There are many ways you can write a lonely character in your book. In this post, we share some tips on how to describe loneliness in a story. Read on to learn more!
1. Heavy
Definition
Something that is intense, serious, or difficult to deal with.
Examples
“His heavy loneliness followed him everywhere, even when he was in a room full of people.”
“She was determined to shed her heavy lonely feelings, but it was proving easier said than done.”
How it Adds Description
“Heavy” shows that the feelings of loneliness are so strong that they’re weighing the character down. This adjective is usually reserved for extra powerful feelings, and it can imply characters have been suffering for a while. If a character experiences “heavy” loneliness, they might struggle to connect with others or have a fear that keeps them from reaching out for help.
2. Evident
Definition
Something that’s clear or easy to notice.
Examples
“She blushed as she entered the classroom alone. Her lack of companionship and loneliness was evident to everyone.”
“Though his secret feelings of loneliness weren’t evident, he was scared his peers knew he felt different.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show a character’s feelings are clear or obvious, “evident” is an apt adjective. This shows that everyone in the story can see the character is lonely, perhaps because of their mood or actions. Some characters might try to befriend them if their loneliness is “evident,” but others may use this to tease them.
3. Fictitious
Definition
Something that doesn’t exist or is false.
Examples
“Quit this fictitious loner act! You have so many friends and admirers.”
“He says he’s lonely, but we think his feelings are rather fictitious. Don’t you?”
How it Adds Description
Some characters might feign loneliness for sympathy or attention. In these cases, the feelings are “fictitious” because the character is lying. Characters that create “fictitious” emotions are likely to annoy others. They’re also usually manipulative and want to gain something from their fake loneliness act.
4. Agonizing
Definition
Something that causes extreme mental or physical pain.
Examples
“His agonizing loneliness left him bedridden for weeks. He could feel his isolation deep in his bones.”
“The prisoner was left alone for weeks, and his solitude was so agonizing that he wailed in the evenings.”
How it Adds Description
Though loneliness is an emotion, in severe cases, some people complain that it causes physical pain. “Agonizing” signifies that a character feels so alone that it hurts, and this could be a call for help or a sign of desperation. “Agonizing” loneliness may also debilitate the character, leaving them depressed or difficult to be around.
5. Constant
Definition
Something that’s always there or occurs all the time.
Examples
“His constant loneliness felt like a friend now. He couldn’t imagine life without eternal solitude.”
“Though she surrounded herself with friends and family, the loneliness in her heart was constant.”
How it Adds Description
If the feelings of loneliness never leave your character, “constant” is an excellent description of the situation. This shows that the character is always burdened by their feelings, and it could show they’re a more emotional or tortured soul.
6. Embarrassing
Definition
Something that leaves you ashamed or shy.
Examples
“When he thought about it, his lack of companions was embarrassing. A pink tint spread across his cheeks as he dwelled on his lonely life.”
“It’s rather embarrassing to be lonely in this day and age. Why doesn’t he make friends online?”
How it Adds Description
“Embarrassing” describes a character’s shame caused by their loneliness. This also implies they care how others perceive them, and therefore they might be a quiet or anxious character. Nasty characters or bullies might make lonely characters feel “embarrassed” by highlighting their solitary nature.
7. Secret
Definition
Something that’s hidden or only known by a few people.
Examples
“His secret loneliness was hidden in the day, but at night he allowed himself to feel the sadness.”
“Only her sister knew about her secret loneliness, and she didn’t dare tell anyone else.”
How it Adds Description
You can use the adjective “secret” to show how your character hides their feelings from others in the story. This could be because they’re embarrassed of feeling alone, or it could be because they want to look brave and fit in. Characters who keep their loneliness “secret” might struggle when opening up to others or when showing their true personality.
8. Intricate
Definition
Something that features many details or small parts.
Examples
“She realized her loneliness was intricate, and there was no way she could describe it to another soul.”
“Loneliness is such an intricate emotion. You wouldn’t understand it unless you’ve felt it.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to add depth or complexity to your character’s suffering, “intricate” can signify the many causes of their loneliness. “Intricate” also implies that there’s a greater level of suffering, as the causes are more complicated than a simple lonely feeling. If a character suffers from “intricate” loneliness, others may try to help them but won’t be able to grasp the layers of the problem.
9. Comforting
Definition
Something that makes you happier and less anxious.
Examples
“At this point, the lady’s loneliness was comforting to her. It was simply all she had.”
“His comforting solitude was all he needed. He’d never complained about being lonely; it was normal to him.”
How it Adds Description
Some characters might be at ease when alone, and their loneliness might feel ”comforting” to them. This can indicate that they’re an independent character and happiest when alone. Other characters might find this strange and see them as a loner or standoffish.
10. Benign
Definition
Something gentle, kind, and harmless.
Examples
“Despite his complaints, his feelings of loneliness were benign, and he’d forgotten about them by the morning.”
“I wish my isolation was benign! But this loneliness eats away at me every day.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “benign” shows that the character’s loneliness is harmless, meaning it won’t damage their mental or physical health. Characters with “benign” loneliness will likely get over their feelings quickly, especially with the help of others. Other characters might feel pity for them, but in some cases, they may think that the lonely character is being over dramatic.