Character Trait: Domineering

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Domineering" refers to a person who is excessively controlling, bossy, and overbearing. They tend to assert their authority over others and often try to manipulate situations and people to get their way. Domineering individuals are often seen as difficult to work with, and they can create tension and conflict in relationships and social situations. It's important to note that being assertive and being domineering are not the same thing; assertiveness is a healthy trait that involves standing up for oneself, while domineering behavior is unhealthy and can be harmful to others.

Possible causes of being domineering

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

• Trauma or past experiences of abuse leading to a desire to have power and control over others as a way of coping or gaining a sense of safety
• Being praised or rewarded for dominating others in social, academic, or professional settings
• Personality disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder
• Childhood experiences such as being raised in an authoritarian environment or being excessively controlled by parents or caregivers
• Insecurity or low self-esteem leading to a need for control and power over others

Behaviors associated with being domineering

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

• Interrupting others while they are speaking
• Demanding obedience or compliance from others
• Manipulating or coercing others to do what they want
• Ignoring or disregarding others' feelings or needs
• Using aggressive or confrontational language or behavior
• Belittling or dismissing others' opinions or ideas
• Making decisions without consulting others
• Insisting on having the final say in all matters
• Controlling conversations or situations

Attitudes associated with being domineering

You may be able to show domineering through their attitudes.

• Competitive
• Dismissive
• Ruthless
• Stubborn
• Authoritative
• Controlling
• Self-centered
• Impatient
• Demanding
• Overbearing
• Condescending
• Intimidating
• Manipulative
• Arrogant
• Assertive
• Ambitious
• Bossy

Thoughts and struggles associated with being domineering

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

• A tendency to manipulate or intimidate others to get their way
• A fear of being taken advantage of or being seen as weak
• A need for control over situations and people
• A belief that their way is the only right way
• A sense of entitlement or superiority over others
• A tendency to be highly critical or judgmental of others
• Difficulty in accepting feedback or criticism
• A struggle to form genuine connections with others
• Fear of being vulnerable or losing control

Emotions associated with being domineering

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

• Stubborn
• Intimidating
• Arrogance
• Authoritative
• Overbearing
• Manipulative
• Demanding
• Bossy
• Controlling

Facial expressions associated with being domineering

Here are some facial expressions your domineering character may exhibit.

• Narrowed or squinted eyes
• A wrinkled or scowling forehead
• A clenched jaw or tense mouth
• Raised eyebrows and a frown
• A jutting or tilted chin
• A piercing or intense gaze
• A sneer or smirk
• A condescending or dismissive smile

Body language associated with being domineering

Here is some body language your domineering character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a loud and authoritative voice, interrupting others and talking over them.
• Making direct eye contact with others, sometimes staring them down.
• Invading personal space, getting too close to others and standing over them.
• Exhibiting a lack of patience or tolerance for others' opinions or behaviors.
• Using expansive gestures, such as pointing or gesturing with open palms to emphasize points.
• Showing signs of impatience, such as tapping feet or fingers or looking at a watch.
• Standing tall and erect, with the chest puffed out and shoulders back.

Behaviors associated with being domineering

Here are some behaviors your domineering character may exhibit.

• Belittling or dismissing others' opinions or ideas
• Ignoring or disregarding others' feelings or needs
• Controlling conversations or situations
• Insisting on having the final say in all matters
• Demanding obedience or compliance from others
• Manipulating or coercing others to do what they want
• Interrupting others while they are speaking
• Using aggressive or confrontational language or behavior
• Making decisions without consulting others

Growth and evolution of domineering characters

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

• Develop a sense of humility and recognize their own limitations
• Learn to respect boundaries and the autonomy of others
• Learn to compromise and work towards mutual goals
• Develop empathy and learn to listen to others
• Learn to communicate effectively and respectfully
• Realize the negative impact of their domineering behavior on themselves and others
• Develop self-awareness and work on personal growth and self-improvement
• Learn to trust others and delegate responsibilities

Stereotypes of domineering characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical domineering character like these examples.

• Being overly controlling or manipulative
• Being heartless or lacking empathy
• Being excessively aggressive or violent
• Being shallow or lacking depth as a character
• Being a one-dimensional bully or tyrant
• Being unrealistically successful or powerful without explanation or justification
• Being predictable or cliche in actions and dialogue

Negatives of being domineering

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

• Can create a hostile or oppressive environment.
• May limit personal growth and development.
• May lead to a lack of empathy or consideration for others' perspectives.
• May alienate others and damage relationships.
• Can result in a lack of trust from others.
• Can limit collaboration and hinder teamwork.
• May lead to controlling or manipulative behavior.

Positives of being domineering

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

• Leadership: They can be effective leaders and may inspire others to follow their lead.
• Persuasive: They are often skilled at persuasion and can use their assertiveness to convince others of their ideas or viewpoints.
• Decisiveness: Domineering individuals tend to be decisive and assertive, which can be a positive trait in leadership roles or high-pressure situations.
• Confidence: They often exude confidence and self-assuredness, which can be attractive and inspiring to others.
• Goal-oriented: Domineering individuals are typically goal-oriented and driven, which can lead to success in achieving personal and professional goals.

Verbal expressions of domineering characters

Here are some potential expressions used by domineering characters.

• "I won't take no for an answer."
• "Do as I say."
• "I'm the boss."
• "You're not doing it right."
• "I'm in charge here."
• "I don't have to explain myself."
• "I'll make the decisions."
• "You're beneath me."
• "I know best."

Relationships of domineering characters

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

• Domineering people may also use intimidation or threats to get their way and may not respect boundaries set by others.
• In romantic relationships, they may try to dictate how their partner should behave and what they should do.
• In familial relationships, they may assert their authority over their family members and make decisions on their behalf.
• In professional relationships, they may try to micromanage their coworkers and may not be open to feedback or collaboration.
• They may exhibit a lack of empathy towards others and disregard their opinions and needs.
• Domineering people tend to be controlling and may try to dominate others in their relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are domineering

• Professor Moriarty from "Sherlock Holmes" series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Big Brother from "1984" by George Orwell
• Bill Sikes from "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens
• Cersei Lannister from "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin
• Nurse Ratched from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
• The White Witch from "The Chronicles of Narnia" series by C.S. Lewis
• Dolores Umbridge from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Cathy Ames from "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
• Nurse Annie Wilkes from "Misery" by Stephen King

Writing exercises for writing domineering characters

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

• Write a backstory for the domineering character, exploring what events or experiences may have led them to develop this trait.
• Create a character profile for the domineering character, including their motivations, fears, and desires.
• Create a list of physical and verbal cues that the domineering character uses to assert their dominance, and incorporate them into your writing.
• Write a scene where the domineering character faces opposition or resistance, and must navigate the situation without losing control.
• Write a scene where the domineering character must confront their own flaws or weaknesses, and explore how they respond to this challenge.
• Write a scene where the domineering character takes control of a situation, such as a meeting or a group project.
• Write a scene where the domineering character's actions have negative consequences for themselves or others, and explore their reactions to these consequences.
• Create a dialogue between the domineering character and a more submissive character, exploring the power dynamics between them.