some facial expressions your crazed character may exhibit.

• Uncontrollable shaking or trembling
• Unpredictable or erratic behavior
• Tightly clenched jaw or gritted teeth
• Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
• Wide eyes with dilated pupils
• Sudden bursts of laughter or tears
• Incoherent or rapid speech
• Facial twitching or grimacing
• Sweating or flushed face

Body language associated with being crazed

Here is some body language your crazed character may exhibit.

• Laughing or crying uncontrollably
• Rapid breathing or hyperventilating
• Pacing back and forth or rocking back and forth
• Biting nails or fidgeting with objects
• Wildly gesticulating with hands and arms
• Speaking quickly or incoherently
• Eyes darting around or staring off into space
• Twitching or jerking movements
• Sweating or appearing flushed

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

Behaviors associated with being crazed

Here are some behaviors your crazed character may exhibit.

• Displaying paranoia or delusional thoughts
• Acting impulsively and without regard for consequences
• Engaging in self-destructive behavior
• Displaying extreme emotions, such as fear, anger, or excitement
• Laughing or crying uncontrollably
• Obsessively repeating certain actions or phrases
• Talking or screaming loudly and uncontrollably
• Erratic movements and behavior
• Acting unpredictably and irrationally

Growth and evolution of crazed characters

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

• The character may become more self-aware and recognize the harmful effects of their crazed behavior on themselves and those around them.
• They may experience moments of clarity where they can reflect on their actions and make amends for any harm they have caused.
• They may seek help, either from a professional or a trusted friend, to learn coping mechanisms or address any underlying issues that contribute to their crazed behavior.
• The character may learn to channel their intense emotions and energy into more constructive outlets, such as art or physical activity.

Stereotypes of crazed characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical crazed character like these examples.

• The crazed character is always violent and unpredictable.
• The crazed character is always portrayed as mentally ill or insane.
• The crazed character is always depicted as being dirty and unkempt.
• The crazed character always talks incoherently or uses nonsensical language.
• The crazed character is always male.
• The crazed character is a loner and has no friends or family.
• The crazed character is always depicted as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• The crazed character is always a villain or antagonist.

Keep in mind that these are stereotypes, and not all crazed characters need to fit these descriptions. It's important to create well-rounded and complex characters, regardless of their traits.

Negatives of being crazed

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

• Inability to control impulses or emotions
• Erratic and unpredictable behavior
• Difficulty focusing on tasks or conversations
• Alienation from friends and family
• Mental and physical exhaustion
• Decreased ability to function in daily life
• Paranoia or delusions
• Risky or dangerous behavior
• Substance abuse or addiction

Positives of being crazed

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

• Charismatic and engaging personality
• High level of enthusiasm and energy
• Strong sense of individuality and nonconformity
• Fearlessness in the face of challenges
• Ability to see things from a unique perspective
• Unwavering dedication to a particular goal or passion
• Willingness to take risks and try new things
• Out-of-the-box thinking and creativity
• Intense focus and determination

Verbal expressions of crazed characters

Here are some potential expressions used by crazed characters.

• Laughing or crying uncontrollably
• Talking to oneself or imaginary figures
• Making threats or violent statements
• Using exaggerated or dramatic language
• Speaking in a loud or agitated tone
• Rambling and incoherent speech
• Repeating words or phrases obsessively
• Using profanity or vulgar language
• Making disconnected or nonsensical statements

Relationships of crazed characters

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

• A lack of respect for others' boundaries or personal space
• Obsessive attachment to certain individuals, to the point of stalking or harassment
• Difficulty maintaining long-term friendships or romantic relationships due to intense emotions or erratic behavior
• A tendency to idealize or devalue others quickly and without warning
• A tendency to lash out at others over perceived slights or insults
• Difficulty empathizing with others' perspectives or emotions
• Extreme mood swings, leading to unpredictable behavior and strained relationships
• A tendency to isolate themselves from others, either out of fear or a desire for control
• A need for control in relationships, leading to manipulative or abusive behavior

Examples from books of characters who are crazed

• Jack Torrance from "The Shining" by Stephen King
• Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Tom Ripley from "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
• Norman Bates from "Psycho" by Robert Bloch
• Annie Wilkes from "Misery" by Stephen King
• Lady Macbeth from "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare

Writing exercises for writing crazed characters

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

• Use stream-of-consciousness writing exercises to get inside the character's head. Write from their perspective without censoring or filtering their thoughts. This will help you tap into their inner world and create a more convincing portrayal of their mental state.
• Use dialogue and body language to convey the character's mental state. For example, if the character is manic, they may speak rapidly and use grandiose gestures. If they are depressed, they may speak slowly and avoid eye contact.
• Start by researching and studying real-life cases of people with mental health disorders that exhibit similar traits to the Crazed character you want to create. This will help you understand the nuances of the condition and create a more authentic character.
• Consider how the character's condition affects their relationships with others. Do they isolate themselves or lash out at loved ones? Do they have trouble forming meaningful connections with others?
• Use sensory details to describe how the character perceives the world around them. For example, if the character is paranoid, describe the way they hear every creak in the floor or the way their heart races when they think someone is watching them.