If you need some inspiration to write a friendship between characters in your novel, scroll down to get some ideas on how to describe a friend in a story.
1. Lifelong
Definition
Something or someone that is there for the rest of a person’s life.
Examples
“Peppa the cat was Hannah’s lifelong friend. They did everything together, including sleeping, eating, and traveling.”
“George wished for at least one lifelong friend. He was sick of short-term friendships and fleeting acquaintances.”
How it Adds Description
A “lifelong” friend is someone who is there for your character’s entire life. This usually means the friends met when they were younger, and therefore, when a character refers to someone as a “lifelong” friend, it means they are very close to each other and often grew up in the same environment. “Lifelong” friends will also usually have lots of trust and will turn to each other in difficult times.
2. Best
Definition
A friendship that’s the highest quality or closeness.
Examples
“My mom is my best friend! I love her to pieces and spend every evening with her.”
“You’re not my best friend. How could you be my closest friend if we hardly ever see each other?”
How it Adds Description
“Best” is a common term used to describe someone’s closest friend. If your character has a “best” friend, they likely see them regularly and enjoy their company. Sometimes, “best” friends are inseparable and have very similar personalities, which characters with casual friendships might think is strange.
3. Awful
Definition
Something that’s not very good.
Examples
“Emily couldn’t admit out loud that Heather was an awful friend, but everybody could see it in her facial expressions.”
“Robert knew he was being an awful friend when he screened Jake’s call for the third time. But he just couldn’t bring himself to answer.”
How it Adds Description
If a character is rude or nasty to someone, they could be considered an “awful” friend. An “awful” friend does everything that a good friend does not. For example, “awful” friends might lie to other characters, steal their belongings, and be an overall negative force in their lives. If a character has “awful” friends, they might feel lonely or unsupportive.
4. Non-Judgemental
Definition
Someone who has an open attitude and doesn’t make assumptions about others.
Examples
“When Michael saw his mates’ shocked reactions to his new haircut, he decided he needed to find non-judgemental friends.”
“Anya thanked the heavens her friends were so non-judgemental after she told them her deepest secrets.”
How it Adds Description
“Non-judgemental” shows that a friend is open and accepting. They don’t make assumptions or judge their friends on their behavior or thoughts. Instead, they’re tolerant and relaxed within their relationships. A character with “non-judgmental” friends is more likely to feel at ease being themself around others, as they know they can be free without facing criticism or pushback.
5. Jealous
Definition
Someone who is bitter or angry because they want what someone else has.
Examples
“Ben’s friends were always jealous of his designer clothes, but he chose to ignore their cutting remarks.”
“Wilma knew she was being a jealous friend. However, she couldn’t help but envy her bestie’s new engagement ring.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes, a character may treat their friends with spite or anger because they want their possessions or relationships. This makes them a “jealous” friend. If a character notices their friend is being “jealous,” they might try to have an open conversation with them. Alternatively, they might distance themselves from their friend due to their negative energy.
6. Honest
Definition
Someone who tells the truth and doesn’t deceive others.
Examples
“Whenever Declan needed genuine advice, he went to see his best friend — his Father. He could always trust his most honest friend for decent guidance.”
“Ellie feared her friends weren’t as honest as she thought when they told her she’d look great with neon green hair.”
How it Adds Description
An “honest” friend is one who gives truthful advice and doesn’t go behind your character’s back or try to deceive them in any way. Your character will likely seek an “honest” friend when they want useful guidance, even if they know the answer might not be what they want to hear.
7. Dependable
Definition
Someone who is consistently there to help others.
Examples
“Tanya knew her group of friends were dependable, but she was worried they’d turn their back on her after they found out about her arrest.”
“Quentin tried to be a dependable friend by never being late for days out and replying to texts on time.”
How it Adds Description
“Dependable” shows that your character’s friend is helpful and always there when needed. Friends that are “dependable” are likely to be your character’s closest mates, as it’s less common to depend on someone who you don’t know very well.
8. Laid-Back
Definition
Someone or something that’s very relaxed and calm.
Examples
“Chantelle was grateful for her laid-back friendships. Checking in with high-maintenance friends left her feeling exhausted.”
“Gustav knew his friendship with Tommy was laid-back, but he still worried when he hadn’t heard from him in weeks.”
How it Adds Description
Low-maintenance friendships that don’t require lots of work can be deemed “laid-back.” A character won’t need to jump through hoops to make a “laid-back” friend happy, leaving them with less stress and a better connection with the friend.
9. Loyal
Definition
Someone who remains firm in their support or friendship.
Examples
“Though Elizabeth had committed fifteen crimes, her loyal friends stood up for her.”
“The king only surrounded himself with his most loyal friends.”
How it Adds Description
If a friend is “loyal,” they support the character through thick and thin. This may include supporting your character in situations where they’re not 100% in the right. A character will be grateful for their “loyal” friends and might reward them for their steadfast loyalty.
10. Inspiring
Definition
Something that’s exciting and makes you feel enthusiastic or interested.
Examples
“Callie was Sarah’s most inspiring friend. After a coffee together, Sarah always felt like improving her life.”
“None of my friends are inspiring. All they do is sit around and complain about the weather.”
How it Adds Description
An “inspiring” friend will make your character and everyone around them feel excited about the future and its possibilities. If a character is an “inspiring” friend, they will likely be very popular, as many people want to be friends with someone who exudes positive energy.