Character Trait: Dramatic

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait dramatic refers to a person who is overly emotional, expressive, and tends to exaggerate situations or events. A dramatic character is often described as theatrical, attention-seeking, and prone to creating a scene. They may use their emotions to manipulate others, or they may genuinely feel things more intensely than others. Dramatic characters tend to be memorable and can add depth and complexity to a story, but they also run the risk of coming across as melodramatic if not portrayed carefully.

Possible causes of being dramatic

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

• A tendency towards impulsivity and risk-taking behavior
• A history of trauma or difficult life experiences that have shaped their worldview and behavior
• A belief that their life is inherently dramatic or that they are destined for greatness
• A desire for attention and recognition from others
• A tendency towards heightened emotions and intense reactions to stimuli
• A need for excitement and novelty in their life

Behaviors associated with being dramatic

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

• Using grand gestures to express emotions
• Reacting strongly to situations or events
• Speaking in an exaggerated manner
• Being impulsive and spontaneous
• Being expressive in body language and facial expressions
• Being prone to exaggeration and hyperbole
• Seeking attention and validation from others
• Being easily overwhelmed by emotions
• Having a flair for the theatrical and performing arts

Attitudes associated with being dramatic

You may be able to show dramatic through their attitudes.

• Being highly expressive and emotional
• Having a flair for the theatrical and the extravagant
• Being prone to mood swings and intense feelings
• Craving attention and validation
• Being prone to exaggeration and overreaction
• Having a tendency to create or escalate conflicts
• Being sensitive to aesthetics and appearances
• Being easily influenced by others' opinions and emotions
• Being impulsive and spontaneous

Thoughts and struggles associated with being dramatic

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

• Dramatic characters often have intense emotions and may struggle with controlling them.
• They may have a tendency to be impulsive or act on their emotions without thinking things through.
• They may have a strong sense of justice and fight passionately for what they believe is right.
• They may have a tendency to be dramatic or theatrical in their speech and actions, seeking attention or validation.
• They may have a tragic backstory or a traumatic event that has shaped their worldview and actions.
• They may have a strong sense of morality and may grapple with difficult ethical dilemmas.
• They may struggle with fear or insecurity, which can lead to anxiety or self-doubt.
• They may feel a sense of responsibility to others and may struggle with the weight of that responsibility.
• They may be prone to extremes, swinging between high highs and low lows.

Emotions associated with being dramatic

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

• Overreactive
• Attention-seeking
• Theatrical
• Intense
• Volatile
• Impulsive
• Exaggerated
• Emotional
• Flamboyant

Facial expressions associated with being dramatic

Here are some facial expressions your dramatic character may exhibit.

• Mouth open, either in shock or to emphasize a point
• Flaring nostrils to show anger or passion
• Hand on chest, as if being deeply affected by something
• Wide, open eyes with raised eyebrows
• Hand gestures that are exaggerated and flamboyant
• Pursed lips or a pout to show displeasure
• Clasping hands together in front of the face, as if in prayer or pleading
• Tilting the head back while laughing or expressing surprise
• Pulling back from someone or something with a dramatic gasp

Body language associated with being dramatic

Here is some body language your dramatic character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a loud or theatrical voice with frequent pauses for emphasis
• Exaggerated facial expressions, such as widened eyes or a dramatic frown
• Sudden and dramatic movements, such as throwing up hands in frustration or collapsing in despair
• Frequently interrupting others to interject their own opinions or reactions
• Using grandiose or hyperbolic language to describe situations or emotions
• Standing or sitting with an exaggerated posture, such as leaning forward dramatically
• Frequent hand gestures and arm movements

Behaviors associated with being dramatic

Here are some behaviors your dramatic character may exhibit.

• Being expressive in body language and facial expressions
• Being easily overwhelmed by emotions
• Being prone to exaggeration and hyperbole
• Having a flair for the theatrical and performing arts
• Reacting strongly to situations or events
• Speaking in an exaggerated manner
• Seeking attention and validation from others
• Being impulsive and spontaneous
• Using grand gestures to express emotions

Growth and evolution of dramatic characters

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

• Finding a sense of purpose or meaning in life
• Becoming more self-aware or introspective
• Embracing their true identity or authentic self
• Learning a valuable lesson or gaining a new perspective
• Changing their beliefs or values
• Confronting and overcoming a significant challenge or obstacle
• Developing a new skill or talent
• Forming new relationships or repairing damaged ones
• Overcoming a personal flaw or weakness

Stereotypes of dramatic characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical dramatic character like these examples.

