If you’re writing a crime novel that has an antagonist who is a serial killer, this post is for you. In it, we share 10 words to help answer a question, which is how to describe serial killer in a story? Scroll down to learn more.
1. Malicious
Definition
Showing the desire or intention to harm someone; arising to or marked by malice.
Examples
“The police were trying to track down a particularly malicious serial killer that had been terrorizing the town for many years.”
“Reading about such a malicious serial killer sent shivers up and down her spine.”
How it Adds Description
Serial killers aren’t afraid to hurt people, so describing them as malicious is a great way to convey that. This word emphasizes how cruel the serial killer in your story may be as well as the intensity of their desire to kill and hurt people.
2. Scary
Definition
Causing fear; alarming.
Examples
“The serial killer was scary, and the detective wanted to have to talk to him as little as possible.”
“Knowing a serial killer was roaming around was a scary prospect, and many people in the town refused to leave their houses once the sun went down.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to describe the fear that the serial killer in your story is instilling in your other characters, you can describe the killer as scary. Demonstrating how much fear a serial killer creates in your story can also make it much more of a relief if they are finally caught later.
3. Intelligent
Definition
Having a high degree of intelligence; smart; having high mental capacity.
Examples
“Unfortunately for the police, the serial killer they were dealing with was highly intelligent and sent them running around in circles.”
“Seeing how intelligent the serial killer was made her feel even more afraid.”
How it Adds Description
To stay hidden from the police and to be able to commit many murders, a serial killer may need to be especially intelligent. Describing them as being extremely smart and able to outsmart others easily can make the serial killer feel even more frightening.
4. Resourceful
Definition
Capable of finding means and ways to do something; able to meet situations.
Examples
“They had hoped to catch the serial killer quickly, but he was much more resourceful than they anticipated, and he kept finding ways to throw them off.”
“The serial killer was extremely resourceful and had a variety of tools at his disposal to hide the bodies of those he killed.”
How it Adds Description
To keep getting away with murders, a serial killer may have to be very resourceful and able to use their surroundings to their advantage. This resourcefulness can make tracking them down an additional challenge.
5. Careful
Definition
Taking care; demonstrating wariness or caution; marked by efforts to avoid errors.
Examples
“The police investigated the crime scene for evidence, but the serial killer they were tracking down had been very careful not to leave much behind.”
“The detective knew that attempting to bring in such a careful serial killer was going to be no easy feat.”
How it Adds Description
A serial killer that’s very cautious about the crimes they commit will be difficult to catch. This can make them a formidable antagonist for your protagonist.
6. Violent
Definition
Marked by harmful and destructive physical force; agitated emotionally to the point of causing physical harm.
Examples
“The serial killer they were looking for was especially violent, and the detective knew that he would have a hard time sleeping after seeing the crime scenes.”
“She felt especially afraid of the violent serial killer as she learned more about the extent of his crimes.”
How it Adds Description
If the serial killer in your story is especially brutal, then you can use the word violent to describe him. You can use this word to show that they are physically violent or emotionally violent.
7. Unpredictable
Definition
Not known or declared in advance; generally behaving in ways that others cannot predict.
Examples
“They tried to imagine where the serial killer would strike next, but because she was so unpredictable, they were unable to.”
“The serial killer they were dealing with was especially unpredictable, and it was going to be hard figuring out how to stop him.”
How it Adds Description
Being unpredictable is another trait that can make the serial killer in your story difficult to catch. Calling them unpredictable can also show your readers that the killer may not be very stable.
8. Volatile
Definition
Subject to unexpected or rapid changes; tending to erupt into violence.
Examples
“Because the serial killer was so volatile, they knew they were going to have to consider their next steps carefully.”
“She was trapped in the house of an especially volatile serial killer, and she knew that one wrong move could mean the end of her life.”
How it Adds Description
This is another great word to show how unstable your serial killer may be. Being volatile can make them react to things that a potential victim says or does in an unexpected and violent way, which will make the serial killer in your story feel much more threatening for both the victim and for the reader.
9. Dangerous
Definition
Possibly involving pain, injury, or loss; marked by danger.
Examples
“The investigator knew how dangerous the serial killer he was tracking was, and so he made sure to call for backup right away.”
“There were many things that still had to be done, but getting such a dangerous murderer off the streets was the most important thing for the precinct.”
How it Adds Description
A serial killer is a dangerous individual, and using this word to describe them will help to indicate how careful other characters need to be around them.
10. Threatening
Definition
Expressing a threat of harm or injury; indicating the approach or suggestion of possible danger.
Examples
“The serial killer’s presence was threatening, especially since nobody knew where he might strike next.”
“The multiple letters that the precinct received from the serial killer made him feel especially threatening to them.”
How it Adds Description
Knowing that there is a serial killer roaming around can feel threatening for the characters living in that city or town. When the serial killer acts on their threats, that can make them feel even more frightening to the people around them.