Character Trait: Contemptuous

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Contemptuous is a character trait that describes someone who is showing or feeling deep hatred or disapproval towards something or someone they consider to be inferior, worthless, or deserving of disdain. A contemptuous person may express their feelings through words, gestures, or behavior that belittle or insult others, or by simply ignoring them altogether. This trait can make a character seem arrogant, aloof, or even cruel, and can add a layer of complexity to their relationships and interactions with other characters.

Possible causes of being contemptuous

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

• Feelings of superiority or entitlement
• Childhood experiences of neglect, abuse, or rejection
• Being raised in a highly critical or judgmental environment
• Negative experiences in past relationships or friendships
• A history of being bullied or mistreated
• Insecurity or low self-esteem masked by overcompensation
• A lack of empathy or emotional intelligence
• A desire for control or power over others

For detailed feedback on contemptuous characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's manuscript critique service.

Behaviors associated with being contemptuous

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

• Refusing to acknowledge others' accomplishments or successes
• Engaging in gossip or spreading rumors
• Making sarcastic comments or jokes at others' expense
• Using dismissive or belittling language
• Refusing to take responsibility for mistakes or shortcomings
• Demonstrating a lack of empathy or compassion
• Interrupting or talking over others
• Ignoring or disregarding others' opinions or feelings
• Rolling eyes or smirking when others speak

Attitudes associated with being contemptuous

You may be able to show contemptuous through their attitudes.

• Insolence
• Superiority
• Disapproval
• Arrogance
• Disrespect
• Contempt
• Disdain
• Derision
• Condescension

Thoughts and struggles associated with being contemptuous

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

• Consistently belittles and insults others, often feeling superior to them
• Struggles with forming meaningful relationships due to their negative attitude towards others
• May have a deep-seated insecurity or fear of being vulnerable, leading to a defensive and dismissive demeanor
• May have a tendency to isolate themselves, as they may feel that others are not worth their time or effort
• May feel a sense of entitlement or superiority, leading to a disregard for rules or authority
• May struggle with empathy and understanding others' perspectives, leading to a lack of compassion for others

Emotions associated with being contemptuous

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

• Derision
• Mockery
• Arrogance
• Disrespect
• Disdain
• Disapproval
• Superiority
• Scorn
• Displeasure

Facial expressions associated with being contemptuous

Here are some facial expressions your contemptuous character may exhibit.

• A slight sneer or curl of the lip
• One eyebrow raised higher than the other
• Rolling eyes
• A dismissive or condescending tone of voice
• One corner of the mouth raised in a half-smile
• Narrowed eyes
• Raised eyebrows
• A head tilt or nod indicating disapproval

Body language associated with being contemptuous

Here is some body language your contemptuous character may exhibit.

• Leaning away or turning the body away from the person or object of contempt
• Speaking in a condescending or dismissive tone
• Sneering or smirking
• Crossing the arms or legs
• Tilting the head back or looking down the nose
• Eye-rolling or narrowing of the eyes
• Curling of the upper lip

For detailed feedback on contemptuous characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's manuscript critique service.

Behaviors associated with being contemptuous

Here are some behaviors your contemptuous character may exhibit.

• Refusing to take responsibility for mistakes or shortcomings
• Engaging in gossip or spreading rumors
• Ignoring or disregarding others' opinions or feelings
• Refusing to acknowledge others' accomplishments or successes
• Using dismissive or belittling language
• Rolling eyes or smirking when others speak
• Interrupting or talking over others
• Demonstrating a lack of empathy or compassion
• Making sarcastic comments or jokes at others' expense

Growth and evolution of contemptuous characters

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

• Developing a sense of self-awareness and understanding how their behavior affects their relationships and personal growth
• Recognizing the impact of their contemptuous behavior on others
• Learning to empathize with those they previously held in contempt
• Practicing humility and accepting criticism or feedback from others
• Confronting the reasons behind their contemptuous attitude and addressing any underlying issues

Stereotypes of contemptuous characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical contemptuous character like these examples.

• Avoid making the Contemptuous character one-dimensional or purely evil.
• Avoid making them too predictable or stereotypical in their behavior.
• Don't make their contempt baseless or unfounded. Give them a reason for their disdain.
• Avoid making them indifferent or apathetic to everything except their own interests.
• Don't make them disrespectful to everyone, including those who deserve respect.
• Don't make them constantly angry or aggressive. Show different emotions and reactions.
• Avoid making them too confident or arrogant. Give them flaws and vulnerabilities.
• Don't make them too caught up in their own superiority to see the value in others.

Negatives of being contemptuous

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

• Contemptuous characters may become isolated, as others may avoid them due to their negative energy and critical nature.
• They may struggle with trust issues, as they may view others as inferior and not trustworthy.
• They may struggle to build and maintain healthy relationships, as their contemptuous nature can make it difficult for them to empathize with others.
• Contemptuous characters tend to have a condescending attitude towards others, which can alienate them from potential allies and friends.

Positives of being contemptuous

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

• They often have a clear understanding of their own values and priorities, which can make them more decisive.
• Contemptuous characters may be less likely to compromise on their principles or settle for less than they deserve.
• They may be more willing to speak their minds and stand up for themselves or others.
• Contemptuous individuals tend to have a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities.

Verbal expressions of contemptuous characters

Here are some potential expressions used by contemptuous characters.

• Dismissive tone of voice
• Sarcasm
• Mocking or ridiculing someone
• Disrespectful or condescending comments
• Eye-rolling
• Insulting or belittling language
• Patronizing behavior
• Sneering

Relationships of contemptuous characters

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

• They may create a toxic environment, making others feel unwelcome or unsafe in their presence.
• They may exhibit passive-aggressive behavior, making snide remarks or engaging in other forms of indirect hostility.
• They may be controlling or manipulative, using their contempt to exert power over others.
• They may dismiss others' ideas or opinions without giving them proper consideration.
• They may belittle or insult others, either overtly or through subtle jabs and put-downs.
• They may be quick to judge others, assuming the worst about them and refusing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
• They may show little empathy or compassion for others, failing to understand or appreciate their emotions or struggles.

Examples from books of characters who are contemptuous

• Severus Snape from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Tom Buchanan from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Cathy Ames from "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
• Lady Catherine de Bourgh from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Writing exercises for writing contemptuous characters

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

• Have your character make a cutting remark about someone's appearance or abilities. How does this affect the person they're speaking to? How does it make your character feel?
• Have your character use sarcasm or snark to put someone down. How do they use their words to convey their contempt?
• Have your character belittle someone for their beliefs or interests. How do they justify their contempt for this person?
• Write a scene where your character is in a position of power or authority. How do they wield that power? Do they abuse it?
• Write a scene where your character is forced to work with someone they don't respect. How do they behave towards this person? Do they actively try to sabotage them?
• Write a scene where your character is interacting with someone they consider beneath them. How do they speak to this person? How do they treat them?
• Have your character make a dismissive comment about something they don't deem important. How do they express their disdain?
• Write a scene where your character is challenged or contradicted. How do they react to being challenged? Do they become defensive or aggressive?