390+ List of Character Quirks for Believable Characters

Trying to make your character stand out? Or maybe they’re coming across a little flat? If so, adding a few quirks might be the missing piece.

Quirks are those small but specific traits that help turn an ordinary character into someone readers remember.

In this article, you’ll find almost 400 character quirks to help bring your characters to life.

What Are Character Quirks?

A character quirk is a small, specific detail that sets your character apart.

It’s not a big personality trait or a major plot point. It’s the subtle stuff. The way they hum while thinking. The way they avoid eye contact in crowds. The way they always sit with their back to the wall.

These details can show up in appearance, behavior, habits, or speech. But no matter where they show up, they tell us something deeper about the person behind the quirk.

Famous examples? Think Harry Potter’s lightning scar. Katniss Everdeen’s instinct with a bow. Spider-Man cracking jokes while dodging punches. Superheroes, by the way, are full of quirks if you’re ever looking for inspiration.

Why Are Character Quirks Important?

Quirks add texture. They give your character edges, angles, and depth.

Without them, characters can start to blend together. But add just one memorable trait, and suddenly that character becomes someone the reader can picture and remember.

They also help your story feel more grounded. Even the most outlandish plots work better when the characters feel real. And nothing feels more real than the tiny habits, tics, or tells that make us human.

By the way, if you want to really flesh out your characters, we've got an all-inclusive character profile builder that you can look at. Follow this template and you'll find your characters are just jumping off the page at you (not literally, unfortunately)
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How to Use Character Quirks in Your Novel

You can develop quirks when you first create the character, or you can let them show up naturally as the story unfolds. Either way, the key is to make sure they feel organic. If a quirk feels forced or random, it can distract from the story instead of adding to it.

Here are a few strategies for weaving quirks into your writing:

  • Make them matter. A quirk shouldn’t just be extra fluff. Ideally, it should reveal something about the character or influence how they act. You can even use quirks to move the plot forward or highlight character growth.
  • Use contrast to your advantage. Instead of choosing a quirk that fits the character perfectly, try something that feels unexpected. A tough warrior who’s terrified of frogs. A detective who never remembers names. These combinations can create tension, humor, or insight.
  • Avoid cliches. The more common a quirk is, the less likely it is to stand out. Try mixing traits or coming up with something new. That said, don’t be weird for the sake of being weird. Even the most unusual quirk should still say something meaningful about your character.

Once you’ve identified a character’s quirk, include it in your character profile. You can also explore it through writing exercises or character interviews. Sometimes the best quirks emerge when you let your character speak in their own voice.

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How NOT to Use Character Quirks

The biggest mistake you can make with character quirks is leaning on clichés or stereotypes. Not only do they make characters feel flat and predictable, but in some cases, they can veer into territory that’s insensitive or offensive.

Here are a few examples of quirks that are either overused or best avoided:

  • Talking to themselves constantly
  • Staring off into space while thinking
  • Always assuming others are wrong or beneath them
  • Describing a character solely by pale skin
  • Smirking or using a crooked smile as a default
  • Being clumsy to the point of caricature
  • Always putting themselves down

Quirks are meant to make a character feel real. But if they’re too obvious, too repetitive, or too disconnected from the character’s personality, they’ll do more harm than good. Focus on quirks that deepen the character or support the story, and always steer clear of anything that feels lazy or overdone.

The Ultimate List of Character Quirks

All right, so now that we understand how to use character quirks in your novel, let's get into our ultimate list of character habits.

You can use these to brainstorm ideas for your characters, or combine them in specific ways to make original quirks.

However you do it, I hope you enjoy this list:

Physical Quirks

Many character quirks show up in a person’s physical traits or behaviors. These details might be obvious to others, or something the character tries to hide. Here are some examples you can draw from:

