Q&A for How to Describe a Person's Physical Appearance

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How can I get better at character descriptions?

Lydia Stevens
Author & Developmental Editor
Lydia Stevens is the author of the Hellfire Series and the Ginger Davenport Escapades. She is a Developmental Editor and Writing Coach through her company "Creative Content Critiquing and Consulting." She also co-hosts a writing podcast on the craft of writing called "The REDink Writers." With over ten years of experience, she specializes in writing fantasy fiction, paranormal fiction, memoirs, and inspirational novels. Lydia holds a BA and MA in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.

Lydia Stevens

Author & Developmental Editor

Expert Answer

Practice people watching. Watch people in a public place or on TV. Take the time to understand their mannerisms. Observe their looking, interactions, manners, and habits. All these little elements are very helpful for creating great character descriptions.

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Question

How to write describing of a person?

CMOsborne

Community Answer

If you're doing creative writing, use figurative language alongside straight descriptive terms. If you're writing something like a police report, be as factual and detailed as possible.

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Question

How do I describe characters in my book?

CMOsborne

Community Answer

Provide only as much detail about their physical appearance as you feel is necessary to define them as a character. Leave the rest up to the reader's imagination!

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Question

Would it be weird to be caught staring at someone?

Community Answer

They might find it weird, but just pretend you're daydreaming or oblivious. People tend to overlook situations, and some people may question it, others not. I'd say just be a bit weird in the streets if you plan to do this, and it will go down well.

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Describe a person you met casually?

CMOsborne

Community Answer

Focus on the basic, most obvious details--height, body type, build, hair color and style, skin tone, etc.

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Question

How do I describe my own physical appearance?

Community Answer

It can be more difficult, as you're so familiar with your appearance. Look in a mirror and try to objectively see yourself as others see you; spot the features that would stand out and think about how a stranger might describe you.

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