Character Trait: Curmudgeonly

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Curmudgeonly refers to a person who is ill-tempered, irritable, and easily annoyed by others. A curmudgeonly character may be known for their grumpiness, cynicism, and tendency to complain or find fault with everything around them. They may also be stubborn and resistant to change or new ideas. Despite their prickly exterior, however, curmudgeonly characters can also be endearing and memorable in their own way, adding depth and complexity to a story's cast of characters.

Possible causes of being curmudgeonly

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

• A belief that being grumpy or cantankerous is a form of protection or self-preservation
• Disappointment with personal relationships or career success
• Frustration with the state of the world or society
• Chronic physical or emotional pain that has made them irritable or short-tempered
• Fear of vulnerability or rejection that leads to a defensive or prickly demeanor
• Negative life experiences or trauma that have made them cynical or distrustful
• Feeling misunderstood or undervalued by others

Behaviors associated with being curmudgeonly

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

• Complaining frequently
• Expressing disapproval of many things
• Rejecting new technology or trends
• Being irritable or grumpy
• Criticizing others' ideas or actions
• Resisting social interactions or activities
• Being stubborn or set in one's ways
• Being pessimistic or cynical
• Refusing to adapt to change

Attitudes associated with being curmudgeonly

You may be able to show curmudgeonly through their attitudes.

• Grumpy
• Irritable
• Dismissive
• Cynical
• Cantankerous
• Disgruntled
• Pessimistic
• Critical
• Sarcastic

Thoughts and struggles associated with being curmudgeonly

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

• They may struggle with feelings of isolation, feeling like they don't fit in with their peers or society at large.
• They may struggle with regret, wishing they had made different choices in their past.
• A curmudgeonly character may have a hard time accepting change, preferring the comfort of the familiar over the uncertainty of the unknown.
• A curmudgeonly character may feel like they have been let down by the world and the people around them, leading to a general sense of cynicism and mistrust.
• They may have a hard time connecting with others emotionally, preferring to keep their distance and avoid vulnerability.
• A curmudgeonly character may be quick to judge others, and prone to criticism and complaining.
• They may have a deep-seated fear of being hurt or disappointed, which can lead to a defensive and guarded demeanor.
• They may feel a sense of superiority over others, believing that they know what's best and that others are foolish or naive.

Emotions associated with being curmudgeonly

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

• Disdain for modernity or change
• Cynicism
• Discontent
• Stubbornness
• Pessimism
• Grumpiness
• Judgmental attitude
• Mistrustfulness
• Irritability

Facial expressions associated with being curmudgeonly

Here are some facial expressions your curmudgeonly character may exhibit.

• Squinting
• Grimacing
• Lip pursing
• Scowling
• Eye-rolling
• Furrowing eyebrows
• Frowning
• Sneering
• Tightening of the jaw

Body language associated with being curmudgeonly

Here is some body language your curmudgeonly character may exhibit.

• Narrowed eyes
• Eye-rolling or exaggerated sighs
• Frowning and scowling
• Tight or pursed lips
• Crossed arms and legs
• Avoiding eye contact
• Tense or clenched jaw
• Furrowed brow
• Hunched or slouched posture

Behaviors associated with being curmudgeonly

Here are some behaviors your curmudgeonly character may exhibit.

• Being irritable or grumpy
• Expressing disapproval of many things
• Rejecting new technology or trends
• Resisting social interactions or activities
• Refusing to adapt to change
• Being stubborn or set in one's ways
• Being pessimistic or cynical
• Complaining frequently
• Criticizing others' ideas or actions

Growth and evolution of curmudgeonly characters

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

• Start to let go of their anger and bitterness, and learn to forgive themselves and others.
• Learn to appreciate the value of relationships and start to build meaningful connections with others.
• Develop a greater sense of self-awareness and start to recognize the negative impact of their behavior on others.
• Become more accepting of change and new experiences, and start to embrace life with a more positive attitude.
• Develop a deeper understanding and empathy for the people around them.
• Learn to communicate more effectively and express themselves in a way that is less confrontational and more constructive.
• Start to open up emotionally and become more vulnerable with others.
• Develop a sense of humor and learn to laugh at themselves and the world around them.

