To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait Criminal refers to a person who has a tendency to engage in illegal activities such as theft, fraud, or violence. This character may have a history of breaking the law, may be involved in organized crime, or may simply be someone who commits crimes on their own. This trait can create a complex and intriguing character, but it's important to remember that criminal behavior is not glamorous and has real-life consequences. When writing a character with this trait, it's important to explore their motivations and the impact their actions have on themselves and those around them.

Possible causes of being criminal

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

• Exposure to criminal behavior or peer pressure to engage in illegal activities.
• Childhood trauma or abuse, which can lead to emotional dysregulation and difficulty managing stress.
• Genetic factors or predisposition to impulsivity or aggression.
• Substance abuse or addiction, which can impair judgment and increase the risk of criminal behavior.
• Poor socioeconomic conditions or lack of resources, which can increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal activity as a means of survival or opportunity.
• Mental health disorders such as antisocial personality disorder, which is characterized by a disregard for others' rights and a lack of empathy or remorse.

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

Behaviors associated with being criminal

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

• Acting deceitful or manipulative to achieve personal gain
• Engaging in drug trafficking or abuse
• Committing illegal activities such as theft, fraud, or assault
• Engaging in organized crime or gang-related behavior
• Showing a lack of empathy or remorse for harmful actions
• Disregarding laws and regulations
• Using violence or intimidation to achieve goals
• Associating with other criminals or participating in criminal networks

Attitudes associated with being criminal

You may be able to show criminal through their attitudes.

• Unpredictable
• Cunning
• Deceptive
• Resourceful
• Bold
• Manipulative
• Violent
• Distrustful
• Reckless
• Impulsive
• Selfish
• Greedy
• Ruthless
• Dishonest

Thoughts and struggles associated with being criminal

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

• Wrestling with guilt and shame over their past actions, but feeling trapped by their circumstances and unable to change
• Battling addiction and substance abuse as a way to cope with the stress and emotions of their criminal lifestyle
• Constantly weighing the risks of their actions and the potential consequences of getting caught
• Balancing their desire for wealth and material possessions with their fear of being caught and punished
• Struggling with trust issues and difficulty forming meaningful relationships due to their criminal lifestyle
• Feeling a sense of power and control over others, but also struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Questioning their own morality and justifying their actions to themselves and others

Emotions associated with being criminal

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

• Regret
• Fear
• Shame
• Guilt
• Greed
• Paranoia
• Defiance
• Anger
• Envy

Facial expressions associated with being criminal

Here are some facial expressions your criminal character may exhibit.

• A tense or clenched jaw
• A furrowed brow indicating anger or aggression
• A lack of eye contact, indicating dishonesty or deceit
• A crooked or sneering smile
• Narrowed eyes with a piercing gaze
• A smug or arrogant expression
• A cold, calculating expression
• A smirk or grin suggesting a secret or hidden agenda

Body language associated with being criminal

Here is some body language your criminal character may exhibit.

• Fidgeting or nervous movements
• Concealing hands or pockets
• Avoiding physical touch or closeness
• Leaning forward or invading personal space
• Aggressive or threatening postures
• Clenched jaw or tense facial expressions
• Rapid breathing or shallow breaths
• Hiding or shielding the face
• Shifty eyes or avoiding direct eye contact

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

Behaviors associated with being criminal

Here are some behaviors your criminal character may exhibit.

• Engaging in drug trafficking or abuse
• Committing illegal activities such as theft, fraud, or assault
• Engaging in organized crime or gang-related behavior
• Disregarding laws and regulations
• Acting deceitful or manipulative to achieve personal gain
• Associating with other criminals or participating in criminal networks
• Showing a lack of empathy or remorse for harmful actions
• Using violence or intimidation to achieve goals

Growth and evolution of criminal characters

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

• Learning from their mistakes and making better decisions in the future
• Acknowledging the wrongfulness of their actions and seeking redemption
• Forming meaningful relationships that challenge their criminal mindset and priorities
• Standing up against their criminal associates or mentors and breaking away from their influence
• Confronting their past and taking responsibility for their actions
• Realizing that their criminal lifestyle is not sustainable and seeking a way out
• Developing empathy for their victims or those affected by their crimes
• Struggling with the morality of their choices and trying to find a balance between their criminal life and their personal values

Stereotypes of criminal characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical criminal character like these examples.

