Adjectives to Describe a Person: Your Secret Characterization Weapon

Do you ever find yourself using the same descriptions over and over again? Maybe there’s a certain phrase you fall back on, or a particular image that keeps finding its way into your characters. After a while, even the most beautiful word choices can get stale. That’s why having a big vocabulary is such an essential skill.

We’ve got you covered with our intensive, extensive, Very Official Masterlist of character adjectives to describe a person in a story. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can come back here and peruse all the options when you need it!

What is an adjective?

First, let’s make sure we know what we’re dealing with. An adjective is a descriptive word that’s used to clarify, specify, or enhance a noun (which is a person, place, or object). In the phrase “a funny actor,” actor is the noun and funny is the adjective. Adjectives help make certain settings and characters more interesting.

You’ve probably seen adjectives all the time in fiction, nonfiction, and even marketing copy. They’re useful in creating a vivid image in the reader or listener’s mind, and can clarify vague or unspecific ideas. Adjectives describe a person’s appearance, behavior, beliefs, perceptions, and their choices.

Why are creative adjectives important for writers?

How many times have you come across the same stock character across multiple novels? Or an author who used simple, lazy adjectives to describe their characters until they became a homogeneous mass? Nothing dulls a story’s luster faster than one-dimensional, unimaginative character descriptions.

If you’re writing fiction or even creative nonfiction, you’ll definitely want to create characters that stand out. And a great way to do that—both in the writing process and the preceding outlining stage—is to map out your characters using fresh and unique descriptors that bring them to life.

So instead of writing another trope heroine with alabaster skin and ebony hair, experiment with some of these adjectives and add some humanity to your cast.

The ultimate list of adjectives to describe a person in a story

Ready to dive in? Here you’ll find both positive adjectives and negative adjectives to describe myriad characters.

Keep in mind these classifications are only a starting point; if you find a “love interest” adjective that works perfectly for your villain, go ahead and apply it! Think of these lists as a jumping off point to begin exploring your story.

Adjectives to describe the hero

Here are some positive, relatable adjectives to help you develop your protagonist. All of these character traits will make your story’s hero someone the reader will want to follow and invest in.

• Adaptable

  definition: Someone who quickly adjusts to the unexpected.

• Affectionate

  definition: Someone who openly shares love for others

• Sporty

  definition: Someone who’s athletic and always ready to run (or fight)

• Agreeable

  definition: Someone who’s easy to get along with. Can sometimes (but not always) be associated with low self worth.

• Trustworthy

  definition: Someone who can be counted on to tell the truth or keep secrets.

• Calm

  definition: Someone with a peaceful and relaxing presence.

• Candid

  definition: Someone who’s straightforward and honest (sometimes a little too much).

• Attentive

  definition: Someone who pays careful attention to others, or the world around them.

• Authentic

  definition: Someone who believes in being true to themself.

• Caring

  definition: Someone with a warm, maternal streak.

• Empathetic

  definition: Someone who’s able to understand the feelings of others.

• Faithful

  definition: Someone who will always be loyal.

• Astute

  definition: Someone who picks up on clues in their surroundings.

• Fearless

  definition: Someone who isn’t afraid of anything.

• Generous

  definition: Someone who freely gives what they have to offer, including time and support.

• Intuitive

  definition: Someone with heightened and reliable instincts.

• Just

  definition: Someone who believes in justice and equality.

• Kind

  definition: Someone who is considerate of others and tries to do good.

• Thoughtful

  definition: Someone who is introspective and thinks things through carefully.

• Brave

  definition: Someone who faces things head-on and isn’t easily intimidated.

• Charismatic

  definition: Someone with the ability to charm those around them.

• Courageous

  definition: Someone with the ability to overcome their fear in times of need.

• Passionate

  definition: Someone with a propulsive enthusiasm for life.

• Resilient

  definition: Someone who withstands and recovers from hardship.

• Resolute

  definition: Someone with a strong and devoted belief.

• Tenacious

  definition: Someone who refuses to give up.

• Valiant

  definition: Someone ready to fight for the greater good.

• Collaborative

  definition: Someone who works well with a team.

• Committed

  definition: Someone with a strong dedication to their path.

• Conscientious

  definition: Someone who does their job thoroughly and on time.

• Creative

  definition: Someone with an innovative imagination.

• Altruistic

  definition: Someone who believes in doing good for others.

• Decisive

  definition: Someone who isn’t afraid to make decisions.

• Experienced

  definition: Someone who’s developed a set of skills through time and practice.

• Focused

  definition: Someone who fully commits themself to a task. These characters can become a little too single-minded at times.

• Hardworking

  definition: Someone who’s not afraid to put in the effort.

• Honest

  definition: Someone who tells the truth and acts in accordance with their ethics.

• Innovative

  definition: Someone who comes up with new ideas and ways of doing things.