  1. Has a lot of freckles
  2. Has a lot of tattoos, or an unusual tattoo
  3. Is always too cold or hot
  4. Has asymmetrical features
  5. Has an athletic build
  6. Has two eyes of different colors
  7. A distinguishing feature like a mole or noticeable scar
  8. Wears strange glasses
  9. Is extremely tall or short
  10. Is very thin or fat
  11. Wears braces
  12. Has messy, disheveled hair
  13. Has perfect here
  14. The shape of the nose
  15. Has acne, eczema or other skin problems
  16. A lazy eye
  17. A specific birthmark
  18. An unusual eye color
  19. An unusual hair color or style
  20. Has very long fingernails
  21. Bad breath
  22. A unique allergy
  23. A fidget or
  24. Large feet
  25. Very hairy arms or legs
  26. Left-Handed or ambidextrous
  27. Has a physical tic
  28. Talks loudly or whispers a lot
  29. Has an accent
  30. Is extremely ticklish, especially in certain places
  31. Shows hygiene issues such as not showering regularly; smelling bad; always having greasy hair etc.​
  32. Always wears a hat, even indoors
  33. Has a noticeable limp or uneven gait
  34. Constantly cracks their knuckles
  35. Has unusually long limbs or fingers
  36. Blinks more than average
  37. Wears gloves in all seasons
  38. Wears a signature color all the time
  39. Has trouble sitting still
  40. Has unusually expressive eyebrows
  41. Always wears socks that don’t match
  42. Keeps their nails painted at all times, even chipped
  43. Rarely makes eye contact
  44. Wears excessive cologne or perfume
  45. Avoids mirrors at all costs
  46. Has a nervous habit like chewing on their sleeve or tapping their teeth with a pen

Clothing/Accessories Quirks

Clothing often says more about a character’s personality than their physical appearance. It’s one of the easiest ways to signal something unique, eccentric, or consistent about who they are:

  1. Always wears makeup
  2. Wears a specific article of clothing or jewelry
  3. Clothes always look perfectly pressed
  4. Likes to wear boots or any other type of shoes
  5. Always looks professional
  6. Always looks disheveled
  7. Clothing is mismatched
  8. Dresses in a flashy style
  9. Dresses in a dull style
  10. Is always wearing activewear
  11. Dresses in very revealing clothing
  12. Tends to overdress or underdress for any occasion
  13. Is bigger than the clothing he/she wears
  14. Only wears knockoffs or designer wear
  15. Likes to dress in styles for much younger people
  16. Wears oversized clothes
  17. Wears shorts even when it's cold outside
  18. Wears socks with their sandals
  19. Wears heels all the time
  20. Keeps up with the latest styles
  21. Always wears the same color
  22. Always wears the exact same type of clothing
  23. Always wears clothes that are way outdated
  24. Never irons their clothes
  25. Dresses in ethnic clothing
  26. Has a very unusual hair style or color when compared to the character's culture
  27. Spends an unreasonable amount of money on clothes.
  28. Makes up silly names for all of their outfits (ie: Pj's)
  29. Is always wearing pajamas or underclothes out in public.
  30. Always has a scarf on, regardless of season
  31. Refuses to wear shoes indoors or out
  32. Collects novelty T-shirts and wears them daily
  33. Has a signature accessory they’re never seen without
  34. Wears too many layers, even in warm weather
  35. Only shops at thrift stores and refuses new clothes
  36. Has a collection of hats for every occasion
  37. Is obsessed with a single brand or logo
  38. Pins buttons or patches to every outfit
  39. Always has ink or paint stains on their clothes
  40. Keeps sunglasses on even indoors
  41. Wears gloves all the time, even when impractical
  42. Mixes formal and casual wear in strange combinations
  43. Dresses in cosplay or costume pieces on regular days
  44. Always tucks in their shirt, no matter what they’re wearing

Personality Quirks

Some of the most rewarding quirks come from a character’s personality. These little traits can create tension, humor, or insight, and make your character feel like a real person.

