Writing a Character's Embarrassment

Portraying a character's embarrassment authentically can add depth and relatability to your storytelling. Here's a guide to help you effectively capture this complex emotion in your characters.

Physical Manifestations of Embarrassment

When writing about a character experiencing embarrassment, consider incorporating these physical cues:

• Coughing or Clearing Throat: Nervous habits like coughing can indicate discomfort.
• Stuttering or Stammering: Difficulty in speaking smoothly shows nervousness.
• Speechlessness: A sudden inability to speak reflects being overwhelmed.
• Looking Down: Avoiding eye contact suggests shame or discomfort.
• Slumping Shoulders: A posture that conveys defeat or self-consciousness.

Emotional and Visceral Responses

Delve into the character's internal experiences to convey embarrassment:

• Desire to Run Away: A strong urge to escape the situation shows intense discomfort.
• Angry Reactions: Lashing out or name-calling can be a defense mechanism.
• Physical Sensations: Describe lightheadedness, a tingling stomach, or excessive swallowing.
• Muddied Thoughts: Show how embarrassment can lead to panicked or unclear thinking.

Behavioral and Attitudinal Cues

Use behaviors and attitudes to deepen the portrayal:

• Excessive Swallowing: Nervous habits like swallowing can highlight discomfort.
• Rapidly Walking Away: Quickly leaving the scene with head down signals embarrassment.
• Fidgeting: Playing with objects or gripping belongings tightly can indicate nervousness.
• Pretending Not to Notice: Ignoring or avoiding the source of embarrassment shows denial.

Facial Expressions and Body Language

Facial expressions and body language are crucial in showing embarrassment:

• Blushing or Flushing: Reddening of the face is a classic sign of embarrassment.
• Nervous Smiling: A forced or nervous smile can reveal discomfort.
• Avoiding Eye Contact: Looking away or down signifies shame or self-consciousness.
• Covering Face: Hiding the face with hands or hair indicates a desire to disappear.

Growth and Evolution of Embarrassing Characters

Characters can grow from their embarrassing moments, adding depth to the story:

• Seeking Help: They might seek support from friends or therapists.
• Learning from Mistakes: Characters can learn to avoid repeating embarrassing behaviors.
• Building Confidence: Overcoming low self-esteem can reduce future embarrassment.
• Taking Action: Actively working to change embarrassing habits can show personal growth.

Common Stereotypes to Avoid

Avoid these clichés to create more nuanced characters:

• Overly Self-Conscious Characters: Those who can't handle any criticism.
• Excessive Sweating: Characters with uncontrollable physical reactions.
• Constantly Clumsy: Characters who trip or fall in every situation.
• Clueless about Social Norms: Characters unaware of basic etiquette.

Positives and Negatives of Embarrassing Traits

Highlight both the positives and negatives of having an embarrassing trait:

• Relatable and Human: Embarrassing traits make characters more relatable.
• Humor: Embarrassment can add comedic elements to a story.
• Opportunities for Support: Other characters can show empathy and support.
• Character Growth: Embarrassing moments can lead to significant personal development.

Examples from Literature

Take inspiration from well-written embarrassing characters:

• Bridget Jones from "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Adrian Mole from "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾" by Sue Townsend

By understanding and portraying these nuances, you can create more relatable, authentic characters, enriching your storytelling with genuine emotional depth.