50 negative character traits for your novel

Apr 08, 2025

When writing characters for your novel, flaws and imperfections are just as important, if not more, than strengths and virtues. Why? Because flaws create conflict, drive character arcs, and ultimately make characters feel more human.

A perfect character is often a boring character, but one with layers of complexity (faults, fears, and failures) can stay in a reader's mind forever.

Why Negative Traits Matter

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk quickly about why you’d want to give a character negative traits:

They create conflict, both internal and external.
They offer room for growth, great for character arcs.
They can challenge other characters, adding tension to relationships, especially if you're writing character with opposite traits.
They reflect reality, nobody’s perfect, and fiction mirrors life.
They can be endearing, yes, even flaws can make a character lovable (or at least, fascinating).

50 Negative Character Traits to Use in Your Novel

These traits are grouped loosely by theme for easier navigation.

Arrogant and Self-Absorbed Traits

Arrogant – Believes they’re better than others, refuses advice.
Self-centered – Prioritizes their own needs in every situation.
Vain – Obsessed with appearance or status.
Condescending – Talks down to others, makes people feel inferior.
Know-it-all – Always has to be right or have the last word.
Boastful – Loves bragging, even exaggerating their achievements.
Judgmental – Quick to criticize without understanding context.
Narcissistic – Seeks admiration, lacks empathy.
Pretentious – Acts more cultured or important than they are.
Dismissive – Brushes off other people’s feelings or opinions.

Tip: These traits are often great for antagonists or flawed leaders, but they can also challenge protagonists to grow.

Insecure and Fear-Based Traits

Jealous – Resents others’ success or happiness.
Paranoid – Constantly suspects betrayal or danger.
Needy – Craves constant validation or attention.
Cowardly – Avoids confrontation or responsibility.
Self-doubting – Constantly questions their own worth or decisions.
Overly sensitive – Takes everything personally.
Controlling – Needs to micromanage or dominate.
Obsessive – Can’t let go of people, ideas, or goals.
Anxious – Constantly worried about outcomes or judgments.
Defensive – Reacts harshly to criticism or feedback.

These flaws can be excellent starting points for deep character arcs. What is the source of their fear? Can they overcome it?

Deceptive and Untrustworthy Traits

Liar – Lies to protect themselves or manipulate others.
Two-faced – Acts differently around different people.
Manipulative – Twists the truth to get what they want.
Secretive – Keeps important truths hidden.
Unfaithful – Disloyal in relationships.
Passive-aggressive – Expresses anger in subtle or sneaky ways.
Backstabbing – Betrays friends or allies for personal gain.
Greedy – Wants more than they need—money, power, love.
Corruptible – Easily tempted to betray values for gain.
Gaslighting – Makes others doubt their perception or sanity.

These traits work well for villains, but they can also add depth to anti-heroes or tragic characters. They are usually what we call fatal flaws.

Reckless and Destructive Traits

Impulsive – Acts without thinking through consequences.
Hot-headed – Quick to anger and aggression.
Addictive – Struggles with unhealthy dependencies.
Violent – Resorts to physical harm too easily.
Reckless – Takes dangerous risks without concern.
Stubborn – Refuses to change their mind even when wrong.
Resentful – Holds onto old grudges.
Self-destructive – Sabotages their own happiness or success.
Vindictive – Seeks revenge even for small slights.
Exploitative – Uses others for personal advantage.

Even a hero might struggle with some of these, especially in morally gray stories. Think of characters like Walter White or Thomas Shelby.

Socially Awkward or Problematic Traits

Rude – Lacks manners or empathy in conversation.
Dismissive – Invalidates the thoughts or feelings of others.
Insensitive – Unaware or indifferent to how they affect others.
Socially oblivious – Lacks awareness of social norms.
Bossy – Pushes people around, even in casual settings.
Inappropriate – Says or does things out of place.
Interrupts constantly – Can’t let others speak.
Overbearing – Smothers people with attention or control.
Neglectful – Ignores duties or the needs of others.
Petty – Holds on to tiny slights or grievances.

Sometimes these traits come from how the character was raised, their culture, or trauma—layering your character’s backstory can explain these flaws without excusing them.

How to Use These Traits in Your Story

Don’t Overload One Character

It’s tempting to throw a bunch of flaws at your character, but remember: subtlety and focus are key. One or two strong flaws, deeply explored, are more effective than a laundry list.

Tie Traits to Backstory

Why does your character act this way? Do they have a tragic backstory? Maybe they’re arrogant because they were constantly dismissed as a child, or clingy because they’ve been abandoned. Giving a reason for their behavior makes it believable.

Show Through Action, Not Labels

Don’t just say “he’s manipulative”—show him twisting a situation to his advantage. Use dialogue, choices, and relationships between characters to reflect flaws organically.

Use Flaws to Create Conflict

Conflict drives story. A character’s flaws should cause tension with others, block their goals, or lead to poor decisions. That’s where growth (or downfall) happens.