Character Trait: Drudging

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait of drudging refers to a person who is constantly engaged in hard, dull, or repetitive work, often without enthusiasm or creativity. A drudging character may be perceived as someone who lacks motivation or passion, and who goes through the motions of their job or task without any sense of purpose or joy. This trait can manifest in various ways, from a physical and emotional weariness to a lack of innovation and curiosity. Drudging characters can be challenging to write, but with the right approach, they can add depth and realism to a story.

Possible causes of being drudging

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

• Experiencing past failures or setbacks that have led to a desire to avoid risks and stick to what is familiar or safe
• Struggling with anxiety or perfectionism, leading to a tendency to overthink and obsess over details
• Growing up in an environment that values hard work and perseverance above all else
• Feeling a sense of obligation to meet external expectations or standards, whether from family, society, or oneself
• Being taught to prioritize practicality and efficiency over personal enjoyment or fulfillment
• Having a strong sense of duty or responsibility towards others or a particular cause

Behaviors associated with being drudging

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

• Avoiding responsibility or finding excuses to not do work
• Showing a lack of creativity or imagination
• Moving slowly and sluggishly
• Complaining about work or responsibilities
• Taking longer to complete tasks than necessary
• Displaying a lack of enthusiasm or motivation
• Procrastinating or putting off tasks until the last minute
• Appearing disinterested or apathetic towards work or life in general

Attitudes associated with being drudging

You may be able to show drudging through their attitudes.

• A tendency to focus on the negative aspects of situations or people
• A sense of boredom or tediousness in everyday tasks
• A lack of enthusiasm or excitement for new experiences or challenges
• A lack of motivation or drive to achieve goals
• A reluctance to take risks or try new things
• A tendency to prioritize short-term comfort over long-term success
• A preference for routine and predictability
• A tendency to procrastinate or avoid work

Thoughts and struggles associated with being drudging

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

• Frustration with mundane tasks and lack of creativity in daily life
• Struggling with feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth
• Coping with stress and fatigue from constant hard work with little reward
• Feeling unfulfilled and questioning the purpose of life
• Longing for more excitement and adventure in life
• Resentment towards those who seem to have it easier or have achieved success
• Difficulty finding motivation to pursue passions and hobbies
• Feeling stuck in a monotonous routine with no way out
• Fear of taking risks and stepping outside of comfort zone

Emotions associated with being drudging

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

• Apathy
• Boredom
• Resentment
• Discontentment
• Lack of motivation
• Exhaustion
• Resignation
• Frustration
• Feeling stuck

Facial expressions associated with being drudging

Here are some facial expressions your drudging character may exhibit.

• A tired or resigned expression
• Furrowing of the eyebrows
• Drooping or sagging of the cheeks
• Tightening of the mouth or lips
• A slouching or hunching posture
• Frowning or scowling
• Squinting of the eyes
• Heavy or tired-looking eyes
• A lack of expression or emotion

Body language associated with being drudging

Here is some body language your drudging character may exhibit.

• Avoidance of physical touch or contact
• Slow speech or a monotone voice
• Lack of enthusiasm or energy in their movements
• Lack of eye contact
• Slow and heavy movements
• Deep sighs or heavy breathing
• Clenched fists or tense muscles
• Frowning or a lack of facial expression
• Slumped shoulders and poor posture

Behaviors associated with being drudging

Here are some behaviors your drudging character may exhibit.

• Taking longer to complete tasks than necessary
• Displaying a lack of enthusiasm or motivation
• Appearing disinterested or apathetic towards work or life in general
• Procrastinating or putting off tasks until the last minute
• Avoiding responsibility or finding excuses to not do work
• Moving slowly and sluggishly
• Showing a lack of creativity or imagination
• Complaining about work or responsibilities

Growth and evolution of drudging characters

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

• They might learn to balance their work and personal lives, finding ways to make time for both without sacrificing one for the other.
• They might become more empathetic and understanding towards others, learning to see things from different perspectives.
• They might start to take pride in their work and find fulfillment in doing it well, instead of just going through the motions.
• They might learn to delegate tasks and trust others to help them, instead of trying to do everything themselves.
• They might become more proactive in their work, taking on new challenges and pushing themselves to improve.
• They might become more confident in their abilities, realizing that they are capable of more than they had previously thought.
• They might realize that their work is not the only thing that defines them and start pursuing hobbies or interests outside of it.
• They might develop stronger relationships with their colleagues or friends, learning to appreciate their support and camaraderie.
• A Drudging character might learn to find joy in the small things in life.

