To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "cruel" refers to the tendency of a person to act with a deliberate intention to cause pain or suffering to others, whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically. A cruel character may enjoy inflicting harm on others or take pleasure in seeing others suffer. This trait often involves a lack of empathy and disregard for the feelings and well-being of others. In fiction, a cruel character can add complexity and conflict to a story, but it is important to handle this trait with care to avoid glorifying or normalizing cruel behavior.

Possible causes of being cruel

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

• Narcissism or a sense of entitlement
• Mental health disorders such as psychopathy, sadism, or borderline personality disorder
• Negative role models or influences in their life
• Feeling powerless or inferior, and using cruelty as a means of gaining control or power over others
• Societal or cultural influences that condone or encourage cruelty
• Exposure to violence or aggression in media or personal experiences
• Lack of empathy or compassion
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Personal insecurities or low self-esteem

Behaviors associated with being cruel

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

• Using aggression or violence to get what one wants
• Exhibiting a lack of empathy or compassion towards others
• Enjoying the suffering of others
• Manipulating or controlling others for personal gain
• Taking pleasure in causing harm or destruction
• Inflicting physical or emotional pain on others
• Showing no remorse for one's actions
• Bullying or intimidating others

Attitudes associated with being cruel

You may be able to show cruel through their attitudes.

• A disregard for rules or social norms, and a willingness to break them to achieve personal goals
• Sadistic enjoyment in causing pain, suffering or humiliation to others
• Lack of empathy towards others' feelings or experiences
• A belief in the idea that the strong have the right to dominate the weak
• A tendency to enjoy taking risks and pushing boundaries, even if it means harming others or putting them in danger
• A tendency to use intimidation, manipulation, or coercion to control others

Thoughts and struggles associated with being cruel

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

• Power and control: A cruel character may seek power and control over others, using cruelty as a means of achieving this.
• Sociopathic tendencies: A cruel character may exhibit sociopathic tendencies, lacking the ability to feel guilt or remorse for their actions.
• Insecurity: A cruel character may act cruelly towards others as a way of masking their own insecurities or vulnerabilities.
• Fear: A cruel character may be driven by fear, using cruelty as a way of protecting themselves or asserting dominance over others.
• Lack of empathy: A cruel character may lack the ability to feel empathy for others, leading them to act without considering the feelings or well-being of others.
• Sadistic tendencies: A cruel character may enjoy inflicting pain or suffering on others, finding pleasure in the suffering of others.
• Justification: A cruel character may justify their actions as necessary for survival or for achieving their goals. They may believe that cruelty is the only way to get ahead in life.
• Childhood trauma: A cruel character may have experienced trauma in their childhood, leading them to develop a cruel or abusive nature as a coping mechanism.

Emotions associated with being cruel

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

• Sadistic pleasure in causing pain or suffering
• Desire for revenge or retaliation against perceived wrongs
• Indifference to the feelings or needs of others
• Anger or aggression towards others
• Delight in manipulating or controlling others
• Lack of empathy or compassion for others
• Enjoyment in humiliating or belittling others
• Disregard for the well-being of others
• Satisfaction in seeing others fail or suffer consequences

Facial expressions associated with being cruel

Here are some facial expressions your cruel character may exhibit.

• A cold or emotionless gaze
• Narrowed or squinted eyes
• A sneer or snarl
• Raised eyebrows with a downward, menacing tilt
• A tense or rigid jawline
• A furrowed brow or scowl
• A smirk or grin that lacks warmth or kindness
• A piercing or intense stare
• A curled lip or raised upper lip

Body language associated with being cruel

Here is some body language your cruel character may exhibit.

• Speaking in a condescending or dismissive tone, with sarcasm or mockery
• Raised eyebrows in a mocking or condescending manner
• Crossing arms or standing with hands on hips, indicating a sense of superiority or dominance
• A relaxed posture, indicating a lack of concern or empathy
• Fidgeting or tapping fingers impatiently, displaying a lack of patience or interest in the situation or person
• A smirk or sneer on the lips
• Clenched jaw or tight lips
• Narrowed or squinting eyes

Behaviors associated with being cruel

Here are some behaviors your cruel character may exhibit.

