In this post, we provide advice on how to describe regret in a story through the use of 10 descriptive words. Scroll down to learn more and get some ideas on how you can write a character experiencing regret.
1. Complex
Definition
Something that’s difficult or hard to understand.
Examples
“Her past regrets were complex, and she never explained them to others. If she couldn’t wrap her head around them, no one else would.”
“He was weighed down by a set of complex regrets, and every day he awoke with a new wrinkle on his face.”
How it Adds Description
Regret takes a different shape and form for every person, and sometimes people struggle with regrets more than others. In these cases, the regrets are usually more “complex,” meaning they concern lots of instances or are very confusing. Characters that suffer from “complex” regrets might seem tortured or at the mercy of their thoughts. This can make them difficult to connect with, as they won’t explain their past to others.
2. Shameful
Definition
An attitude or actions that are so bad that a person should be ashamed.
Examples
“Her shameful regrets kept her from re-entering society. She locked herself away from the masses for her own sanity.”
“The man wrestled with his shameful regrets every day. If he could, he’d wipe his slate clean and rewrite the past.”
How it Adds Description
“Shameful” shows that the character’s regrets have negative connotations, which cause them to feel embarrassed or ashamed. This could lead to characters being ostracized by others due to their past actions or inactions, especially in judgmental societies.
3. Sparse
Definition
Something that’s small in amount or number.
Examples
“Though her regrets were sparse, she often considered the past and what she could have done differently.”
“My regrets are sparse and none of your business!”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show that a character’s regrets are few, “sparse” is a good adjective to use. This signifies that the character doesn’t suffer under the weight of their past decisions, and this could make them more carefree or sure of themselves. Characters with “sparse” regrets could also be more focused on the future, as they don’t need to rectify the past.
4. Tormenting
Definition
Extreme suffering, usually of the mental or psychological kind.
Examples
“He tried to make his tormenting regrets disappear, but nothing would silence his past.”
“I feel bad for the boy. Obviously, his regrets are tormenting, and you can see the struggle on his face.”
How it Adds Description
“Tormenting” can be used to show the extreme suffering caused by past regrets. This can indicate that the character’s thoughts are consumed by the past, thus debilitating their mental health and overall wellness. Characters with these problems might be unable to form healthy relationships with others due to their suffering.
5. Heavy
Definition
Something that’s great in intensity, degree, or amount.
Examples
“I hope this doesn’t leave me with heavy regrets. Oh well.”
“She tussled with her heavy regrets, but the fight never got any easier.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “heavy” can be used to show the extent of the regrets or to emphasize their effect on the character. This could lead to them feeling glum or sad often, even if they’ve been living with the “heavy” regrets for years.
6. Insignificant
Definition
Something unimportant or very small.
Examples
“Regrets were insignificant to her. Why worry about the past when you have the future ahead of you?”
“Don’t bother me with your insignificant regrets. I don’t have time for the past!”
How it Adds Description
Some regrets are smaller or less important than others, and “insignificant” can show this. Characters with “insignificant” regrets might not understand why other characters spend so much time thinking about the past. This might make them seem flippant, but it allows them to reduce mental anguish or suffering.
7. Unshakeable
Definition
Something so strong or firm it can’t be altered or destroyed.
Examples
“I am burdened by these unshakeable regrets. Help me free myself!”
“No amount of journaling or therapy could free her from the shackles of her unshakeable regrets.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “unshakeable” shows no matter how hard the character tries, they can’t get rid of their past regrets. This shows they’ve been actively trying to get rid of them, but it’s not working. Characters with “unshakeable” regrets might hit a breaking point and become desperate to rid themselves of their worries.
8. Awkward
Definition
Something that feels embarrassing or difficult to talk about.
Examples
“I can’t explain myself. My past regrets are too awkward for anyone else to hear!”
“She dismissed her awkward regrets and stepped into the room. One way or another, she’d make up for her past.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show that your character feels uncomfortable with their regrets, “awkward” can help imply this point. This can show the regrets are of a sensitive nature or very personal to the character. Characters with “awkward” regrets are usually unlikely to divulge their secrets to others, and this means the character often suffers in silence.
9. Haunting
Definition
Something that’s persistent, poignant, and hard to forget.
Examples
“He watched her face drop. The haunting regrets were taking control of her mind again.”
“A day didn’t go by without her descending into her mental pit of haunting regrets.”
How it Adds Description
“Haunting” can be used to show how frequently the character’s regrets cause them pain. This implies they’re rarely without these worries, and this could slowly debilitate them over time. “Haunting” also implies that the regrets are of a sad or upsetting nature due to the word’s negative connotations.
10. Harrowing
Definition
Something that’s disturbing or extremely upsetting.
Examples
“He sat in a dark room and let the harrowing regrets take over.”
“No amount of money, therapy, or love could remove the harrowing regrets from her mind.”
How it Adds Description
If caused by a traumatic event, regrets can become extreme or “harrowing.” This shows they’re exceptionally painful for the character, and this could cause them to fall into a deep depression or to suffer flashbacks from the past. Other characters might try to help them overcome their past, but very “harrowing” regrets may plague the character forever.