Creating Characters

by Lauther, Howard

  (See also the Deceiver)

  Engages in deception, for he secretly takes part in the very behavior he openly condemns. Convinces others that his actions are decent, when in fact they are indecent. Quick to accuse, but self-excuses. Embraces pretense. A contradiction. A wolf in sheep's clothing. An angel with badly tarnished wings.

  May also be called: charlatan, fake, four-flusher, impostor, phony, quack.

  Adjectives: affected, artificial, counterfeit, deceitful, double-dealing, goody-goody, hypocritical, insincere, mealy-mouthed, oily, overnice, over-refined, sanctimonious, smooth-tongued, superficial, two-faced.

  THE IDEALIST

  Believes the impossible can happen—given the right opportunity and if others are shown what is within their grasp. Convinced that people—if educated, or given options, or appealed to in the right way—will in turn act for the good of the general welfare. Has a higher regard for mankind's mentality than the latter has proven is deserving. Breathless in his passion for the way things could be, rather than the way they are and have always been. Embraces obscure principles as if they were commandments from Heaven itself. The prince of all panaceas.

  May also be called: castle-builder, dreamer.

  Adjectives: dreamy-eyed, impractical, romantic, starry-eyed, unpractical, unrealistic.

  THE IMMORALIST

  No interest in improving his spiritual nature, but is instead lured toward those things that appeal to his base instincts. Bereft of conscience, he takes delight in corrupting the morals of others. Shows no misgivings for having done something that somehow harms someone, as he has attempted to please himself. Sees nothing wrong with deception if it gets him what he wants. Spurns those actions that lift the soul above the snarls, and then sighs for more. Unable to understand what possible difference it could make to strive for even the lowest level of goodness. Attaches little or no importance to loyalty or reputation. Shocks others by engaging in behavior that is considered scandalous by the majority. Shuns those principles requiring the sacrifice of a deeply embedded carnal desire. His need to be instantly gratified is overpowering. Sometimes he unintentionally allows his desire for self-satisfaction to slip into an act of cruelty. Has an ongoing love affair with injustice, in all its forms. Scoffs at the notion that one should be considerate of others, that having a sense of duty provides one with a passport to respect.

  May also be called: black sheep, crook, desperado, hoodlum, lost soul, profligate, reprobate, sinner, skunk.

  Adjectives: adulterous, amoral, base, contemptible, corrupt, debauched, decadent, degenerate, despicable, dishonest, disreputable, double-dealing, ignoble, immoral, iniquitous, loose, lost, obscene, perfidious, scandalous, self-indulgent, sinful, treacherous, unchaste, unclean, unconscientious, underhanded, unprincipled, unscrupulous, unvirtuous, vile, wanton, wayward, wicked, wretched.

  THE INTELLECTUAL

  Reasons things out before acting. Wants to know the who, what, where, why, and how of things. Examines both sides, looking for weaknesses and strengths. Argues both sides in his mind. Wants answers, and is forever in pursuit of elusive truth. Likes solving things. Attracted to riddles. Always comparing, weighing one thing against another. Theorizes, hypothesizes, and speculates. Has a desire to know something inside out. Some may see him as a walking encyclopedia. Inclined to meditate and reflect. Able to concentrate on a matter for long periods. Mentally peels away the layers of a subject rather than accept what, at first glance, seems obvious. Examines and re-examines. Tireless in his mental search, even if he has to feel his way.

  May also be called: analyzer, examiner, logician, seeker, thinker.

  Adjectives: analytical, astute, contemplative, deliberative, discerning, examinational, exploratory, inspectional, interrogatory, investigative, judicious, logical, perceptive, philosophical, questioning, reasoning, scholarly, well-educated, well-informed, well-read.

  THE INTIMIDATOR

  (See also the Authoritarian; the Warrior) Unlike the Authoritarian or the Warrior, the power he exerts over others rests solely upon their fear of him. Here, for example, one will find the toughest kid in school, the terrorist, the mean-spirited tax collector, the wife-beater, the tyrannical boss or parent. Takes his stand openly or resorts to hit-runand-hide tactics. Avoided by those who are afraid that he will attack their soft spots, or rub their patience raw, or use his position to their disadvantage. Behind his smile lies the distinct possibility of great harm. Takes pleasure in tormenting others in some way. Does not know the meaning of pity. Maltreats those who try valiantly to remain loyal to him.