Stereotypes of curmudgeonly characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical curmudgeonly character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character a caricature or cartoonish version of a grumpy person.
• Avoid making the character a one-dimensional grouch with no redeeming qualities.
• Avoid making the character overly mean or cruel to others without reason.
• Avoid making the character's curmudgeonly behavior the only defining feature of their personality.
• Avoid making the character too predictable in their behavior and reactions.

Negatives of being curmudgeonly

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

• They may have a tendency to complain frequently and focus on the negative aspects of situations.
• Curmudgeonly individuals may struggle to build and maintain relationships due to their negative attitude and behavior.
• Curmudgeonly individuals can be seen as grumpy and unpleasant to be around.
• They may be quick to judge others and have a pessimistic outlook on life.
• Curmudgeonly people can come across as stubborn and resistant to change or new ideas.

Positives of being curmudgeonly

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

• Curmudgeons can be very funny and entertaining, with a dry wit and a sharp sense of humor.
• Curmudgeons can be very insightful and perceptive, able to see through people's facades and understand their true motivations.
• They have a deep sense of loyalty to those they care about, and will often go to great lengths to help them.
• They tend to be very passionate about their beliefs and values, and will defend them fiercely.
• They are often highly intelligent and well-read, with a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on.
• Curmudgeons are often deeply introspective, constantly questioning their own assumptions and beliefs.
• Curmudgeons are often highly observant and detail-oriented.
• They tend to have a strong sense of independence and individuality.
• Curmudgeons are typically honest and direct, which can be refreshing in a world full of fake politeness.

Verbal expressions of curmudgeonly characters

Here are some potential expressions used by curmudgeonly characters.

• Being confrontational or argumentative
• Grumbling and complaining about everything and everyone
• Being irritable or easily annoyed
• Belittling or dismissing others' ideas or opinions
• Using sarcastic or pessimistic remarks
• Refusing to show emotion or vulnerability
• Frowning or scowling frequently
• Refusing to try new things or change one's ways
• Being critical of others and their actions

Relationships of curmudgeonly characters

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

• Curmudgeonly people may have a tendency to be irritable and cantankerous, making it difficult for them to form close relationships with others.
• They may have a reputation for being stubborn or inflexible, making it difficult for them to compromise or collaborate with others.
• Curmudgeonly people may have a small circle of close friends who understand and appreciate their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
• Curmudgeonly people may have a dry sense of humor and enjoy teasing or poking fun at others, but may struggle to accept teasing or criticism directed at themselves.
• They may have a contentious relationship with authority figures and may not respond well to criticism or feedback.
• Curmudgeonly people may be fiercely independent and reluctant to ask for help or support from others.
• They may come across as gruff and unapproachable, causing others to avoid them.

Examples from books of characters who are curmudgeonly

• Miss Havisham from "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Ignatius J. Reilly from "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
• Ove from "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman
• Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
• Professor Snape from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Mr. Wilson from "Dennis the Menace" comics by Hank Ketcham
• Gregory House from "House, M.D." by David Shore
• Archie Bunker from "All in the Family" TV show by Norman Lear

Writing exercises for writing curmudgeonly characters

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

• Give them quirks: Curmudgeonly characters often have idiosyncrasies that set them apart from others. Maybe they always wear a certain type of hat or refuse to use modern technology. Use these quirks to add depth to your character.
• Show their interactions with others: Use dialogue to show how your character interacts with other characters. Do they speak curtly or dismissively? Do they have trouble connecting with others?
• Use internal monologue: Show your character's thoughts and feelings through internal monologue. This can help readers understand their motivations and emotions.
• Create conflict: Curmudgeonly characters often clash with others. Use this to create tension in your story. Maybe your character's stubbornness causes them to miss out on a life-changing opportunity.
• Create a backstory: Explore the reasons behind your character's curmudgeonly behavior. What events in their life shaped their personality and worldview? Use this information to inform their dialogue and actions.
• Use body language: Show the physical traits associated with curmudgeonly behavior, such as crossed arms, scowls, and grunts. Use these cues to convey your character's mood and demeanor.