Character Trait: Defensive

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "defensive" refers to a person's tendency to react with defensiveness or protectiveness when they feel criticized, challenged, or threatened. Defensive individuals may become argumentative, dismissive, or hostile when they perceive that their beliefs, actions, or character are being questioned or attacked. They may also have a tendency to blame others for their problems and to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. In fiction, defensive characters can add depth and complexity to a story, as they struggle to overcome their insecurities and develop more self-awareness and empathy.

Possible causes of being defensive

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

• Lack of trust in others
• Low self-esteem or self-worth
• Feeling threatened or unsafe in certain situations
• Overprotective or critical parents or caregivers
• Fear of failure or making mistakes
• Fear of being vulnerable or exposed
• Traumatic or abusive experiences in the past
• Fear of rejection or criticism
• Perceived or actual threats to one's identity or beliefs

Behaviors associated with being defensive

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

• Denying or minimizing the impact of criticism or feedback
• Focusing on the negative aspects of a situation rather than seeking solutions
• Interrupting others while they are speaking
• Becoming argumentative or confrontational when challenged
• Withholding information or being evasive in conversation
• Using a sarcastic or aggressive tone of voice
• Refusing to take responsibility for one's actions
• Blaming others for problems or mistakes
• Being overly sensitive or reactive to perceived slights or criticism

Attitudes associated with being defensive

You may be able to show defensive through their attitudes.

• Difficulty in trusting others
• Refusing to take responsibility for one's actions
• Being argumentative or confrontational
• Blaming others for one's mistakes
• Feeling attacked or criticized easily
• Being closed-minded or resistant to change
• Being overly sensitive
• Difficulty in accepting feedback or constructive criticism
• Reacting with anger or aggression when feeling threatened

Thoughts and struggles associated with being defensive

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

• Defensive characters tend to have trust issues and may struggle with forming deep connections with others.
• They may have a strong need for control and may struggle with letting go of situations or people that they feel threatened by.
• Defensive characters may struggle with criticism and may become defensive or reactive when receiving feedback.
• They may have a pessimistic outlook on life and may anticipate negative outcomes before they occur.
• They may have difficulty admitting fault or taking responsibility for their actions.
• Defensive characters may struggle with vulnerability and may be guarded when it comes to sharing their emotions or personal experiences.
• Defensive characters may have a strong sense of self-preservation and may prioritize their own safety or well-being over others.

Emotions associated with being defensive

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

• Aggression
• Paranoia
• Frustration
• Anxiety
• Inflexibility
• Anger
• Insecurity
• Avoidance
• Discomfort
• Tension
• Fear
• Suspicion
• Resentment
• Stubbornness
• Blame-shifting
• Hostility

Facial expressions associated with being defensive

Here are some facial expressions your defensive character may exhibit.

• Raised eyebrows
• Flared nostrils
• Tilted chin
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Narrowed eyes
• Crossed arms
• Clenched jaw
• Tightly pressed lips
• Glaring eyes
• Shifting gaze

Body language associated with being defensive

Here is some body language your defensive character may exhibit.

• Hunching shoulders forward
• Leaning away from the person or situation
• Fidgeting or shifting weight back and forth
• Narrowed or squinting eyes
• Avoiding eye contact
• Tightly pressed lips
• Tensing muscles or appearing rigid
• Clenching fists or jaw
• Interrupting or talking over others
• Crossed arms over chest

Behaviors associated with being defensive

Here are some behaviors your defensive character may exhibit.

• Being overly sensitive or reactive to perceived slights or criticism
• Using a sarcastic or aggressive tone of voice
• Refusing to take responsibility for one's actions
• Blaming others for problems or mistakes
• Becoming argumentative or confrontational when challenged
• Interrupting others while they are speaking
• Focusing on the negative aspects of a situation rather than seeking solutions
• Withholding information or being evasive in conversation
• Denying or minimizing the impact of criticism or feedback

Growth and evolution of defensive characters

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

• Recognizing the impact of their behavior on others and making amends
• Learning to forgive and move on from past hurts
• Learning to trust others and let their guard down
• Developing better communication skills and expressing their needs clearly
• Developing empathy and understanding for others' perspectives
• Understanding the importance of vulnerability and openness
• Being willing to take risks and try new things
• Acknowledging their flaws and weaknesses
• Accepting criticism and feedback without becoming defensive

Stereotypes of defensive characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical defensive character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character paranoid or excessively suspicious of others.
• Avoid making the character overly sensitive or easily offended.
• Don't make the character completely closed off to feedback or criticism.
• Don't make the character constantly play the victim or blame others for their problems.
• Avoid making the character aggressive or confrontational in all situations.

Negatives of being defensive

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

• They may become argumentative or confrontational when they feel their beliefs or actions are being challenged.
• Defensive behavior can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications in personal and professional relationships.
• Defensive people often have trouble accepting criticism or feedback.
• It can be difficult for defensive people to form close connections with others, as they may struggle with trust and vulnerability.

Positives of being defensive

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

• It can indicate a strong sense of self-preservation and self-advocacy.
• Being defensive can help maintain boundaries and prevent others from taking advantage.
• Defensiveness can help protect oneself from harm or danger.
• Defensiveness can be a sign of passion and dedication towards a particular topic or cause.
• It can demonstrate a commitment to one's beliefs and values.

Verbal expressions of defensive characters

Here are some potential expressions used by defensive characters.

• Being argumentative or confrontational
• Avoiding the topic or changing the subject
• Denying responsibility
• Refusing to take feedback or criticism
• Dismissing other people's opinions or ideas
• Blaming others
• Minimizing the issue or its impact
• Making excuses or justifications
• Using aggressive or defensive language

Relationships of defensive characters

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

• Defensive people may struggle to listen actively to others or consider alternative perspectives, as they may be more focused on defending their own viewpoint.
• They may become argumentative or combative when they feel their beliefs or actions are being questioned or challenged.
• Defensive people may have a tendency to feel attacked or criticized by others, even if the criticism is constructive or well-intentioned.
• They may have a harder time accepting responsibility for their mistakes or flaws, instead deflecting blame onto others or making excuses.

Examples from books of characters who are defensive

• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Charlie Brown from "Peanuts" comics by Charles M. Schulz
• Eeyore from "Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Severus Snape from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing defensive characters

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

• Develop a backstory for your character that explains why they have a defensive nature. Did they grow up in an environment where they had to constantly protect themselves? Did they experience a traumatic event that made them distrustful of others?
• Write a character profile that includes a section on their defensive tendencies. Include specific examples of situations where they tend to become defensive and how they typically respond.
• Create a dialogue between your character and someone who challenges their beliefs or actions. How does your character defend themselves? Do they resort to personal attacks or logical arguments?
• Write a scene where your character is confronted with criticism or negative feedback. How does your character react? Do they become defensive and argumentative, or do they remain calm and open-minded?
• Write a scene where your character is under pressure or in a high-stress situation. How do they react defensively, if at all? Do they lash out at others or shut down emotionally?