How to Describe Physical Appearance and Make Your Characters Stand Out

When I was a kid I was really into the Sweet Valley series, but particularly Sweet Valley Twins. I can’t quite remember if the other series, (Kids, High, Senior Year, University) did this, but in the Twins books, the writers always used the same copy-paste description of Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield: “Both were tanned with sun-kissed blonde hair, and blue-green eyes. They were identical right down to the dimples on their left cheek.”

It was then that I decided that when I grew up and wrote my own books I would try to be different and original with my descriptions. A character is so much more than just the color of their hair or eyes. There’s so much in their physical appearance that can help writers reveal who their characters are, and there are so many creative ways that we can approach describing a character that can make the experience of reading so much richer.

Below are some tips on how to describe your characters’ physical appearance more creatively and really add some pizzazz to your narrative.

Be selective with details

Choose key features:

Though you might be tempted to focus on every detail, this isn’t necessary. It can be more effective to bring attention to just a few physical characteristics. This might include unusual eye color, a unique hairstyle, a scar, or a specific type of clothing.

Highlight what’s important:

Emphasize traits that are relevant to the character’s role in the story or their personality. For example, a warrior might have a muscular build and battle scars.

Integrate description with action

Show, don’t tell:

Integrating physical descriptions into actions or interactions can help make your narrative richer. Instead of saying, “She had long, blonde hair,” you might write, “She tossed her long, blonde hair over her shoulder as she laughed.”

Use metaphors and similes:

Comparing physical traits to familiar objects or concepts gives your writing another layer of depth. For example, “His eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s, constantly scanning the room.”

Consider character perspective

First-Person POV:

Describe what the character would notice about themselves or others. This can include personal biases or insecurities. Maybe they hide their fingers because they’re ashamed of their bitten-down nails. Maybe they notice this mannerism in someone else and that’s how they connect.

Third-Person Limited POV:

Focus on what the viewpoint character would observe and deem significant in others, and how they relate to it or how it affects the way they view that other character.

Third-Person Omniscient POV:

This would be similar to third-person limited, but it would provide broader, more detailed descriptions from a detached perspective.

Use dialogue and reactions

Indirect description:

It can be handy to have characters describe each other through dialogue or inner thoughts. For example, one character might say to the other, “You always tower over everyone with your six-foot frame.”

Reactions:

You can also show how characters react to another character’s appearance. For example, “Heads turned as she walked in, her bright red dress catching everyone’s attention.”

But even in these instances, it remains more effective to bring attention to important details and not focus on describing every aspect of the character’s appearance.

Be mindful of setting and context

Cultural and historical context:

Be sure to do your research and tailor descriptions to fit the setting! In a medieval fantasy, characters might wear armor or tunics. However, in a contemporary setting, they might wear jeans and t-shirts. In the Caribbean, they might wear shorts and tank tops all year round, but walking a beach in Martha’s Vineyard in March would have the characters wearing sweaters and long pants.

Environmental influence:

Describe how the environment affects the character’s appearance. Maybe their hair grows in volume when the humidity increases in the atmosphere. Or maybe their skin is scorched from spending months at sea.

Balance physical and non-physical traits

Personality and behavior:

Combining physical traits with behavioral or personality descriptions can help create a fuller picture. How does their physical appearance emphasize or go against the idea of the character? For example, “Her delicate features did not hold true to the fierce determination in her eyes.”

Unique habits:

We all have those mannerisms that are unique to us, and we’ve noticed them in other people, too! Mention unique habits or quirks that complement their physical appearance, like twirling hair or adjusting glasses.

Avoid clichés and stereotypes

Originality:

Strive for unique descriptions that avoid common clichés. Instead of “Her hair was as black as night,” you could say, “Her hair was a deep onyx. In the dark, her green eyes shone like lanterns. In another life, she might’ve been a panther.”

Depth:

Avoid reducing characters to stereotypical descriptions. Make sure your descriptions add depth and individuality.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Likewise, be mindful of how you describe minorities and POC. Certain (usually cliché) descriptions can come across as derogatory or disrespectful. Be sure to check with sensitivity readers when writing about these groups.

If you’ve been describing your characters like “He stood six feet tall, had dark hair, parted to the side, and blue eyes” but are looking for a way to break out of that, then these tips should be a great starting point. As you continue to practice, you’ll develop these ideas and your own unique way of describing characters will start to come through. I encourage you to take these and see what you can come up with. I bet the results will be surprising and delightful!

Be sure to reach out if you’re interested in editing services! Let’s have a chat and see how I can best help you out!