To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "belligerent" refers to a person who is hostile, aggressive, and confrontational in their behavior and attitude towards others. Such a character might be quick to pick a fight or argument, easily offended, and prone to aggressive outbursts. Belligerent characters can be challenging to write, but they can add depth and conflict to your story if done well.

Possible causes of being belligerent

You might want to weave these into your character's back story to build a more believable character.

• Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
• Insecurity and low self-esteem
• Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Childhood experiences of neglect or abuse
• Fear of vulnerability or weakness
• Trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Cultural or societal influences that value aggression or dominance

For detailed feedback on belligerent characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's plot analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being belligerent

You may be able to show your character's trait of belligerent by using these.

• Physically intimidating or threatening others
• Blaming others for one's own mistakes or shortcomings
• Ignoring rules or social norms in favor of one's own desires
• Being argumentative or confrontational without provocation
• Using aggression or violence to solve problems
• Refusing to listen to others' viewpoints or opinions
• Engaging in verbal attacks or insults
• Refusing to back down from a conflict or disagreement
• Being easily provoked and quick to anger

Attitudes associated with being belligerent

You may be able to show belligerent through their attitudes.

• Irritability
• Combativeness
• Hostility
• Pugnacity
• Defensiveness
• Aggressiveness
• Confrontational
• Argumentativeness
• Resistance

Thoughts and struggles associated with being belligerent

Here are some ideas for things your belligerent character may think or struggle with.

• They may have a history of trauma or abuse that has led to their belligerent behavior.
• They may struggle with addiction or substance abuse, which can exacerbate their belligerence.
• A belligerent character may have a hard time building healthy relationships due to their behavior pushing others away.
• A belligerent character may struggle with feeling insecure or inferior and lash out as a defense mechanism.
• They may have a chip on their shoulder and feel the need to prove themselves or assert their dominance.
• A belligerent character may struggle with controlling their emotions and may regret their outbursts after the fact.
• They may struggle with trust issues and be quick to assume the worst in others.
• They may have a tendency to be confrontational and enjoy arguing or fighting.
• A belligerent character may struggle with anger management issues and find themselves easily provoked.

Emotions associated with being belligerent

Here are some ideas for emotions your belligerent character may experience.

• Defiance
• Disrespectful attitude
• Impatience
• Hostility
• Aggression
• Arrogance
• Resentment
• Anger
• Stubbornness

Facial expressions associated with being belligerent

Here are some facial expressions your belligerent character may exhibit.

• Slightly tilted head
• Flared nostrils
• Squinted eyes
• Pointed finger or hand gestures
• Clenched jaw
• Raised chin
• Tense facial muscles
• Tight lips
• Furrowed eyebrows

Body language associated with being belligerent

Here is some body language your belligerent character may exhibit.

• Clenched fists
• Invading personal space
• Tightened jaw
• Pointing or jabbing fingers
• Crossing arms aggressively
• Pacing or stomping
• Standing too close to others
• Staring or glaring aggressively
• Raising voice or yelling
• Puffed out chest
• Interrupting or talking over others

For detailed feedback on belligerent characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's plot analysis software.

Behaviors associated with being belligerent

Here are some behaviors your belligerent character may exhibit.

• Engaging in verbal attacks or insults
• Physically intimidating or threatening others
• Being argumentative or confrontational without provocation
• Blaming others for one's own mistakes or shortcomings
• Refusing to back down from a conflict or disagreement
• Being easily provoked and quick to anger
• Ignoring rules or social norms in favor of one's own desires
• Using aggression or violence to solve problems
• Refusing to listen to others' viewpoints or opinions

Growth and evolution of belligerent characters

Here are some ways that your belligerent character may grow and evolve over time.

• They may develop empathy and understanding towards others, leading to more cooperative and collaborative behavior.
• The character may develop a greater sense of accountability and responsibility for their actions, leading to more thoughtful and considerate behavior.
• A belligerent character may learn to control their anger and become more level-headed.
• They may become more self-aware and recognize the negative impact their behavior has on those around them.
• They may learn to channel their energy and passion into more productive and positive outlets.
• The character may learn to listen to others' perspectives and opinions, leading to improved communication and conflict resolution skills.

Stereotypes of belligerent characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical belligerent character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character's actions and words predictable or repetitive.
• Avoid making the character overly aggressive or violent without sufficient reason or explanation.
• Avoid making the character lack any redeeming qualities or positive traits.
• Avoid making the character one-dimensional and solely defined by their belligerence.
• Avoid making the character's behavior and attitude unrealistic or exaggerated.

Negatives of being belligerent

Here are some potential negatives of being belligerent. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as positives depending on the context.

• Being dismissive of other people's opinions or feelings
• Being intimidating or threatening towards others
• Being confrontational and argumentative
• Being insensitive or hurtful with words and actions
• Being prone to violence or aggression
• Being seen as a troublemaker or a bully
• Being quick to anger and prone to outbursts
• Being difficult to work with or to form relationships with
• Being uncooperative and stubborn

Positives of being belligerent

Here are some potential positives of being belligerent. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as negatives depending on the context.

• Belligerent characters can be determined and persistent in pursuing their goals, which can make them very driven and focused.
• Belligerence can also be a sign of passion and strong emotions, which can make characters more relatable and engaging to readers.
• They may have a strong sense of justice and fairness, which can make them effective advocates for causes they believe in.
• They are not easily intimidated and can stand up for themselves and others when necessary, which can make them admirable and inspiring.

Verbal expressions of belligerent characters

Here are some potential expressions used by belligerent characters.

• Blaming others for problems
• Refusing to listen to others' opinions
• Speaking loudly and forcefully
• Making threats or ultimatums
• Being confrontational or argumentative
• Aggressive tone of voice
• Interrupting others frequently
• Refusing to apologize or take responsibility
• Using profanity or insults

Relationships of belligerent characters

Here are some ways that being belligerent could affect your character's relationships.

• They may dominate conversations or meetings, interrupting others and insisting on their own point of view.
• They may struggle with boundaries, invading others' personal space or privacy, or pressuring them to do things they don't want to do.
• They may belittle or insult others, trying to undermine their confidence or authority.
• They may frequently argue, pick fights, or escalate conflicts with others.
• They may have a reputation for being difficult or unpleasant to work with, which can limit their opportunities for collaboration or advancement.
• They may be quick to judge or criticize others, and slow to acknowledge their own faults or mistakes.
• They may have difficulty building trust or rapport with others, because their confrontational attitude can make others feel defensive or uncomfortable.

Examples from books of characters who are belligerent

• Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
• Cersei Lannister from "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin
• Tyler Durden from "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
• Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
• Hamlet from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Severus Snape from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling

Writing exercises for writing belligerent characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write belligerent characters.

• Describe a situation where the character takes charge and becomes the leader of a group, even if it means being aggressive or confrontational.
• Imagine a confrontation with a boss or authority figure where the character refuses to back down.
• Write a scene where the character gets into a heated argument with a friend or loved one.
• Create a scenario where the character must defend their beliefs or values against a group of people who disagree with them.
• Write a scene where the character challenges someone to a physical fight or competition.
• Create a scenario where the character must stand up for someone else who is being bullied or mistreated.
• Write a scene where the character is forced to confront their own anger or aggression and must find a way to control it.