Character Trait: Gloomy

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "Gloomy" refers to a person who is sad, depressed, or melancholy in nature. A gloomy character tends to focus on the negative aspects of life and may have a pessimistic outlook on the future. They may lack energy and enthusiasm, and their demeanor is often somber or despondent. This trait can add depth and complexity to a character, making them more relatable to readers who may have experienced similar emotions.

Possible causes of being gloomy

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

• Past traumatic experiences or difficult life events
• Environmental factors such as living in a gloomy or isolated location
• Negative thought patterns or self-talk
• Genetic predisposition towards depression or anxiety
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Lack of social support or healthy relationships
• Chronic physical or mental health issues
• Unresolved emotional conflicts or unresolved grief

Behaviors associated with being gloomy

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

• Having trouble finding joy in anything, including hobbies or activities they used to enjoy
• Avoiding social gatherings and isolating oneself
• Being easily irritated or annoyed by others
• Being indecisive and apathetic towards making changes in their life
• Constantly wearing dark and dreary clothing
• Speaking in a monotone voice and with a lack of enthusiasm
• Overthinking and obsessing over negative thoughts and experiences
• Having a pessimistic outlook on life
• Expressing sadness and despair through body language and facial expressions

Attitudes associated with being gloomy

You may be able to show gloomy through their attitudes.

• Difficulty finding joy or pleasure in activities
• Tendency to dwell on negative experiences or emotions
• Withdrawn or introverted behavior
• Lack of enthusiasm or energy
• Disinterest in socializing or making friends
• Pessimistic outlook on life
• Tendency to isolate oneself from others
• A sense of hopelessness or helplessness

Thoughts and struggles associated with being gloomy

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

• Feeling like a burden to others
• Feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions and thoughts
• Struggling to find joy or purpose in life
• A sense of apathy towards life and the future
• Constantly feeling sad and hopeless, even in seemingly happy situations
• A tendency to isolate themselves from others
• A lack of motivation or energy to pursue goals or dreams
• A pessimistic outlook on life and the world around them
• Difficulty connecting with others and forming meaningful relationships

Emotions associated with being gloomy

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

• Despair
• Sorrow
• Hopelessness
• Sadness
• Pessimism
• Dejection
• Melancholy
• Grief
• Disappointment

Facial expressions associated with being gloomy

Here are some facial expressions your gloomy character may exhibit.

• Lack of smile or forced smile
• Frowning or downturned mouth
• Downcast eyes
• Furrowed brows
• Heavy eyelids
• Pursed lips
• Slumped or hunched shoulders

Body language associated with being gloomy

Here is some body language your gloomy character may exhibit.

• Frowning or pouting
• Using a monotone or quiet voice
• Slouching posture
• Moving slowly or lethargically
• Avoiding eye contact
• Heavy sighing or exhaling deeply
• Crossing arms or hugging oneself
• Avoiding social interaction
• Looking down or staring off into space

Behaviors associated with being gloomy

Here are some behaviors your gloomy character may exhibit.

• Overthinking and obsessing over negative thoughts and experiences
• Being easily irritated or annoyed by others
• Avoiding social gatherings and isolating oneself
• Expressing sadness and despair through body language and facial expressions
• Having a pessimistic outlook on life
• Speaking in a monotone voice and with a lack of enthusiasm
• Constantly wearing dark and dreary clothing
• Being indecisive and apathetic towards making changes in their life
• Having trouble finding joy in anything, including hobbies or activities they used to enjoy

Growth and evolution of gloomy characters

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

• They might come to understand the root of their gloominess, which could lead to greater self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• They could develop more positive coping mechanisms for dealing with their gloominess, such as exercise or creative outlets.
• They could learn to find joy in small moments or appreciate the beauty in life, even amidst difficult circumstances.
• They might learn to open up and express their emotions to others, rather than keeping them bottled up inside.
• They could develop new relationships or deepen existing ones, which could help them feel less alone in their gloominess.

Stereotypes of gloomy characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical gloomy character like these examples.

• Avoid making the Gloomy character overly melodramatic or self-pitying.
• Avoid making the Gloomy character unsympathetic or unlikeable by making them mean or cruel to others.
• Avoid making the Gloomy character passive or helpless, unable to take action or make decisions.
• Avoid making the Gloomy character one-dimensional and solely focused on their sadness or despair.

Negatives of being gloomy

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

• Self-doubt and low self-esteem
• Negative impact on personal and professional relationships
• Isolation and withdrawal from social interactions
• Feeling sad and down
• Difficulty enjoying life and feeling pleasure
• Potential for developing anxiety and depression
• Pessimistic outlook on life and the future
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Lack of energy and motivation

Positives of being gloomy

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

• Gloomy characters can add depth and complexity to a story.
• Gloomy characters can be relatable to readers who have experienced sadness or depression.
• Gloomy characters can have a unique perspective on the world, offering insights and observations that other characters might not notice.
• They can create a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing readers in.
• They can provide a contrast to other characters who are more upbeat, creating a dynamic and interesting group of characters.
• They can be introspective and reflective, adding a philosophical element to a story.

Verbal expressions of gloomy characters

Here are some potential expressions used by gloomy characters.

• Using negative and pessimistic language
• Avoiding eye contact or speaking quietly
• Frowning or scowling
• Complaining frequently
• Interrupting conversations with negative comments
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Being sarcastic or sardonic
• Using words like "hopeless," "miserable," or "depressed"
• Sighing heavily

Relationships of gloomy characters

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

• They may be perceived as pessimistic or negative by others, which can lead to strained relationships.
• Gloomy people may have a tendency to push others away when they are feeling down, which can be hurtful to those around them.
• They may be prone to relying on others for emotional support, but may struggle to reciprocate this support in return.
• Gloomy people may struggle to form deep connections with others due to their tendency to isolate themselves and withdraw from social situations.
• Gloomy people may have a hard time expressing their emotions, which can make it difficult for others to understand them or feel close to them.
• They may struggle to trust others or open up about their feelings, which can make it hard to build meaningful relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are gloomy

• Gregor Samsa from "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
• Severus Snape from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Raskolnikov from "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Meursault from "The Stranger" by Albert Camus
• Heathcliff from "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte

Writing exercises for writing gloomy characters

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

• Consider the character's backstory and how it might have led them to become gloomy. Did they experience a significant loss or trauma? Are they struggling with a chronic illness or difficult living situation?
• Experiment with using sensory details to convey the character's gloominess. For example, you could describe the way the light filters through the clouds on a gray day or the chill in the air that seeps into the character's bones.
• Start by brainstorming a list of physical and emotional characteristics that are associated with gloominess, such as slumped posture, heavy sighs, and a tendency to brood.
• Write a scene where the character is forced to interact with someone who is cheerful and optimistic. How do they react? Do they try to push the person away, or do they find themselves drawn in despite themselves?
• Write a scene where the character is alone, allowing their thoughts to wander. What do they think about? What worries or fears are weighing on their mind?
• Think about how the character's gloominess might manifest in their relationships with other characters. Do they tend to isolate themselves or push people away? Are they easily irritated or quick to assume the worst?