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Inspiration Decks Character Traits 2023-12-06 00:00

Character Trait: Frightened

Character Trait Frightened

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "frightened" refers to a state of being afraid or anxious due to a perceived threat or danger. It's a natural human response to situations that are perceived as threatening or potentially harmful. People who are frightened may experience physical and emotional symptoms such as trembling, increased heart rate, and a sense of helplessness. In literature, a frightened character can add tension and suspense to a story, and can also provide opportunities for character development and growth.

Contents:
  1. Possible causes of being frightened
  2. Behaviors associated with being frightened
  3. Attitudes associated with being frightened
  4. Thoughts and struggles associated with being frightened
  5. Emotions associated with being frightened
  6. Facial expressions associated with being frightened
  7. Body language associated with being frightened
  8. Behaviors associated with being frightened
  9. Growth and evolution of frightened characters
  10. Stereotypes of frightened characters to avoid
  11. Negatives of being frightened
  12. Positives of being frightened
  13. Verbal expressions of frightened characters
  14. Relationships of frightened characters
  15. Examples from books of characters who are frightened
  16. Writing exercises for writing frightened characters

Possible causes of being frightened

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

  • Exposure to violence or danger
  • Negative life experiences
  • Social pressure or bullying
  • Anxiety or phobias
  • Past trauma or abuse
  • Genetics or temperament
  • Cultural or religious beliefs
  • Overprotective upbringing
  • Lack of confidence or self-esteem

Behaviors associated with being frightened

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

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Running away or hiding
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Freezing or becoming immobile
  • Sweating
  • Clinging to someone or something
  • Crying or whimpering
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Trembling or shaking

Attitudes associated with being frightened

You may be able to show frightened through their attitudes.

  • Being on edge or tense
  • Feeling a sense of impending danger or doom
  • Feeling overwhelmed or helpless
  • Being unable to think clearly or logically
  • Avoiding situations or objects that trigger fear
  • Experiencing a fight or flight response
  • Being jumpy or easily startled
  • Feeling anxious or nervous
  • Having an increased heart rate or sweating

Thoughts and struggles associated with being frightened

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

  • Constantly feeling on edge and anxious
  • Second-guessing themselves and their abilities
  • Struggling to trust others or make meaningful connections due to a fear of vulnerability
  • Battling with their own self-doubt and negative self-talk
  • Trying to maintain a facade of strength or confidence to hide their fear from others
  • Avoiding situations or people that they perceive as threatening
  • Feeling powerless and out of control
  • Difficulty making decisions or taking action due to fear of the consequences
  • Experiencing physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, or a racing heart

Emotions associated with being frightened

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

  • Apprehension
  • Unease
  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Panic
  • Horror
  • Fearfulness
  • Dread
  • Terror
  • Paranoia
  • Alarm

Facial expressions associated with being frightened

Here are some facial expressions your frightened character may exhibit.

  • A furrowed brow
  • Wide-open eyes
  • Raised eyebrows
  • A dropped or open mouth
  • A pale or sweaty complexion
  • Rapid breathing or gasping
  • A tensed jaw or clenched teeth
  • Quivering or trembling lips
  • A backward or sideward head tilt

Body language associated with being frightened

Here is some body language your frightened character may exhibit.

  • Sweating or clammy skin
  • Hunching shoulders or making oneself smaller
  • Stuttering or stammering speech
  • Backing away or cowering
  • Freezing in place or becoming paralyzed
  • Clenched fists or tensed muscles
  • Rapid breathing or gasping for air
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Wide eyes or dilated pupils

Behaviors associated with being frightened

Here are some behaviors your frightened character may exhibit.

  • Running away or hiding
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sweating
  • Crying or whimpering
  • Clinging to someone or something
  • Freezing or becoming immobile
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort

Growth and evolution of frightened characters

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

  • Develop empathy and compassion for others who are also afraid
  • Develop courage and become more confident
  • Discover inner strength and resilience
  • Challenge their beliefs and perspectives
  • Learn to trust themselves and others
  • Learn to take risks and try new things
  • Confront their fears and overcome them
  • Learn to manage their fear and use it to their advantage
  • Become more self-aware and understand their fears better

Stereotypes of frightened characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical frightened character like these examples.

  • The character being portrayed as weak or cowardly
  • The character being overly emotional or hysterical
  • The character being portrayed as a victim or helpless
  • The character easily giving up or succumbing to pressure
  • The character being too dependent on others for support and guidance
  • The character being paralyzed by fear and unable to take action
  • The character being constantly in need of rescuing by others

Negatives of being frightened

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

  • Avoidance of situations or people that trigger fear, which can limit experiences and opportunities
  • Difficulty concentrating or focusing on anything other than the source of fear
  • Physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and increased heart rate
  • Irrational behavior and reactions
  • Paralysis and inability to act or make decisions

Positives of being frightened

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

  • Improved reflexes and reaction time
  • Ability to think quickly and creatively in response to danger
  • Greater appreciation for safety and security
  • Heightened awareness of surroundings
  • Increased adrenaline and energy

Verbal expressions of frightened characters

Here are some potential expressions used by frightened characters.

  • "My hands are shaking."
  • "Please help me!"
  • "I hear strange noises."
  • "I'm scared!"
  • "I can't handle this."
  • "I'm too afraid to move."
  • "My heart is pounding out of my chest."
  • "I'm terrified!"
  • "I feel like I'm being watched."
  • "I'm paralyzed with fear."
  • "I'm feeling very uneasy."
  • "I'm shaking with fear."
  • "I feel like I'm going to die."
  • "I can't breathe."

Relationships of frightened characters

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

  • They may avoid conflict at all costs, even if it means sacrificing their own needs and desires.
  • Frightened people may cling to others for support and reassurance, seeking constant validation from them.
  • They may experience physical symptoms such as shaking or sweating when faced with stressful situations, which can be misinterpreted by others as a lack of confidence or competence.
  • They may become easily overwhelmed and struggle to manage stress and anxiety, which can impact their relationships with others.
  • They may struggle with vulnerability, keeping their emotions guarded and hidden from others.
  • They may become overly dependent on others for decision making, lacking confidence in their own abilities.
  • They may struggle to trust others, constantly questioning their intentions and actions.

Examples from books of characters who are frightened

  • Harry Potter (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
  • Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)
  • Lyra Belacqua (His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman)
  • Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien)
  • Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
  • Scout Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)
  • Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger)
  • Winston Smith (1984 by George Orwell)
  • Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)

Writing exercises for writing frightened characters

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

  • Play around with different writing techniques to convey your character's fear. For example, you could use short, choppy sentences to create a sense of urgency or employ metaphor to describe their fear in a more abstract way.
  • Think about how your character's fear might drive their actions and decisions. Do they avoid situations that scare them, or do they try to face their fears head-on?
  • Consider the impact of your character's fear on their relationships with other characters. Do they push people away or cling to them for comfort?
  • Write a scene where your character is faced with a situation that triggers their fear. Try to describe their physical and emotional reactions in detail.
  • Start by creating a backstory for your character that explains why they are frightened. Perhaps they had a traumatic experience in their past, or they have a phobia that they cannot shake.
  • Experiment with different ways to show your character's fear. For example, you could describe their racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, or the way their voice trembles when they speak.
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