• The brooding, angsty loner who hates everyone and everything
• The helpless victim who can't do anything to help themselves
• The evil villain who is evil just for the sake of being evil
• The shallow, materialistic character who only cares about money and status
• The perfect, flawless hero who never makes mistakes or faces any real challenges
• The manic pixie dream girl who exists solely to help the male protagonist find himself
• The damsel in distress who needs to be rescued by the hero
• The one-dimensional bully who exists solely to torment the protagonist
• The wise old mentor who exists solely to offer sage advice and then die

Negatives of being dramatic

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

• Can be seen as attention-seeking or manipulative
• Can be exhausting for others to be around
• May struggle with self-regulation of emotions
• May exaggerate or fabricate stories for effect
• Can create unnecessary conflict or drama
• May struggle with maintaining healthy relationships
• May struggle with taking responsibility for their actions

Positives of being dramatic

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

• They can add tension and excitement to a story, as their actions and reactions may be more unpredictable and intense.
• Dramatic characters are often passionate and expressive, which can make them engaging and memorable to readers.
• Dramatic characters may be more in touch with their emotions and able to convey complex feelings and experiences, making them more relatable and sympathetic to readers.
• They tend to have a flair for the dramatic, which can make their actions and dialogue more interesting and entertaining.
• Dramatic characters may be more inclined to take risks and pursue their goals with enthusiasm and energy, making them proactive and dynamic.
• They often have a strong sense of conviction and are willing to stand up for what they believe in, which can make them admirable and inspiring to readers.

Verbal expressions of dramatic characters

Here are some potential expressions used by dramatic characters.

• "Everything is falling apart."
• "It's the end of the world."
• "I'm on the brink of tears."
• "I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest."
• "I'm so overwhelmed, I can't even think straight."
• "This is too much to bear."
• "Oh, woe is me!"
• "I'm so disappointed, I could just die."
• "I can't handle this!"

Relationships of dramatic characters

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

• Dramatic individuals may be very creative and imaginative, which can make them great collaborators or partners in creative endeavors.
• They may seek attention and validation from others, which can lead to co-dependent relationships.
• They may struggle with boundaries and may have relationships that are overly enmeshed or codependent.
• They may struggle with trust issues and may be prone to jealousy or possessiveness in their relationships.
• They may have a tendency to overreact to situations and can be emotionally volatile, which can be challenging for others to navigate.
• Dramatic individuals may be prone to conflict and drama in their relationships, which can be exhausting for others.
• Dramatic people tend to be expressive and may have intense relationships with others.
• Dramatic people may be very passionate and loyal friends or partners, but can also be very demanding of others' time and attention.

Examples from books of characters who are dramatic

• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Winston Smith from "1984" by George Orwell
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Harry Potter from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing dramatic characters

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

• Write dialogue that reflects the Dramatic trait: Use dialogue to showcase your character's emotional intensity. They might speak in hyperbole, exaggerating their feelings to make a point, or use dramatic pauses and inflections to emphasize their words.
• Create high-stakes scenes: A Dramatic character thrives in high-stress situations. Put your character in scenarios where the stakes are high, such as a life-or-death situation or a heated argument with a loved one.
• Show the consequences of their actions: A Dramatic character's actions often have big consequences. Show how their impulsiveness and emotional outbursts affect those around them, both positively and negatively.
• Create a character arc: Every character should undergo some kind of change or growth throughout the story. For a character with the Dramatic trait, consider how they might transform from being overly emotional and reactive to more level-headed and rational.
• Start with a character sketch: Before you start writing, create a detailed character sketch that includes their backstory, personality traits, and motivations. This will help you better understand your character and how they would react in different situations.
• Use body language: Show, don't tell, how your character is feeling by using body language. For example, a Dramatic character might throw their hands up in frustration, pace back and forth, or slam a door when they are upset.