Character Trait: Cold

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "cold" can describe a person who is emotionally distant, unfeeling, or indifferent to the needs and feelings of others. This type of character may appear aloof or unapproachable, and may struggle to connect with others on an emotional level. Cold characters may also be prone to making decisions based purely on logic or reason, without considering the impact on others or the emotional consequences of their actions.

Possible causes of being cold

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

• Growing up in an environment where emotions were not expressed or valued
• Fear of vulnerability and getting hurt
• Personal values and beliefs that prioritize rationality over emotions
• Personality disorders such as schizoid or avoidant personality disorder
• Past trauma or negative experiences that have caused emotional detachment
• Cultural or societal norms that value stoicism and emotional restraint

For detailed feedback on cold characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's creative writing analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being cold

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

• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Giving the silent treatment
• Crossing arms or legs in a defensive manner
• Being distant or aloof
• Showing little to no emotion
• Ignoring or dismissing others' feelings
• Using few words
• Avoiding eye contact
• Refusing to compromise or empathize

Attitudes associated with being cold

You may be able to show cold through their attitudes.

• Detached
• Indifferent
• Aloof
• Reserved
• Callous
• Unemotional
• Distant
• Ruthless
• Unsympathetic

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cold

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

• Cold characters may have a rigid sense of control and may be resistant to change or unexpected situations.
• Cold characters may have a strong sense of independence and self-sufficiency, which can lead to a reluctance to ask for help or accept support from others.
• Cold characters may struggle with trust issues and tend to keep others at a distance.
• They may struggle with empathy, finding it difficult to understand or relate to the feelings of others.
• Cold characters may have a tendency to suppress their emotions, leading to pent up anger or sadness.
• They may struggle to connect with others emotionally, leading to difficulty in forming close relationships.
• They may also struggle with vulnerability, viewing it as a weakness rather than a strength.

Emotions associated with being cold

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

• Dispassionate
• Unsociable
• Stoic
• Unemotional
• Reserved
• Unapproachable
• Impassive
• Detachment
• Unsympathetic
• Unfeeling
• Distant
• Aloofness
• Indifference
• Withdrawn

Facial expressions associated with being cold

Here are some facial expressions your cold character may exhibit.

• Chilly gaze
• Raised chin
• Stiffened posture
• Lips pressed tightly together
• Lack of smile or expression
• Raised eyebrows
• Squinting
• Narrowed eyes
• Tightened jawline

Body language associated with being cold

Here is some body language your cold character may exhibit.

• Crossed arms or legs
• Stiff or rigid posture
• Decreased physical proximity to others
• Minimal or monotone speech patterns
• Limited or no physical touch or contact
• Lack of facial expression or emotions
• Slow or controlled movements
• Tightly clenched jaw or lips pressed together
• Minimal or no eye contact

For detailed feedback on cold characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's creative writing analyzer.

Behaviors associated with being cold

Here are some behaviors your cold character may exhibit.

• Showing little to no emotion
• Refusing to compromise or empathize
• Being distant or aloof
• Giving the silent treatment
• Ignoring or dismissing others' feelings
• Crossing arms or legs in a defensive manner
• Avoiding eye contact
• Using few words
• Speaking in a monotone voice

Growth and evolution of cold characters

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

• Discover the value of meaningful relationships
• Overcome personal traumas or experiences that have made them cold
• Open up emotionally and become more vulnerable
• Become more selfless and less self-centered
• Learn to trust and rely on others
• Develop empathy or compassion towards others
• Learn to communicate their feelings and needs effectively
• Change their perspective on life or their priorities
• Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their motivations

Stereotypes of cold characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cold character like these examples.

• Lack of empathy or concern for others
• Being untrustworthy or manipulative
• Being cruel or sadistic for no reason
• Being selfish or self-centered without any redeeming qualities
• Emotionless or robotic behavior
• Being overly aggressive or violent
• Being aloof or distant without explanation
• Being dismissive or condescending towards others

Negatives of being cold

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

• Tendency to prioritize logic over emotions
• Can come across as distant or aloof
• Lack of empathy or compassion
• Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
• Tendency to be selfish or self-centered
• May have trouble navigating social situations
• Can be perceived as rude or insensitive
• May struggle with expressing emotions appropriately
• Inability to connect with others on an emotional level

Positives of being cold

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

• Cold characters can be very perceptive and observant, which can make them effective at reading others and understanding complex situations.
• Cold characters can be very disciplined and self-controlled, which can help them maintain a sense of order and stability in their lives.
• They may have a keen sense of independence and self-reliance, which can make them resilient in the face of adversity.
• Cold characters tend to be rational and analytical, which can help them make sound decisions.
• They are often good at keeping their emotions in check, which can help them stay calm under pressure.
• They may have a sharp wit and sense of humor, which can make them entertaining and engaging to be around.
• Cold characters can be very focused on their goals, which can make them highly motivated to succeed.

Verbal expressions of cold characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cold characters.

• "My teeth are chattering"
• "I can't feel my fingers/toes"
• "I'm freezing"
• "I need a sweater/jacket"
• "This weather is brutal"
• "Brrr, it's chilly"
• "It's so cold out here"
• "I'm shivering"
• "I'm numb"

Relationships of cold characters

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

• Some cold individuals may seek out relationships with others who are similarly detached, as they may feel more comfortable with people who share their emotional style.
• They may struggle with empathy and have a hard time understanding or relating to the emotions of others, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
• They may come across as distant or uninterested in others, which can make it challenging for them to build trust and rapport.
• Cold people may have difficulty forming close relationships due to their emotional detachment.
• In some cases, cold people may use sarcasm or biting humor as a defense mechanism to keep others at arm's length.
• Cold people may have a tendency to be critical or judgmental of others, as they may see emotions as a weakness or vulnerability.

Examples from books of characters who are cold

• Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
• Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
• Patrick Bateman from American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
• Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

Writing exercises for writing cold characters

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

• Write a scene where the character is faced with a difficult decision, and they choose the option that benefits themselves rather than others.
• Write a scene where the character is in a romantic relationship, but they keep their partner at arm's length, refusing to show any vulnerability or emotional intimacy.
• Describe a moment when the character is coldly dismissive of someone else's feelings or experiences.
• Write a scene where the character is betrayed by someone they trusted, and they respond with cold, calculated revenge rather than forgiveness or understanding.
• Describe a moment when the character is confronted with emotional vulnerability, but they shut down and refuse to engage.
• Write a scene where the character is forced to work with someone they dislike, and they make no effort to hide their contempt or disdain.
• Describe a moment when the character is faced with a situation that challenges their beliefs or values, but they refuse to consider other perspectives or opinions.
• Write a scene where the character is in a high-stress situation, but they remain calm and calculated, not showing any outward signs of fear or panic.
• Describe a moment when the character is confronted with the consequences of their actions, but they refuse to take responsibility or show any remorse.