Are you writing a war novel? In this post, we’re going to help you by explaining how to describe a soldier in writing via 10 great adjectives.
1. Fierce
Definition
Someone that’s very passionate, fearless, or aggressive.
Examples
“The group battled through the jungle together, but the fierce soldier took the lead.”
“Only a fierce soldier can take on this challenge. Are any of you ready to step up?
How it Adds Description
“Fierce” is a powerful adjective as it describes someone who is passionate to the point of aggression. This can show your soldier intimidates other characters, and it can also mean they’re difficult to be around. “Fierce” will also show your soldier’s commitment to their job or their cause.
2. Tense
Definition
Someone very nervous or anxious.
Examples
“The tense soldier backed away, and his hand ghosted over his gun.”
“Before the war, he didn’t have a care in the world, but now he was a tense soldier with the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
How it Adds Description
Fighting and completing missions as a soldier is a stressful job. “Tense” shows the pressure and anxiety your soldier feels. This adjective can also point to an awkward body posture, as you can have “tense” muscles when you’re stressed. It can also demonstrate to your reader the nervousness of your solider.
3. Agitated
Definition
Someone who is upset or worried and shows it through their behavior.
Examples
“The agitated soldier couldn’t stop fidgeting with his coat zipper. His hands trembled at the thought of the mission.”
“She glanced at the agitated soldier, and her heart sank. His worry and stress were obvious.”
How it Adds Description
Nervousness and stress can manifest through physical actions, and “agitated” shows your soldier can’t stand still due to this. If used by another character in an inner monologue, “agitated” shows that your soldier’s worries are being noticed by others. You can use this to show other characters feeling sorry or pity for the soldier.
4. Daring
Definition
Someone who does things that are dangerous or that will shock others.
Examples
“You must drop out of a plane, swim 5 miles, fight through thick jungle, and scale a 10-foot wall. That’s why only the most daring soldiers finish this course.”
“She dreamed of a daring soldier to rescue her from her prison cell.”
How it Adds Description
“Daring” shows your soldier is willing to go the extra mile and perform dangerous duties to get their job done. This word works well for hero characters, as “daring” shows they have less fear in comparison to the average person.
5. Methodical
Definition
Someone who does things carefully with meticulous order.
Examples
“The methodical soldier pressed his pants, laid them out on his bed, and obediently waited for the inspection.”
“They had no signal or ways of communication. But the methodical soldier had studied the map and knew how to work a compass.”
How it Adds Description
Soldiers are known for having meticulous organizational skills, and this is a staple trait for any character who works for the army. “Methodical” shows your soldier has logical thought patterns, and you can use this to show how they navigate difficult challenges. If you have a particularly unorganized character, their behavior can contradict a “methodical” soldier’s. These differences might cause a rift between them, making for interesting fictional relationships.
6. Frightened
Definition
Someone who is afraid or anxious.
Examples
“The frightened soldier continued marching, despite his inner desire to run away.”
“We don’t have time for frightened soldiers. Everyone needs to put their game face on!”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show a soldier’s fear for future plot points or of certain characters, “frightened” provides a glimpse of your soldier’s feelings. “Frightened” can also highlight that your soldier is inexperienced or scared of the unknown. This can further build suspense for upcoming parts of your plot.
7. Enchanting
Definition
Someone very charming or attractive.
Examples
“What an enchanting soldier. I’ll get his number by the time the dance ends. Just you watch me!”
“He was tough, but he was also an enchanting soldier. Both the troops and the ladies loved him.”
How it Adds Description
Alongside being brave and organized, soldiers are sometimes known to be flirtatious and charming. “Enchanting” can show how other characters are drawn to your soldier due to his personality and good looks.
8. Honest
Definition
Someone that’s good, tells the truth, and doesn’t break the law.
Examples
“He was an honest soldier who followed the captain’s orders, no matter the toll.”
“To be an honest soldier was the goal, but the troops were breaking under the pressure of boot camp.”
How it Adds Description
The word “honest” shows how your fictional soldier takes their training and missions seriously. This shows they’re a good person and one other people in the story can trust. If a soldier is “honest,” they may have trouble taking part in gruesome or violent missions.
9. Accomplished
Definition
Someone very good at their profession or hobby.
Examples
“She dreamed of becoming an accomplished soldier, but she knew she’d have to start working harder at school.”
“The accomplished soldier donned hundreds of medals, making his uniform glisten in the sun.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “accomplished” shows how your soldier is very talented at their job, and this can imply they’re one of the best in the novel. This might mean other characters look to them for advice or help during tough times, and they could make a good hero.
10. Sullen
Definition
Somebody who is moody and quiet.
Examples
“She could feel the sullen soldier staring at her from across the room. His grumpy gaze made her feel self-conscious.”
“Ever since he returned from duty, he was a sullen soldier. He’d lost his lust for life and trademark smile.”
How it Adds Description
If your soldier has experienced traumatizing events while working, they might be described as “sullen” after they return. This adjective shows they’re quiet and miserable, and these behavioral traits often make other characters anxious around them. You can also use “sullen” to show the effects of active duty or previous battles in your fictional world.