Do you need some ideas on how to describe a scar in a story? The following 10 descriptive terms can help.
1. Bloody
Definition
Covered with blood.
Examples
“The bloody scar was such a deep red that it looked like it could burst open again at any time.”
“All he had left to show from the devastating battle was the bloody scar that ran across his face.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “bloody” to describe a scar can help to show how fresh it is, as it still contains blood from when it first happened to a character. It also demonstrates the violence involved in the infliction of such a wound, almost as if it hasn’t changed from the time when it was first dealt to the character, helping to show its permanence.
2. Deep
Definition
- Having a large distance between something’s top and its bottom.
- Strongly felt and lasting a long time.
Examples
“The deep scar on her forearm told a story of resilience and survival.”
“The deep scar on the old oak tree bore witness to decades of storms and hardships.”
How it Adds Description
Describing a scar as being “deep” not only illustrates the severity of the wound that caused it but also helps to demonstrate the emotional impact of it. A scar that is deep is unlikely to heal and will get your characters in your story and your reader questioning how it was sustained.
3. Discolored
Definition
Becoming a less attractive color than it was originally.
Examples
“The discolored scar on his cheek served as a constant reminder of the accident, its faded hues reflecting the passage of time.”
“The woman always seemed to have permanently flushed cheeks, until he realized that the blush on one cheek was a discolored scar.”
How it Adds Description
Scars come in all shapes and sizes, so it stands to reason that a character in your story may have one that is “discolored”. Describing a scar in this way not only implies that other characters find it unsettling, but could also hint at how that character got their scar in the first place based on its color.
4. Festering
Definition
To become infected and produce pus.
Examples
“Festering scars showed the extent to which the disease had ravaged his body over the years, leaving him little more than a husk of the man that he once was.”
“The festering scar on the old building’s facade was a testament to years of neglect and decay.”
How it Adds Description
“Festering” scars are often depicted as oozing, inflamed, or discharging, which can create a vivid and unsettling image in the reader’s mind and is likely to make your characters recoil. Describing a scar as “festering“ can also create a sense of urgency or impending danger. It can indicate that something needs to be done to address the issue, whether physical or emotional before it gets worse.
5. Gruesome
Definition
Extremely unpleasant or shocking.
Examples
“The gruesome scars tangled like vines across his body, telling tales of unspeakable horrors that he had endured.”
“The gruesome scar on the victim’s chest sent shivers down the detective’s spine, revealing the brutality of the unsolved mystery that haunted the town.”
How it Adds Description
Describing a scar as “gruesome” is a way to emphasize the scar’s horrifying or shocking appearance. It can also be used to provide insight into a character’s past experiences or personality, as people will question how they got the scar, or the scar itself may have changed the character’s outlook on the world, turning them as savage as their wounds.
6. Harrowing
Definition
Extremely upsetting and connected with suffering.
Examples
“The harrowing scar on her heart remained invisible to the world, a silent testament to the emotional battles she had fought and conquered.”
“After the attack, the beauty queen was left with a harrowing scar that took away her hopes and dreams.”
How it Adds Description
Describing a scar as “harrowing” is a way to emphasize the emotional or psychological impact associated with it, often implying that the experience or event leading to the scar was deeply distressing or traumatic. A “harrowing” scar can symbolize the enduring emotional wounds that a character carries with them. It can be a powerful symbol of resilience and survival in the face of adversity.
7. Jagged
Definition
Rough and uneven with sharp points.
Examples
“The jagged scar snaked down his forearm, its shape indicating the struggle he had put up when he sustained it.”
“The force of the serrated blade left a jagged scar that to this day looked as sharp as the knife that caused it.”
How it Adds Description
“Jagged” provides a specific and vivid visual image of the scar. It suggests that the scar’s edges are not smooth or straight but rather rough and irregular. In turn, this then provides questions to be answered about how the character got this scar, as it was likely a traumatic event.
8. Painful
Definition
Causing emotional or physical pain.
Examples
“The painful scar on her knee throbbed with every step, a constant reminder of the accident that had changed her life forever.”
“The painful scar still made him wince when he touched it, but she was sure the pain he felt inside was even worse.”
How it Adds Description
A scar can be “painful” in two ways: physical and emotional. Physical scars on the surface will be easily seen by your reader and characters, especially as the character that possesses them is likely to react to their presence. However, it might take a while for your reader to be able to understand and get to the bottom of any “painful” emotional scars characters hold in your narrative.
9. Raw
Definition
Sore and painful.
Examples
“The raw scar on her forearm, still oozing and tender, showed no signs of healing.”
“The raw scar on the forest floor, exposed by a recent lightning strike, smoldered with embers of smoky heat, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere.”
How it Adds Description
Using the term “raw” indicates that the scar is relatively new and has not yet undergone the full healing process, and shows the immediate aftermath of a significant event, injury, or trauma. It can create a sense of urgency or vulnerability for a character experiencing it, helping your reader to feel worried about them.
10. Unsightly
Definition
Unattractive, ugly.
Examples
“The unsightly scar on his face was a source of self-consciousness, but it also bore witness to his resilience and determination to move forward with his life.”
“As the old woman drew back the hood of her cloak, the group recoiled at the unsightly scar that consumed her features.”
How it Adds Description
Describing a scar as “unsightly” implies that it does not blend in with the surrounding skin and is noticeable due to its appearance. The reaction to such a scar from other characters can evoke emotions such as self-consciousness, insecurity, or embarrassment, especially if the scar is in a visible location. It can highlight the psychological impact of scars on a character’s self-esteem.