Are you writing a scene where a character is close to death? Let us help by explaining how to describe someone dying in a story. Read on to learn about 10 words that can be used to this.
1. Resolute
Definition
Determined, unwavering; showing firmness and resolve in the face of adversity.
Examples
“My father clung to life with a resolute spirit, refusing to succumb to the illness that ravaged his body.”
“Even in the final moments, her resolute gaze conveyed a fierce determination to leave a lasting impact on the world.”
How it Adds Description
Use “resolute” to describe someone who is perishing if you want to emphasize their unwavering strength in the face of death. It reveals the character’s determination to fight till the end and desire to leave a significant mark on the world, moving your readers on an emotional level that further invests them in your story.
2. Serene
Definition
Tranquil, peaceful; displaying a calm and undisturbed demeanor.
Examples
“The elderly man’s face remained serene as the life force gradually ebbed away, bringing an air of tranquility to the room.”
“The Queen’s serene presence served as a balm for the grief felt by those present at her bedside as she lay dying.”
How it Adds Description
Choose “serene” to evoke a sense of calmness and peaceful acceptance that sets the tone for your scene and resonates throughout the storyline. It portrays your character as someone who has found inner peace even in the face of mortality, bringing a certain tranquility to the tale that draws in your readers.
3. Vulnerable
Definition
Exposed, defenseless; being susceptible to harm.
Examples
“Stripped of all strength and vitality, the warrior lay on the battlefield, vulnerable and at the mercy of fate.”
“The sight of my grandmother’s frail form stirred a deep sense of compassion in those witnessing her vulnerable state.”
How it Adds Description
Employing “vulnerable” will help you illustrate that a dying person is in a fragile and defenseless condition. It elicits empathy from your readers and highlights the delicate nature of life. Select this word to make the death more poignant and transition into how the death affects the other characters in your tale.
4. Fading
Definition
Diminishing, declining; gradually losing strength, brightness, or vitality.
Examples
“With each passing breath, his life force grew fainter, his former presence slowly fading away.”
“The flicker of hope in her eyes was fading, replaced by a weariness that revealed the hard toll of her struggle to survive.”
How it Adds Description
“Fading” captures the diminishing essence of a character’s existence. It adds a sense of transience and impending loss, creating a heartbreaking feel to a scene that serves to heighten the emotional impact of your narrative. This can serve as a catalyst for a change in the storyline or as closure for a character who has fought a long battle.
5. Regretful
Definition
Remorseful, repentant; feeling sorrow or guilt over past actions or missed opportunities.
Examples
“In his final moments, a regretful expression crossed his face, reflecting the weight of unfulfilled dreams and unresolved conflicts.”
“The warlord’s raspy voice trembled in a regretful whisper as he uttered apologies for the mistakes and violence of his past.”
How it Adds Description
You can use “regretful” to describe a dying person who reveals their inner turmoil and personal burdens. It adds complexity to their character, suggesting a desire for redemption or closure before departing, and can introduce themes of reflection and the human capacity for growth and forgiveness.
6. Wistful
Definition
Yearning, nostalgic; having a feeling of longing or melancholic desire for something unattainable or lost.
Examples
“During the soldier’s final moments, a wistful smile graced her lips, as if reminiscing about cherished memories.”
“His eyes wandered to the window, a wistful gaze hinting at the unfulfilled dreams and adventures that would forever remain unrealized.”
How it Adds Description
Portraying a person as “wistful” evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, suggesting a life full of unfulfilled aspirations. It highlights their introspective nature and the bittersweet emotions accompanying the end of their journey. Use this word to illustrate the regrets of a character that may not have previously been obvious.
7. Labored
Definition
Difficult, arduous; involving or requiring much effort and exertion.
Examples
“Each breath the patient took was labored, a painful reminder of the body’s struggle to sustain itself.”
“His voice emerged in short, labored whispers as if the weight of his words matched the burden of his deteriorating condition.”
How it Adds Description
“Labored” portrays a person facing imminent death as someone who is enduring great physical toll and hardship as they come to the end of their life. It adds realism to your tale, portraying the visceral struggle of their deteriorating health and emphasizing the fragility of life in the face of impending death that has been protracted or difficult.
8. Reflective
Definition
Thoughtful, contemplative; engaged in deep or serious consideration.
Examples
“In her final hours, she became increasingly reflective, delving into the profound questions of existence and the meaning of it all.”
“The wizard’s eyes, filled with wisdom and insight, met mine in a reflective gaze that spoke volumes to me without uttering a word.”
How it Adds Description
Saying that a perishing person is “reflective” portrays them as someone who contemplates the broader aspects of life and engages in introspection about their life as they lay on their death bed. It adds a philosophical dimension to their character’s demise, allowing for profound conversations and introspective moments that enrich the narrative.
9. Dignified
Definition
Gallant, composed; demonstrating a composed and noble manner.
Examples
“In the face of pain and suffering, he maintained a dignified composure, radiating a quiet strength that inspired admiration.”
“As the end drew near, my mother remained dignified, refusing to let the agony overshadow the grace with which she lived her life.”
How it Adds Description
Use “dignified” to depict a person nearing death if you want to highlight their ability to maintain poise and honor despite their declining condition. It adds a layer of nobility to their character, representing them as an exemplar of grace and inspiring those around them, even in the face of death.
10. Transcendent
Definition
Elevated, surpassing; going beyond ordinary limits.
Examples
“A transcendent light seemed to radiate from within him, illuminating the room and touching the hearts of all who witnessed it.”
“As the nun lay on her deathbed, her spirit shone with a transcendent grace, radiating a profound sense of peace and serenity.”
How it Adds Description
Depict a dying person as “transcendent” to demonstrate a character’s ability to rise above the limitations of mortality and connect with something greater. It adds a mystical and spiritual element to your story, inviting contemplation about the nature of existence and what lies beyond death.