  May also be called: abuser, anarchist, browbeater, bully, goon, harasser, heckler, hoodlum, hooligan, merciless, militarist, persecutor, pitiless, ruffian, terrorist, tormentor, ugly customer, warmonger.

  Adjectives: aggressive, bellicose, belligerent, chauvinistic, combative, contentious, cutthroat, distressing, exasperating, galling, hurtful, intimidating, irritating, jingoistic, militaristic, provoking, pugnacious, tormenting, warlike.

  THE INTROVERT

  Keeps to himself, choosing to go unnoticed as if he were an undusted bottle on a forgotten shelf. Not at all unfriendly, but his self-imposed timidity makes him uncomfortable with the social niceties, e.g., the ready handshake, the warm greetings, the idle chit-chat. Afraid of making a fool of himself. Hides within his self-imposed shell. Self-consciously squirms under the gaze of others. Blushes easily. Inclined to compare himself to others and, in the process, underestimate his abilities and contributions. If he does feel pride, he holds it tightly to himself rather than flourishes it. Envies the extrovert's ease among others. Has no outward affectations to draw attention.

  Adjectives: humble, inaccessible, meek, modest, mousy, reserved, restrained, reticent, retiring, self-conscious, self-depreciative, self-effacing, shrinking, shy, timid, unassuming, uncommunicative, ungregarious, unpretentious, withdrawn.

  THE JUMPER

  Inclined to act on the spur of the moment. Spends almost no time in thinking things through and evaluating what may be the potential consequences of his swift action. The proverbial bolt out of the blue. Overall, does most things in an ill-considered manner. Does not deliberate, play it safe, or pay much attention to advice. His life seems to be one long improvisation.

  May seek direction after he learns he has made a mistake, but scant may be the hope that he will even listen then.

  Adjectives: careless, hasty, heedless, impetuous, impulsive, undeliberate, unthinking.

  THE KEEPER

  (See also the Economizer) Does not want to share with anyone, no matter how small the possession may be. Personal proverb: It is more divine to hold on to something than to give it away. Views his possessions and his time as things quite precious; thus, he withholds them from others. Getting money from him may be akin to extracting an infected tooth from a rattlesnake. Ownership is extremely important, and he likes to "corner the market" and be recognized for having more of something than anyone else. Does not appreciate that he has far more than he could ever possibly use. Resents mooching of any stripe. To keep more of what he has, would deprive even himself of some of the smallest pleasures. Because it is his, he cannot even let go of that which no longer serves a real purpose. Can never be heard to say, "What's mine is yours." Rare is that which slips through his fingers. His relinquishment for the good of another would be extraordinary, for once something is within his grasp it almost always remains locked there.

  May also be called: acquisitor, collector, curmudgeon, miser, moneygrubber, monopolizer, pinchfist, possessor, skinflint, tightwad.

  Adjectives: acquisitive, cheap, clinging, closefisted, grasping, grudging, hoggish, illiberal, miserly, moneygrubbing, monopolistic, niggardly, parsimonious, penny-pinching, penurious, piggish, possessive, retentive, scrimping, selfish, stingy, tenacious, tight, ungenerous.

  THE KNOW-NOTHING

  Lacks knowledge, either by his own doing or because of a mental deficiency. Wouldn't recognize beans if the bag was open. Anything beyond the s
implest direction confuses him. Cannot read or write. Unable to discern the many shades of gray that lie between the black and white of a subject. Can be easily led astray by those he likes. An empty vessel.

  May also be called: dunce.

  Adjectives: bonehead, dense, doltish, dopey, dull-witted, dumb, empty-headed, featherbrained, foolish, ignorant, illiterate, muddleheaded, oafish, slow-witted, stupid, thick, unaware, uneducated, unenlightened, uninformed, unintelligent, unlearned, unreasoning, vacuous.