• Logical

  definition: Someone who sees the world through a reasonable, rational lens.

• Meticulous

  definition: Someone who is detail oriented.

• Sympathetic

  definition: Someone who‘s driven by understanding for others.

• Motivated

  definition: Someone who is driven to reach their goals.

• Resourceful

  definition: Someone who uses their environment and circumstances to get ahead.

• Responsible

  definition: Someone that can be relied on.

• Proactive

  definition: Someone who takes initiative; these characters make good leaders.

Adjectives to describe the villain

This list is filled with great adjectives to describe the antagonist of a story. Some of them are negative, while others are strengths that your villain might use to get ahead.

• Sleek

  definition: Someone who’s elegant in a slightly intimidating way.

• Authoritative

  definition: Someone who commands and wields respect.

• Daring

  definition: Someone who takes risks, sometimes unnecessarily and foolishly.

• Intelligent

  definition: Someone who’s wise and clever.

• Sophisticated

  definition: Someone who’s graceful and worldly.

• Stately

  definition: Someone who appears impressive and elegant.

• Assertive

  definition: Someone who confidently pushes their will onto others.

• Commanding

  definition: Someone with a strong authoritative presence.

• Determined

  definition: Someone with a strong motivation to get things done.

• Cruel

  definition: Someone who enjoys hurting others.

• Dominant

  definition: Someone who’s controlling and whole exerts their influence over others.

• Driven

  definition: Someone who’s pushed forward by a driving motive.

• Forceful

  definition: Someone who’s assertive and strong willed.

• Formidable

  definition: Someone with a strong and commanding presence that you don’t want to mess with.

• Independent

  definition: Someone who prefers to rely on themselves over others.

• Influential

  definition: Someone who has power over the decisions of those around them.

• Bitter

  definition: Someone who becomes cold and defensive after a bad experience.

• Innovative

  definition: Someone who comes up with creative and original ideas.

• Intrepid

  definition: Someone who throws themself head first into an adventure.

• Invincible

  definition: Someone who seems impossible to defeat.

• Uncompromising

  definition: Someone who stubbornly clings to their own values or ideas.

• Visionary

  definition: Someone with big ideas for their future, and the future of the world as a whole.

• Arrogant

  definition: Someone with an inflated sense of self worth.

• Callous

  definition: Someone who is emotionally distant and insensitive to the feelings of others.

• Deceitful

  definition: Someone who intentionally misleads others.

• Demanding

  definition: Someone who is difficult to please and short of patience.

• Dishonest

  definition: Someone who lies or hides things from others, either to serve themself or to protect those they perceive as vulnerable.

• Egotistical

  definition: Someone who sings their own praises at any opportunity.

• Greedy

  definition: Someone who desires wealth and material possessions.

• Harsh

  definition: Someone who delivers their opinions in a cruel and unfeeling way.

• Hostile

  definition: Someone who is antagonistic and unfriendly towards outsiders.

• Hypocritical

  definition: Someone who demands virtuous values that they don’t practice themself.

• Impatient

  definition: Someone who’s unable to sit and wait, often to their detriment.

• Inconsiderate

  definition: Someone who acts thoughtlessly towards others.

• Manipulative

  definition: Someone who attempts to coerce and control those around them.

• Moody

  definition: Someone who experiences fluctuating highs and lows.

• Narcissistic

  definition: Someone with an excessive sense of self admiration.

• Neglectful

  definition: Someone who fails in their responsibilities to others.

• Overbearing

  definition: Someone who’s bossy and who attempts to control everything.

• Petty

  definition: Someone who’s overly focused on trivial sleights.

• Prejudiced

  definition: Someone who holds biased beliefs, consciously or unconsciously.

• Reckless

  definition: Someone who acts without regard to their safety.

• Rude

  definition: Someone who acts disrespectfully towards others, intentionally or unintentionally.

• Selfish

  definition: Someone who’s concerned only with their own needs.

• Stubborn

  definition: Someone who’s become rigid in their opinions or ideas.

• Vindictive

  definition: Someone who’s in pursuit of revenge.

• Pessimistic

  definition: Someone who always expects the worst outcome.

• Paranoid

  definition: Someone with an obsessive mistrust of the world around them.

• Obnoxious

  definition: Someone who acts intentionally unpleasant to get a rise out of people.

• Lazy

  definition: Someone who’s unwilling to put in the work to achieve their goals.

• Irresponsible

  definition: Someone who’s unreliable and thoughtless.

• Proud

  definition: someone who thinks themselves better than others.

• Intolerant

  definition: Someone who’s unwilling to accept the views or beliefs of others.

• Ambitious

  definition: Someone who’s driven to achieve lofty goals.

• Analytical

  definition: Someone who approaches situations with controlled, logical thinking.

