To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "damaging" refers to a behavior or attitude that causes harm or negative consequences to oneself or others. A damaging character may exhibit destructive behavior, engage in harmful habits, or have a negative impact on their relationships and surroundings. This trait can manifest in various ways, such as through self-sabotage, impulsiveness, aggression, or addiction. It is important for writers to understand the nuances of this trait to create well-rounded and believable characters who struggle with damaging tendencies.

Possible causes of being damaging

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

• Substance abuse or addiction
• Mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder
• Learned behavior from negative role models or environments
• Insecurity and low self-esteem leading to defensive or aggressive behavior
• Lack of empathy or emotional intelligence
• Genetic predisposition or inherited traits
• Cultural or societal norms that promote harmful behavior
• Childhood experiences such as neglect, abuse, or trauma

Behaviors associated with being damaging

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

• Manipulating people to get what they want
• Refusing to take responsibility for their actions
• Being aggressive or violent towards others
• Being critical and judgmental of others
• Using others for their own gain without regard for their feelings or well-being
• Destroying others' self-esteem or confidence
• Blaming others for their own mistakes

Attitudes associated with being damaging

You may be able to show damaging through their attitudes.

• A lack of empathy for others
• A disregard for the consequences of one's actions on others
• A tendency to manipulate others for personal gain
• A tendency to blame others for one's own problems
• A sense of entitlement to do as one pleases, regardless of the impact on others
• A lack of remorse or guilt for hurting others
• A willingness to use aggression or violence to get one's way

Thoughts and struggles associated with being damaging

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

• They may exhibit destructive behaviors, such as lying, cheating, or stealing, in order to protect themselves or gain an advantage.
• They may struggle with anger management issues and lash out at others, or they may internalize their anger and become passive-aggressive.
• They may have experienced trauma or abuse in their past, which has left them with unresolved emotional wounds.
• They may have a tendency to push others away or isolate themselves, as they fear being vulnerable and getting hurt.
• A damaging character may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, which can lead to a desire for control and manipulation over others.
• They may have a negative self-image and struggle with self-loathing or self-destructive tendencies.
• They may struggle with addiction or substance abuse as a way of coping with their inner turmoil.
• They may have difficulty forming meaningful relationships or maintaining healthy boundaries in their interactions with others.

Emotions associated with being damaging

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

• Defensiveness
• Narcissism
• Guilt
• Hatred
• Masochism
• Anger
• Envy
• Self-blame
• Jealousy
• Resentment
• Manipulation
• Bitterness
• Shame
• Regret
• Self-hatred
• Insensitivity
• Sadism

Facial expressions associated with being damaging

Here are some facial expressions your damaging character may exhibit.

• Frowning or scowling
• Sneering or smirking
• Raised eyebrows with a furrowed forehead
• Rolling eyes or dismissive gestures
• Clenched jaw or teeth grinding
• Narrowed or squinted eyes
• Glaring or intense eye contact
• Pursed or tightened lips
• Tense or strained facial muscles

Body language associated with being damaging

Here is some body language your damaging character may exhibit.

• Avoiding eye contact
• Flinching or recoiling from touch or contact
• Crossing arms or legs as a barrier
• Pacing or fidgeting
• Shaking or trembling
• Aggressive or defensive gestures
• Biting nails or lips
• Clenched fists or jaw
• Tense posture or body language

Behaviors associated with being damaging

Here are some behaviors your damaging character may exhibit.

• Destroying others' self-esteem or confidence
• Refusing to take responsibility for their actions
• Blaming others for their own mistakes
• Being critical and judgmental of others
• Being aggressive or violent towards others
• Using others for their own gain without regard for their feelings or well-being
• Manipulating people to get what they want

Growth and evolution of damaging characters

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

• Forgiving themselves and letting go of guilt or shame
• Making amends for the harm they have caused to others
• Recognizing and acknowledging their destructive behavior or thought patterns
• Learning empathy and considering the impact of their actions on others
• Taking responsibility for their actions and accepting consequences
• Building stronger relationships with others based on trust and respect
• Developing healthier coping mechanisms or ways of expressing their emotions
• Challenging their beliefs and perspectives to become more open-minded
• Seeking help or support from others to address their issues

Stereotypes of damaging characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical damaging character like these examples.

• The "addict" character who is defined solely by their addiction and lacks any complexity or humanity beyond it.
• The "crazy" character who is erratic and unpredictable without any explanation for their behavior.
• The one-dimensional "evil" character who lacks any depth or motivation for their actions.
• The "angry" character who is constantly aggressive and violent without any redeeming qualities or backstory.
• The "victim" character who is passive and helpless, constantly being taken advantage of without any agency or growth throughout the story.
• The "jealous" character who is consumed by envy and spite without any other defining traits or motivations.
• The "manipulative" character who is portrayed as cunning and deceitful without any nuance or justification for their actions.

Negatives of being damaging

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

• Damaging individuals may be prone to hurting others emotionally or physically.
• They may also struggle with feelings of guilt and shame due to their actions.
• Damaging individuals may struggle with low self-esteem and a negative self-image.
• They may also have a tendency to self-sabotage and engage in harmful behaviors.
• They may struggle with trust issues and have difficulty forming meaningful relationships.

Positives of being damaging

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

• They can bring a unique perspective to the story and challenge the status quo.
• Overcoming their damaged past can be a powerful and inspiring character arc.
• A damaged character can have a strong motivation and drive to overcome their obstacles.
• Their struggles and hardships can create a compelling story and add depth to the character.
• A damaged character can be relatable and evoke empathy from readers.
• Their flaws and vulnerabilities can make them more human and realistic.

Verbal expressions of damaging characters

Here are some potential expressions used by damaging characters.

• Refusing to listen to others' opinions or ideas
• Interrupting or talking over others
• Using aggressive or threatening language
• Using foul language or derogatory terms
• Spreading rumors or gossip
• Constantly criticizing or nitpicking
• Blaming others for one's own mistakes
• Using sarcasm or passive-aggressive comments
• Insulting or belittling others

Relationships of damaging characters

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

• Narcissistic: They may have an inflated sense of self-importance and lack empathy for others, using them as tools to achieve their own goals.
• Critical: They may constantly criticize or belittle their partner, eroding their self-esteem and confidence.
• Jealous: They may become possessive and jealous of their partner's time, attention, or relationships with others.
• Controlling: They may try to micromanage every aspect of their partner's life, limiting their freedom and independence.
• Abusive: They may use physical, emotional, or psychological violence to exert power and control over others.
• Co-dependent: They may rely heavily on their partner or friend for emotional or practical support, to the point where they become enmeshed and lose their sense of self.
• Manipulative: They may use guilt, fear, or other tactics to control or influence others, often for their own benefit.

Examples from books of characters who are damaging

• Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris
• Sauron from "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Amy Dunne from "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Nurse Ratched from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
• Voldemort from "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Dolores Umbridge from "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling
• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
• Iago from "Othello" by William Shakespeare

Writing exercises for writing damaging characters

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

• Create a backstory for the character that explains why they have the damaging trait.
• Show the character's internal struggles with their damaging behavior.
• Write a scene where the character intentionally hurts someone emotionally or physically.
• Show the character's gradual growth and change as they try to overcome their damaging trait.
• Write a scene where the character realizes the negative consequences of their actions.
• Write a scene where the character resists the urge to act out their damaging behavior.
• Have the character reflect on their past actions and how they have affected others.
• Have the character confront someone they have hurt and try to make amends.
• Write a scene where the character receives consequences for their damaging behavior.