  THE LACONIAN

  Says as little as possible, regardless of the subject. Uses words as if each one cost five dollars, sticking to "yes" or "no" when either will suffice. Despises small talk and all forms of gossip, and his friends are likely to feel likewise. Won't talk idly about the weather. Often viewed by talkers as being standoffish.

  Secrets are often safe with him, if not essential to him. Because he says so little, may be mistaken for being a good listener.

  May also be called: man of few words.

  Adjectives: close-mouthed, distant, inaccessible, laconic, private, reserved, restrained, secluded, silent, taciturn, terse, tight-lipped, uncommunicative, untalkative.

  THE LAGGARD

  Has no ambition. Tends to fall behind because he takes things easy, one day at a time; does not know the meaning of "buckling down," of putting his "nose to the grindstone," of "applying himself"; sees nothing worth getting excited about. Low-energy level. Gets ideas as easily as clouds slip past the moon but he puts things off. Sleepwalks through life.

  May also be called: bench warmer, dillydallier, good-for-nothing, idler, ne'er-do-well, putterer.

  Adjectives: aimless, idle, inactive, indolent, languorous, leisurely, negligent, nonaggressive, purposeless, remiss, shiftless, slothful, sluggish, unambitious, unenterprising.

  THE LONER

  More likely to be seen alone than with another person. His solitude creates a mystery that causes others to speculate about him. Probably doesn't have a close friend. Fiercely independent. One gets the feeling that he could be stranded somewhere and still survive without any trouble. Does not depend on anyone. If he was in a bar, you would find him at a corner table that was farthest away from the crowd. There is fierceness about him. Has a roughhewn determination that lacks any well-defined goal. Smiling doesn't come easily to him, but he is not unfriendly. Accompanied by a stillness. Freedom is terribly important to him. The furthest thing removed from a gadfly. If he is married, the unwritten contract of give-and-take won't be an easy one for him to honor.

  Adjectives: aloof, distant, independent, private, reclusive, self-governing, self-reliant, standoffish, suspicious, uncompanionable.

  THE LOSER

  Has fallen well short of his potential. Has fizzled out, missed the mark, bitten the dust, fallen on hard times, been a victim of circumstances. Has not lived up to his advance billing. Had everything within his reach, but lost it. Blew his big chance. Made a wrong turn in life; zigged when he should have zagged. The conquered rather than the conqueror. Has never been able to buy a break. Held back for some reason, and now it's too late. Went out into the world unprepared and has taken more than his fair share of lumps. Laid an egg. Might as well fold up his tent and go home. Crapped out. Has no prospects of ever rising above his present life's station. If his debts were fleas, he would be itching all over. Lives hand-to-mouth.

  May also be called: also-ran, big flop, boob, down-and-outer, failure, flunky, have-not, pauper, poor man, poor white trash, thud, washout.

  Adjectives: bankrupt, bested, borrower, conquered, debtor, defeated, destitute, down-and-out, down-at-the-heels, financially embarrassed, indigent, jinxed, licked, needy, obstructed, pauperized, penniless, poverty-stricken, stone-broke, strapped, unaccomplished, unlucky, unmoneyed, unprosperous, unsuccessful, vanquished, whipped.

  THE LUMINARY

  (See also the Winner)

  Seen by others as being important, or distinguished, or exceptional. Rated highly. Said to be the biggest frog in the pond, a person to be reckoned with, one whose reputation precedes him. Holds a position of some authority in society. Has done something that has brought him fame and respect. «The observed of all observers" (Shakespeare). Causes a flurry of excitement and interest.

  May also be called: big shot, big wheel, bigwig, dignitary, magnate, mogul, notable, tycoon. Adjectives: distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, important, notable, prominent, reputable, well-thought-of.

  THE MALCONTENT

  (See also the Repenter) Wrestles with uncertainty. Has become disillusioned, discouraged, or brokenhearted. Feels victimized by something he cannot name. Believes he should be somewhere other than where he is, but the direction may well be hidden from him. Displeasure rises like a flood tide and fills the caverns of his composure. Questions about what he should do and not do keep him off balance. Walks about looking for answers. Humor has left him and he fidgets beneath the hands of some misfortune on his back. Has lost something that cannot be retrieved. A shadow hangs over his soul. Wishes things were otherwise. Looks about for a handhold in which to pull up. Cannot put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Fights grief blind-folded. Wishes things were like they used to be. Got a bad case of the mopes.

