Are you writing a horror novel featuring bloodthirsty vampires? If you would benefit from some ideas on how to describe a vampire in a story, the following 10 words will provide you with some inspiration.
1. Glacial
Definition
Something or someone that’s hostile or unfriendly.
Examples
“The glacial vampire didn’t turn when the couple walked into the room. Their presence meant nothing to him.”
“You could describe the vampire as glacial at best. He never smiled and lived a reclusive life.”
How it Adds Description
Many vampire characters live solitary and unfriendly lives. The word “glacial” confirms these stereotypes and shows that the character doesn’t want to mingle with others. When used by other characters, “glacial” may also hint at a negative attitude towards the vampire character. This shows the reader how socially isolated your vampire is and that they have no close friends.
2. Uncivilized
Definition
Someone that lacks good manners, is rude, or rejects society.
Examples
“Don’t invite that uncivilized vampire. He’ll just ruin the event for the rest of us.”
“The uncivilized vampire ignored the townspeople. He didn’t care for their small-town mindsets.”
How it Adds Description
“Uncivilized” is a helpful word to use if you want to show how your vampire doesn’t fit in with your fictional society. This word also shows how your vampire has a distaste for social conventions, further implying how vampires and humans contrast each other.
3. Freezing
Definition
Something or somebody that’s extremely cold.
Examples
“The vampire’s touch was freezing. She shivered as he shook her hand.”
“He was a typical freezing vampire. Everything he touched turned to ice in an instant.”
How it Adds Description
Being ice-cold is a common vampire trope, and the adjective “freezing” can be used to emphasize this stereotype. “Freezing” shows how cold your vampire is in comparison to other people and objects, which can further showcase how different the vampire is from other beings in your story.
4. Intimidating
Definition
Something or someone that seems frightening or makes others lose their confidence.
Examples
“She glanced up at the intimidating vampire. His tall stature and aloof nature made her feel small.”
“He was an intimidating vampire, and he’d known how to assert his powerful nature since he was small.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to create an aura of suspense or fear around your vampire, the word “intimidating” is an apt descriptor. This adjective shows your reader that other characters are nervous around the vampire. However, it can also show the vampire has emotional walls up when meeting other people.
5. Creepy
Definition
Someone or something that causes feelings of anxiety, nerves, or fear.
Examples
“The creepy vampire stalked the group of girls. They hadn’t seen him, but they could feel his presence.”
“If you don’t lock your door at night, the creepy vampire can get in!”
How it Adds Description
Vampires are traditionally scary characters, and if you want to build your fictional vampire in this image, the adjective “creepy” can help. Unlike stronger fear-focused worlds, “creepy” suggests a mild fear. This is an ideal word to use when building suspense or when foreshadowing a future scary plot point.
6. Enchanting
Definition
Someone very charming or elegant.
Examples
“Though the vampire was old and frightening, he was also undeniably enchanting. She was conflicted about her thoughts.”
“My dream date? An enchanting vampire, for sure!”
How it Adds Description
Not all vampires are complete monsters. Many are charming, especially if they’re older and well-experienced in life. “Enchanting” shows your vampire is physically and emotionally attractive, and this trait might attract others. “Enchanting” may also show how your vampire is a popular person, and you can use this to show a clear social standing.
7. Outdated
Definition
Someone who is old-fashioned or at odds with modern life.
Examples
“The outdated vampire’s actions contrasted the modern world. He didn’t fit in, no matter how hard he tried to adopt the new customs.”
“He was an outdated vampire. He still wore a dinner jacket and wouldn’t touch social media.”
How it Adds Description
Another common vampire trope is being immortal, and this leads to vampires being very old. If you want to hint that your vampire is extremely old, the word “outdated” will show it. This adjective signals that they contrast your fictional world’s modern conventions, and it can also show other characters’ negative judgments about them.
8. Cunning
Definition
Someone who is very deceiving or clever.
Examples
“The cunning vampire developed a scheme to keep his blood supply topped up.”
“He may not have been friendly or beautiful, but he was a cunning vampire who was proud of his intellect.”
How it Adds Description
The word “cunning” can signal how intelligent and deceiving your vampire is, which is especially apt if you’re placing your vampire as a villain. This adjective shows that your vampire isn’t afraid to use their knowledge to get what they want. If other characters describe the vampire as “cunning,” it can also signal their subtle fear or jealousy of them.
9. Sharp
Definition
Someone very clever, quick to notice things, or a good thinker.
Examples
“The vampire was sharp when it came to developing plans. This made his enemies’ lives very difficult.”
“The sharp vampire noticed everything. Every glance, whisper, and thought. It was like he could read the visitors’ minds.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “sharp” can be used to show how quick-witted and smart your vampire is, especially when compared with other characters. This can make the other characters fearful of the vampire, but it can also make the vampire a great leader or a respected person.
10. Vivacious
Definition
Someone very exciting, lively, and physically attractive.
Examples
“The vivacious vampire invited his neighbors to a grand ball. He was ready to take a wife.”
“She glanced at the vivacious vampire in awe. How could somebody half-dead be so full of life?”
How it Adds Description
If your fictional vampire is dramatic and the life of the party, the word “vivacious” will showcase a clear image of their personality to your reader and other characters. “Vivacious” is associated with someone very charming and extroverted, and this can show how your vampire impresses others with their warm personality.