forum Developing My New Oc Aura
Started by @SpookyJim
tune

people_alt 42 followers

@The-N-U-T-Cracker

With her past, I'm not sure how to help yet since I don't know the character (If you could add a link to her profile that would be great, just make sure the page is set to public) but mannerisms aren't too difficult. Basically, mannerisms are odd things that someone does subconsciously, with words or actions. This can include sayings they tend to use a lot ("It's the bee's knees"), commonly repeated gestures (like tapping their fingers against a wall while they think), or words they tend to pronounce wrong by habit. Some mannerisms I have are:

  • I walk around on my tiptoes
  • I tend to pick at or bite my fingernails when I get bored
  • I use the word "Freaking" a lot
  • My face turns bright red whenever the temperature gets even slightly hotter or colder than usual
  • I often copy the expressions of faces I draw
  • I sometimes find myself eating random food items when I'm bored
  • I greet people with hugs
  • I am super easily distracted
  • I often tap my fingers on random surfaces as I think
  • I talk loudly
  • I often zone out when listening to conversations

(and many more)

Other great examples of mannerisms are:

  • Staring at people's eyes while they talk
  • Talking to themselves
  • Playing with their hair, necklaces or clothing
  • Speaking in a higher/lower pitch than usual when they're nervous
  • Using a weird exclamation (commonly seen in cartoons, some examples being "Zoinks!" "Geebers!" "Boo-Yah!" "Ole!" "Sweet mother of pearl!" etc.)
  • Mis-pronouncing certain words (this one's hard to show in writing)
  • Staring at their nose
  • Cursing (Be careful with this though)
  • Sticking to the front of the group
  • Sweating
  • Rambling (in speech)
  • (for younger characters) Sucking their thumb

So with so many options, how do you know what ones fit best with your character? Well, that depends, a more shy character would probably be more likely to play with their hair while they speak, while a more energetic, affectionate, or bubby one might greet people with hugs. Another thing to think about is the character's life and backstory, did they grow up in a noisy orphanage? Then they'll probably be used to talking loudly in order to make themselves heard.

Also, remember, most of these mannerisms come from something, so it's important to think about what may have caused the character to develop those habits. For example, I pick at and bite my fingernails when I get bored. This could be just a random habit, or it might have something to do with the fact that I was basically addicted to my pacifier as a baby (I had that thing until I was 6 years old), or maybe it's related to the fact that I have quite a bit of energy, and feel the need to be doing something with my hands at all times.

Hope this helps!