The Best Ways to Describe a Person: How to Improve Your Creative Writing

Have you ever found yourself struggling to bring characters to life in your writing?

If so, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re preparing for SATs, CATs or 11 Plus exams, getting ready for GCSE or A Level English Language or beyond… creative writing is a key skill.

If you dream of painting vivid pictures of intriguing characters in your writing, but don’t know where to begin, this blog is for you. From selecting the right adjectives to weaving imagery that captures the heart of your characters and the attention of your readers, we’ve got you. 

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith sharpening your skills or a budding storyteller eager to learn, grab your metaphoric paintbrushes and let’s craft some unforgettable characters together.

What are describing words called?

Describing words are called adjectives

Adjectives are essential in creative writing as they add depth, colour and specificity to your descriptions – making your writing more vivid and engaging for the reader.

When you read a story, adjectives help you picture the characters, places and things in your mind. Well-chosen adjectives turn ordinary, factual sentences into thrilling adventures. Without them, stories would be pretty boring to say the least!

What are the best ways to describe a person?

When it comes to describing people, adjectives play a crucial role in character development and bringing individuals to life on the page. It’s not just about saying what they look like, but about making them feel real to the reader. When we describe a person in a story, we’re not just talking about their appearance. We’re showing who they are through their actions and feelings. 

Every detail we choose, from how they smile to the way they move, helps the reader imagine them like a friend or someone they might meet. With the right words, a character comes to life on the page, and your story becomes even more exciting.

Here are some key tips for describing people.

  • Show, don’t tell: Rather than directly stating traits about the person, show them through actions, dialogue and interactions with other characters. For example, instead of saying “She was kind”, show her performing acts of kindness or speaking gently.
  • Use vivid imagery: Use descriptive language that appeals to the senses to create a vivid image of a person. Describe their appearance, mannerisms and surroundings in detail, using sensory details such as sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
  • Focus on unique details: Highlight distinctive features or characteristics that make the person memorable and unique. Whether it’s a physical trait, a personality quirk, or a style of dress, these details make characters more relatable. For example, instead of saying “he wore glasses”, you could say “he sported round, thick-rimmed glasses that gave him a scholarly air.”
  • Emotional state: Adjectives can convey a character’s emotional state, helping the reader understand their inner world. Describe facial expressions, body language and demeanour to convey emotions effectively. For instance, instead of saying “she was sad”, you could say “her eyes were downcast, and her shoulders slumped with despair.”
  • Physical appearance: Use well-chosen adjectives to paint a clear picture of a character’s physical appearance. Consider their height, build, hair colour, eye colour and distinctive features. Instead of simply saying “she was tall”, you could say “she was statuesque, with long, graceful limbs.”

For more tips on improving your creative writing, read our guides to Fronted Adverbials and Powerful Adjectives, as well as the best books for boosting your child’s vocabulary.

How do I describe someone’s personality?

Describing someone’s personality involves more than just listing traits. As we’ve just seen, it’s about revealing who they are through their actions, words and interactions with others.

So instead of just focusing on adjectives describing their personality, think about your character’s behaviour, dialogue and decisions. For example, rather than saying “She was brave”, show her taking risks or standing up for what she believes in.

To do this, use specific examples and moments that highlight different aspects of your character’s personality. For instance, if you want to portray someone as compassionate, describe them helping a friend in need or showing kindness to a stranger. Pay close attention to the character’s speech patterns, tone and choice of words, as these all provide clues about their personality, background and worldview.

Remember, our personalities are influenced by external factors such as culture, upbringing and past experiences. Take these factors into account when describing your characters, and you’ll build a clear and vivid impression in your readers’ minds.

What are 20 descriptive words?

Here are 20 words that could describe someone’s personality, along with examples in a sentence. If you’re unsure of any meanings, it’s a great opportunity to get that dictionary out and build your vocab!

