When it comes to writing scared characters, it’s not just about saying they're afraid – it’s about making readers feel their fear in everything they do. Fear can be an intense emotion that shapes decisions, changes relationships, and drives the plot forward in unexpected ways. However, writing scared characters is difficult! Thankfully, this guide will explore how to bring that tension to life and capture fear through body language, internal dialogue, and high-stakes situations. Whether it's a fleeting moment of anxiety or deep, paralyzing terror, let's dive into how to create characters that truly feel scared.
Define Their Fears
The first thing you need to do is define their fears. You can pretty much be scared of anything, which is why it is important to define what your characters are scared of. Are they terrified of snakes slithering too close, or do they live with a constant anxiety that their house might catch fire? Whatever it is make sure you have defined it and that it is specific. Defining their specific fears not only makes the emotion more tangible but also helps shape how they react in different situations. Whether it's a physical threat or an abstract fear like failure, knowing what haunts your character will guide how they respond when fear takes over.
Incorporate Body Language
Relating to that, you need to make sure that you incorporate body language. Body language is a great way for readers to more closely identify the feelings of your characters. As a result, incorporate body language in your story, especially when describing scared characters. For example, a character might clench their fists so tightly their knuckles turn white, or their hands might tremble uncontrollably. Maybe their breath quickens, their heart pounds in their chest, or their eyes dart around the room in search of an escape. These physical reactions give readers a visceral sense of the fear your characters are experiencing, making the emotion more real and relatable.
Write in Short Sentences
You may also want to consider writing your story in shorter sentences than usual. When we are scared, our thoughts tend to become fragmented, quick, and disjointed. As a result, we often speak in shorter sentences. Therefore to really portray the constant fear your character lives with you could write your story in shorter, punchier sentences. Instead of long, flowing paragraphs, try abrupt, to-the-point sentences that reflect the urgency of the moment. This creates a heightened sense of tension for the reader, pulling them into the character's fear. For example: "She heard a noise. Her breath caught. Something moved. Closer. Too close."
Consider Why They're Scared
Considering why your character is scared is also essential. While it is possible that some fears can't be pin-pointed to a specific moment, others can. Knowing the roots of your character's fears can add depth to their reactions. Maybe they're afraid of the dark because of childhood trauma, or maybe they fear rejection due to a past failure that left them depressed. Overall, these backstories make it so their fears are grounded in reality, making their reactions more believable and emotionally charged.
Allow Them to Grow
Lastly, you should ensure that you allow your characters to grow. Just because they are typically scared doesn’t mean they’ll remain frozen in fear forever. Characters should evolve throughout your novel, even in the face of their deepest fears. This growth could involve them confronting what terrifies them, learning to manage their fear, or even using it to fuel their actions. Letting your characters grow beyond their fear not only adds dimension but also creates a powerful arc!
There are several elements to think of when writing scared characters. From their backstories to their body language, you must be able to balance these topics to write a compelling scared character. However, don't be scared because this guide has all of the tools you need to write relatable and authentic scared characters. Good luck!
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