A List of 80 Character Quirks For Your Novel

Every memorable character has a little something extra: a twitch of the eye, a fondness for obscure quotes, a habit of collecting something unusual. These character quirks can make fictional people feel real, lived-in, and compelling. 

Here, you'll find 80 character quirks divided into 8 categories. Use them to deepen personalities, hint at backstories, or just make someone unforgettable in your novel.

1. Physical Quirks

Little actions or physical features that reveal personality.

1. Cracks knuckles loudly and frequently, often in social silence.
2. Walks on tiptoes unconsciously when nervous.
3. Blinks excessively when lying.
4. Tugs on their left earlobe while thinking.
5. Always wears mismatched socks, on purpose.
6. Has a crooked smile that only appears when they’re genuinely happy.
7. Picks at the corner of paper or napkins until shredded.
8. Speaks with a slight stutter that worsens under stress.
9. Constantly spins rings or bracelets while talking.
10. Can’t sit still: legs bounce, fingers drum, something always moves.

2. Verbal Quirks

The way a character talks can instantly reveal who they are. A good dialogue can highlight those quirks.

1. Uses outdated slang no one else understands.
2. Always starts sentences with, “Here’s the thing...”
3. Quotes random trivia mid-conversation.
4. Overuses metaphors, often absurd ones.
5. Whispers when excited and shouts when nervous.
6. Refuses to use contractions, making their speech oddly formal.
7. Talks to themselves in third person.
8. Has a catchphrase like, “Wild stuff!” or “Say less!”
9. Misuses big words to sound smarter.
10. Over-apologizes—even when someone else spills their drink.

3. Fashion & Appearance Quirks

Style is expression. And sometimes, obsession.

1. Wears a different hat every day.
2. Has one pair of shoes they refuse to replace, even if falling apart.
3. Color-codes outfits with mood (yellow = happy, black = sad, etc.).
4. Dresses in outdated fashion from a specific decade.
5. Owns 30 variations of the same outfit, cartoon-character style.
6. Collects lapel pins and wears a new one daily.
7. Always has ink-stained fingers.
8. Wears multiple watches—but none tell the correct time.
9. Refuses to wear anything that isn't thrifted.
10. Carries an umbrella everywhere, rain or shine.

4. Social Behavior Quirks

Interaction patterns that show comfort, awkwardness, or history.

1. Stares just a little too long before responding.
2. Hugs everyone: new friends, old enemies, delivery drivers.
3. Avoids eye contact like it’s radioactive.
4. Interrupts often, but never realizes it.
5. Always brings small, odd gifts to gatherings (a candle shaped like a carrot, for example).
6. Laughs loudly at their own jokes, even if no one else does.
7. Mimics the speaking style of whoever they’re with.
8. Always has to be touching something: shoulder, arm, back.
9. Insists on elaborate greetings and goodbyes.
10. Takes group selfies obsessively and narrates every photo.

5. Cognitive & Mental Quirks

These quirks reveal how a character thinks or processes the world.

1. Recites grocery lists or names alphabetically in their head to calm down.
2. Refuses to step on cracks. Not superstitious, just hates unevenness.
3. Constantly imagines worst-case scenarios for fun.
4. Remembers random, obscure birthdays, but not important ones.
5. Speaks in analogies because it’s how they understand things.
6. Believes they have “lucky” numbers for decisions.
7. Keeps mental tallies of how often people say their name.
8. Rehearses conversations in their head before and after they happen.
9. Lives by unspoken “rules” no one else knows exist.
10. Forgets faces but remembers every license plate they’ve seen.

6. Hobbies & Obsessions

Small, often surprising details that bring a hobby to life.

1. Folds origami cranes and leaves them in public places.
2. Keeps a log of all the clouds they’ve ever seen, with descriptions.
3. Obsessed with conspiracy theories, but only harmless ones (like “birds aren’t real”).
4. Records the temperature and weather every morning.
5. Draws tiny doodles in margins of every book they read.
6. Collects receipts from places they visit and tapes them in a journal.
7. Brews their own tea blends with ridiculous names.
8. Makes theme songs for people they know and sings them aloud.
9. Has a deep, inexplicable love for vending machines.
10. Hoards pens from every hotel or restaurant they've been to.

7. Emotional Reactions

Unique ways a character might express or suppress emotion.

1. Laughs when they’re about to cry.
2. Apologizes for being happy, as if it's a burden to others.
3. Freezes entirely when angry, like a “rage shutdown.”
4. Smiles automatically when anxious.
5. Yells compliments during arguments.
6. Writes apology letters they never send.
7. Can’t cry unless they hear a specific song.
8. Gives gifts when they’ve hurt someone, without mentioning the hurt.
9. Talks about emotions as if they belong to someone else.
10. Makes jokes about trauma no one else finds funny.

8. Environmental & Sensory Quirks

How characters relate to their physical world: senses, preferences, or surroundings.

1. Carries a specific scent in a bottle to feel safe.
2. Can’t function under fluorescent lights, always brings a desk lamp.
3. Avoids foods with certain textures (like “squishy” or “gritty”).
4. Can identify people by their footsteps.
5. Always rearranges furniture upon entering a new room.
6. Collects pebbles that feel “just right” to hold.
7. Sleeps with multiple fans for the sound.
8. Always knows exactly where north is, even indoors.
9. Taps surfaces to test their “vibe” before sitting down.
10. Refuses to enter rooms that smell like vanilla.

Not every character needs a quirk but even one well-placed detail can say more than a paragraph of exposition. When writing, choose quirks that reveal something deeper: a quirk that comes from childhood, trauma, love, or belief. Let it evolve. Let it be challenged.

And above all: have fun with it. These little oddities are where characters come alive.