  1. Is an adrenaline junkie
  2. Loves to talk about what they've accomplished
  3. Is extremely enthusiastic
  4. Is extroverted or introverted
  5. Makes snap decisions
  6. Judges other people too quickly
  7. Needs the approval of others
  8. Is obsessed with their own personal hygiene
  9. Trusts people too often
  10. Is a perfectionist
  11. Over plans
  12. Always looking for new adventures
  13. Doesn't like change
  14. Is suspicious of other people
  15. Takes credit for other people's work
  16. Likes to one-up people
  17. Roots for the underdog
  18. Very reactive and emotional
  19. Take things too personally
  20. Is a lovable teddy bear
  21. Argues a lot for no reason
  22. Prefers to go without a plan
  23. Doesn't like to touch people
  24. Control freak
  25. Never admit when they're wrong
  26. Can't tell a lie even to save their own life
  27. Is always patient
  28. Has a unique sense of humor
  29. Is stoic and it's hard to make them laugh
  30. Frequently complains
  31. Will do anything for friends or family
  32. Always cautious and careful
  33. Sleeps all the time
  34. Has a horrible or perfect sense of direction
  35. Loves to be the best at everything
  36. Overly humble
  37. Overly emotional in many situations
  38. Is always dating new people
  39. Is obsessed with the latest in pop culture
  40. Doesn't like to talk about their past
  41. Is obsessed with one particular thing or hobby
  42. Keeps to themselves for the most part.
  43. Is very forgetful and doesn't like to be reminded of things from the past
  44. Believes in aliens and UFOs
  45. Talks to animals as if they understand
  46. Always finds the silver lining, even in awful situations
  47. Avoids eye contact in conversations
  48. Over-apologizes for everything
  49. Holds grudges for way too long
  50. Laughs at inappropriate moments
  51. Recites movie lines to make a point
  52. Believes strongly in luck or superstitions
  53. Craves chaos or unpredictability
  54. Has strong opinions about minor topics
  55. Writes everything down in a journal, even while things are happening
  56. Avoids confrontation at all costs
  57. Refuses to follow trends or popular ideas
  58. Gets overwhelmed when making decisions
  59. Always plays devil’s advocate in arguments

Behavioral Quirks

Next, let's explore behavioral quirks. These are similar to personality quirks, but they tend to be more visible. Think of them as outward habits or repeated actions (things a reader might “see” a character doing again and again).

  1. Likes to sit facing or turned away from the door
  2. Bites their lip a lot
  3. Is a chain smoker
  4. Likes to chew gum
  5. Clears their throat frequently
  6. Uses a specific filler word often
  7. Likes to flip their hair
  8. Jingles keys
  9. Has a loud laugh
  10. Licks Their Lips A Lot
  11. Likes to hum
  12. Likes to move when talking
  13. Makes a lot of hand gestures when talking
  14. Paces a lot when thinking
  15. Prefers to sit at the end of a row
  16. Sniffs or scoffs a lot
  17. Snorts when laughing
  18. Taps or strokes their chin or nose when thinking
  19. Taps their fingernails on a hard surface
  20. Giggles frequently
  21. Uses air quotes when talking
  22. Has a distinctive laugh
  23. Whistles a lot
  24. Rolls their eyes a lot.
  25. Has made up words for common items
  26. Twitches often, particularly when nervous
  27. Fidgets with a ring or bracelet constantly
  28. Drums their fingers when impatient
  29. Nods excessively during conversation
  30. Bounces one leg when seated
  31. Pulls at their sleeves or collar
  32. Always needs to be holding something (pen, coin, etc.)
  33. Avoids stepping on cracks or specific tiles
  34. Has to knock on wood when making a bold statement
  35. Sticks out their tongue slightly when concentrating
  36. Rechecks door locks multiple times
  37. Tilts their head when listening
  38. Always bites the end of a pen or pencil
  39. Talks with their hands even when alone
  40. Fidgets with zippers, strings, or loose threads
  41. Carries a lucky object and touches it often

Everyone eats, but not everyone eats the same way. Giving your character a unique food-related habit can add depth, create contrast with other characters, or spark interesting dialogue and tension.

