Character Trait: Discontented

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Discontented is a character trait that describes someone who is dissatisfied or unhappy with their current situation or circumstances. They may feel restless, frustrated, or unfulfilled, and may constantly seek something more or different in their life. This trait can be displayed in a variety of ways, from a mild sense of dissatisfaction to a more intense feeling of disillusionment. It can also be a driving force for change and growth, or it can lead to negative behaviors and attitudes.

Possible causes of being discontented

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

• Comparison to others and feeling inadequate
• Feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their personal or professional life
• Fear of failure or rejection
• Lack of meaningful connections or relationships
• Chronic stress or anxiety
• Unrealistic expectations of themselves or others
• Trauma or abuse
• Negative past experiences that have shaped their perspective

Behaviors associated with being discontented

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

• Engaging in escapist behaviors like excessive drinking, drug use, or binge-watching TV
• Expressing dissatisfaction with one's job, relationships, or living situation
• Comparing oneself to others and feeling envious or inadequate
• Criticizing others or finding fault with the world around them
• Taking risks or making impulsive decisions in an attempt to change one's situation
• Expressing a desire to "escape" or run away from one's problems
• Struggling to find joy or fulfillment in daily life
• Feeling restless or bored with the status quo
• Frequently complaining about one's circumstances

Attitudes associated with being discontented

You may be able to show discontented through their attitudes.

• A feeling of being trapped or stuck in one's current situation
• A sense of frustration or disappointment with oneself or others
• A tendency to focus on what is lacking or missing in one's life
• Difficulty finding joy or fulfillment in present circumstances
• A sense of restlessness or unease
• A desire for change or improvement, but without a clear sense of how to achieve it
• A tendency to compare oneself unfavorably to others or to idealized versions of oneself
• A persistent feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness

Thoughts and struggles associated with being discontented

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

• Longing for something more meaningful or exciting in their life
• Struggling to find motivation or inspiration
• Feeling trapped or stuck in their current circumstances
• Questioning their choices and decisions, wondering if they made the right ones
• Feeling disconnected from others and finding it difficult to connect with people on a deeper level
• Experiencing a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose
• Feeling dissatisfied or unfulfilled with their current situation or relationships
• Feeling envious of others who seem to have it better or who are living the life they want
• Struggling with feelings of restlessness and boredom

Emotions associated with being discontented

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

• Dissatisfaction
• Resentment
• Envy
• Bitterness
• Frustration
• Unease
• Disappointment
• Restlessness
• Displeasure

Facial expressions associated with being discontented

Here are some facial expressions your discontented character may exhibit.

• Tapping the foot or fingers impatiently
• Crossing the arms
• Furrowing the brow
• Rolling the eyes
• Sighing heavily
• Frowning or scowling
• Clenching the jaw
• Looking down or away
• Tightening the lips

Body language associated with being discontented

Here is some body language your discontented character may exhibit.

• Avoiding eye contact
• Fidgeting or restlessness
• Eye-rolling or darting glances
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Tapping fingers or feet
• Arms crossed or folded
• Heavy sighing or groaning
• Slouching or hunching shoulders
• Rigid posture or tense muscles

Behaviors associated with being discontented

Here are some behaviors your discontented character may exhibit.

• Expressing a desire to "escape" or run away from one's problems
• Struggling to find joy or fulfillment in daily life
• Criticizing others or finding fault with the world around them
• Taking risks or making impulsive decisions in an attempt to change one's situation
• Comparing oneself to others and feeling envious or inadequate
• Feeling restless or bored with the status quo
• Expressing dissatisfaction with one's job, relationships, or living situation
• Frequently complaining about one's circumstances
• Engaging in escapist behaviors like excessive drinking, drug use, or binge-watching TV

Growth and evolution of discontented characters

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

• Recognizing the root cause of their discontentment
• Embracing new experiences and opportunities that challenge their comfort zone
• Letting go of past grievances and resentments
• Taking action to change their circumstances instead of just complaining or feeling helpless
• Learning to communicate their needs and desires effectively
• Finding a new sense of purpose or direction in life
• Learning to appreciate what they have and finding contentment in the present moment
• Making amends with those they have wronged or hurt
• Developing a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others

Stereotypes of discontented characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical discontented character like these examples.

• The character who is constantly negative and brings down the mood of everyone around them.
• The character who is lazy and unwilling to put in effort to improve their situation.
• The character who is bitter and resentful towards everyone and everything.
• The character who is selfish and only cares about their own needs.
• The character who is always angry and takes it out on everyone around them.
• The character who is arrogant and thinks they deserve more than they have.
• The character who is ungrateful and never appreciates what they have.
• The character who is always looking for someone to blame for their problems.
• The character who is unrealistic in their expectations and is always disappointed.
• The character who complains about everything but does nothing to change it.

Avoiding these stereotypes will help your Discontented character feel more realistic and relatable to readers.

Negatives of being discontented

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

• Strained relationships with others due to constant complaining
• Risk of falling into depression or anxiety
• Always feeling unsatisfied
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Inability to enjoy the present moment
• Tendency to blame others for one's own shortcomings
• Lack of appreciation for what one has

Positives of being discontented

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

• Can foster a sense of urgency and drive to make changes
• Can inspire creativity and innovation
• Can motivate one to pursue their goals and dreams
• Can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's values
• Can help identify areas of life that need improvement
• Can lead to personal growth and self-improvement
• Can encourage critical thinking and questioning of the status quo

Verbal expressions of discontented characters

Here are some potential expressions used by discontented characters.

• Complaining
• Griping
• Sighing
• Lamenting
• Grimacing
• Scowling
• Pouting
• Sneering
• Muttering
• Bemoaning
• Frowning
• Moaning
• Whining
• Groaning
• Grumbling
• Sulking
• Criticizing

Relationships of discontented characters

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

• Discontented people may struggle with communication, as they may have a hard time expressing their emotions and needs in a healthy way.
• They may be prone to jealousy and resentment towards those who they perceive as having more success or happiness than they do.
• They may be quick to criticize others, as they tend to be very critical of themselves.
• Discontented people may struggle to maintain close relationships, as they may feel like they don't deserve love or that others will eventually disappoint them.
• Discontented people may have a tendency to push people away, particularly those who try to offer help or support.
• They may have a tendency to isolate themselves, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and further discontentment.

Examples from books of characters who are discontented

• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Raskolnikov from "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Pip from "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
• Anna Karenina from "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Meursault from "The Stranger" by Albert Camus

Writing exercises for writing discontented characters

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

• Have the character try to find happiness in material possessions or external factors, only to realize it doesn't bring them lasting satisfaction.
• Write a scene where the character sabotages their own success because they feel like they don't deserve it.
• Write a scene where the character is confronted about their negative attitude and has to confront the reasons behind their discontent.
• Have the character constantly compare themselves to others and feel jealous of their success.
• Have the character make a list of all the things they are unhappy about in their life.
• Write a scene where the character is constantly complaining about their life or situation.
• Write a scene where the character realizes that their discontent is rooted in deeper emotional issues, such as past trauma or unresolved conflicts with loved ones.