Character Trait: Dreary

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Dreary" refers to a person who is dull, gloomy, or depressing. A dreary character may lack enthusiasm, be pessimistic, or have a negative outlook on life. They may be uninteresting or unengaging to those around them, and their presence may bring down the mood of a scene or story. It is important to note that a dreary character can have depth and complexity, and may be a valuable addition to a story if portrayed effectively.

Possible causes of being dreary

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

• Genetic predisposition or temperament
• Cultural or societal expectations and pressures
• Unresolved conflicts or unmet needs in relationships
• Social isolation or loneliness
• Depression or anxiety disorders
• Negative past experiences or trauma
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Lack of purpose or direction in life
• Chronic health issues or pain

Behaviors associated with being dreary

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

• Being unenthusiastic or disinterested in conversation
• Having a negative or pessimistic outlook
• Wearing dull or drab clothing
• Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
• Avoiding eye contact
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Preferring to spend time alone rather than with others
• Moving slowly or sluggishly
• Having a lethargic or apathetic demeanor

Attitudes associated with being dreary

You may be able to show dreary through their attitudes.

• Melancholy
• Disinterest
• Lack of motivation
• Gloomy outlook
• A sense of hopelessness
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Pessimism
• Boredom
• Tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Apathy

Thoughts and struggles associated with being dreary

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

• Sense of emptiness or numbness
• Guilt or regret over past mistakes
• Tendency to isolate oneself from others
• Lack of motivation or energy
• Constant feeling of sadness or despair
• Feeling like a burden to others
• Difficulty finding joy in anything
• Self-doubt or low self-esteem
• Fear of the future or uncertainty
• Difficulty making decisions or taking action

Emotions associated with being dreary

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

• Melancholy
• Sadness
• Despair
• Apathy
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Disinterest
• Pessimism
• Lethargy
• Boredom

Facial expressions associated with being dreary

Here are some facial expressions your dreary character may exhibit.

• Heavy or drooping eyelids
• Sighing or deep breathing
• Tired or exhausted appearance
• Lack of expression or emotion
• Frowning or scowling
• Slack jaw or mouth
• Slow or lethargic movements
• Downcast eyes
• Staring off into space

Body language associated with being dreary

Here is some body language your dreary character may exhibit.

• Moving slowly and lethargically
• Slouching or hunching over
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Avoiding physical contact or touch
• Frowning or looking generally unhappy
• Avoiding eye contact
• Crossing arms or legs defensively

Behaviors associated with being dreary

Here are some behaviors your dreary character may exhibit.

• Moving slowly or sluggishly
• Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
• Avoiding eye contact
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Having a negative or pessimistic outlook
• Preferring to spend time alone rather than with others
• Having a lethargic or apathetic demeanor
• Being unenthusiastic or disinterested in conversation
• Wearing dull or drab clothing

Growth and evolution of dreary characters

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

• Discovering a new purpose or passion that brings them joy or fulfillment
• Developing new skills or talents that boost their confidence
• Confronting and resolving past traumas or issues
• Forming new relationships or repairing broken ones
• Experiencing a significant life event that changes their perspective or priorities
• Learning to overcome their fears or insecurities
• Breaking free from negative thought patterns or behaviors

Stereotypes of dreary characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical dreary character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character unrelatable or unrealistic in their dreariness, as readers may have difficulty connecting with them.
• Avoid making the character's dreariness the sole focus of the story, as this can become monotonous for readers.
• Avoid relying too heavily on cliches or stereotypes, such as the "tortured artist" or the "melancholic loner."
• Avoid making the character completely devoid of any positive qualities or redeeming features.
• Avoid making the Dreary character one-dimensional or solely defined by their dreariness.
• Avoid making the character constantly pessimistic or hopeless, as this can become tiresome for readers.

Negatives of being dreary

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

• Tendency to see the worst in people and situations
• Lack of motivation and drive
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Lack of creativity and imagination
• Lack of enthusiasm and energy
• Pessimistic and negative outlook on life
• Difficulty finding joy or pleasure in life

Positives of being dreary

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

• Being dreary can add depth and complexity to a character, making them more relatable and realistic.
• It can create contrast with other characters who are more upbeat, creating interesting dynamics and conflicts.
• Dreary characters often have a unique perspective on life and can offer insightful commentary on the world around them.
• They can be introspective and contemplative, leading to deep and meaningful conversations or inner monologues.

Verbal expressions of dreary characters

Here are some potential expressions used by dreary characters.

• Using sarcasm or irony in a negative way
• Using repetitive or dull language
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Reluctance to participate in activities or conversations
• Lack of enthusiasm or energy in speech
• Avoiding eye contact or social interaction
• Repeating the same stories or jokes without variation
• Tendency to complain or express negative thoughts

Relationships of dreary characters

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

• Might have a hard time expressing themselves, which can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with others
• Can be pessimistic or negative, which may put others off
• May require a lot of emotional support from others, but struggle to reciprocate
• May come across as distant or aloof
• Struggle to connect emotionally with others
• Tend to withdraw or isolate themselves
• May struggle to maintain long-term relationships due to their emotional detachment or negative outlook.
• Could be seen as a "downer" by others, which can be frustrating or draining
• Might be prone to depression or other mental health issues
• May struggle to find joy or pleasure in relationships and other aspects of life

Of course, not all Dreary characters will exhibit all of these traits, and there are many other possible dynamics that could come into play depending on the specific character and situation. But hopefully, this gives you a starting point to work from!

Examples from books of characters who are dreary

• Miss Havisham from "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Heathcliff from "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte
• Raskolnikov from "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• John Proctor from "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller
• Severus Snape from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Gregor Samsa from "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka

Writing exercises for writing dreary characters

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

• Start by brainstorming a list of adjectives and characteristics that you associate with dreariness. These could include words like melancholic, drab, lethargic, and pessimistic.
• Write a scene in which your dreary character finally reaches a breaking point and has an emotional outburst. What triggers this outburst, and how do other characters react?
• Write a scene in which your dreary character tries to break out of their funk. Do they succeed, or do they fall back into old patterns?
• Write a scene in which your dreary character is alone, reflecting on their life and the things that bring them down. Focus on their inner thoughts and emotions.
• Write a descriptive scene in which your dreary character is in a setting that reinforces their dreariness. For example, a rainy day in a gray cityscape, or a run-down apartment with peeling wallpaper and dim lighting.
• Create a character profile for your dreary character. Consider their backstory, their personality traits, and their motivations. How has their dreariness affected their life and relationships?
• Write a dialogue-heavy scene in which your dreary character interacts with a more upbeat, optimistic character. How does their dreariness affect the conversation, and how does the other character react?