Character Trait: Autocratic

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Autocratic refers to a person who has a tendency to make decisions without considering the opinions or input of others. An autocratic individual often holds absolute power and authority and tends to have a rigid, inflexible approach to leadership or decision-making. They are often seen as controlling and domineering, and may struggle to work collaboratively with others.

Possible causes of being autocratic

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

• Childhood experiences of strict discipline or authoritarian parenting
• Fear of failure or loss of control
• Traumatic or abusive experiences that led to the need for control and dominance
• Cultural or societal influences that prioritize power and authority
• Personal insecurities or feelings of inadequacy that are compensated for through dominance
• Belief in the superiority of one's own ideas or abilities

For detailed feedback on autocratic characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being autocratic

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

• Making decisions without input from others
• Not considering others' opinions or feelings
• Dictating orders and expecting immediate obedience
• Focusing on strict rules and regulations
• Using fear or intimidation to maintain control
• Punishing those who question or disobey orders
• Refusing to delegate tasks or responsibilities

Attitudes associated with being autocratic

You may be able to show autocratic through their attitudes.

• Having a hierarchical view of the world, with a clear distinction between those who are in charge and those who are not
• Being decisive and taking charge without seeking input or consensus from others
• Focusing on results and efficiency over building relationships or considering the impact on others
• Believing that one's own ideas and opinions are always right and should be followed by others without question
• Being intolerant of dissent or opposition, and seeing it as a challenge to one's authority
• Expecting obedience and loyalty from subordinates
• Feeling comfortable with a high degree of control over others and their actions
• Being willing to use force or coercion to achieve one's goals, if necessary

Thoughts and struggles associated with being autocratic

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

• This character may struggle with delegating tasks and trusting others to do things their way, feeling that only they know how to get things done properly.
• An Autocratic character might believe that they are always right and that their ideas and opinions are superior to those of others.
• They may feel a sense of entitlement and believe that they deserve special treatment or privileges because of their position of power.
• They may have a deep desire for power and control, wanting to be in charge of every situation and decision.
• This character may struggle with empathy and understanding the perspectives of others, viewing anyone who challenges their authority as a threat.
• This character may have difficulty building and maintaining relationships, as they may prioritize their own goals and ambitions over the needs and desires of others.
• They may have a fear of losing control or being perceived as weak, leading them to be overly strict and authoritarian.

Emotions associated with being autocratic

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

• Stubborn
• Arrogant
• Inflexible
• Ruthless
• Uncompromising
• Rigid
• Judgmental
• Controlling
• Distant
• Dominant
• Cold
• Authoritarian
• Intolerant
• Condescending

Facial expressions associated with being autocratic

Here are some facial expressions your autocratic character may exhibit.

• Narrowed eyes
• Tightened jaw
• Disapproving or critical look
• Stern or cold gaze
• Lack of facial expression
• Raised chin
• Tense or rigid facial muscles
• Furrowed brow

Body language associated with being autocratic

Here is some body language your autocratic character may exhibit.

• Frowning or scowling frequently
• Standing up straight with a stiff posture
• Making intense eye contact or staring down at others
• Taking up a lot of physical space and dominating the room
• Using forceful hand gestures such as pointing, chopping, or clenching
• Speaking in a loud, commanding voice with a sharp tone
• Squaring shoulders and positioning arms at the sides or behind the back

For detailed feedback on autocratic characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's narrative evaluation tool.

Behaviors associated with being autocratic

Here are some behaviors your autocratic character may exhibit.

• Making decisions without input from others
• Dictating orders and expecting immediate obedience
• Using fear or intimidation to maintain control
• Focusing on strict rules and regulations
• Refusing to delegate tasks or responsibilities
• Not considering others' opinions or feelings
• Punishing those who question or disobey orders

Growth and evolution of autocratic characters

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

• Develop a sense of humility and acknowledge their own limitations and mistakes.
• Realize the negative impact of their autocratic behavior on their relationships and work towards building healthier interactions.
• Become more open-minded and willing to learn from others.
• Learn to trust and delegate responsibilities to others instead of micromanaging everything.
• Develop empathy towards others and become more considerate of their feelings and needs.
• Learn to communicate more effectively and respectfully with others.
• Learn to listen and consider different perspectives and ideas instead of solely relying on their own judgment.
• Recognize the importance of teamwork and collaboration towards achieving a common goal.

Stereotypes of autocratic characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical autocratic character like these examples.

• Avoid making your Autocratic character one-dimensional or purely evil. Give them depth and complexity.
• Avoid making your Autocratic character cruel or sadistic for no reason. Give them a motivation or justification for their actions, even if it is flawed or misguided.
• Avoid making your Autocratic character completely inflexible or unwilling to consider other perspectives. Show moments of doubt or reflection.
• Avoid making your Autocratic character a caricature or cartoonish villain. Make them realistic and believable.

Negatives of being autocratic

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

• Limits diversity of thought and perspective
• Can lead to resentment and rebellion among subordinates
• Can lead to poor decision making and outcomes
• Limits creativity and innovation
• May result in a lack of motivation and engagement
• Suppresses individuality and freedom of expression

Positives of being autocratic

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

• Clear expectations and accountability for actions and outcomes
• Strong leadership that inspires loyalty and dedication
• Clear and decisive decision-making process
• Reduced ambiguity and uncertainty
• More efficient and streamlined operations
• Maintaining order and discipline
• Increased productivity and achievement of goals

Verbal expressions of autocratic characters

Here are some potential expressions used by autocratic characters.

• "I'm not interested in your opinion."
• "I don't want to hear any excuses."
• "I make the rules around here."
• "I don't care what you think."
• "I'll decide what's best for everyone."
• "I'm in charge, and I expect you to obey me."
• "Do what I say."
• "I'm the boss, and you'll do as I tell you."
• "You're not paid to think, you're paid to follow orders."

Relationships of autocratic characters

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

• They may dominate conversations and decision-making processes, not allowing others to have input or share their perspectives.
• They may use intimidation or threats to get what they want or to maintain their power.
• They may not be open to feedback or suggestions from others.
• They may have a "my way or the highway" mentality and may not compromise or consider others' needs or wants.
• They may be critical and judgmental of others who do not align with their views or standards.
• They may not prioritize building relationships or fostering a sense of teamwork among their peers or subordinates.
• They may have a strong need for control and may micromanage others.

Examples from books of characters who are autocratic

• Darth Vader from the Star Wars franchise
• Big Brother from 1984 by George Orwell
• President Snow from The Hunger Games trilogy
• Captain Ahab from Moby-Dick
• Nurse Mildred Ratched from Ratched (Netflix series)
• Miss Trunchbull from Matilda
• Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
• Joffrey Baratheon from A Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones)
• Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter series

Writing exercises for writing autocratic characters

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

• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who disagrees with them. How do they try to persuade the other person to see their point of view?
• Explore your character's backstory to understand why they have developed an autocratic personality. Were they raised in a strict household? Did they experience trauma or loss that made them feel the need to control their environment?
• Think about a situation where your character is challenged or contradicted. How do they respond? Do they listen to other perspectives, or do they shut down any dissenting opinions?
• Imagine your character in a position of power, such as a CEO or dictator. How do they behave in this role? What decisions do they make, and how do they justify them?
• Consider the consequences of your character's autocratic behavior. How does it affect their relationships and their ability to achieve their goals?
• Write a scene where your character has to make a difficult decision that affects others. How do they weigh the pros and cons, and what factors do they consider in making their choice?
• Write a scene where your character is in a position of authority, such as a boss or teacher. How do they interact with their subordinates? Do they demand respect, or do they inspire it through their actions?