  1. Always orders the same thing
  2. Scarfs down the food
  3. Always brings a snack wherever they go
  4. Belches loudly after eating
  5. Is constantly talking about diet
  6. Drinks a lot of coffee or tea
  7. Eats while driving
  8. Is a very delicate eater
  9. Comments on other people's food
  10. Lets everyone know that they are vegan
  11. Is a messy eater
  12. Only eats organic food
  13. Will eat off of other people's plates
  14. Prefers junk food or home-cooked meals
  15. Overeats in private
  16. Is a picky eater
  17. Takes huge bites of food
  18. Tucks a napkin into their shirt before eating
  19. Doesn't like to eat in front of other people
  20. Only eats after they see other people eat first
  21. Only eats after everyone else has finished eating
  22. Gulps down their drink or beer
  23. Is frequently talking about food.
  24. Prefers only healthy snacks and drinks, but will eat junk food in private
  25. Will try anything once when it comes to new foods/drinks
  26. Likes to cook for others more than themselves
  27. Cuts all food into tiny pieces before eating
  28. Hates sharing food, even with close friends
  29. Always asks for extra sauce, no matter the dish
  30. Eats dessert first
  31. Refuses to eat leftovers
  32. Counts the number of chews per bite
  33. Always brings homemade hot sauce
  34. Sneaks snacks into places where food isn't allowed
  35. Refuses to eat food that touches other food on the plate
  36. Talks with their mouth full
  37. Has themed days (e.g., “Taco Tuesday” every week, without fail)
  38. Prefers eating with their hands, even when utensils are expected
  39. Smells food before every bite
  40. Tries to guess ingredients out loud while chewing
  41. Always volunteers to be the taste-tester when cooking is involved

Body Quirks

Body quirks aren’t about how a character looks but about how they move. These small, often unconscious behaviors can reveal a lot about a person’s energy, confidence, or nervous habits.

  1. Frequently adjusts their sleeves
  2. Bounces their legs when sitting
  3. Has a peppy, bouncy walk
  4. Walks with purpose
  5. Cracks knuckles a lot
  6. Enters a room timidly
  7. Swings their arms a lot or not at all when walking
  8. Walks without purpose
  9. Bites nails or picks at nail polish
  10. Often pulls down their jacket or skirt
  11. Scratches their head
  12. Scratches their face
  13. Bobs their foot when sitting with crossed legs
  14. Takes large or tiny steps
  15. Pushes past people
  16. Likes to pop their back
  17. Walks with a limp
  18. Holds their weight on one side when standing
  19. Leans back in the chair
  20. Leans toward people when they are speaking
  21. Leans against the wall and standing
  22. Props her feet up on furniture
  23. Text there hands behind her head when seated
  24. Often squirms when sitting
  25. Stands or sits extremely still
  26. Hangs her hands straight at their side
  27. Leans away from people
  28. Tends to slouch
  29. Likes to stretch a lot
  30. There head facing down most of the time
  31. Rubs their neck when thinking
  32. Shifts from foot to foot when waiting
  33. Tends to cross their arms, even in casual settings
  34. Flails a little when excited
  35. Carries themselves with a rigid posture
  36. Tends to pace when deep in thought
  37. Taps their foot when impatient
  38. Cracks their neck habitually
  39. Walks on their toes rather than heels
  40. Hugs themselves when nervous
  41. Constantly fixes their posture after slouching
  42. Always stands at an angle, never facing others directly
  43. Keeps hands in pockets almost all the time
  44. Often clasps their hands behind their back
  45. Sits with one leg folded under them, even in formal settings

Competency Quirks

Some quirks come from what a character is unusually good at… or hilariously bad at. These skills (or lack thereof) can be great tools for adding realism, humor, or plot twists to your story.

Strength-based Quirks:

  1. Great at cooking
  2. Plays a musical instrument
  3. Has an artistic talent (i.e. drawing, painting, or sculpting)
  4. Great at impressions
  5. A ventriloquist
  6. Can do magic tricks
  7. Speaks many languages
  8. Knows a lot of useless trivia
  9. An expert hacker
  10. Can build anything
  11. Great at logical reasoning
  12. Great at debate
  13. A photographic memory
  14. Connects with animals
  15. Empathetic and good at understanding people
  16. A fast runner
  17. A contortionist
  18. Has a superpower
  19. Isn't afraid of anything
  20. Skilled in lockpicking
  21. Memorizes full books or movie scripts for fun
  22. Exceptionally good at mimicking handwriting
  23. Can guess someone’s drink order just by looking at them
  24. Excellent whistler
  25. Always knows which way is north
  26. Can recite long poems or speeches from memory
  27. Great at calming people down in a crisis
  28. Can throw their voice
  29. Fixes broken electronics with improvised tools

