Writing an Attractive Character

How to REALLY write an attractive character and the things you might want to avoid...

It’s completely normal and very common for a writer to want the main character of their story to be attractive. However, writers need to remember that attraction goes beyond looks. Attraction involves other aspects of a character that range from the way they speak, their confidence, and social skills, to their intelligence, demeanor, and even the way they smell. Whether you are writing for the handsome prince of your kingdom or a sexy spy, here I share some of my favourite pointers on making your character more interesting and more loved.

It’s NOT all about the looks

The BIGGEST mistake you can make as a writer is to rely purely on the looks of your character to make them appealing. Often when we read character introductions, we see the writer describing the character to be the very pinnacle of beauty by societal standards or the personification of sex appeal, describing every part of their physical appearance to the fine details. Everyone knows that even beautiful people can be unlikable!

There are many other important features other than attractiveness that people may overlook, such as a character’s behaviour and personality. Here are some non-physical aspects that can alter a character’s attraction:

• A good sense of humour (some of their jokes may also be partially flirtatious)

• Shows a genuine interest in another person’s interests, or an interest to try something someone else is into

• Self-confidence, social confidence, genuineness

• A happy person to be around— smiling, laughing, giving compliments and praise when due

• Helps to make others feel comfortable around them (a good listener, shows compassion and understanding to other people’s problems and anxieties, gives advice or aid when needed)

• Intelligent, knowledgable in many topics

• Holds no judgement towards others, doesn’t gossip or talk poorly about others behind their backs

In some cases, people may determine what is attractive in others by how suitable they would seem to be as a partner or parent. Some examples of such are:

• Good with kids

• Financial freedom/literacy

• Adventurous, willing to try new things

• Handy, able to repair things, able to cook or clean

• Interest in travel

Now, here are some things that might put off someone’s attraction:

• Constant or near-constant melancholy

• Complains a little too much about everything

• Unwillingness to try new things or participate

• Making jokes about things others may not find funny, such as personal matters or people’s appearances

• Cold or spiteful behaviour

• Talking poorly about others behind their backs

• Dishonesty or evasiveness

• Short-tempered, irritable

Avoid trying too hard

Believe me, readers can tell when a writer is trying too hard to make their character look or seem attractive. In fact, trying too hard will almost always give the opposite result. Here are some signs that you might be doing a little too much:

• Making your character “flawless”, either looks or personality-wise. (I.e.; they never make a mistake, they always look perfect, etc.)

• Giving your character “unique” features that don’t naturally exist on what your character is (a race, for example), or coming up with a strange story to justify your character having such.

• In fantasy writing, it is common for other races/aliens to exist. But to pass off their non-human/alien features as something widely attractive to humans (something that would be a very subjective and personal view) would be unrealistic.

• Wearing “attractive” clothes in situations that do not fit (i.e.; tight and revealing clothes in business settings)

• Overuse of “pretty” words (beautiful, handsome, etc.) to describe your character.

• Constantly reminding the reader your character is attractive.

• Over-describing your character.

Don’t get desperate or entitled!

Desperation or a sense of entitlement are HUGE attraction-killers. Here are some points to remember:

• It is incredibly unappealing if your character is constantly trying to point out their physical looks or their likableness.

• It is creepy and strange for a character to beg or argue for others to find them attractive, or start a relationship with them.

• An example of entitlement is a character showing a clear disregard for another’s feelings (i.e; “I don’t care if I’m being pushy, I need you to love me”)

• Avoid certain phrases/questions such as “What can I do to make you like me?” “Don’t you find me so hot?” etc..

Other points to keep in mind

• At the end of the day, no one is forced to like your character or find them attractive. Looks are subjective— different people find different looks and features more attractive than others. Most people have types!

• There’s nothing you can say or do that will make the reader automatically find your character appealing, even if you purposefully make other characters less attractive/ugly.

• The best advice I can give you is to simply describe your characters by their looks and showcase their behaviour and personality throughout the story, and allow your readers to form their own opinion.

• You can even add some allure by giving less-precise, descriptions of your characters. Readers love to fill in the blanks! Especially if you make your character very likable, your reader will have a great time imagining what your character would look like.

That’s all I have for you guys today! I hope you all found this to be helpful. Stay tuned for my next post, which will be my ultimate guide on writing assassins! ;) Hope you all have a good weekend!

Love, Cierra <3