To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "critical" refers to a tendency to analyze and evaluate things carefully and objectively. Someone who is critical is able to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of a situation or a person and provide constructive feedback. They tend to be thorough and thoughtful in their approach to problem-solving and decision-making. However, it's important to note that being overly critical can also lead to negativity and cynicism if not balanced with positivity and empathy.

Possible causes of being critical

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

• Feeling a need to control or manage situations and outcomes.
• Having a negative self-image or low self-esteem.
• Striving for perfectionism or fearing failure.
• Growing up in an environment where criticism was prevalent or accepted.
• Possessing high standards for oneself and others.
• Feeling a sense of superiority or entitlement.
• Having experienced criticism or judgment from others in the past.
• Feeling threatened by others' success or abilities.

Behaviors associated with being critical

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

• Making well-reasoned judgments and decisions
• Analyzing and evaluating information
• Questioning assumptions and beliefs
• Challenging the status quo or conventional thinking
• Identifying potential flaws or weaknesses in arguments
• Considering multiple perspectives and viewpoints
• Providing constructive feedback and criticism
• Seeking out and weighing evidence before forming opinions

Attitudes associated with being critical

You may be able to show critical through their attitudes.

• Having a desire for accuracy and precision
• Having a tendency to question things
• Being skeptical and cautious
• Having high standards and expectations
• Being open to feedback and constructive criticism
• Having a preference for rationality and logic
• Being able to identify flaws and weaknesses
• Being detail-oriented and meticulous
• Being analytical and observant

Thoughts and struggles associated with being critical

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

• May struggle with trust and have a hard time letting others take control or make decisions for them
• Difficulty accepting compliments or praise
• Constant self-criticism and self-doubt
• Can come across as overly judgmental or nitpicky
• Fear of failure and making mistakes
• May have a hard time accepting criticism from others, even if it is constructive
• Struggle with making decisions or taking action due to fear of making the wrong choice
• Tendency to focus on flaws and weaknesses rather than strengths
• High standards for themselves and others

Emotions associated with being critical

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

• Nitpicky
• Analytical
• Judgemental
• Pessimistic
• Distrustful
• Cynical
• Disapproving
• Fault-finding
• Skeptical

Facial expressions associated with being critical

Here are some facial expressions your critical character may exhibit.

• A frown or scowl
• A raised chin or head tilt that indicates superiority or judgment
• Raised eyebrows with a look of disbelief or doubt
• Rolling the eyes or shaking the head
• Furrowed eyebrows
• Tight or pursed lips
• A mocking or sarcastic smile
• A skeptical or disapproving look
• A clenched jaw or gritted teeth
• Squinted or narrowed eyes

Body language associated with being critical

Here is some body language your critical character may exhibit.

• Tapping fingers or feet
• Avoiding eye contact or staring intently
• Sighing or heavy breathing
• Interrupting or talking over the other person
• Narrowed eyes or a furrowed brow
• Frowning or pursed lips
• Crossing arms or legs
• Leaning away from the person or situation

Behaviors associated with being critical

Here are some behaviors your critical character may exhibit.

• Making well-reasoned judgments and decisions
• Providing constructive feedback and criticism
• Analyzing and evaluating information
• Questioning assumptions and beliefs
• Seeking out and weighing evidence before forming opinions
• Considering multiple perspectives and viewpoints
• Identifying potential flaws or weaknesses in arguments
• Challenging the status quo or conventional thinking

Growth and evolution of critical characters

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

• Learn to appreciate and value the contributions of others
• Develop problem-solving skills and become more solution-oriented
• Overcome their own biases and prejudices
• Become more open-minded and less judgmental
• Learn to listen and consider different perspectives
• Gain a sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Acknowledge their own flaws and mistakes
• Develop empathy and understanding towards others
• Learn to communicate effectively and constructively criticize

Stereotypes of critical characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical critical character like these examples.

• Avoid making Critical characters oblivious to their own flaws and weaknesses, as this can make them seem hypocritical and unrealistic.
• Avoid making Critical characters one-dimensional and solely focused on criticism.
• Avoid making Critical characters overly harsh or insulting to others, as this can make them come across as mean-spirited.
• Avoid making Critical characters too cynical or negative, as this can make them unlikeable and unrelatable.

Negatives of being critical

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

• It can hinder creativity and innovation by focusing solely on flaws and faults.
• It can make it difficult to appreciate and enjoy things in life.
• It can strain relationships with others who may feel attacked or judged.
• Being overly critical can lead to constant negativity and pessimism.
• Overly critical thinking can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding towards others.
• Being too critical can damage one's own self-esteem and confidence.

Positives of being critical

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

• Helps identify areas for improvement
• Encourages constructive feedback and collaboration
• Promotes self-reflection and growth
• Encourages open-mindedness and new perspectives
• Encourages a deeper understanding of a subject
• Helps develop analytical skills
• Can lead to better decision-making
• Helps identify potential flaws in ideas, plans, or projects

Verbal expressions of critical characters

Here are some potential expressions used by critical characters.

• Offering negative feedback
• Expressing disapproval or dissatisfaction
• Expressing skepticism or doubt
• Analyzing or scrutinizing a text or situation
• Highlighting mistakes or errors
• Pointing out inconsistencies
• Challenging assumptions or beliefs
• Identifying flaws or shortcomings
• Questioning the validity of an idea or argument

Relationships of critical characters

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

• Critical people may have a tendency to nitpick and find fault in others' work or behavior, even if it is not their place to do so.
• They may struggle with accepting differing opinions and may try to convince others that their way is the only right way.
• Critical people may have difficulty forming strong relationships as their critical nature can come across as abrasive or harsh.
• They may struggle with giving compliments or positive feedback and may focus solely on what needs improvement.
• Critical people may have a tendency to be overly judgmental towards others.
• Critical people may be quick to point out flaws or mistakes in others, even if they are minor or insignificant.
• They may struggle with receiving criticism themselves and may become defensive or dismissive when given feedback.

Examples from books of characters who are critical

• Hester Prynne from "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• Sherlock Holmes from the series of books by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Harry Potter from the series of books by J.K. Rowling
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Writing exercises for writing critical characters

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

• Consider the character's background and experiences that might have influenced their critical nature. Were they raised in a highly competitive environment? Did they have a traumatic experience that made them hyper-vigilant?
• Write a scene where the character is critiquing something or someone. Pay attention to their thought process, their tone, and their body language. Do they come off as helpful or harsh?
• Take a break from your story and observe the world around you. Pay attention to situations where someone is being critical, whether it's a news commentator, a Yelp review, or a friend who is commenting on someone's outfit. Take notes on the language and tone used.
• Consider the consequences of being overly critical. Write a scene where the character's critical nature causes them to miss out on an opportunity or damages a relationship.
• Create a dialogue between the critical character and another character who has a more laid-back approach. How do they clash? Can they find common ground?
• Start by defining what "critical" means to you. Is it being overly judgmental? Is it being analytical? Understanding what the trait means will help you portray it more effectively in your characters.
• Write a scene where the critical character has to confront a mistake they made. How do they react? Are they able to take responsibility and learn from their error, or do they become defensive?