Stereotypes of drudging characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical drudging character like these examples.

• Depicting them as having no imagination or creativity
• Portraying them as lacking ambition or drive
• Portraying them as lacking in empathy or compassion for others.
• Making them overly cautious and risk-averse, to the point of being afraid to take chances
• Making them overly obedient and submissive to authority figures
• Making them dull and uninteresting with no hobbies or passions
• Depicting them as always complaining and negative about their work and life
• Portraying them as weak and unable to stand up for themselves
• Making them overly focused on rules and regulations, to the point of being inflexible

Remember, Drudging characters can be interesting and multidimensional, just like any other character. By avoiding these stereotypes, you can create a character that is relatable and engaging for readers.

Negatives of being drudging

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

• Lack of creativity and imagination
• Lack of enthusiasm or passion for life
• Inability to find joy or pleasure in activities
• Difficulty in taking risks or trying new things
• Difficulty in forming meaningful relationships
• Tendency to be withdrawn or isolated from others
• Tendency to be pessimistic and see the negative in everything
• Lack of motivation or drive to achieve goals
• Tendency to be judgmental and critical of others

Positives of being drudging

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

• They are often able to identify areas for improvement and work to correct them.
• Drudging people are often organized and efficient, making them effective at managing complex projects.
• They are responsible and reliable, and can be trusted to follow through on their commitments.
• Drudging individuals are hardworking and diligent.
• They possess a strong work ethic and are committed to completing tasks.
• Drudging people tend to be detail-oriented, which can be a valuable trait in many professions.
• Drudging individuals are persistent and resilient, not giving up easily when faced with challenges or setbacks.
• They are focused and disciplined, able to stay on task and meet deadlines.
• They take pride in their work and strive for excellence.

Verbal expressions of drudging characters

Here are some potential expressions used by drudging characters.

• Sighing heavily
• Complaining
• Talking about being tired or exhausted
• Repeating the same complaints or problems
• Saying "I have to" or "I should" a lot
• Expressing a lack of enthusiasm
• Using negative language
• Mentioning a lack of motivation
• Saying "I can't" or "I won't" frequently
• Using phrases like "just getting by" or "surviving"

Relationships of drudging characters

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

• Drudging people may struggle with romantic relationships, as they may prioritize work over spending time with their partner.
• Colleagues may view Drudging people as reliable and hardworking, but may also see them as unapproachable or lacking in creativity.
• Drudging people may struggle with forming close relationships due to their tendency to prioritize work over socializing.
• They may have a strained relationship with family members who do not understand or appreciate their work ethic.

Examples from books of characters who are drudging

• Gregor Samsa from "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
• Raskolnikov from "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Severus Snape from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Writing exercises for writing drudging characters

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

• Have your character interact with someone who loves their job and finds it fulfilling. How does this person's enthusiasm affect your character's feelings about their own work?
• Have your character reflect on their past experiences of feeling stuck in a job or situation they didn't enjoy. How did they cope with this feeling of drudgery?
• Write a scene where your character is doing a repetitive task, such as washing dishes or filing paperwork. Describe the physical sensations they experience and their thoughts as they work.
• Write a scene where your character has a moment of clarity or inspiration while doing a task they usually find boring. What sparks this moment of insight, and how does it change their outlook on their work?
• Write a dialogue between your character and a friend or family member who encourages them to find a way to make their work more meaningful or enjoyable.
• Have your character daydream about a different life, one where they have a job they love or a hobby that brings them joy. How do these daydreams affect their motivation to get through their current drudgery?

Remember, the key to showing the Drudging trait in your character is to focus on their internal experiences and thoughts as they navigate the tedium of their daily routine. Use sensory details and introspection to bring your character's emotions to life on the page.