Character Trait: Agitated

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Agitated refers to a state of being anxious, nervous, or unsettled. It is a feeling of restlessness or unease that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, fear, or uncertainty. A character who is agitated may display physical symptoms such as fidgeting, pacing, or sweating, and may also exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability, impatience, or anger. It can be a useful trait to add depth and complexity to a character, as it can reveal their inner turmoil and struggles.

Possible causes of being agitated

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

• Cultural or societal influences that promote aggression or hostility
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Genetics or hereditary factors
• Medical conditions, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or ADHD
• Environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, or abuse
• Life circumstances, such as financial difficulties or relationship problems
• Lack of sleep or proper nutrition
• Poor coping skills or emotional regulation abilities
• Personality traits, such as impulsivity or perfectionism

For detailed feedback on agitated characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's critique report.

Behaviors associated with being agitated

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

• Interrupting others or talking over them
• Making abrupt or jerky movements
• Having difficulty focusing or sitting still
• Clenching fists or jaw
• Expressing frustration or irritation frequently
• Pacing back and forth
• Sweating or trembling
• Fidgeting or tapping fingers or feet
• Raising voice or speaking rapidly

Attitudes associated with being agitated

You may be able to show agitated through their attitudes.

• Tension
• Anxiety
• Disquiet
• Edginess
• Irritability
• Unease
• Frustration
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Discontentment
• Discomfort
• Anger
• Impatience

Thoughts and struggles associated with being agitated

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

• Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
• A desire to escape or break free from constraints
• Impatience and frustration with others
• Feelings of restlessness or agitation
• A sense of being trapped or unable to escape a situation
• Anxiety and worry about future events
• Racing thoughts and difficulty focusing
• Irritability and a short fuse
• Impulsive behavior or decision-making
• Self-doubt and negative self-talk
• Physical tension, such as clenched jaw or fists

Emotions associated with being agitated

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

• Frustration
• Discomfort
• Tension
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Anger
• Impatience
• Irritation
• Restlessness

Facial expressions associated with being agitated

Here are some facial expressions your agitated character may exhibit.

• Flared nostrils
• Gritted teeth
• Tightened jaw
• Pursed lips
• Clenched teeth
• Tensed facial muscles
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Tightly closed eyes
• Rapid blinking
• Staring with intensity
• Twitching eyelids

Body language associated with being agitated

Here is some body language your agitated character may exhibit.

• Clenched fists
• Rapid breathing or shallow breaths
• Biting nails or lips
• Tightened jaw or facial muscles
• Wrinkled forehead or scowling
• Restlessness or inability to sit still
• Tense posture or hunched shoulders
• Tapping fingers or foot
• Pacing or fidgeting

For detailed feedback on agitated characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's critique report.

Behaviors associated with being agitated

Here are some behaviors your agitated character may exhibit.

• Fidgeting or tapping fingers or feet
• Making abrupt or jerky movements
• Interrupting others or talking over them
• Expressing frustration or irritation frequently
• Raising voice or speaking rapidly
• Sweating or trembling
• Pacing back and forth
• Clenching fists or jaw
• Having difficulty focusing or sitting still

Growth and evolution of agitated characters

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

• They may develop a sense of self-awareness and recognize when they are becoming agitated, which can help them take steps to prevent it from escalating.
• They may develop better coping mechanisms and learn to handle stress more effectively.
• The character may learn to empathize with others and understand their perspectives, which can help them become more patient and less reactive.
• They may gain a better understanding of their triggers and work to avoid situations that cause them to become agitated.
• The character may learn to manage their emotions better and become more centered.
• The character may learn to communicate their needs and boundaries more clearly and assertively.
• The character may learn to forgive themselves and others for past mistakes, which can help them let go of anger and resentment.

Stereotypes of agitated characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical agitated character like these examples.

• Avoid making the agitated character one-dimensional and solely defined by their agitation.
• Avoid portraying the character as irrational or incapable of controlling their emotions without giving them a backstory or underlying reasons for their agitation.
• Avoid using clichéd or stereotypical behaviors, such as pacing or biting nails, without adding depth or nuance to the character's portrayal.
• Avoid making the character's agitation the only defining characteristic of their personality or behavior.
• Avoid making the character excessively angry or violent without a clear reason or motivation.
• Avoid making the character's agitation solely a result of external circumstances without exploring their internal struggles and conflicts.

Negatives of being agitated

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

• Sweating or trembling
• Irritability or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Restlessness or inability to sit still
• Easily frustrated and annoyed
• Impulsive behavior or decision making
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Heightened sensitivity to stimuli (e.g. sound, light, touch)

Positives of being agitated

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

• High energy and motivation to take action
• Increased focus and alertness
• Heightened sense of urgency and determination
• Greater ability to communicate assertively
• Strong emotions that can inspire creativity and passion

Verbal expressions of agitated characters

Here are some potential expressions used by agitated characters.

• Repeating oneself
• Expressing frustration or anger
• Interrupting others
• Speaking quickly or stuttering
• Being sarcastic or snarky
• Being defensive or argumentative
• Raising one's voice
• Making accusations or blaming others
• Using foul language or profanity

Relationships of agitated characters

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

• Agitated individuals may become argumentative or defensive, leading to disagreements or even verbal or physical altercations.
• They may have difficulty trusting others or may be overly suspicious, leading to strained or damaged relationships.
• They may struggle to control their emotions, leading to outbursts or tantrums that can strain relationships.
• Agitated people may have a short fuse and be easily irritated, leading to conflict in their relationships.
• They may be quick to judge or criticize others, leading to strained relationships and hurt feelings.
• Agitated people may struggle to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations in their relationships.
• Agitated individuals may struggle with empathy or understanding others' perspectives, leading to difficulty in maintaining close, supportive relationships.

Examples from books of characters who are agitated

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Randle Patrick McMurphy from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
• Sherlock Holmes from "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
• Mrs. Danvers from "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Heathcliff from "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Writing exercises for writing agitated characters

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

• Write a scene where the character is confronted with a situation that goes against their values or beliefs, and their agitation is a result of this conflict.
• Imagine a situation where the character is forced to work with someone they dislike intensely. Write a scene where their agitation towards that person is apparent.
• Write a scene where the character is stuck in traffic or on public transportation, and their agitation builds as they become more and more delayed.
• Imagine a situation where the character is in a high-pressure environment, such as a job interview or a public speaking engagement. Write a scene where their agitation is palpable.
• Write a scene where the character is waiting for someone or something, and their agitation grows with every passing minute.