Character Trait: Cynical

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "cynical" refers to a person who distrusts or doubts the sincerity and goodness of others, often based on negative experiences or a belief that people are primarily motivated by self-interest. Cynical individuals tend to be skeptical, critical, and pessimistic, and may have a tendency to mock or ridicule those who hold more optimistic views. They may also be seen as jaded or disillusioned, and may struggle to connect with others or find joy in life.

Possible causes of being cynical

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

• Disillusionment with society or culture
• Pessimistic or critical upbringing
• Intellectual arrogance or superiority complex
• Lack of trust or faith in others
• Chronic stress or burnout
• Disappointment or betrayal from others
• Exposure to corruption or injustice
• Fear of vulnerability or emotional attachment
• Negative life experiences or trauma

Behaviors associated with being cynical

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

• Making sarcastic or mocking comments
• Being aloof or detached emotionally
• Refusing to be swayed by emotions or sentimentality
• Doubting or questioning the motives of others
• Belittling or criticizing others' beliefs or ideas
• Assuming the worst in people or situations
• Being pessimistic or negative in outlook
• Being skeptical or distrustful of authority or institutions

Attitudes associated with being cynical

You may be able to show cynical through their attitudes.

• Distrustful of others' motives and intentions
• Pessimistic about the future or outcomes
• Dismissive of idealism or optimism
• Critical or sarcastic in their language and tone
• Skeptical of authority or conventional wisdom
• Focused on flaws or weaknesses rather than strengths or positives
• Believing that people are self-serving and deceitful

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cynical

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

• A cynical character may have a tendency to be pessimistic and negative, always expecting the worst.
• They may struggle with feelings of hopelessness and despair, feeling that nothing they do can make a difference.
• A cynical character may feel isolated and alone, finding it difficult to connect with others due to their negative outlook.
• A cynical character may struggle with trust issues, finding it difficult to believe in the good intentions of others.
• They may struggle with feelings of anger and resentment towards those they see as responsible for the state of the world.
• A cynical character may have a tendency to be sarcastic and dismissive, using humor as a defense mechanism.
• They may struggle with feelings of disillusionment and disappointment in the world around them.

Emotions associated with being cynical

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

• Dismissive
• Critical
• Sarcastic
• Distrustful
• Disbelieving
• Suspicious
• Skeptical
• Pessimistic
• Jaded

Facial expressions associated with being cynical

Here are some facial expressions your cynical character may exhibit.

• Squinting
• Frowning
• Raised eyebrows
• Scowling
• Smiling sarcastically
• Tightening lips
• Smirking
• Rolling eyes
• Sneering

Body language associated with being cynical

Here is some body language your cynical character may exhibit.

• Eye-rolling or rolling of the head
• A raised eyebrow or furrowed brow
• Leaning back or away from others
• A lack of eye contact or avoiding eye contact
• Crossing arms or legs in a defensive manner
• A monotone or sarcastic tone of voice
• Sighing or heavy breathing
• A curled lip or sneer

Behaviors associated with being cynical

Here are some behaviors your cynical character may exhibit.

• Being skeptical or distrustful of authority or institutions
• Doubting or questioning the motives of others
• Being aloof or detached emotionally
• Refusing to be swayed by emotions or sentimentality
• Making sarcastic or mocking comments
• Belittling or criticizing others' beliefs or ideas
• Assuming the worst in people or situations
• Being pessimistic or negative in outlook

Growth and evolution of cynical characters

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

• They could become more open-minded and willing to try new things, rather than being stuck in their ways.
• They might learn to see the good in people and situations, rather than always expecting the worst.
• The character might learn to let go of their bitterness or resentment towards others, and forgive those who have wronged them.
• They could develop a sense of hope, and become more optimistic about the future.
• The cynical character might start to value relationships and connections with others, rather than isolating themselves.
• The character might begin to take action and try to make positive changes, rather than just complaining or criticizing.
• The cynical character might start to trust others and allow themselves to be vulnerable.
• The cynical character might start to question their own beliefs and assumptions, and be willing to change their perspective.
• They might develop empathy and understanding towards others, and become more compassionate.

