How To Write a Character Who Holds a Grudge
From the icy walls they erect to their unquenchable thirst for revenge, characters who carry a grudge can push a narrative into unexpected territories. So let’s explore how to write characters who hold a grudge!
Behaviour
- Isolate themselves
- Passive-aggressive
- Obsessively focused
- Delayed responses
- Overly critical
- Extreme reactions to the subject of their grudge
- Avoid situations in which the grudge can surface
- Deep-seated resentment
- Struggle to let things go
- Retaliatory actions
Interactions
- Cold or curt manner
- Avoiding direct communication with the subject of their grudge
- Use sarcasm, irony, or veiled hostility
- Use others as proxies for communication
- Use formal language
- Harsh tone
- Active avoidance
- Behave counter to the wishes of the subject of their grudge
- React negatively to attempts at reconciliation
Body language
- Stiff posture
- Avoid eye contact
- Crossed armos
- Expressions of distaste
- Turning away and shunning
- Maintain physical distance
- Grimacing
- Dismissive gestures
- Tension and crossed arms or legs
- Clenched teeth
Attitude
- Stubborn and unyielding
- Unwilling to forgive and forget
- A sense of entitlement
- Bitter or cynical
- A lack of empathy
- Reluctance to let go of the past
- Righteous anger
- Unwilling to compromise
- Feel wronged or victimised
- A push to “get even”
Positive story outcomes
A grudge has the potential to foster forgiveness and reconciliation, serving as a powerful catalyst for personal growth. In time, the grudge-holder may come to realise their own mistakes and seek to make amends, leading to a profound understanding of the offender’s perspective. Ultimately, through this transformative journey, they may find the strength to let go of their grudge, providing a sense of relief and closure.
Negative story outcomes
Holding on to a grudge has the potential to inflict permanent damage on relationships, creating rifts that may never fully heal. The weight of the grudge can bring about unnecessary stress and mental anguish, consuming the grudge-holder’s thoughts and emotions. This can lead to a cycle of further conflicts and misunderstandings, pushing away valuable relationships that could have brought joy and fulfilment. In the grip of a grudge, a character may lose sight of what truly matters, becoming consumed by their resentment and losing the ability to appreciate the present.
Helpful synonyms
- Resentment
- Bitterness
- Animosity
- Hostility
- Rancor
- Enmity
- Ill will
- Antipathy
- Antagonism
- Hatred
- Spite
- Ill feeling
- Bad blood
- Malice
- Vendetta
- Animus
- Malcontent
- Petulant
- Vindictive
- Peevish