• Articulate

  definition: Someone who’s particularly good at verbal communication.

• Capable

  definition: Someone who learns new skills easily.

• Eloquent

  definition: Someone with a charming and confident way of speaking.

• Charming

  definition: Someone who’s disarmingly pleasant.

• Distinguished

  definition: Someone who wears their years and experience well.

• Elegant

  definition: Someone who exudes a stylish grace.

• Strategic

  definition: Someone who’s particularly good at planning.

Adjectives to describe the love interest

Next up is a useful adjectives list to describe the subject of your main character’s affections. These words will make your love of interest seem attractive and compelling.

• Stylish

  definition: Someone who dresses well in accordance with contemporary trends.

• Confident

  definition: Someone who‘s sure of themself and their actions.

• Suave

  definition: Someone who acts with smooth charm.

• Tasteful

  definition: Someone who shows good judgement in design and presentation.

• Brilliant

  definition: Someone who is highly intelligent and creative.

• Imaginative

  definition: Someone with big dreams and ideas.

• Clever

  definition: Someone who‘s able to think on their feet.

• Spirited

  definition: Someone who is always filled with positive energy.

• Trendy

  definition: Someone who follows the latest fashions or ideas.

• Vibrant

  definition: Someone who exudes positivity and charm.

• Considerate

  definition: Someone who puts the needs of others ahead of their own.

• Youthful

  definition: Someone who acts idealistic and carefree.

• Posh

  definition: Someone who exudes a luxurious elegance.

• Refined

  definition: Someone whose personal style has been carefully cultivated.

• Shy

  definition: Someone who becomes nervous and awkward around new people.

• Rugged

  definition: Someone who appears strong and attractive, with masculine connotations.

• Dynamic

  definition: Someone who presents themselves as forceful and energetic.

• Indecisive

  definition: Someone who struggles to make choices.

• Jealous

  definition: Someone who carefully guards something they have so no one else can have it.

• Knowledgeable

  definition: Someone who is well-educated and who keeps themselves informed.

• Organized

  definition: Someone who systematically structures their lives for ease and clarity.

• Patient

  definition: Someone who acts tolerant and understanding towards others.

• Perceptive

  definition: Someone with strong observational skills, and the ability to make connections in those observations.

• Glamorous

  definition: Someone who flaunts their beauty and style.

• Graceful

  definition: Someone who exhibits physical elegance.

• Klumsy

  definition: Someone who is not at all graceful.

• Handsome

  definition: Someone who is attractive with masculine connotations, softer than rugged.

• Immaculate

  definition: Someone who prides themselves on being neatly presented.

• Polished

  definition: Someone who is always refined and well presented.

• Colorful

  definition: Someone who uses bright and vibrant fashions.

• Daring

  definition: Someone with a bold, adventurous streak.

• Cute

  definition: Someone who is attractive in a non-intimidating and endearing way

• Dapper

  definition: Someone who is stylish with an old fashioned look, generally masculine.

• Dashing

  definition: Someone with an attractive adventurous quality.

• Flashy

  definition: Someone who dresses in bright, obvious styles.

• Classy

  definition: Someone who dresses in retrained, sophisticated styles.

• Talented

  definition: Someone with a natural gift, usually at something performative.

Adjectives to describe the secondary characters

Finally, we’ve got our ever-essential supporting cast. Pick a handful of these and watch your protagonist’s friends, family, colleagues, and complications come to life.

• Cheerful

  definition: Someone with a generally positive outlook on life.

• Compassionate

  definition: Someone who feels empathy and acts understanding towards others.

• Wise

  definition: Someone with instinctual knowledge or knowledge acquired over many years.

• Curious

  definition: Someone who’s eager to learn, understand, and explore.

• Earnest

  definition: Someone who’s always sincere; often, someone innocent or inexperienced.

• Hopeful

  definition: Someone willing to believe in a better future.

• Bossy

  definition: Someone who takes charge of situations and tells others what to do.

• Reliable

  definition: Someone who can be counted on to keep their promises.

• Easygoing

  definition: Someone with a relaxed, carefree outlook.

• Hilarious

  definition: Someone who makes those around them laugh.

• Tidy

  definition: Someone who constantly cleans the space around them.

• Inventive

  definition: Someone who‘s always coming up with fresh ideas.

• Gracious

  definition: Someone who’s always courteous of others.

• Humorous

  definition: Someone who’s always funny and entertaining.

• Joyful

  definition: Someone with a naturally happy personality.

• Efficient

  definition: Someone who gets things done with a minimal amount of time and effort.

• Loyal

  definition: Someone who’s consistently faithful to someone or something.

• Magnanimous

  definition: Someone who’s generous, often associated with those in leadership positions.

• Open-minded

  definition: Someone who’s receptive to new beliefs and ideas.

• Gentle

  definition: Someone who‘s soft tempered and kind.

