Character Trait: Disturbing

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Disturbing refers to a behavior or attitude that is unsettling or upsetting to others. It can be anything that causes discomfort, fear, or anxiety, such as violent tendencies, a lack of empathy, or a twisted sense of humor. Characters with this trait tend to be unpredictable and often exhibit behaviors that are outside of the norm. They may be the antagonists in a story or simply add a layer of complexity to a protagonist's personality.

Possible causes of being disturbing

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

• Lack of empathy or remorse
• Inability to regulate emotions or impulses
• Extreme or prolonged stress or trauma
• Learned behavior from upbringing or social environment
• Environmental factors such as poverty or exposure to violence
• Mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder
• Social isolation or lack of support system
• Childhood trauma or neglect
• Genetics and heredity
• Substance abuse or addiction

Behaviors associated with being disturbing

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

• Invading personal space
• Making inappropriate or offensive comments
• Using intimidation or violence
• Ignoring social norms or boundaries
• Displaying erratic or unpredictable behavior
• Engaging in destructive or self-harming behaviors
• Engaging in illegal or unethical behavior
• Stalking or obsessively watching someone
• Manipulating others for personal gain

Attitudes associated with being disturbing

You may be able to show disturbing through their attitudes.

• A preference for the darker or more provocative aspects of life
• A lack of concern for social norms or conventions
• A sense of unpredictability or instability
• An inclination towards rebellion or nonconformity
• A fascination with violence or taboo subjects
• A disregard for the feelings or safety of others
• A desire for control or power over others
• A tendency to incite fear or discomfort in others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being disturbing

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

• Having a distorted view of reality and a lack of empathy for others
• Struggling with intense and often violent impulses
• Constantly questioning their own morality and actions
• Feeling a sense of superiority or entitlement over others
• Battling with addictions or other destructive behaviors
• Feeling a sense of isolation or loneliness
• Wrestling with deep-seated fears or traumas that fuel their disturbing behavior
• Feeling a sense of detachment from others and the world around them
• Struggling to maintain relationships or connect with others in a meaningful way

Emotions associated with being disturbing

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

• Frightening
• Intimidating
• Ominous
• Menacing
• Horrifying
• Chilling
• Creepy
• Unnerving
• Unsettling

Facial expressions associated with being disturbing

Here are some facial expressions your disturbing character may exhibit.

• Furrowed eyebrows
• Tightened jaw
• Scowling
• Narrowed eyes
• Glaring
• Baring teeth
• Sneering
• Squinting
• Twitching lips

Body language associated with being disturbing

Here is some body language your disturbing character may exhibit.

• Avoiding eye contact or staring too intensely
• Sweating or trembling
• Twitching or jerking movements
• Smirking or sneering
• Clenching fists or grinding teeth
• Standing too close or invading personal space
• Leaning in or towering over others
• Speaking too loudly or too softly
• Fidgeting or pacing
• Rapid blinking or darting eyes

Behaviors associated with being disturbing

Here are some behaviors your disturbing character may exhibit.

• Displaying erratic or unpredictable behavior
• Using intimidation or violence
• Ignoring social norms or boundaries
• Making inappropriate or offensive comments
• Invading personal space
• Manipulating others for personal gain
• Stalking or obsessively watching someone
• Engaging in illegal or unethical behavior
• Engaging in destructive or self-harming behaviors

Growth and evolution of disturbing characters

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

• Recognizing and acknowledging their harmful behavior
• Learning to communicate and express themselves in healthier ways
• Finding a new purpose or passion that brings positivity into their life
• Taking responsibility for their actions and accepting the consequences
• Seeking help or therapy to address their issues
• Confronting and overcoming their fears or traumas that led to their disturbing behavior
• Developing empathy and understanding for others
• Forming meaningful connections with others and building positive relationships
• Attempting to make amends for their past actions

Stereotypes of disturbing characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical disturbing character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character's disturbing trait a result of their race, gender, or sexuality
• Avoid portraying the character's disturbing trait as something glamorous or desirable
• Avoid making the character's disturbing trait a result of mental illness without proper research and sensitivity
• Avoid using their disturbing trait as a way to justify their actions
• Avoid making the character's disturbing trait their only defining characteristic

Negatives of being disturbing

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

• Being disturbing can make others uncomfortable or scared around you.
• Others may view you as unpredictable or unstable, which can harm your reputation and credibility.
• It may be hard to find employment or opportunities if you have a reputation for being disturbing.
• Being disturbing can lead to legal trouble if your actions are illegal or harmful to others.
• It can be difficult to form and maintain relationships with others if you are constantly disturbing them.
• People may avoid or distance themselves from you if they find your behavior or actions disturbing.

Positives of being disturbing

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

• They can also serve as a vehicle for exploring difficult or taboo topics in a way that is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
• They can make readers feel uncomfortable, which can create a sense of tension and anticipation as the story unfolds.
• Disturbing characters can add depth and complexity to a story, as they challenge the moral or societal norms of the world in which they exist.
• Disturbing characters can be compelling and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they've finished the story.
• When written well, disturbing characters can be a powerful tool for exploring the darker aspects of human nature, such as greed, jealousy, and obsession.

Verbal expressions of disturbing characters

Here are some potential expressions used by disturbing characters.

• Threatening or intimidating others with words
• Making inappropriate or offensive jokes
• Manipulating or gaslighting others through language
• Speaking in a sinister or ominous tone
• Using vulgar or offensive language
• Insulting or belittling others verbally
• Making unsettling or creepy comments
• Using excessive profanity or blasphemy
• Using aggressive or hostile language

Relationships of disturbing characters

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

• Vengeful behavior: They may hold grudges and seek revenge for perceived wrongs or slights.
• Volatility: Disturbing people may have unpredictable mood swings, making it hard for others to know how to interact with them.
• Jealousy: They may become jealous or possessive of others, even if there is no reason to be.
• Controlling behavior: They may try to control every aspect of a relationship, including decisions, activities, and even thoughts and feelings.
• Narcissistic tendencies: They may have an inflated sense of self-importance, putting their own needs and desires above others.
• Lack of empathy: Disturbing people may not be able to understand or relate to the emotions of others, making it difficult to build meaningful connections.
• Aggressive behavior: Disturbing people might use aggressive language, threats, or violence to intimidate or frighten others.
• Manipulative behavior: Disturbing people may try to manipulate others to get what they want. They may lie, deceive, or use other people to achieve their goals.

Examples from books of characters who are disturbing

• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
• Annie Wilkes from "Misery" by Stephen King
• Jack Torrance from "The Shining" by Stephen King
• Sauron from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess
• Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris
• Nurse Ratched from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Voldemort from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling

Writing exercises for writing disturbing characters

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

• Experiment with different points of view to see how the Disturbing trait affects the way your character sees and interacts with the world. For instance, how might a character who enjoys manipulating others view a situation differently than a more empathetic character?
• Use writing prompts that challenge you to explore the darker aspects of your character's personality. For example, write from the perspective of a character who enjoys causing pain to others or who is obsessed with death.
• Use sensory details to bring your character's disturbing behavior to life. What sights, sounds, smells, or sensations accompany their actions? How do those around them react?
• Start by brainstorming the different ways in which the Disturbing trait can manifest in a character. What behaviors, thoughts, or actions can they exhibit?
• Consider the root causes of your character's disturbing behavior. What past experiences or psychological issues might be driving their actions? Write scenes that explore these underlying factors and how they impact your character's behavior.