Is a character in your novel shy? Let us help you write this individual by explaining how to describe a quiet person in a story. We’ve used 10 words to do this. Read on to learn more.
1. Analytical
Definition
Carefully examining or studying something.
Examples
“His analytical mind meant that some people could mistake him for being shy when in actual fact he was studying every single detail in the room.”
“Although she didn’t speak much when she did her analytical insights more than made up for it.”
How it Adds Description
We can often see being quiet as a negative thing, but often forget why people might be silent in situations. Sometimes it may be because they are carefully evaluating what is going on rather than immediately saying wherever first comes to mind. These people can be incredibly useful, especially in a crisis, so you may wish to include an “analytical” person in your story!
2. Gentle
Definition
- Calm or kind.
- Not violent or strong.
Examples
“She was an incredibly gentle woman. He wasn’t sure he had ever heard her raise her voice.”
“Despite his quiet and gentle nature, he was not someone that you wanted to make angry or annoyed.”
How it Adds Description
Often, people that are quiet are usually very kind individuals whose actions are just as soft as their words. These “gentle” individuals are often a source of comfort for your reader and the characters within your story, reassuring them in their time of need.
3. Introverted
Definition
Shy, quiet, and preferring to spend time alone.
Examples
“The introverted daydreamer preferred to spend their time alone, finding solace in their thoughts and a sense of comfort in the quietness of their own company.”
“The introvert often preferred listening and observing rather than speaking, which allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the people and world around them.”
How it Adds Description
Quiet people are usually at their happiest when they are on their own, and this suits them just fine! Should you take an “introverted” character out of their comfort zone, however, chaos can easily ensue as they try to adjust. Or, they might be resistant to interact with your other characters, which may cause frustration especially if they need their help or guidance.
4. Meek
Definition
- Quiet, gentle, and unlikely to force others.
- Unwilling to disagree or fight.
Examples
“The society had raised its people to be meek, mild, and to not ask questions.”
“Even though she knew all the answers, she was far too meek to ever state her opinion in class.”
How it Adds Description
People who are quiet are sometimes this way because they are scared of confrontation and really don’t want to rock the boat! They can be scared to voice their thoughts out loud, which may make your reader question how they ended up that way. If you have a character like this in your story, try describing them as “meek”.
5. Mysterious
Definition
Strange and not understood.
Examples
“Keeping to the background and never making himself heard, the man made for a mysterious character.”
“She had a mysterious aura about her, which was backed up in the way that she never seemed to say a word.”
How it Adds Description
When people aren’t very vocal and social, it can often make it hard to tell what they are thinking or feeling. This can lead to some quiet people being quite “mysterious”, as no one really knows much about them. This can help to get your reader questioning how this person might be of importance in your story.
6. Placid
Definition
Calm and peaceful in demeanor or appearance.
Examples
“Although the boy didn’t seem to say much, nothing appeared to bother him thanks to his placid nature.”
“Placid and quiet, sometimes it was easy to forget that she was even there at all.”
How it Adds Description
Someone that is quiet is usually little bother to anyone, and may even go unnoticed thanks to how calm and “placid” they are. These people might be walked over thanks to their demeanor but they could be incredibly important within your story, so your characters need to make sure they don’t overlook them!
7. Reserved
Definition
Not often talking about or revealing one’s feelings or thoughts.
Examples
“Despite her quiet and reserved demeanor, her intelligence and thoughtfulness were evident in every conversation she had.”
“The professor was a reserved individual who preferred to observe rather than actively participate in social situations.”
How it Adds Description
People who are “reserved” can often do so either out of a wish to keep their lives private, or perhaps they are too polite to make their true opinions known. As a result, they can often be the quiet figures in a conversation who will keep your readers guessing.
8. Taciturn
Definition
Tending not to speak much.
Examples
“He was a taciturn man who seldom spoke more than a few words at a time, but his actions always spoke louder than his words.”
“Although his taciturn nature made it difficult for others to get to know him, his piercing gaze and confident demeanor commanded attention and respect.”
How it Adds Description
If someone is quiet and reserved they may be referred to as “taciturn”. These types of people tend to only speak when it is necessary, rather than just being shy. They are often respected figures who could be of great support to your other characters.
9. Timid
Definition
- Shy and nervous.
- Easily frightened.
Examples
“She was so timid he wouldn’t be surprised if she was even scared of her own voice.”
“The timid and quiet boy seemed out of place around his rambunctious peers in the playground.”
How it Adds Description
“Timid” people often lack the confidence of others, especially in social situations. This can lead to them being quiet and scared to speak up. Characters like this might need support from others in your story, and your reader can quite easily find themselves rooting for them to find the courage to succeed.
10. Unnoticed
Definition
- Going unseen or recognized.
- Not attracting any attention.
Examples
“She was so quiet that she could easily go unnoticed throughout the school day.”
“Being so quiet meant it was easy for him to slip away unnoticed at social gatherings to have some time to himself.”
How it Adds Description
Some people can be so quiet you can even forget that they are there at all. These characters can often go “unnoticed” and can catch others by surprise! As a result, make sure your characters and your reader always take stock of who is in the room.