Writers are often a solitary lot, so this advice feels akin to bringing coals to Newcastle, but here goes. In an article for Writer’s Digest, Claire Alexander shares four tips for writing an introverted character. “Here are four things I kept in mind while I was bringing Meredith—my wonderful, one-of-a-kind introvert, to life,” she says.
- Make it a strength, not a weakness. Your introvert doesn’t have to be aloof, arrogant, or unfriendly. “So, don’t be too hard on your introvert character, because an aversion to small talk isn’t the same as rudeness and focusing on the inner world doesn’t make you anti-social,” Alexander writes.
- Don’t succumb to stereotypes. Many people think introverts are angry, timid, or hate people. Don’t fall for it. “That means your introvert can thrive on being alone, but also love spending time with their friends,” Alexander says. “They can prefer socializing one-to-one or in small groups and be happier than the person who’s out every night in a huge crowd of people.”
- Do your research. If you’re not an introvert, read up on it. Introversion isn’t a type of behavior or personality, but an expression of how a person gets their energy. Introverts are energized by alone time and often feel drained after being among a crowd.
- Explore what motivates them. Introverted characters still require a personality, wants, needs, strengths, and weaknesses. They have backstory and contradictions.
