Quirks are handy when creating characters and may even help advance the plot. Note these aren’t necessarily bad or good things about a person, but they’re fun traits that not everyone will share. Although it’s by no means exhaustive, here’s a list of quirks you may find helpful while creating your characters. (Looking for more on writing? Visit my Writers’ Resources page.)
- presses her lips together when she’s angry
- sticks the tip of his tongue out of the corner of his mouth while he’s working on something
- picks up rocks and throws them as she’s walking
- can’t stand to eat a certain food, i.e. always picks tomatoes out of his salad
- doesn’t like pets or animals of any kind
- constantly corrects people, either on their grammar or their pronunciations
- trails her fingers on plants, books, whatever is at hand as she walks
- has trouble sleeping at night
- constantly lies, even though she’s terrible at it
- always has his nose in a book
- constantly washes her hands
- afraid to travel
- hates confrontation so much she won’t stand up for herself, even when she’s right
- really into science fiction, and it is a part of his life
- won’t go anywhere without her dog
- likes to blame everyone else for his problems
- is neat and presentable, but her house is an absolute wreck
- insists that his clothes be folded a certain way, but he won’t do his own laundry
- refuses to take her husband’s last name
- won’t drink out of a can or bottle, and has to pour it into a glass first
- chews ice
- always falls asleep with the TV on
- talks in her sleep
- thinks he’s an expert on everything
- bad with money
- talks to her dogs like they’re people
- terrified of animals (or a certain kind of animal)
- drinks a lot but functions
- always reads subtitles even when he can understand the dialog
- must be busy while on the phone
- gestures with hands while talking, even if on the phone
- always carries his own pen and refuses to use anyone else’s
- constantly listening to music
- drums her fingers on the counter when waiting
- absolutely refuses to leave the house without full makeup and hair
- despises coffee
- obsessed with coffee
- obsessed with eating healthy and drives everyone else nuts with it
- obsessed with environmentally healthy products
- always trying to sell you something (party products like Avon and Pampered chef, handmade crafts, or even a used car)
- has kept all the porcelain dolls her mother collected
- literally lives in a fantasy world (cosplay, D&D, etc.)
- convinced she’s adopted
- feels Christmas must be exactly perfect or else it’s a disaster
- is an extreme couponer and hoards pantry and cleaning items simply because she got them cheap
- always cold (needs blankets, socks, mitten, sweaters)
- quit smoking and now constantly chews gum or has a toothpick in his mouth
- always apologizes (could relate to past trauma)
- constantly knitting things for people, even if they don’t want them
- loves speaking with an English accent and/or using British terms, even though she’s American
- loves British television (and thus the accent?)
- believes in crystal healing and is constantly giving her friends stones that she believes will help them
- hypochondriac
- signs up for volunteer positions but never follows through with them
- loves spending time in nature and is always outside
- loves fountain pens and ink (this person is likely to have ink on their fingers)
- still gets up to watch cartoons on Saturday morning
- insists on having a perfectly clean house all the time
- abstains from drinking any alcohol, ever (perhaps a victim of alcoholism in some way)
- always has a book with her
- waves at anyone who happens to drive by
This is just a handful of suggestions, but it was also a great writing exercise. What quirks have you used or seen in fiction that you think are great? Or terrible? Let me know in the comments! Please be sure to check out my Writers’ Resources page for more ideas, lists, and information on writing.
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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keeping and The Graveside Detective. Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous. Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world. You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.
Ashley O'Melia, Author 