Does your novel feature a protagonist who is extremely rich? If you need some pointers on how to describe a rich person in a story, check out the 10 words below.
1. Wealthy
Definition
Affluent, prosperous; having a great deal of money or assets.
Examples
“The wealthy socialite stepped off his private jet wearing an expensive designer suit.”
“Mona was popular among her college friends for no other reason than she was wealthy.”
How it Adds Description
The word “wealthy” adds an aspect of unlimited means and abundance to a character. This can set up expectations for how the character behaves and what they are capable of accomplishing. It can create plot points centered around a character finding their wealth at risk or using it to exploit others.
2. Aristocratic
Definition
Noble, upper-class; belonging to the aristocracy.
Examples
“The aristocratic family had been affluent for generations and owned vast estates.”
“The woman seemed quite aristocratic in manner, speaking with a refined accent and adorned with expensive jewelry.”
How it Adds Description
The word “aristocratic” can add a sense of refinement, heritage, and class to a character. It can help set expectations for how the character will behave in social situations, what their values and priorities are, and how they view those outside of their social circle. It may also create conflict when the character is challenged or threatened by those outside their social class.
3. Elite
Definition
Exclusive, privileged; limited and prime.
Examples
“The elite members-only club required a six-figure initiation fee.”
“The private school only accepted academically gifted students from the most elite families.”
How it Adds Description
The word “elite” suggests that a character belongs to a small, exclusive group with special privileges and advantages that most don’t possess. It can be used to explain how a character behaves, what their goals and motivations are, and how they interact with others who are not part of their select group.
4. Affluent
Definition
Wealthy, prosperous; having a plentiful supply of money and assets.
Examples
“The neighborhood featured mansions, private pools, and gated entrances that only the affluent could afford.”
“The affluent businessman owned several companies and a private jet.”
How it Adds Description
The word “affluent” suggests that a character has a high level of financial comfort and security. It can be used to structure how a character conducts themselves, their priorities, and how they treat those less fortunate. If the wealth or status of such a character is questioned or threatened, they may be forced to confront what is truly important in life or make difficult choices.
5. Ostentatious
Definition
Showy, flashy; characterized by a pretentious display.
Examples
“The car was covered in gold plating and had diamond-encrusted rims, reflecting its ostentatious owner.”
“The showy mansion featured a giant statue of the ostentatious man who possessed it in the front yard.”
How it Adds Description
The word “ostentatious” portrays a character that tends to flaunt their wealth and possessions in a showy way. It can provide comic relief in an overly flashy, unpredictable character or create dislike for a character who shows off their wealth in a way that is offensive or repressive to others in their sphere.
6. Posh
Definition
Elegant, upscale; associated with wealth and luxury.
Examples
“The posh socialite spent her days making Tik Tok videos that made fun of the less fortunate.”
“The detective heard from witness after witness that his victim was quite posh and likely murdered for her money.”
How it Adds Description
The word “posh” suggests that a wealthy character has an elevated sense of style, taste, and refinement. A character may only be acting posh, adding an air of mystery if it is discovered they aren’t what others think. It can also create a conflict in a story if the character’s behavior clashes with, excludes, or demeans others.
7. Glamorous
Definition
Stylish, attractive; having an upscale presence.
Examples
“The glamorous movie star arrived at the premiere in a glittering gown and diamonds.”
“The young duchess was always glamorous, leading her to be hounded by photographers and admirers.”
How it Adds Description
The word “glamorous” adds a layer of sophistication and elegance to a character. It implies that a character is well-dressed, stylish, and often associated with high society events and glamorous lifestyles. It presents someone who is admired and desired by others, leading to potential clashes, such as envy or jealousy from other characters.
8. Privileged
Definition
Advantaged, entitled; having special circumstances.
Examples
“The privileged trust fund baby never had to work a day in her life.”
“His wife led a life of leisure but was privileged enough to have a private jet and a personal assistant.”
How it Adds Description
The word “privileged” conjures ideas of social and economic advantages that come with wealth. It can impact a character’s relationships with others, highlighting issues of class inequality and the character’s insensitivity towards the struggles of others. Conversely, a character might use their privilege to help others, leading to a more complex and dynamic character arc.
9. Entitled
Definition
Privileged, self-important; believing oneself to be inherently deserving of special treatment.
Examples
“The former President’s son felt entitled to anything he wanted, regardless of the consequences.”
“The entitled heir was insufferable, expecting to be treated like royalty at every event.”
How it Adds Description
The word “entitled” describes someone who is accustomed to getting their way and expects special treatment from others. This can mean that other characters may feel resentful or frustrated with the entitled person’s behavior. This can drive action or trigger events based on the character’s treatment of others and the way those people respond to them.
10. Successful
Definition
Accomplished, thriving; having achieved a high level of financial prowess.
Examples
“The entrepreneur was extremely successful, having built a multimillion-dollar company from scratch.”
“The successful author had written several best-selling novels that led to immense holdings before being ostracized for her questionable views.”
How it Adds Description
The word “successful” sets the tone for the rest of the narrative. The reader understands that this character has achieved a certain level of wealth and status, which will undoubtedly impact the plot in some way. It can indicate issues with characters who are less successful or serve as a motivator for other characters to strive for success themselves.