• Avoid making your criminal characters one-dimensional villains without any redeeming qualities.
• Avoid portraying criminals as invincible or untouchable, as this can undermine the tension and drama of your story.
• Avoid making your criminal characters overly violent or sadistic without any motivation or backstory to explain their behavior.
• Avoid relying on clichés or stereotypes when creating criminal characters, such as the "gangster with a heart of gold" or the "ruthless drug lord".
• Avoid portraying criminals as purely evil or immoral, as this can be seen as perpetuating negative stereotypes and oversimplifying complex issues.

Negatives of being criminal

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

• It can damage personal relationships and social standing, resulting in isolation or rejection from society.
• Criminal behavior can lead to legal consequences such as fines, imprisonment, or even death penalty.
• Criminal activity often involves deception and manipulation, which can erode personal values and integrity.
• Living with the constant fear of getting caught or facing retaliation from victims or law enforcement can be stressful and exhausting.
• It can cause harm to others, including physical, emotional, or financial damage.

Positives of being criminal

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

• They can create tension and conflict in a story, driving the plot forward and keeping readers engaged.
• Criminal characters can be complex and multi-dimensional, with unique motivations and backstories that can add depth to a story.
• They can challenge readers' assumptions and provide a new perspective on issues such as justice and morality.
• Criminal characters can be charismatic and intriguing, drawing readers in with their charm and wit.
• They can provide an opportunity for writers to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of societal pressures on individuals.
• Criminal characters can be a vehicle for exploring themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of our actions.

Verbal expressions of criminal characters

Here are some potential expressions used by criminal characters.

• Blaming
• Bribing
• Conning
• Minimizing
• Rationalizing
• Manipulating
• Extorting
• Deflecting
• Insulting
• Dismissing
• Betraying
• Threatening
• Stealing
• Denying
• Taunting
• Blackmailing
• Swindling
• Mocking
• Faking
• Intimidating
• Lying
• Cheating
• Justifying
• Slandering
• Gossiping
• Excusing
• Deceiving

Relationships of criminal characters

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

• A need for admiration and recognition from others, often leading to attention-seeking behavior
• Difficulty in forming genuine emotional connections with others
• Tendency to exploit and take advantage of others
• A pattern of lying and deceit to maintain power and control over others
• A tendency to use others for personal gain and discard them when they are no longer useful
• A sense of entitlement and lack of empathy towards others' feelings and needs
• A tendency to resort to violence or intimidation when challenged or threatened
• Manipulative and controlling behavior towards others

Examples from books of characters who are criminal

• Tom Ripley from "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith
• Jack Reacher from "Killing Floor" by Lee Child
• Dexter Morgan from "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay
• Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Alex Cross from "Along Came a Spider" by James Patterson

Writing exercises for writing criminal characters

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

• Write a scene where your criminal character is forced to make a difficult moral decision. Do they choose to do what is right, or do they prioritize their own self-interest?
• Write a scene where your criminal character is betrayed by someone they thought they could trust. How do they react? Do they seek revenge or try to move on?
• Write a scene from the perspective of a criminal who is committing a crime. This can be any type of crime, from theft to murder, but make sure to include details about the character's thoughts and emotions as they carry out the act.
• Create a backstory for your criminal character. What events or circumstances led them to a life of crime? What motivates them to continue down this path?
• Write a scene where your criminal character is confronted by law enforcement. How do they react? Do they try to talk their way out of it or do they try to escape?
• Describe your criminal character's appearance and mannerisms. How do they present themselves to others? Do they have any tells or habits that give away their criminal tendencies?
• Write a dialogue between your criminal character and a victim. How does the criminal justify their actions? How does the victim respond?