  1. Ethereal: She moved through the crowd with an ethereal grace, like a delicate wisp of smoke.
  2. Enigmatic: His enigmatic smile hinted at secrets untold.
  3. Resilient: Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained resilient, her spirit unbroken.
  4. Radiant: Her laughter echoed like a melody, filling the room with a radiant warmth.
  5. Serene: With eyes like tranquil pools, he exuded a serene calmness.
  6. Charismatic: He possessed a charismatic charm that drew people to him like moths to a flame.
  7. Quixotic: She chased after her dreams with a quixotic fervour.
  8. Empathetic: With a gentle touch and an empathetic gaze, she offered solace to those in need.
  9. Luminescent: Her eyes sparkled with a luminescent brilliance.
  10. Vivacious: Bursting with energy and enthusiasm, her vivacious spirit was contagious to all.
  11. Melancholic: Her melancholic demeanour was a reflection of the shadows haunting her mind.
  12. Indomitable: With a fierce determination, she faced each challenge head-on, her indomitable spirit refusing to be crushed by adversity.
  13. Magnetic: He had a magnetic personality that drew people to him effortlessly.
  14. Eccentric: With her colourful attire and quirky mannerisms, she was the epitome of eccentricity.
  15. Sagacious: His sagacious wisdom was a guiding light in a world shrouded in darkness.
  16. Effervescent: Like a bottle of champagne, she bubbled with effervescent energy.
  17. Enchanting: With a smile that could light up the night sky, he cast an enchanting spell wherever he went.
  18. Dauntless: Fearless in the face of danger, he charged into battle with dauntless courage.
  19. Enigmatic: He was an enigmatic figure, his mysterious aura shrouded in intrigue and speculation.
  20. Sensitive: With a sensitive understanding of human emotions, he brought peace and serenity to everyone he encountered.

What are 100 examples of an adjective?

Feeling inspired? Then get ready for our long list.

Here are 100 examples of adjectives (along with definitions), which could describe a person…

Adjectives describing a positive personality

  1. Happy: Overflowing with joy and contentment.
  2. Kind: Compassionate and considerate.
  3. Generous: Giving freely and abundantly.
  4. Brave: Courageous and fearless.
  5. Compassionate: Kind and caring.
  6. Optimistic: Seeing the bright side of life.
  7. Creative: Imaginative and innovative.
  8. Intelligent: Sharp-minded and astute.
  9. Confident: Self-assured and poised.
  10. Charming: Charismatic and engaging.
  11. Enthusiastic: Full of passion and energy.
  12. Passionate: Driven by intense emotion and conviction.
  13. Loyal: Faithful and steadfast.
  14. Honest: Truthful and sincere.
  15. Reliable: Dependable and trustworthy.
  16. Empathetic: Attuned to the feelings and needs of others.
  17. Humble: Modest and unassuming.
  18. Grateful: Thankful and appreciative.
  19. Peaceful: Serene and tranquil.
  20. Vibrant: Full of life and energy.

Adjectives describing a negative personality

  1. Angry: Fuming with frustration or rage.
  2. Mean: Exhibiting a cold and callous demeanour.
  3. Selfish: Concerned only with personal gain.
  4. Cowardly: Timid and fearful.
  5. Cruel: Delighting in the suffering of others.
  6. Pessimistic: Drowning in a sea of negativity.
  7. Lazy: Sluggish and lethargic.
  8. Ignorant: Blissfully unaware or uninformed.
  9. Arrogant: Full of self-importance.
  10. Rude: Vulgar and ill-mannered.
  11. Inconsiderate: Thoughtless to the feelings or needs of others.
  12. Reckless: Acting without regard for consequences.
  13. Stubborn: Unyielding and obstinate.
  14. Dishonest: Deceitful and untrustworthy.
  15. Unreliable: Fickle and undependable.
  16. Indifferent: Emotionally detached and apathetic.
  17. Jealous: Consumed by envy and resentment.
  18. Greedy: Insatiable in pursuit of wealth or possessions.
  19. Impulsive: Acting without forethought or consideration.
  20. Moody: Prone to sudden negative shifts in emotion.

Adjectives describing someone’s hair

  1. Silken: Smooth, soft and luxurious.
  2. Wispy: Fine, delicate and feathery.
  3. Shaggy: Untamed, unkempt and tousled.
  4. Tousled: Messy, dishevelled and ruffled.
  5. Lustrous: Shiny, glossy and radiant.
  6. Tangled: Knotted, twisted and matted.
  7. Voluminous: Full, thick and abundant.
  8. Frizzy: Unruly, curly and prone to frizz.
  9. Wavy: Flowing in gentle, undulating waves.
  10. Sleek: Smooth, straight and polished.
  11. Unkempt: Messy, disordered and neglected.
  12. Fluffy: Soft, light and airy.
  13. Tightly-coiled: Curled or wound tightly in spirals.
  14. Coiffed: Styled or arranged with meticulous care.
  15. Dishevelled: Untidy or disordered.

