forum Unexpected Ways To Describe Maniacal Characters. (Phrasing in a sentence or just with a single word)

Started July 06, 2021 by @wordlesswriter

tune

Any ideas?

"Eagerly," "feverishly," and "frenzied" can be used as good descriptors.

thanks! any unexpected ways for description tho?

I have a maniacal character so here are some things I've used:

I use sick fascination a lot, like obsessions with fire, explosions, power, etc.

Chaos is usually good too, something for them to strive for

One of my best sentences goes, "Jordan felt a laugh bubble in his chest and tear its way from his throat, coarse and raw and crazy." This happens after he's destroyed a whole city block. Using laughter and happiness associated with danger and/or hurt works wonders and spark fear in your reader.

Using expectation subversion is excellent. Having them seem like they're going to do the good/right thing and then turning it on its head the next second. My character pretends to realize what he's done is wrong and apologizes to his best friend. As his friend goes to hug him, my character quite literally stabs him in the back. It's an excellent plot point and a great way to fake a redemption.

Happy writing! Hope this helps!

I have a maniacal character so here are some things I've used:

I use sick fascination a lot, like obsessions with fire, explosions, power, etc.

Chaos is usually good too, something for them to strive for

One of my best sentences goes, "Jordan felt a laugh bubble in his chest and tear its way from his throat, coarse and raw and crazy." This happens after he's destroyed a whole city block. Using laughter and happiness associated with danger and/or hurt works wonders and spark fear in your reader.

Using expectation subversion is excellent. Having them seem like they're going to do the good/right thing and then turning it on its head the next second. My character pretends to realize what he's done is wrong and apologizes to his best friend. As his friend goes to hug him, my character quite literally stabs him in the back. It's an excellent plot point and a great way to fake a redemption.

Happy writing! Hope this helps!

this really helps thanks! it made me laugh because you were talking about dark things in a cheerful way:)