If you’ve got a particular alleyway in mind for your novel and need some help in portraying it, this post is for you. Below we show you how to describe an alleyway in writing.
1. Dingy
Definition
Something that’s depressing, dark, and usually dirty.
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Examples
“He dreaded walking down the dingy alleyway, especially since he was wearing his new shoes.”
“She ran down the dingy alleyway. Her goal was to spend as little time as possible in the dirt.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show your alleyway is dirty or dark, “dingy” is the word to use. This adjective is linked to unpleasant places, and it can show your character’s dislike for the location. It could also imply that the alleyway is unsafe, as it’s neglected by society. This can foreshadow bad events happening there.
2. Concealed
Definition
Something that’s hidden or covered.
Examples
“She slipped into the concealed alleyway to hide from her pursuers.”
“He searched day and night for the concealed alleyway, but he just couldn’t find the hidden entrance.”
How it Adds Description
“Concealed” gives the sense that the alleyway is hidden from the general public. This might frustrate characters, as they can’t easily access the location. A character can also use a “concealed” alleyway to hide in, which is ideal of you’re trying to build suspense in your novel.
3. Sinister
Definition
Something that seems harmful or evil.
Examples
“She avoided the sinister alleyway at all costs. Nothing gave her the shivers more than that awful place.”
“He was stuck in the sinister alleyway with no hope of escaping.”
How it Adds Description
“Sinister” is an adjective with strong negative connotations. If you want to show that your fictional alleyway is scary or unsafe, this word gives a clear image to the reader. If a character thinks the alleyway is “sinister,” it could show they want to leave or are uncomfortable in unknown surroundings.
4. Narrow
Definition
Something that’s very small from one side to the other.
Examples
“The narrow alleyway made everyone feel claustrophobic, even if they didn’t suffer from the fear.”
“He had to breathe in to fit through the narrow alleyway. It was an unpleasant journey, to say the least.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “narrow” describes the small physical quality of the alleyway. This is a great term to use if you want to build up a clear image of the setting. A “narrow” alleyway could make characters feel uncomfortable, especially if they’re taller, as they’ll take up more space. A “narrow” alleyway might also be harder to travel through, and this can create a challenge for your characters.
5. Threatening
Definition
Something that might harm people.
Examples
“She grimaced as she entered the threatening alleyway. Nothing about the scene was pleasant.”
“Don’t walk down the threatening alleyway alone. You’ll regret it if you do.”
How it Adds Description
“Threatening” shows that your alleyway setting poses a physical or emotional danger to any nearby characters. This could leave characters too scared to enter, and it can also imply that some kind of danger resides within the alleyway.
6. Spacious
Definition
Something that’s large in area or size.
Examples
“She gasped as she entered the spacious alleyway. From the outside, it looked tiny.”
“No one knew about the spacious alleyway, and you’d never know how large it was from outside.”
How it Adds Description
Alleyways are typically small spaces, but they can also be surprisingly large. “Spacious” shows that your alleyway is different from others, and this will likely surprise characters — especially if the alleyway looks tiny from the outside. If a character thinks the alleyway is “spacious,” they will likely be impressed or in awe of the setting.
7. Minimal
Definition
Something that’s small in value, degree, or quantity.
Examples
“The minimal alleyway was completely empty, apart from an endless vision of concrete slabs.”
“The alleyway was minimal compared to the bustling avenues from her homelands.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show how empty or simple your fictional alleyway is, “minimal” can help. This adjective can show that the alleyway has nothing in it or has a very basic design. Some characters might find this quite eerie and quiet, but others might enjoy the “minimal” simplicity.
8. Cramped
Definition
Somewhere that’s too small for the things and people inside it.
Examples
“The cramped alleyway was home to thousands of people. But their homes were modest in comparison to the outside world.”
“She squeezed through the cramped alleyway. Every step she took was calculated and intentional.”
How it Adds Description
“Cramped” shows that your alleyway is either very small or very filled with people and things to the point it feels small. Characters could struggle to travel through a “cramped” alleyway due to the excessive amount of people and obstructions. However, they might enjoy visiting the space, as a “cramped” alleyway could be home to eccentric or strange characters.
9. Tranquil
Definition
Somewhere peaceful and calm.
Examples
“She slowly sauntered through the tranquil alleyway. The space offered a peaceful break from the busy city.”
“The tranquil alleyway was a popular hiding spot for anyone who wanted a moment to calm down and take a deep breath. It was needed in the bustling city.”
How it Adds Description
“Tranquil” shows how the alleyway offers a brief oasis from the town or city it’s situated in. Introverted characters may be drawn to this space, as it allows them to rest before tackling the busy streets. If a character calls the alleyway “tranquil,” they might be fond of it and may gravitate towards it more than others.
10. Chic
Definition
Somewhere that’s sophisticated and fashionable.
Examples
“The chic alleyway was full of designer shops and exclusive restaurants. It was definitely the location to see and be seen in.”
“Wow, this is a chic alleyway. Who knew such luxury was hidden in plain sight?”
How it Adds Description
While alleyways have the reputation of being dark and dismal, they can also be luxurious. “Chic” shows your alleyway is polished and fashionable, and it could be home to fine shops, apartments, and eateries. Characters who care about appearances might flock to the “chic” alleyway to take advantage of its services and to show off their wealth.