• Manipulating or controlling others for personal gain
• Bullying or intimidating others
• Enjoying the suffering of others
• Inflicting physical or emotional pain on others
• Taking pleasure in causing harm or destruction
• Using aggression or violence to get what one wants
• Showing no remorse for one's actions
• Exhibiting a lack of empathy or compassion towards others

Growth and evolution of cruel characters

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

• Develop a sense of justice: A cruel character may begin to recognize the importance of fairness and justice, leading to a change in their behavior and actions.
• Learn from their mistakes: A character who begins the story as cruel may realize the error of their ways and make amends for their past actions, showing growth and development.
• Develop empathy: A cruel character may grow by learning to understand the feelings and perspectives of others, leading to a greater sense of compassion and empathy.
• Overcome their personal demons: A cruel character may have underlying issues or traumas that contribute to their cruelty. Overcoming these personal demons can lead to a change in behavior and attitude.

Stereotypes of cruel characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical cruel character like these examples.

• Gratuitous violence: including excessive or graphic violence for shock value rather than for the benefit of the story.
• Sadism: glorifying or fetishizing the character's cruel behavior rather than showing its negative impact.
• Bullying or mistreatment of vulnerable characters: depicting the character as preying on those weaker than them without any consequences or growth.
• Lack of motivation: not providing a clear reason for the character's cruelty or making it unrealistic.
• One-dimensional cruelty: portraying the character as purely evil without any justification or complexity.
• Lack of consequences: failing to address the character's actions or not having them face appropriate consequences for their cruelty.

Negatives of being cruel

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

• Being cruel can lead to isolation and loneliness as people may avoid those who exhibit such behavior.
• It can damage relationships and cause long-lasting emotional wounds.
• Cruelty can also lead to guilt, shame, and regret, causing inner turmoil and low self-esteem.
• Cruelty can cause harm to others physically, emotionally, or mentally.
• It can result in fear, intimidation, and a lack of trust from others.

Positives of being cruel

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

• Being able to protect oneself and loved ones by any means necessary
• Being unapologetic and not caring about other people's opinions
• Being assertive and taking charge of situations
• Having a clear understanding of power dynamics and being able to use them to one's advantage
• Having a strong sense of self and not being easily swayed by others
• Being able to make tough decisions without hesitation

Verbal expressions of cruel characters

Here are some potential expressions used by cruel characters.

• Intimidating or bullying behavior
• Belittling or mocking someone
• Insults and name-calling
• Gaslighting or manipulating someone's perception of reality
• Threatening language
• Blaming others for one's own mistakes
• Sarcastic or condescending remarks
• Dismissing someone's feelings or experiences
• Using profanity or vulgar language

Relationships of cruel characters

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

• They may manipulate others to get what they want, often using fear or intimidation.
• Cruel people tend to have power dynamics in their relationships, where they seek to dominate and control others.
• Cruel people may have a tendency to seek out vulnerable individuals to prey upon, such as children or those in positions of lesser power.
• Cruel people may enjoy causing others pain or suffering, either physically or emotionally.
• They may use insults or belittling language to diminish others and make themselves feel superior.
• They may be quick to anger and lash out at others for perceived slights or wrongdoings.
• Often, cruel people lack empathy and have difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings of others.

Examples from books of characters who are cruel

• Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Iago from Othello by William Shakespeare
• Count Dracula from Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Frank Booth from Blue Velvet by David Lynch
• Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
• Cathy Ames from East of Eden by John Steinbeck
• Ramsay Bolton from A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
• Patrick Bateman from American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
• Annie Wilkes from Misery by Stephen King

Writing exercises for writing cruel characters

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

• Create a contrast between the character's cruelty and another character's kindness or compassion. How does this highlight the cruelty of the character?
• Create a dialogue between the character and someone they have hurt. Do they apologize or justify their actions?
• Write a scene where the character is forced to confront the consequences of their cruelty. How do they react and what do they do?
• Put the character in a situation where they have the opportunity to show kindness or mercy, but choose not to.
• Write a scene in which the character intentionally hurts someone emotionally or physically.
• Write a monologue from the character's perspective that reveals their inner thoughts and justifications for their cruel actions.
• Write a scene where the character is confronted about their cruelty by someone they respect or admire. How do they react?
• Create a backstory for the character that explains why they are cruel. What experiences or traumas led them to behave this way?
• Write a scene where the character's cruelty is turned against them. How do they react when they are the victim?