Adjectives describing someone’s voice

  1. Melodious: Pleasant-sounding and harmonious.
  2. Resonant: Deep, rich and full-bodied.
  3. Dulcet: Sweet and soothing.
  4. Sonorous: Deep, imposing and impressive.
  5. Velvety: Smooth, soft and luxurious.
  6. Silvery: Clear, bright and ringing.
  7. Husky: Deep, rough and throaty.
  8. Ethereal: Delicate, airy and otherworldly.
  9. Sibilant: Hissing, whispering and soft.
  10. Euphonious: Pleasing to the ear.
  11. Nasal: Resonating from the nose.
  12. Gravelly: Rough, hoarse and harsh.
  13. Lilted: Rising and falling rhythmically.
  14. Commanding: Powerful, authoritative and compelling.
  15. Lyrical: Expressive, poetic and musical.

Adjectives describing someone’s clothing

  1. Opulent: Luxurious and extravagant in design or material.
  2. Bohemian: Free-spirited and unconventional.
  3. Sleek: Smooth, streamlined and modern.
  4. Vintage: Classic and retro in style.
  5. Flamboyant: Bold, colourful and attention-grabbing.
  6. Tailored: Custom-fitted and carefully crafted.
  7. Casual: Relaxed, comfortable and suitable for everyday use.
  8. Elegant: Sophisticated and refined.
  9. Funky: Quirky, unconventional and offbeat.
  10. Chic: Stylish, fashionable and sophisticated.
  11. Eclectic: Comprising a diverse range of styles, influences or elements.
  12. Boho: Bohemian-inspired, characterised by flowing fabrics, earthy colours and eclectic accessories.
  13. Preppy: Smart, neat and traditional in style.
  14. Edgy: Bold, daring and unconventional.
  15. Sporty: Casual and functional, suitable for athletic activities.

Adjectives to describe someone’s body

  1. Slender: Thin and graceful.
  2. Petite: Small and dainty.
  3. Muscular: Well-developed muscles, often implying strength.
  4. Curvy: Often with rounded hips and a well-defined waist.
  5. Stocky: Compact and solidly built.
  6. Lanky: Tall and thin, with long limbs.
  7. Stout: Broad and heavily built.
  8. Lean: Slim and fit, with little body fat.
  9. Athletic: Possessing a fit and toned physique.
  10. Chiselled: Sharply defined facial features and a well-sculpted physique.
  11. Voluptuous: A full, shapely figure, often implying curves and sensuality.
  12. Toned: Firm and well-defined.
  13. Fit: Healthy and physically active.
  14. Plump: Having a pleasantly rounded, full figure.
  15. Lithe: A slender and supple physique.

What are some unique descriptive words?

Still looking for more adjectives? To wrap up, here are some of the most unusual (and little-known!) descriptive words that are sure to impress any examiner.

  1. Ebullient: Overflowing with enthusiasm, excitement or fervour.
  2. Lugubrious: Mournful, dismal or sorrowful in an exaggerated or melodramatic way.
  3. Sesquipedalian: Characterised by the use of long words or complex language.
  4. Quixotic: Unrealistic, idealistic or impractical.
  5. Effulgent: Radiating brilliance or brightness.
  6. Nefarious: Wicked, villainous or evil.
  7. Querulous: Habitually complaining or grumbling.
  8. Mellifluous: Smooth, flowing and musical in sound.
  9. Pernicious: Causing great harm, destruction or damage.
  10. Surreptitious: Secretive, stealthy or clandestine.
  11. Obsequious: Excessively obedient or attentive.
  12. Quotidian: Ordinary, commonplace or mundane.
  13. Languid: Lacking energy, vitality or spirit.
  14. Tenebrous: Dark, shadowy or obscure.
  15. Perspicacious: Having keen mental perception and understanding.

Does your child need help with creative writing?

If your child needs support and guidance with grammar, writing, reading, SATs prep, GCSE English or 11 Plus entrance exams, Achieve Learning can help. With over 20 years of experience helping students unlock their potential, reach out today to see how we can assist your child.