Character Trait: Disruptive

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Disruptive refers to a person who causes interruptions or disturbances in a situation or environment. This trait can manifest in a variety of ways, such as being argumentative, challenging authority, or being unpredictable. Disruptive characters can create conflict and tension in a story, but when used effectively, they can also bring about change and inspire others to challenge the status quo.

Possible causes of being disruptive

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

• Lack of emotional regulation skills
• Attention-seeking behavior
• Mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Social conditioning or cultural influences
• Environmental factors such as living in a high-stress environment or being exposed to violence
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Negative life experiences or past failures
• Personality disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder

Behaviors associated with being disruptive

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

• Questioning authority
• Refusing to conform or follow norms
• Stirring up emotions or reactions
• Breaking rules or conventions
• Introducing new ideas or perspectives
• Creating chaos or conflict
• Challenging the status quo
• Igniting change or transformation
• Pushing boundaries and limits

Attitudes associated with being disruptive

You may be able to show disruptive through their attitudes.

• Embracing risk-taking and uncertainty
• Being adaptable and flexible in the face of change
• Seeing possibilities where others see limitations
• Questioning the status quo
• Being passionate and driven to make a difference
• Challenging authority and convention
• Seeking out new and innovative ideas
• Being unafraid of failure
• Resisting complacency and comfort zones

Thoughts and struggles associated with being disruptive

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

• They may struggle with feeling like an outsider or feeling misunderstood by those who don't share their disruptive tendencies.
• They may feel a sense of moral righteousness, believing that their actions are necessary for the greater good.
• They may experience guilt or remorse when their actions have unintended negative consequences.
• They may struggle with authority figures and have a tendency to question rules and regulations.
• They may feel a sense of satisfaction when their disruptive behavior results in positive change.
• They may feel frustrated with the status quo and feel a need to challenge it.
• They may struggle with balancing their desire for change with the potential consequences of their actions.
• They may struggle with feelings of isolation or alienation, as their disruptive behavior can make it difficult to maintain relationships.
• They may have a rebellious streak and enjoy causing chaos or shaking up the norm.

Emotions associated with being disruptive

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

• Rebellious
• Unpredictable
• Controversial
• Aggressive
• Unruly
• Challenging
• Defiant
• Chaotic
• Nonconformist

Facial expressions associated with being disruptive

Here are some facial expressions your disruptive character may exhibit.

• Speaking with a raised or aggressive tone
• Twitching or ticking movements in the face
• Interrupting or talking over others
• Eye-rolling
• Clenching or shaking of the fists
• Leaning in aggressively
• Frowning or scowling
• Raised eyebrows in a confrontational or mocking manner
• Clenched jaw or teeth grinding
• Sneering or smirking
• Narrowing of the eyes
• Crossing arms or standing in a confrontational posture

Body language associated with being disruptive

Here is some body language your disruptive character may exhibit.

• Standing too close to others
• Invading personal space
• Fidgeting or tapping fingers or feet
• Crossing arms or legs in a defensive manner
• Pacing back and forth
• Avoiding eye contact
• Talking loudly or shouting
• Rolling eyes or making exaggerated facial expressions
• Interrupting others while they're speaking

Behaviors associated with being disruptive

Here are some behaviors your disruptive character may exhibit.

• Introducing new ideas or perspectives
• Stirring up emotions or reactions
• Creating chaos or conflict
• Igniting change or transformation
• Breaking rules or conventions
• Pushing boundaries and limits
• Questioning authority
• Refusing to conform or follow norms
• Challenging the status quo

Growth and evolution of disruptive characters

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

• Learns to channel their disruptive tendencies towards positive change or innovation
• Learns to work collaboratively with others and value teamwork
• Learns to listen to feedback and consider alternative perspectives
• Develops self-awareness and realizes the impact of their disruptive behavior on others
• Faces consequences for their disruptive behavior and takes responsibility for their actions
• Learns to communicate effectively and assertively without being disruptive or disrespectful
• Develops empathy towards other characters and their struggles

Stereotypes of disruptive characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical disruptive character like these examples.