Weakness-based Quirks

  1. Can't drive/drive well
  2. Never punctual
  3. You can't read their handwriting
  4. Terrified of public speaking
  5. Socially awkward
  6. Shops too often
  7. An alcoholic
  8. A kleptomaniac
  9. A pathological liar
  10. Manipulative of their friends
  11. Gets jealous easily
  12. Passive agressive
  13. Has a strong phobia or irrational fear
  14. Has an unhealthy obsession
  15. Burnt everything they’ve ever tried to cook
  16. Can’t follow instructions — even simple ones
  17. Awkward silence filler who always says the wrong thing
  18. Gets motion sickness in the weirdest situations
  19. Freezes when given a compliment

Communication Quirks

Some of the most memorable character quirks come out when they talk. Dialogue is a natural place to show what makes your character different, whether it's how they speak, what they say, or what they avoid.

Here are some examples:

  1. Can't stand silence when chatting
  2. Speaks slowly and deliberately, thinking through each word
  3. Over-describes things
  4. Doesn't speak unless addressed directly
  5. Exaggerates everything
  6. Enunciates
  7. Uses their arms a lot when speaking
  8. Avoids eye contact
  9. Doesn't say what they want directly
  10. Must have the last word
  11. Has nicknames for everyone
  12. Pauses for a long time when speaking
  13. Restates what other people say
  14. Talks to themself
  15. Talks very fast
  16. Talks with a sing-songy cadence
  17. Has over-exaggerated expressions
  18. Has a specific dialect
  19. Winks a lot when communicating
  20. Has a unique speech pattern
  21. Answers questions with unrelated stories
  22. Uses outdated slang or idioms no one else understands
  23. Speaks in rhymes when nervous
  24. Whispers even in normal conversation
  25. Overuses formal titles (e.g., always says “Mr.” or “Ma’am”)
  26. Gives long-winded metaphors nobody asks for
  27. Spells out words in conversation (e.g., “That was R-U-D-E”)
  28. Finishes other people’s sentences
  29. Interrupts often without realizing it
  30. Uses air quotes excessively

Random Quirks

Some character quirks don’t fit neatly into a specific category — but that doesn’t make them any less useful. These oddball details can hint at personality, backstory, or hidden contradictions that make a character more human.

Here are some examples:

  1. Gets hiccups often
  2. Is highly politically active
  3. Is easy to influence
  4. Snores at night
  5. Takes in stray animals
  6. Looks at the bright side in every situation
  7. Only drinks sparkling water
  8. Walks around barefoot
  9. Sings opera in the shower
  10. Does meal prep
  11. Looks in every mirror
  12. Is superstitious (won't walk under a ladder, etc.)
  13. Prefers the dark
  14. Doesn't read old/new books
  15. Prefers to go out on the town by themselves
  16. Loves watching “bad” movies
  17. Is a thoughtful gift-giver
  18. Leaves notes in library books for future readers
  19. Uses a tissue to touch surfaces in public spaces
  20. Calls their mom every day
  21. Clucks their tongue a lot
  22. Quotes movies all the time
  23. Claims to know how they will die
  24. Grows all their own food
  25. Can recite poetry
  26. Has a vision board
  27. Recycles regularly
  28. Loves the beach but hates swimming
  29. Has a strong Instagram feed and following
  30. Has an imaginary friend
  31. Names their car, laptop, or houseplants
  32. Sleeps with a night light
  33. Carries a good luck charm
  34. Keeps score of everything (even conversations)
  35. Obsessed with horoscopes
  36. Writes Yelp reviews for everything
  37. Keeps candy in every pocket or bag
  38. Refuses to use public restrooms
  39. Constantly corrects grammar, even in text messages
  40. Thinks every dream has a deeper meaning

Choose Character Quirks Wisely

With hundreds of quirks to choose from, it can be tempting to load your characters up with a dozen. But a little goes a long way. Pick one or two that truly fit, and let them grow naturally as you write.

Feel free to invent your own as well. The quirks that work best are often the ones you won’t find on any list.

And if you have ideas we didn’t include, we’d love to hear them. Send them through our contact page, and we just might add them in a future update.

The more you layer in personality flaws, irrational fears, or odd little habits, the more real your characters will feel, and the more likely they’ll stick with your readers long after the story ends.



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