If you are writing a story, it is important not only that you know how to describe the appearance of the characters, but also that you know what kind of impression these details will convey to the reader. This article will offer you some instructions on how to do this, as well as a few things to keep in mind.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write Character Descriptions
Step 1. Start with the shape of the character's face
This is an important element, because a person's face communicates a strong and immediate impression of their personality. Is it heart-shaped, with a broad forehead and a pointed chin? Is it square, with a jaw that could carve granite? Which of these faces would you describe as carefree and which as vigorous? As you go along with your character description, remember that people associate certain personality traits with certain features.
Step 2. Describe the character's bone structure
It is specifically from the bone structure of a person that we draw many conclusions. High and wide cheekbones can give the impression of round apple-like cheeks and, therefore, a persistent smile. While a "weak" chin is associated with passivity, a prominent one is described as "determined", and could suggest that someone has a tendency to hold it up. Wide-spaced eyes can be found in most baby animals and are usually associated with innocence, while sunken ones are skittish and can be equated with unreliability or a brooding personality.
Step 3. Describe the character's eyes
The eyes are the "windows to the soul" and should be given special consideration. Most baby animals have large eyes and long eyelashes, making people with these characteristics seem more trustworthy and open. Brown eyes are among the most common and are often associated with straightforward and sincere honesty; the chocolate brown ones have a particular depth and intensity. Blue eyes could be considered innocent (sugar paper blue), sharp (blue-green) or wise (gray-blue). Light green eyes can look confident, while emerald green ones are often considered exotic or cat-like.
Step 4. Describe the character's eyebrows
Since they are closely involved in facial expression, they exert a noticeable impact even when at rest. Kristen Stewart's straight brows give her an everlasting expression of nonchalance, while Marilyn Monroe's heavily arched brows give her appearance a sense of mild surprise and ongoing interest. If the inner halves of the eyebrows are sharply angled down, they can create a mischievous Christian Slater look, or a slight Megan Fox pout. Particularly low eyebrows like those of Michael C. Hall (aka Dexter Morgan) can lend a sinister look.
Step 5. Describe the character's nose
The nose is an extremely prominent part of the face and is able to suggest a lot of the character's personality. An upturned nose could be as cute and lighthearted as a child's, but it could also be snobbish (like someone turning up their nose at you). Since, over time, a person's nose continues to grow, a long one may suggest a wise look. An upturned nose like Nicole Kidman's can be delicious, but it can also look curled up in disgust.
Step 6. Describe the character's mouth
Like the eyebrows, the mouth is fundamental in defining the expression of the face, and can be subject to a variety of interpretations. Since people's lips thin with age, plump ones are associated with sensuality. Slightly parted lips can feel relaxed, but also allusive (which is why most models take this pose), while a mouth that cannot close (like the protagonist of the film Napoleon Dynamite) can give the impression of a person perpetually amazed. A big mouth is often referred to as "generous" and can convey a sense of availability, while a small, narrow one (think Hugh Laurie from the Dr. House series) might seem reserved or hostile.
Step 7. Describe the character's hairline
This too has a great influence on the perception we have of the shape of a face. A V-shaped hairline, which breaks the forehead line pointing straight to the nose, adds an intriguing element and represents the orderly vampire look. A receding hairline could suggest a loss of manhood and earn the wearer a derisive nickname like "Mickey Ears".
Step 8. Describe the build of the character
It's tall? If so, is he skinny and lanky or slender and athletic? Or, if not, is he short and stocky or petite like an elf? Is the character overweight, underweight, or strong built? What other features distinguish it? For example, an elongated neck might be graceful and elegant, while a thick neck or one just hinted at might suggest brute strength. X-shaped legs might indicate insecurity or awkwardness, duck feet wandering in a bumpy fashion, and slender toes suggest an artistic inclination.
Step 9. Describe the character's posture, body language, and dress
All of these elements reflect how a person interacts with the space around him, which says a lot about how he behaves with the world in general. Does the character have a sagging and unruly posture or does he stand confidently erect? Is his body language sluggish, hesitant, tight or expansive? Does the individual in question wear flashy clothing or blend into the background? In other words, is it a character who makes his presence felt?
Step 10. Enter the remaining details
Pay attention to hair and skin color. Instead of using words like chestnut, blonde, black, red, and so on, use terms like chocolate brown, honey wheat, jet black, or bright orange. Be sure to identify any particular markings: piercings, tattoos and scars are very unique characteristics and tell unmistakable stories about the character's past.
Advice
- You can also choose features that belong to friends, family and famous people. Look for some that suggest character traits and mix them together.
- Consider drawing a sketch of the character before describing him in words. What kind of personality do those characteristics suggest?
- In a true story, you shouldn't include too many descriptions, especially not at the same time (don't fall into the error of writing "I look in the mirror and admire my aquiline nose and my heart-shaped face, adorned with honey-colored locks"!). You make hints on several occasions: "She took her blood red hair off her face." "The sea was pale gray, the same color as her eyes." It will probably be better if you don't describe every part of the face: if you leave a little room for the reader's imagination, the reader will continue reading without getting bored.
- Avoid using elaborate prose.
