Are you writing a novel about witches? If you need some help, we’ve put together a list of descriptive words you can use in your writing below. Scroll down to learn how to describe a witch in a story.
1. Grumpy
Definition
Someone that’s miserable or bad-tempered.
Examples
“The grumpy witch sat on her stool and pondered all that was bad in the world.”
“Though the witch had received an apology from the fearful townspeople, she still felt grumpy about their scornful actions.”
How it Adds Description
You can show the witch is ill-tempered via the adjective “grumpy.” This shows that she’s either always in a bad mood or something has happened to lower her spirits. Being “grumpy” will likely make the witch an unpopular person, as she won’t be positive about anything. Other characters may even avoid the witch when she’s in a “grumpy” mood, leaving her isolated and even grumpier.
2. Compassionate
Definition
Someone who shows understanding or pity for those who are suffering.
Examples
“Many people were scared of the witch, but they didn’t know her true compassionate nature. She wouldn’t even harm a fly.”
“The compassionate witch took the injured cat into her home and used her magic to nurse it back to health.”
How it Adds Description
The word “compassionate” signals that the witch is kind-hearted and sympathetic to those around her, making her an overall pleasant person. Some characters may misjudge her based on typical witch stereotypes, and they might feel bad when they realize she’s “compassionate” and caring.
3. Cunning
Definition
Someone who achieves things in a clever way, and often by deceit.
Examples
“No one suspected that the car crash was the witch’s fault. Once again, her cunning nature had allowed her to get away with her crimes.”
“The witch thought of herself as cunning and witty, but her friends saw through her act.”
How it Adds Description
“Cunning” can be used to describe a witch that’s clever but uses her intelligence to deceive others and craft intricate plans. This is a trait associated with people who are very intellectually sharp or people who trick others frequently, and their talents might draw other characters towards them for help or to achieve their goals.
4. Foolish
Definition
Someone who isn’t sensible and lacks common sense.
Examples
“The witch felt foolish after she realized she bought the wrong ingredients for the spell.”
“Only foolish witches use eye of newt! Everyone knows the ingredients are toe of frog and wool of bat.”
How it Adds Description
While many think witches are clever, they also sometimes have rash moments and can exhibit “foolish” behavior. “Foolish” shows that your witch has had a slip of judgment, which may lead to problems further down the line in the novel. Additionally, nasty characters may try to take advantage of a “foolish” witch, as she might be easier to deceive.
5. Scrawny
Definition
Someone who is very thin, bony, and unattractive.
Examples
“The little boy yelped when he caught a glimpse of the scrawny witch. Her hair was ragged, and her face was covered in deep-set wrinkles.”
“Despite her scrawny and unkempt appearance, the witch was one of the most influential of the coven.”
How it Adds Description
Typically, witches are considered to be haggard and unkempt looking. If you’re trying to show your witch has a run-down appearance, “scrawny” is an excellent word to use. This gives the reader a clear visual while showing that the character doesn’t care about keeping up her appearance. This could be because she’s more focused on her magic or simply doesn’t want to adhere to strict beauty standards.
6. Seductive
Definition
Someone who is very attractive or can make you do something against your will.
Examples
“The seductive witch used her beauty and powers to attract her victims.”
“Unlike the others, the young witch was seductive and took pleasure in toying with the local gentlemen.”
How it Adds Description
While there are clear stereotypes about witches being unattractive, “seductive” can be used to describe a witch who is beautiful and attracts admirers. If wicked, the witch could use her “seductive” qualities to use the admirers in her magical plans. Alternatively, some witches may not enjoy being “seductive” as it draws too much attention to them.
7. Powerful
Definition
Someone who can influence or control people and events.
Examples
“The high priestess witch was the most powerful the coven had ever seen.”
“Despite her lack of experience, Anna was a naturally powerful witch.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show a witch’s influence or command over events, “powerful” will help. This adjective portrays the witch as an impressive character, and many lesser witches may look to her for advice or respect her abilities.
8. Villainous
Definition
Someone willing to break the law or harm others to get what they want.
Examples
“Her villainous mother was a witch, and she tried to spend as much time away from her as possible.”
“The local witch was villainous, and she constantly tried to harm the local residents with magical potions.”
How it Adds Description
“Villainous” portrays the witch as a bad person, so consider this adjective if the witch is the villain of your story. Most characters will dislike the “villainous” witch, as she doesn’t care about other people’s feelings and actively tries to hurt them. This will likely make her an outcast.
9. Intimidating
Definition
Someone that’s frightening and makes others lose confidence.
Examples
“The girl looked into the intimidating witch’s eyes and shuddered.”
“Even the king felt insecure in the presence of the intimidating witch.”
How it Adds Description
You can explore your witch’s power and her effect on others via “intimidating.” This adjective shows that others find her scary and may also feel self-conscious or timid in her presence. Only confident characters will be able to stand up to an “intimidating” witch.
10. Studious
Definition
Someone who spends lots of time studying.
Examples
“Unlike the other teen witches, Sabrina was studious and preferred to study the history of spells and potions.”
“The Hogwarts library is a dream come true for studious witches.”
How it Adds Description
“Studious” can be used to show your fictional witch is either interested in studying, reading, or academia in general. This also implies that she has a dedicated personality, as studying takes a lot of effort and organization. Other witches may be jealous of this trait, especially if the witch receives higher grades or more praise for her work.