Creating a compelling character isn’t just about giving them a name and a goal to achieve. It’s also about making them feel real to your reader. And what makes someone feel real? The little things. The devil’s in the details.
The way they tap their fingers when they’re nervous, the fact that they always hum while making coffee, or their unshakable belief that their lucky socks will change their fate. These quirks and habits add layers of depth and relatability, making characters leap off the page and stick in readers’ minds.
If you’re looking to add some personality to your cast, here’s a list of quirks and habits you can use or adapt to fit your story. Whether you’re writing a hero, a villain, or someone caught in between, the right little detail can make all the difference.
Common Quirks & Habits for Your Characters
Nervous Habits
- Biting nails or lips
- Tapping their foot incessantly
- Playing with hair or twisting rings
- Cracking knuckles, neck, or back
- Tugging at sleeves or clothing
- Fidgeting with small objects (coins, pens, paperclips)
- Avoiding eye contact when lying
Endearing or Quirky Traits
- Always carrying a lucky coin, stone, or charm
- Collecting something odd (bottle caps, pressed flowers, old receipts)
- Talking to plants or inanimate objects
- Inventing their own slang or catchphrases
- Always misquoting famous sayings
- Assigning personalities to everyday items
- Laughing at their own jokes (even the bad ones)
Food & Drink Habits
- Always ordering the same thing at a restaurant
- Hating foods for strange reasons (e.g., “Bananas feel too smug”)
- Stirring their coffee exactly three times before drinking
- Eating one thing at a time, never mixing food on their plate
- Refusing to drink from a cup with a crack, no matter how small
- Preferring drinks at specific temperatures (lukewarm coffee, ice-cold soup)
Daily Rituals & Superstitions
- Checking their horoscope religiously
- Only walking on certain-colored tiles
- Always taking the same route, even if it’s inconvenient
- Refusing to use red ink because “it’s bad luck”
- Making a wish on every stray eyelash
- Never leaving home without their signature accessory
Work & Study Quirks
- Always writing in a certain color of ink
- Organizing their desk in a very specific way
- Talking aloud while working through problems
- Writing notes on their hands, even when they have paper
- Needing total silence—or total chaos—to focus
- Humming or tapping when deep in thought
Broadly, Why Quirks Matter
A well-placed quirk can serve multiple storytelling purposes. It can:
- Reinforce personality traits (A meticulous scientist always straightens picture frames)
- Hint at backstory (A soldier always sits with their back to a wall)
- Create humor (A character refuses to eat food that touches on their plate)
- Build relationships (Two characters bond over their shared habit of doodling on receipts)
Quirks make characters feel human and help readers form emotional connections. A perfectly polished, flaw-free character is forgettable. A character who double-checks that they locked the door three times? That’s someone we recognize. We look at the character and see ourselves, friends, and family members.
Final Thoughts
Character quirks are the seasoning that makes a good character great. The right mix of habits, tics, and eccentricities can turn a flat character into a vivid one. Feel free to share your favorite character quirks and ideas in the comments below. I always love reading comments!
By the Brooke 