Does your novel contain a sub-plot in which a couple fallout and splitting up is inevitable? The topic of how to describe a breakup in writing is covered in this post.
1. Amicable
Definition
Displaying pleasant behavior despite a difficult situation.
Examples
“After heartfelt discussions and mutual understanding, they gracefully parted ways, maintaining a deep respect and friendship throughout their amicable breakup.”
“Recognizing their evolving paths and goals, they amicably chose to break up, cherishing the beautiful memories they created together while embracing new beginnings as supportive friends.”
How it Adds Description
Not all relationships have to end badly, and those that end on good terms can easily be described as “amicable”. Often this shows the reader the possibility of a new relationship between the two characters other than a romantic one that may end up being stronger than ever before.
2. Messy
Definition
Confused and unpleasant.
Examples
“Their breakup was messy, filled with heated arguments, bitter accusations, and a whirlwind of emotions, leaving both individuals with a tangled web of unresolved feelings and shattered trust.”
“In the aftermath of their messy breakup, lingering resentment and unresolved conflicts created a toxic atmosphere, making it difficult for either of them to find closure or move on from the pain and heartbreak.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “messy” to describe the breakup in your story conveys a sense of disorder, disarray, and emotional turmoil, highlighting the difficulties and challenges faced by both individuals and those around them. It creates a situation that is hard for people to navigate through, including your reader trying to wrap their head around it all.
3. Momentary
Definition
Lasting a very short time.
Examples
“Although both of them said they never wanted to see each other again, their friends knew that the breakup would just be momentary, even taking bets on when they would get back together again.”
“The pair agreed to a momentary breakup, hoping that their short time spent apart would help to rekindle their relationship.”
How it Adds Description
Describing a breakup as being “momentary” indicates that it is temporary or short-lived. This could be because the two characters realize they need some time apart, or it could show to your reader the romantic immaturity of the characters especially if they have a very on and off again relationship with each other.
4. Nasty
Definition
Unpleasant and potentially violent.
Examples
“Although at first, it looked like they would be able to break up easily, things soon started to turn nasty between the two of them, leading to vicious fights and arguments that showed their relationship was beyond repair.”
“Amidst a storm of anger and resentment, their nasty breakup unfolded with relentless accusations, vindictive behavior, and a complete disregard for each other’s well-being.”
How it Adds Description
A “nasty” breakup implies that the end of the relationship was marked by hostility, cruelty, and a lack of empathy or compassion between the individuals involved. Using the term “nasty” suggests that the breakup leads to a lot of emotional pain and long-lasting effects for both the parties involved and those around them.
5. Painful
Definition
Causing emotional or physical pain.
Examples
“Their painful breakup tore at the very fabric of their hearts, leaving behind a profound sense of loss, grief, and an agonizing emptiness that seemed impossible to fill.”
“In the wake of their painful breakup, they found themselves navigating a sea of heartache, battling sleepless nights, and grappling with a deep ache in their chests.”
How it Adds Description
If you need to show the emotional anguish and distress caused by a breakup, consider describing it as “painful”. Although mainly based around emotional pain, the characters may also experience physical pain too, such as feeling unwell or an ache in their chest from the heartbreak. It helps to show your reader the sheer amount of emotional toll the breakup has taken on the characters.
6. Predictable
Definition
Happening in a way that is expected and not a surprise in any way.
Examples
“With the way that they had been bickering as of late, the news of their breakup was rather predictable.”
“Despite their best efforts, a predictable breakup loomed on the horizon, as their unresolved issues and fundamental incompatibilities left them with the painful realization that their relationship had run its course.”
How it Adds Description
Often it can be obvious that two people are simply not meant to be, even if it takes the couple a while to realize this themselves. Describing a breakup as “predictable” shows that it is no surprise to anybody that things were not going to last.
7. Public
Definition
Involving people in general rather than just a select few.
Examples
“Their public breakup unfolded under the glaring spotlight of media scrutiny, exposing their personal struggles and vulnerabilities to the world.”
“Instead of just keeping it between themselves, the two seemed to want to make their breakup as public as they could, forcing everyone close to them and even those that they barely knew to take a side.”
How it Adds Description
A “public” breakup not only describes a separation that is under scrutiny by lots of people, such as between two famous or important figures, but can also be used to illustrate a relationship in which the people involved are keen to involve others for their own gain to get back at the other person. A “public” breakup is sure to raise a lot of opinions from which your reader will almost feel forced to pick a side!
8. Rough
Definition
Difficult or unpleasant.
Examples
“Their rough breakup was marked by explosive arguments, shattered trust, and a profound sense of betrayal.”
“In the wake of their rough breakup, they found themselves entangled in a web of unresolved conflicts, heart-wrenching confrontations, and a lingering sense of heartbreak, as they faced the daunting task of healing from the emotional wreckage left behind.”
How it Adds Description
Using the term “rough” to describe a breakup gives your reader the idea that the breakup was characterized by hardship, pain, and a lack of smooth or amicable resolution. It shows the presence of conflict, distress, and overall adversity experienced, much like a tough or grueling journey.
9. Spiteful
Definition
Wanting to annoy, upset, or hurt another in a small way because of your feelings towards them.
Examples
“Their spiteful breakup unfolded with vindictive words, malicious actions, and a desire to inflict pain upon one another, leaving a trail of bitterness that would take considerable time to heal and move on from.”
“In a display of resentment and vindictiveness, their spiteful breakup escalated into a battlefield of hurtful jabs, deliberate emotional manipulation, and a complete disregard for each other’s well-being.”
How it Adds Description
By using the term “spiteful” to describe a breakup, you help to highlight the way in which one or both people in the relationship have it out to hurt the other person, both emotionally, and physically. This may get the reader to question what has made them act this way, and whether there is something that happened within the relationship which could be a catalyst for such hate and anger.
10. Toxic
Definition
Causing harm and unhappiness over a long period of time.
Examples
“Their toxic breakup was a destructive whirlwind of manipulation, emotional abuse, and constant turmoil, leaving them both emotionally scarred and in desperate need of healing.”
“Their toxic breakup was a harrowing battlefield of gaslighting, arguments, and emotional trauma, with neither party coming out victorious.”
How it Adds Description
Just like poison, a “toxic” breakup gradually wears down the people within it, although often the damage is emotional rather than physical. It shows the way in which the both of them slowly eat away at each other’s happiness and confidence until nothing is left.