Stereotypes of cynical characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cynical character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character overly sarcastic or snarky to the point of being cruel or hurtful.
• Avoid making the character completely negative and pessimistic all the time.
• Avoid making the character too self-absorbed or self-centered, as this can make them unlikable and difficult to root for.
• Avoid making the character a caricature or a one-dimensional stereotype, as this can make them boring and predictable.
• Avoid making the character unfeeling or emotionally distant, as this can make them unrelatable and unsympathetic.
• Avoid making the character hypocritical or contradictory in their beliefs or actions, as this can make them seem insincere or untrustworthy.

Negatives of being cynical

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

• Cynical people often have a negative outlook on life
• It can also make it difficult for cynical individuals to see the good in situations or people
• Cynicism can lead to a lack of empathy for others' struggles or hardships
• They may be distrustful of others, leading to difficulty in forming relationships
• Cynicism can be draining both mentally and emotionally, leading to feelings of exhaustion or burnout

Positives of being cynical

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

• Cynicism can lead to a healthy skepticism, which can be useful in avoiding scams or deception.
• They often have a sharp sense of humor and can make others laugh with their witty observations.
• Cynicism can be a defense mechanism that helps people protect themselves from disappointment or betrayal.
• Cynical people tend to be critical thinkers who question everything, which can help them make more informed decisions.
• They tend to be realistic and practical, able to see situations for what they are and make logical choices.
• They may have a strong sense of justice and a desire to expose hypocrisy or corruption.
• Cynical individuals are often self-reliant and independent, not easily swayed by the opinions of others.

Verbal expressions of cynical characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cynical characters.

• "I don't believe it."
• "You can't fool me."
• "I'll believe it when I see it."
• "Trust me, I've heard it all before."
• "Sure, that'll happen."
• "Don't get your hopes up."
• "I'm not holding my breath."
• "I'm skeptical."
• "Yeah, right."

Relationships of cynical characters

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

• They may be prone to assuming the worst in people and situations, leading to an overall negative outlook.
• They may be perceived as aloof or distant, as they may have a guarded demeanor or be hesitant to open up to others.
• Cynical people may be less likely to form close relationships, or may struggle to maintain them due to their tendency to be critical or dismissive.
• Cynical people may be more likely to engage in arguments or debates, as they may enjoy pointing out flaws or inconsistencies in others' beliefs or actions.
• They may struggle to empathize with others, as they may view emotions or vulnerability as weaknesses.
• Cynical people might struggle to trust others, and may be skeptical of others' intentions.

Examples from books of characters who are cynical

• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
• Holden Cole from "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman
• Rorschach from "Watchmen" by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Ignatius J. Reilly from "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
• Tyler Durden from "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk

Writing exercises for writing cynical characters

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

• Use sensory details to show how your character experiences the world. How do they perceive things differently because of their cynicism? Write a scene that highlights these differences.
• Start by defining what "cynical" means to you. What are the key characteristics of a cynical person? Make a list of these traits and keep them in mind as you develop your character.
• Write a scene in which your character expresses skepticism or doubt about something. This could be an event, a person, an idea, or anything else. Use body language and dialogue to convey the character's cynicism.
• Consider the character's backstory. What events or experiences might have led them to become cynical? Write a scene or a short story that explores this backstory and shows how the character's worldview was shaped.
• Write a scene in which your character's cynicism is challenged. This could be a moment of vulnerability, a realization that they were wrong about something, or an experience that forces them to see the world in a different way.
• Think about how your character's cynicism might impact their relationships with other characters. Write a scene in which the character's cynicism causes conflict with someone they care about.
• Write a dialogue between your cynical character and someone who is optimistic or naive. This could be a friend, a family member, or a stranger. Use the conversation to highlight the differences between the two characters' worldviews.