When writing a novel, the characters are critical. I mean, they can make or break your novel! This is because not only do characters make your novel captivating and exciting, but interesting characters will reel the reader into the story. A major way to write characters that readers are interested in is by making them relatable. If a reader finds a character they relate to, they will be more inclined to finish the story and follow along with the journey of the character. To be seen as "people," your characters shouldn't be sterile. Characters should have their voice, personality, fears, wants, flaws, and quirks. When all of these components are brought together they will craft a memorable character that stays with the reader long after the reader has finished your book. Character quirks are different than character flaws in that flaws are typically negative personality features of a character. Quirks are usually demonstrated as habits. Like people, every character should have their own, unique quirks. Quirks are what make your characters "them" and quirks are a great way to have fun when developing your characters. Here are the 50 unique character quirks to use.
Addicted to Chewing Gum
Always Carries a Lucky Charm
Blushes All the Time
Can't Stand Odd Numbers
Can't Understand Sarcasm At All
Carries a Dictionary With Them at All Times
Collects Unusual Coins
Collects Vintage Tea Cups
Counts Their Steps
Cries Over the Smallest Things
Doodles on Their Arms
Fluent in Several Dead Languages
Gives Nicknames to Everyone, Even Strangers
Has a Fear of Buttons
Has a Habit of Talking to Animals
Has Neon Blue Dyed Hair
Has to Alphabetize Everything
Has to Have Everything in Even Numbers
Has to Sleep with a Nightlight
Hugs Everyone All the Time
Is Always Biting Their Lip
Is Always Wearing Ear Muffs, Even on Hot Days
Is Constantly Going to the Gym
Keeps a Journal of daily weather
Laughs at the Worst Jokes
Long Hair Makes Them Anxious
Loves to Use Big/Long Words
Must Have Music Playing at All Times
Names Inanimate Objects
Never Sits up Straight
Obsessed With "Cute" Things (I.e. stuffies)
Only Drinks Hot Water
Only Eats Sticky Foods
Only Speaks About Themselves in the 3rd Person
Only Writes in a Specific Color
Organizes Their Books By Color
Overshares Everything
Pouts All The Time
Puts Mustard on Everything
Refuses to Eat Foods That Touch on the Plate
Refuses to Step on Sidewalk Cracks
Sings During Conversations
Sleeps With Over 10 Blankets
Sleepwalks Every Night
Sneezes When Nervous
Spends All of Their Money at Amusement Parks
Treats Their Plants Like Their Children
Walks Incredibly Fast
Walks on Tiptoes For Fun
Wears the Strongest Perfume Ever
Character quirks are a simple way to inject life and personality into your characters, in a way that engages the reader. These character quirks can be arranged to elevate any novel. Hopefully, these character quirks help create interesting characters.
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