Character Trait: Blase

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "blase" is often used to describe someone who is unimpressed or indifferent to things that would normally excite or interest others. This type of character may come across as jaded, bored, or apathetic, and may have a difficult time connecting with others on an emotional level. It can be a challenging trait to portray in a character, but when done well, it can add depth and complexity to a story.

Possible causes of being blase

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

• A defensive mechanism to avoid getting hurt or disappointed
• Chronic stress or burnout
• Overexposure to stimulation or excitement, leading to a desensitized response
• Past experiences that have caused them to become apathetic or detached
• Personality traits such as introversion or a preference for routine
• Depression or other mental health issues
• Lack of interest or passion in life or specific activities

For detailed feedback on blase characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story developmental critique.

Behaviors associated with being blase

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

• Avoiding emotional investment in relationships or events
• Refusing to engage in discussion or debate
• Being unimpressed by impressive accomplishments or feats
• Shrugging off things that would normally cause a reaction
• Displaying a lack of enthusiasm or passion
• Using monotone or flat speech
• Showing disinterest or indifference towards a situation or topic
• Acting aloof or detached in social situations

Attitudes associated with being blase

You may be able to show blase through their attitudes.

• Nonchalant
• Disinterested
• Bored
• Apathetic
• Laid back
• Unenthusiastic
• Indifferent
• Unimpressed
• Uninterested

Thoughts and struggles associated with being blase

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

• Boredom and apathy towards their daily routine
• Struggle to form deep relationships or connections
• Disillusionment with society and its values
• Inner turmoil between wanting to feel alive and not wanting to put in the effort
• Fear of missing out on experiences but lack of motivation to pursue them
• Difficulty finding purpose or meaning in life
• Questioning the point of existence and the pursuit of happiness
• Lack of enthusiasm or interest in people or events around them
• Feeling disconnected from their emotions and others

Emotions associated with being blase

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

• Ennui
• Listlessness
• Apathy
• Boredom
• Indifference
• Nonchalance
• Weariness
• Disinterest
• Lethargy

Facial expressions associated with being blase

Here are some facial expressions your blase character may exhibit.

• Half-hearted smile
• Minimal movement or gestures
• Lack of expression or emotion
• Glancing away or avoiding eye contact
• Shrugging
• Sighing
• Raised eyebrows
• Mouth slightly open
• Eye-rolling

Body language associated with being blase

Here is some body language your blase character may exhibit.

• Sluggish or slow movements
• Lack of eye contact
• Minimal movement or gestures
• Limp or relaxed posture
• Nonchalant or indifferent tone of voice
• Crossing arms or legs
• Yawning or boredom signs
• Lack of facial expressions or flat affect
• Eye rolling
• Leaning or slouching
• Shrugging shoulders

For detailed feedback on blase characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's story developmental critique.

Behaviors associated with being blase

Here are some behaviors your blase character may exhibit.

• Being unimpressed by impressive accomplishments or feats
• Shrugging off things that would normally cause a reaction
• Displaying a lack of enthusiasm or passion
• Avoiding emotional investment in relationships or events
• Refusing to engage in discussion or debate
• Using monotone or flat speech
• Acting aloof or detached in social situations
• Showing disinterest or indifference towards a situation or topic

Growth and evolution of blase characters

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

• They may become more self-aware and start to understand the impact their attitude has on themselves and those around them.
• They may develop a newfound curiosity and interest in people and experiences that they previously dismissed as boring or unimportant.
• The Blase character may start to question their apathetic attitude towards life and become more engaged in their surroundings.
• They may begin to take risks and step out of their comfort zone, trying new things and exploring different aspects of themselves.
• The Blase character may learn to appreciate the little things in life and find joy in simple pleasures.
• The character may also start to show more empathy towards others and become more emotionally available to those around them.

Stereotypes of blase characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical blase character like these examples.

• Avoid making them uninterested in forming relationships or connections with others.
• Avoid making them overly cynical or pessimistic.
• Avoid making them seem lazy or lacking motivation.
• Avoid making them seem superior or arrogant.
• Avoid making them emotionless or robotic.
• Avoid making them rude or dismissive to others.
• Avoid making Blase characters completely indifferent or apathetic to everything.
• Avoid making them passive or uninvolved in their own lives.

Negatives of being blase

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

• Decreased motivation or drive to achieve goals
• Being perceived as unemotional or detached
• Missing out on experiences due to a lack of interest or engagement
• Difficulty in finding joy or excitement in things
• Struggling to form meaningful connections or relationships
• Being seen as indifferent or apathetic towards others
• Lack of enthusiasm or interest in life

Positives of being blase

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

• Having a nonchalant attitude towards things that may stress others out
• Being able to maintain a sense of calm and composure in high-pressure situations
• Having a sense of detachment that can allow for rational decision making
• Being able to see the big picture and not getting bogged down by small details
• Being open-minded and willing to try new things, as you are not easily impressed
• Being able to handle criticism and rejection without getting too emotionally invested

Verbal expressions of blase characters

Here are some potential expressions used by blase characters.

• "It doesn't matter"
• "Been there, done that"
• "I don't care"
• "Meh"
• "Same old, same old"
• "Whatever"
• "Uninterested"
• "Bored"
• "Not impressed"

Relationships of blase characters

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

• They may have difficulty forming deep emotional connections with others.
• They may have a tendency to prioritize their own needs and desires over those of others.
• Blase individuals may struggle to show empathy or understanding towards others' emotional experiences.
• Blase individuals may be seen as uninterested or disengaged in conversations or activities.
• Blase people may come across as aloof or detached in social situations.
• Blase people may struggle to express themselves emotionally and may come across as stoic or unemotional.
• They may be perceived as cold or insensitive, even if they do not intend to be.

Examples from books of characters who are blase

• Bartleby from "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville
• Meursault from "The Stranger" by Albert Camus
• Tyler Durden from "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Ignatius J. Reilly from "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing blase characters

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

• Start by researching and understanding the Blase trait. Read articles and books about it, and observe people in your own life who exhibit this trait.
• Write a scene where your character is forced to confront their Blase attitude and its consequences. For example, they lose a job or a friendship because of their lack of engagement.
• Write a scene where your character encounters a situation that would normally elicit a strong emotional response, but they remain indifferent. For example, they witness a car accident but show no concern or empathy for the victims.
• Create a character profile that includes details about the character's background, personality, and experiences that have contributed to their Blase attitude.
• Use sensory details to create a contrast between the character's Blase attitude and their surroundings. For example, describe a beautiful sunset, but the character remains unimpressed.
• Experiment with dialogue that shows your character's lack of interest or enthusiasm. For example, have them respond to questions with short, dismissive answers or show disinterest in their surroundings.