• The "troublemaker" who causes chaos for the fun of it
• The "rebel without a cause" who disrupts for the sake of being rebellious
• The "angry young man/woman" who is always spoiling for a fight
• The "manipulative schemer" who uses their disruptive behavior to get what they want
• The "egotistical genius" who thinks their ideas are always right and never listens to others
• The "unpredictable wildcard" who can't be trusted or relied upon
• The "self-destructive addict" who disrupts their own life and those around them
• The "nihilistic anarchist" who wants to tear everything down without a plan for what comes next.

These stereotypes are limiting and often one-dimensional, and using them can lead to flat and uninteresting characters. It's important for writers to create complex and multifaceted characters who have reasons for their disruptive behavior, and to avoid relying on overused tropes.

Negatives of being disruptive

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

• Disruptive individuals can create chaos and confusion in their environment.
• Disruptive people may be perceived as rude or disrespectful to others, especially when they interrupt or talk over them.
• They can disrupt the flow of conversations and activities, making it difficult for others to focus or achieve their goals.
• Disruptive individuals may struggle with building and maintaining relationships, as their behavior can be off-putting to others.
• Their behavior can be perceived as attention-seeking or self-centered, which can lead to resentment or frustration from others.

Positives of being disruptive

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

• They can inspire others to think outside of the box and pursue unconventional paths.
• They often possess a unique perspective and can bring fresh ideas to the table.
• Disruptive people are not afraid to take risks and try new things, which can lead to breakthroughs and successes.
• Disruptive individuals challenge the status quo and encourage innovation.
• They tend to be highly motivated and driven individuals, who are passionate about their goals and willing to work hard to achieve them.
• Disruptive individuals can be highly effective problem-solvers and are often able to find creative solutions to complex issues.

Verbal expressions of disruptive characters

Here are some potential expressions used by disruptive characters.

• Refusing to follow instructions
• Talking loudly or excessively
• Ignoring rules or procedures
• Being confrontational or aggressive
• Interrupting others while speaking
• Making inappropriate comments or jokes
• Criticizing others without offering constructive feedback
• Arguing or challenging authority
• Disagreeing just for the sake of it

Relationships of disruptive characters

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

• Disruptive people may have a tendency to dominate conversations or interrupt others, making it difficult for others to express their thoughts or opinions.
• Disruptive people may struggle with boundaries, often overstepping personal or professional boundaries and disregarding the needs or feelings of others.
• Disruptive people may struggle with emotional regulation, becoming easily frustrated or angry and lashing out at others.
• They may also be demanding or controlling, expecting others to conform to their expectations without considering alternative perspectives or compromise.
• They may also be dismissive or combative when others disagree with them or challenge their ideas.

Examples from books of characters who are disruptive

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris
• Oskar Schell from "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Ignatius J. Reilly from "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
• Amy Dunne from "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Tyler Durden from "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis

Writing exercises for writing disruptive characters

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

• Consider the consequences of the character's disruptive behavior. How does it impact their relationships, their career, or their personal life? Are there times when their disruptive nature actually works to their advantage?
• Start by brainstorming a list of behaviors or actions that could be considered disruptive. This could include things like interrupting others, breaking rules, being argumentative, or refusing to follow directions.
• Create a character who embodies this disruptive trait, and think about how they might demonstrate it in different situations. For example, how would they act in a classroom, at a job interview, or at a social gathering?
• Write a scene where your disruptive character is in conflict with someone who is more rule-bound or conservative. This could be a boss, a teacher, or a friend who is frustrated by the character's behavior.
• Experiment with different writing styles or perspectives to convey the character's disruptive nature. For example, you could write a scene entirely in dialogue to show how the character interrupts others, or use short, fragmented sentences to convey their restless energy.
• Explore the character's backstory to understand why they are disruptive. Were they always this way, or did something happen to make them rebel against authority? How do they feel about their disruptive tendencies - do they see it as a strength or a weakness?