As someone who wears glasses, I am very familiar with the daily nuances that they add to your life. The little problems that they create are so common to me that they've become almost second nature. Whether it's the constant battle against glasses that fog up after a long shower or the inevitable smudges that seem to appear out of nowhere, these quirks of wearing glasses are a part of my daily routine. However, these nuances probably aren't familiar to those who don't wear glasses. Therefore, this article will explore 5 small, but important things you need to know when writing characters with glasses.
Glasses Fog Up With Hot Drinks
It is important to note that glasses fog up when drinking hot beverages. This is one of the most relatable experiences for glasses wearers as the immediate fogging up of lenses when sipping a hot beverage can be annoying and inconvenient. While this fact may not impact your plot much it is good to know as it will add realism and authenticity to your story. Plus, it can spark emotions in our characters, especially in social situations. For example, imagine a character nervously sipping tea during a job interview, only to have their glasses fog up right as they're asked a critical question. Or if a character is having coffee with their crush and their glasses fog up, it makes it difficult to maintain eye contact. These moments not only add tension but also reveal the character's vulnerability and humanity in a relatable way.
Glasses Don't Break That Easily
There is a common idea that glasses can easily be snapped, but that isn't the case. While some glasses are more fragile than others, generally glasses do not break easily. This is especially critical to know when writing fight scenes or war-themed books. You should know that your characters with glasses can engage in action and fights without constantly worrying about their eyewear breaking at the slightest touch. This understanding allows you to focus on the intensity of the scene without distracting from the narrative with unrealistic concerns about glasses breaking. However, it's still realistic to acknowledge that glasses can be damaged in extreme circumstances. Understanding that glasses and characters who wear glasses aren't fragile ensures that your story remains realistic and engaging.
Prescriptions Change Over Time
It is very unlikely for a character to have the same glasses prescription their whole life. This is because your eyes change and mature, meaning your prescription also changes over time. Therefore, when writing characters with glasses you should keep in mind that their prescription may change throughout the book. (Especially if you are writing a series.) Ultimately, this may affect the plot as it introduces new challenges or opportunities for your character. For instance, the vision of your protagonist may deteriorate gradually over the course of a series, forcing them to adapt to new prescriptions and perhaps even explore alternative methods of vision correction or enhancement.
Glasses Often Get Smudged
As mentioned in the introduction, glasses get smudged by everything! It's a universal frustration for all of us who wear glasses as they seem to attract fingerprints, dust particles, and everything else. So, when writing characters with glasses, you can consider how your character deals with smudges throughout the day. Do they habitually clean their glasses with a microfiber cloth, or are they often seen peering through slightly smudged lenses? This tiny habit can reveal tons about their personality—like their attention to detail or their tolerance for imperfection. Plus, smudges on glasses can create lots of unique plot points. Your character could be nervously preparing for a date, only to notice a smudge right before they leave the house. Or a detective solving a crucial clue might wipe away smudges to see the fine details clearly. This small challenge is sure to resonate with readers who share the same struggle.
Glasses Convey Character Information
Finally, the glasses of your character must convey information about them. A person's glasses may describe a lot about them and their personality. Plus, it can highlight information about their socioeconomic status. For instance, a character who wears designer frames is probably more affluent than a character with older, worn-out glasses. The style of glasses can also provide insight into a character's personality and preferences. Bold, colorful frames might indicate a confident, outgoing nature, while understated, classic designs could suggest a more reserved or traditional individual. By paying attention to these details, you can create a richer, more nuanced portrayal of your character.
Overall, it is the small, everyday details of like that make characters feel more lifelike and engaging to readers. This is why it is so important to know the intricacies of wearing glasses if you are writing glasses-wearing characters (and don't wear glasses yourself). Thankfully, with the tips listed above you are well-equipped to create authentic and relatable characters who wear glasses.
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