• Optimistic

  definition: Someone who maintains a positive outlook, even when things seem grim.

• Philosophical

  definition: Someone who often muses on deep questions.

• Sociable

  definition: Someone with an affectionate nature who enjoys interacting with people.

• Absurd

  definition: Someone who acts or thinks in nonsensical ways.

• Bizarre

  definition: Someone with strange and unusual ideas.

• Blundering

  definition: Someone who makes silly or lumpy mistakes.

• Energetic

  definition: someone who always needs to be moving or doing something.

• Bonkers

  definition: Someone who has fun doing nonsensical things.

• Cheeky

  definition: Someone who’s mischievous in a playful way.

• Anxious

  definition: Someone who’s often uneasy or who expects bad things to happen.

• Corny

  definition: Someone who tries to be funny in predictable or trope-influenced ways.

• Defensive

  definition: Someone who becomes overly protective of themself, often because of a past bad experience.

• Daft

  definition: Someone who acts foolishly.

• Eccentric

  definition: Someone who acts unconventionally, often with a sense of isolation.

• Flaky

  definition: Someone who’s unreliable and follows their own impulses.

• Ludicrous

  definition: Someone who acts absurdly ridiculous, often for attention.

• Discreet

  definition: Someone who keeps things to themself, especially the secrets of others.

• Nutty

  definition: Someone who’s impulsive and offbeat in a fun way.

• Outlandish

  definition: Someone who acts or dresses bizarrely in a performative way.

• Quirky

  definition: Someone who’s a little strange in a fun, amusing way.

• Silly

  definition: Someone who doesn’t take things seriously.

• Whimsical

  definition: Someone with a sense of playful wonder.

• Steadfast

  definition: Someone who’s unwaveringly loyal to a person, community, or belief.

• Strong-willed

  definition: Someone who’s resolute in their decisions.

• Blunt

  definition: Someone who’s insensitive and direct in their opinions.

• Cynical

  definition: Someone who distrusts the motives of others.

• Fickle

  definition: Someone with shifting and uneven loyalties.

• Gullible

  definition: Someone who’s trusting and easily deceived.

• Dependable

  definition: Someone who can be trusted and relied on.

• Diligent

  definition: Someone who’s meticulous and detailed in their work.

• Diplomatic

  definition: Someone who tactfully handles difficult situations.

• Enthusiastic

  definition: Someone who gets excited easily.

• Ethical

  definition: Someone with strong guiding principles.

• Punctual

  definition: Someone who’s always on time.

• Supportive

  definition: Someone who offers encouragement to those who need it.

How to choose the right adjectives for your character

Now that you’ve got your epic word bank of key character adjectives, let’s look at how to narrow it down and choose the right ones for your story.

Explore unusual combinations

You know what people are? Messy. And so are characters. When you’re looking for adjectives to describe people in your stories, try choosing a few keywords that don’t seem to go together and explore what that person might be like.

For instance, someone might be both shy and adventurous, eloquent and unbalanced, sociable on the outside and deeply pessimistic on the inside. Challenge yourself to go past the most obvious pairings and create new, unexpected personalities.

Use adjectives to inspire character arcs

A great use for descriptive adjectives is developing dynamic arcs, or a character’s dramatic internal shift. This means that you apply one adjective to a character at the beginning, and another, contrasting adjective to the end. Then, the story is about taking that character from point A to B.

For instance, a character might begin as brittle and callous, then later become warm and compassionate. Or they might start out as prejudiced before learning to become more open minded and empathetic. The right words may unlock some compelling character development.

Cross compare your go-to adjectives

If you’ve done some character work for your story already, have a look at how you’ve described your key players. Sometimes when we map out a person’s personality, we circle around the same favorite terms over and over again. This creates familiar yet stagnant stories with less engagement than they could have.

Look at the adjectives you’ve written and see if you can make them more precise and unusual. For instance, if you know you want your story’s love interest to be pleasantly attractive, go deeper and see if you can be more specific. Are they attractive in a sporty way, or a glamorous way, or a rugged way? If your villain is cruel and uncompromising, look for other adjectives to flesh out their personality and hint at why they became the way they are.

Get peer feedback

Finally, if you’re not sure, get a second opinion. You can ask friends, other writers, or your fellow Scribophile members. Ask questions like, “Does this character feel real to you? How would you describe the person that these words conjure for you? Does anything seem jarring or overly cliché?”

It can be challenging to see a character from the outside, from the perspective of someone who doesn’t have all the details you have in your head. Feedback will ensure you’re getting across your idea as you envision it.

Bring your cast of characters to life

By now you have an entire arsenal of both positive adjectives and negative adjectives to give your characters depth. The next step is compiling them into character frameworks (we’ve got a template for that!) and fleshing them out on the page. Happy writing!