  Adjectives: anxious, apprehensive, bothered, brooding, careworn, cheerless, dejected, depressed, despondent, disconsolate, discontented, discouraged, disenchanted, disgruntled, disillusioned, dispirited, disquieted, dissatisfied, doleful, dreary, forlorn, gloomy, glum, grave, heartsick, heavy-hearted, long-faced, melancholic, miserable, moody, moping, restless, solemn, tense, tormented, tortured, troubled, uncheerful, uneasy, unhappy, unsatisfied, vexed, wistful, woeful, worried, wretched.

  THE MARTYR

  An egotist who needs to have others indebted to him. Tries to bury guilt and gratitude in the minds of others as a result of what he believes he has done for them, e.g., "Look what I've done for you" or don't know what you'd do without me." Constantly seeks appreciation while affecting modesty for his deeds. Often knows what psychological buttons to push. Convinced that others cannot do without him.' Must gain leverage by proving his indispensability. Overestimates his contributions, which are carefully catalogued in his mind. The classic martyr is the parent who won't let the child forget what has been done on his or her behalf.

  May also be called: company man.

  Adjectives: manipulative, praise-seeking, self-sacrificing.

  THE MENTOR

  Dispenses wisdom to another. Wants others to benefit from the lessons he has learned, the errors he has made, the things he has discovered. Provides words of caution. Not afraid to scold his "student" when the latter acts in an imprudent manner or forgets to follow the lessons taught.

  May also be called: advisor, counselor, instructor, teacher.

  Adjectives: admonitory, advisory, enlightening, informative, instructive.

  THE MISFIT

  Not in harmony with his or her environment. Unable to adapt to his surroundings. Quietly frustrated with most things around him, but lacking any notion on where to find contentment. Without knowing exactly why, feels uncomfortable with what he is doing, who his acquaintances are, and who everyone thinks he is. He is a chord in search of a symphony, a wolf in the suppressive desert, a bird whose wings are clipped, a rocket on a hardware store shelf.

  Adjectives: ill-matched, inharmonious, unsuited.

  THE MORALIST

  (See also the Paragon) Feels a strong obligation to duty, fairness, honesty, and benevolence.

  Strives to do what is right. Cornerstone of his nature is marked by a sense of honor) which he takes every precaution not to blemish. Possesses an innocence that is seemingly unspoiled by the world's many deceptions. Has the strength to ignore that temptation which would grant him pleasure but which would leave someone else less well off. Hears, loud and clear, that small voice of conscience. Guided by principles that forbid him to take advantage of anyone. If he pledges his word, you can count on it.

  May also be called: altruist, do-
gooder, first-rater, paragon, straightshooter, topnotcher.

  Adjectives: artless, conscientious, correct, decent, dutiful, duty-bound, good, guileless, high-principled, honorable, proper, reputable, upstanding, virtuous, wholesome.

  THE NEGLECTER

  Careless about the way he conducts his affairs and performs his responsibilities. Tends to throw things together in a haphazard manner. Leaves things undone, lets things slide, loses track of what is important. Always putting things off until tomorrow. Does things piecemeal, dragging them out far beyond the time when they should have been done. Throws things in a pile, fudges the numbers in a hurry, and files it away in no particular order. Skips over the hard part. Leaves a lot. of loose threads hanging.

  May also be called: procrastinator. Adjectives: careless, disregardful, forgetful, heedless, hit-or-miss, inattentive, negligent, reckless, slipshod, slovenly, unexacting, unmeticulous.

  THE NOBODY

  Has done nothing that would draw attention to himself; thus, no one notices him. He is blanketed with unimportance, relegated to being a face in the crowd. His name is easily forgotten, and his job is something that is impossible to remember. Fades into the woodwork. A name in a telephone book. A nonentity in clothes and shoes.

  May also be called: John or Jane Doe, man in the street, small fry.

  Adjectives: common, commonplace, insignificant, ordinary, small-time, unexceptional, unimportant, unnoteworthy.