How to describe a crazy person in a story? Are you looking for answers to this query? Scroll down to learn about 10 words you use to describe a crazy character in your novel.
1. Intriguing
Definition
Something or someone strange and interesting.
Examples
“What an intriguing person. He was crazier than I expected!”
“The intriguing man caught the crowd’s attention, and he started to act more and more dramatically as they watched.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show that other characters are interested in your crazy person, the adjective “intriguing” can help. This word showcases that the person is strange but in a way that catches other people’s attention. “Intriguing” will also capture your readers’ attention, as they’ll be eager to know why the character is so fascinating to others.
2. Delightful
Definition
Someone that’s extremely pleasant to be around.
Examples
“Yes, he was a little crazy. But he was also very delightful. I’d have a coffee with him any day!”
“The delightful man skipped through town while whistling. He didn’t care that everyone was watching him.”
How it Adds Description
Not all crazy characters are scary or bad, and you can inform your reader how friendly your character is by using “delightful.” This shows the character is odd but pleasant, giving them more information about their traits. “Delightful” could also show how the character’s crazy ways are accepted in your society, as they’re viewed positively.
3. Peculiar
Definition
Someone unusual or strange, often in an unpleasant manner.
Examples
“Mommy, I don’t like the peculiar man. He keeps pulling weird faces at me!”
“The peculiar woman walked down the street in a frenzied state. She bumped into others and shouted at them with rage.”
How it Adds Description
“Peculiar” informs your audience that the crazy character is looked upon in a negative or judgmental light. Using this adjective can show that other characters aren’t fond of the character due to their unusual behavior. This term can also foreshadow future plot points where the crazy character acts out or does something even crazier.
4. Funny
Definition
Someone or something that’s amusing, entertaining, or makes you laugh.
Examples
“The funny man was always formulating his next strange plan. But the townspeople didn’t mind, as he always made the children smile.”
“He somersaulted into the inn with a crazy smile on his face. The funny man always arrived in style.”
How it Adds Description
Craziness can sometimes be associated with joy and entertainment, and therefore an apt word to describe your character is “funny.” This shows how the surrounding characters enjoy watching the crazy character’s antics, and you can even use the adjective to emphasize how the character is a natural entertainer.
5. Eccentric
Definition
Someone that is strange and has behavior that contrasts mainstream ideals.
Examples
“The eccentric man muttered to himself while putting on his glowing multicolored coat. He didn’t understand why others stared at him.”
“She watched the eccentric man prepare his boat. He really believed he would be able to find Atlantis. “
How it Adds Description
“Eccentric” is a great word to describe crazy characters because it signals that they behave differently from everyone else in your fictional society. This puts them at odds with cultural norms and allows you to give them dramatic ideas and strange behavioral traits. This is also very entertaining for readers, as you can get extra creative with their crazy behavior.
6. Frightening
Definition
Something that makes you feel nervous, scared, or afraid.
Examples
“The frightening lady followed the students into the class. She wasn’t acting as other adults do.”
“I hope I don’t see the frightening man in my dreams tonight. He always does weird things that make me feel uneasy.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes acting differently from the mainstream ideals can be scary for others. “Frightening” shows that other characters are fearful of your crazy character. This might be because they’re acting strange or are unpredictable. You can use the word “frightening” to build suspense and fear around the character, and you can also show they’re alienated from the rest of society due to their scary behavior.
7. Intimidating
Definition
Someone that scares others and makes them lose their confidence.
Examples
“The intimidating woman laughed maniacally. She knew everyone was scared of her, and she loved it.”
“He knew the intimidating woman was watching him, and beads of sweat began to form on his brow. She was unpredictable, and he had to get away from her ASAP.”
How it Adds Description
Another way to show your character’s craziness in a negative light is via the adjective “intimidating.” This word shows how others feel scared or anxious in their presence, thus confirming their odd actions are unpleasant to be around. This can also foreshadow the character doing bad things happening as the book progresses.
8. Wild
Definition
Someone who is energetic, excitable, or uncontrollable.
Examples
“The wild man revved the engine of his bike. Everyone watched in awe, not knowing what he would do next.”
“Gosh, he’s a wild man. It’s like he has no personal boundaries or morals!”
How it Adds Description
“Wild” can show how uncontrollable a crazy character’s behavior can be. From doing stupid things to being reckless, this adjective paints a picture of someone without care for future consequences. “Wild” can also show how timid or sensible the rest of your characters contrast with the crazy character.
9. Ridiculous
Definition
Someone foolish or silly.
Examples
“Just look at that ridiculous man. Why would he act like that?”
“The ridiculous man put on his clown shoes and hat. He had a penchant for weird ensembles.”
How it Adds Description
The word “ridiculous” shows that your crazy character is misunderstood by others. If a narrator or another character describes them as “ridiculous,” it shows they think their way of life is silly, and it can also hint they’re judging the crazy character.
10. Bizarre
Definition
Someone very strange, weird, or odd.
Examples
“He really is bizarre. Who invited him again?”
“The bizarre man ate breakfast at dinnertime and dinner for breakfast.”
How it Adds Description
“Bizarre” informs your reader that the character lives in their own world. It can also show how other characters don’t understand the crazy character, but they choose to dismiss their antics as they’re not dangerous or violent.