Character Trait: Dissolute

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "dissolute" refers to a person who lacks moral restraint and self-discipline, often engaging in excessive and immoral behavior such as drinking, gambling, or engaging in promiscuous relationships. A dissolute character is often portrayed as lacking in responsibility and self-control, and may be prone to self-destructive behavior.

Possible causes of being dissolute

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

• Mental health disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder
• Genetic predisposition towards impulsivity and risk-taking behavior
• Social or cultural influences, such as peer pressure or exposure to media glamorizing reckless behavior
• Feeling unfulfilled or empty, leading to a search for thrill or stimulation
• Childhood experiences or trauma, such as neglect or abuse
• Lack of positive role models or guidance
• Addiction to drugs or alcohol

Behaviors associated with being dissolute

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

• Engaging in excessive drinking or drug use
• Being reckless or impulsive in decision-making
• Refusing to adhere to societal norms or rules
• Pursuing pleasure and gratification without regard for consequences
• Being wasteful with resources or money
• Ignoring responsibilities and obligations
• Showing little self-control or discipline
• Having multiple sexual partners or engaging in promiscuous behavior

Attitudes associated with being dissolute

You may be able to show dissolute through their attitudes.

• Irresponsibility
• Impulsiveness
• Hedonistic tendencies
• Self-indulgence
• Lack of self-control
• Recklessness
• Disregard for consequences
• Carefree attitude
• Lack of discipline

Thoughts and struggles associated with being dissolute

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

• Often lacks discipline and struggles to maintain responsibilities or long-term goals
• Has difficulty forming meaningful relationships due to a fear of commitment
• Feels a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose in life
• May feel guilt or shame about their actions, but struggle to change their behavior
• Constantly seeks pleasure and instant gratification
• Struggles with addiction to substances, sex, or other vices
• Engages in risky behavior and takes unnecessary risks
• Can be impulsive and reckless in decision-making
• May have low self-esteem and use their vices as a way to cope

Emotions associated with being dissolute

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

• Recklessness
• Indulgence
• Irresponsibility
• Decadence
• Impulsivity
• Excess
• Hedonism
• Sensuality
• Promiscuity
• Debauchery
• Lack of self-control
• Profligacy
• Addictions
• Immorality

Facial expressions associated with being dissolute

Here are some facial expressions your dissolute character may exhibit.

• Heavy eyelids or half-closed eyes
• A hint of malice or wickedness in the eyes
• Crooked or sneering smile
• Raised eyebrows and a knowing look
• A sly or flirtatious grin
• A slack-jawed, vacant or lazy expression
• Smirking or leering expression
• An overall nonchalant or careless expression

Body language associated with being dissolute

Here is some body language your dissolute character may exhibit.

• Making crude gestures or sexual innuendos
• Swaying or staggering while standing
• Leaning on people or objects
• Ignoring personal space boundaries
• Touching or caressing others inappropriately
• Laughing loudly or uncontrollably
• Slouching or lounging in a relaxed manner
• Chewing gum or tobacco loudly
• Running hands through hair
• Licking or biting lips suggestively
• Smoking or drinking excessively
• Winking or smirking

Behaviors associated with being dissolute

Here are some behaviors your dissolute character may exhibit.

• Having multiple sexual partners or engaging in promiscuous behavior
• Being reckless or impulsive in decision-making
• Ignoring responsibilities and obligations
• Refusing to adhere to societal norms or rules
• Pursuing pleasure and gratification without regard for consequences
• Being wasteful with resources or money
• Showing little self-control or discipline
• Engaging in excessive drinking or drug use

Growth and evolution of dissolute characters

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

• Seeking help: A dissolute character may start seeking help from others, such as a therapist or support group, in order to overcome their challenges and grow.
• Developing self-control: Through practice and effort, a dissolute character can learn to exercise more self-control over their actions and impulses.
• Making amends: A dissolute character may recognize the harm they have caused others and work towards making amends and repairing relationships.
• Self-reflection: By looking inward, a dissolute character can identify the root cause of their behavior and work towards finding a solution.
• Acknowledging their behavior: A dissolute character may start to recognize their unhealthy habits and tendencies, and take steps towards addressing them.
• Finding purpose: By discovering a sense of purpose or passion in life, a dissolute character may be motivated to change their behavior in order to achieve their goals.

Stereotypes of dissolute characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical dissolute character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character's Dissolute behavior the butt of jokes or ridicule.
• Avoid romanticizing or glorifying the character's behavior without consequences or repercussions.
• Avoid portraying the character as lacking any redeeming qualities or potential for growth.
• Avoid portraying the character as solely motivated by their vices or desires.
• Avoid using stereotypes such as promiscuity, substance abuse, or laziness as the only defining traits of the character.
• Avoid making the Dissolute character one-dimensional or purely villainous.

Negatives of being dissolute

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

• Addiction-prone behavior
• Disregard for consequences of actions
• Impulsiveness
• Tendency to engage in self-destructive behavior
• Recklessness
• Lack of self-control
• Inability to commit to long-term goals
• Inability to prioritize responsibilities
• Difficulty maintaining stable relationships

Positives of being dissolute

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

• A dissolute character can be seen as free-spirited and adventurous.
• They are often spontaneous and impulsive, making for exciting and unpredictable storylines.
• They are not bound by societal norms or expectations, allowing for more creative and unconventional behavior.
• A dissolute character can have a magnetic personality, attracting others with their charm and charisma.
• A dissolute character may have a deep understanding and appreciation for pleasure and indulgence, leading to moments of intense joy and fulfillment.

Verbal expressions of dissolute characters

Here are some potential expressions used by dissolute characters.

• Lying or making up stories to impress others
• Being disrespectful or dismissive of authority figures
• Showing a lack of empathy or concern for others' feelings
• Using derogatory or offensive terms to describe others
• Making inappropriate or sexual remarks
• Interrupting or talking over others
• Bragging about excessive drinking or drug use
• Talking loudly and obnoxiously in public
• Using vulgar language frequently

Relationships of dissolute characters

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

• They may struggle with forming deep, meaningful connections with others.
• They may struggle with commitment and fidelity in romantic relationships.
• They may seek out new experiences and partners frequently, resulting in a pattern of short-lived relationships.
• They may prioritize their own pleasure and desires over the needs and feelings of others, leading to selfish or insensitive behavior.
• They may be prone to addiction or substance abuse, which can further strain their relationships.
• They may be charming and charismatic, but may struggle with genuine empathy or concern for others.
• They may struggle with emotional intimacy and vulnerability, keeping others at a distance to avoid getting hurt.

Examples from books of characters who are dissolute

• Tom Ripley from "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith
• Holly Golightly from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote
• Raskolnikov from "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
• Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
• Lord Henry Wotton from "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Daisy Buchanan from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Writing exercises for writing dissolute characters

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

• Think of a character who is constantly seeking pleasure and indulging in their desires. Write a scene in which they give in to their impulses without considering the consequences.
• Think about how your character's dissolute behavior may be a coping mechanism for deeper emotional issues. Write a scene in which they confront these underlying issues.
• Write a scene in which your character is tempted to indulge in their dissolute behavior but ultimately resists the urge. What motivates them to make this decision?
• Explore the reasons why your character may have become dissolute. Did they experience a traumatic event that led them down this path? Write a flashback scene to show this.
• Consider the consequences of your character's dissolute behavior on those around them. Write a scene in which someone close to them confronts them about their actions.
• Write a scene in which your character comes face to face with the negative consequences of their dissolute behavior. Do they continue down this path or make a change?
• Write a scene in which your character must resist their temptations and make a difficult decision that goes against their dissolute nature.