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Here is an updated and improved list of over 300 words I have compiled that will assist students of drama and theatre to describe characters in performance. Each word is accompanied by several easy-to-understand synonyms to help define it. In the process, each of the synonyms can also be used to describe characters, making the total list over 1,500 different adjectives!
Often as part of their coursework, students see professional theatre performances and then come back to class to describe the characters in the play or musical. The list of adjectives in this post will assist in describing character traits and the type of person seen in the show. Was she bossy, affable, fearless, or loyal? Perhaps the character was honourable, energetic, industrious, or self-assured? Whatever the character presented, this list will help students of theatre describe them.
300 Adjectives That Describe Characters
| Words | Meaning via Simple Synonyms |
|---|---|
| able | capable, skilled, competent, proficient, fitted |
| accepting | tolerant, patient, composed, unemotional |
| accountable | answerable, reasonable, definable, unsurprising |
| adaptable | versatile, flexible, changeable, amenable, |
| addictive | gripping, enthralling, fascinating, riveting |
| adventurous | bold, audacious, fearless, undaunted |
| affable | cordial, affable, sociable, pleasant, hospitable |
| affectionate | caring, loving, warm, tender, comforting |
| aggressive | antagonistic, hostile, argumentative, adversarial |
| agile | nimble, deft, sprightly, active, light-footed |
| agreeable | delightful, pleasant, enjoyable, palatable, nice |
| alert | vigilant, observant, wary, cautious, guarded |
| ambitious | aspiring, driven, determined, spirited, assertive |
| amiable | agreeable, affable, pleasant, friendly, kind |
| amicable | warm, sociable, cordial, genial |
| amusing | comical, humourous, witty, laughable, jocular |
| angelic | heavenly, divine, kind, innocent, beautiful |
| annoying | irritating, bothersome, irksome, agitating |
| antagonist | enemy, foe, adversary, nemesis, hostile |
| anti-hero | villain, antagonist, rival, archenemy, opponent |
| anxious | concerned, worried, nervous, uneasy, troubled |
| ardent | passionate, fierce, enthusiastic, spirited, vigorous |
| arrogant | smug, egotistical, boastful, prideful, brash |
| articulate | eloquent, persuasive, coherent, expressive, intelligible |
| artistic | inventive, original, inspired, cultivated, perceptive |
| assertive | bold, assured, decisive, determined, strong-willed |
| astute | sharp, quick, insightful, judicious, shrewd |
| athletic | muscly, strapping, brawny, burly, ripped, fit |
| attentive | watchful, observant, perceptive, mindful, acute |
| autonomous | independent, uncontrolled, self-reliant, liberated |
| available | accessible, unengaged, gettable, reachable |
| awkward | nervous, self-conscious, shy, introverted, nervy |
| babyish | childish, immature, infantile, juvenile, adolescent |
| bad-tempered | grumpy, grouchy, testy, crotchety, ill-tempered |
| benevolent | kind-hearted, warm-hearted, gracious, good-natured |
| big-headed | arrogant, cocky, boastful, egotistical, self-congratulatory |
| blunt | direct, forthright, candid, upfront, frank |
| boastful | pompous, conceited, arrogant, self-assured, swaggering |
| bold | brash, forward, audacious, cocky, shameless |
| boring | dull, tedious, mundane, dreary, humdrum, uninspiring |
| bossy | domineering, overbearing, dictatorial, dominating, controlling |
| brave | fearless, valiant, heroic, undaunted, unflinching |
| bright | clever, intelligent, sharp, smart, astute |
| busy | occupied, active, industrious, lively, engaged |
| calm | serene, tranquil, peaceful, relaxed, passive |
| candid | frank, forthright, blunt, open, honest |
| capable | competent, efficient, able, accomplished, skilled |
| careful | aware, vigilant, guarded, mindful, measured |
| careless | inattentive, negligent, reckless, remiss, sloppy |
| caring | kind-hearted, tender, compassionate, thoughtful, considerate |
| caustic | cutting, biting, corrosive, stinging, destructive |
| cautious | alert, aware, heedful, guarded, vigilant |
| charismatic | charming, magnetic, captivating, mesmerising, alluring |
| charming | delightful, pleasant, fetching, likeable, endearing |
| chatty | talkative, gossipy, conversational, motormouthed |
| cheerful | happy, merry, glad, bright, bubbly, sprightly |
| childlike | youthful, adolescent, naive, unaffected, green, innocent |
| civil | courteous, polite, affable, mannerly, cultivated |
| classy | dignified, noble, honourable, respectable, upright |
| clever | bright, smart, gifted, educated, intelligent |
| clingy | needy, dependent, insecure, reliant, possessive |
| clumsy | awkward, uncoordinated, gangling, ungraceful, gawky |
| cold | unfriendly, inhospitable, lukewarm, stony, remote |
| communicative | friendly, talkative, outgoing, approachable, affable |
| compassionate | empathetic, understanding, caring, sympathetic, tender-hearted |
| compelling | enthralling, captivating, engrossing riveting, alluring |
| complex | complicated, involved, elaborate, difficult |
| conceited | vain, narcissistic, arrogant, pompous, proud |
| condescending | patronising, snobbish, haughty, snooty, superior |
| confident | assured, assertive, collected, composed, unperturbed |
| conscientious | diligent, industrious, tireless, persevering, unflagging |
| conservative | traditional, conventional, orthodox, stable, moderate |
| considerate | thoughtful, concerned, mindful, unselfish, accommodating |
| content | satisfied, pleased, gratified, fulfilled, happy |
| convivial | friendly, affable, congenial, agreeable, outgoing, sociable |
| cool | calm, collected, composed, unruffled, poised |
| cooperative | helpful, collaborative, accommodating, willing, amenable |
| courageous | brave, fearless, valiant, daring, bold |
| courteous | polite, well-mannered, respectful, civil, cordial |
| cowardly | faint-hearted, lily-livered, spineless, gutless, wimpish |
| creative | imaginative, visionary, genius, artistic, original |
| creepy | scary, terrifying, chilling, eerie, macabre |
| curious | intrigued, interested, eager, inquisitive, inquiring |
| cynical | sceptical, doubting, mistrustful, suspicious, disbelieving |
| dainty | delicate, refined, pretty, delightful, exquisite |
| daring | brave, bold, courageous, fearless, audacious |
| dark | moody, sullen, brooding, glum, dour |
| dashing | refined, sophisticated, cultivated, suave, polished |
| decisive | purposeful, firm, dogged, determined, resolved |
| defiant | resistant, obstinate, rebellious, disobedient |
| demanding | difficult, testing, taxing, challenging, arduous |
| dependable | reliable, trustworthy, faithful, loyal, steadfast |
| determined | driven, single-minded, firm, unswerving, intent |
| devious | deceitful, underhanded, sly, cunning, wily |
| devout | pious, religious, righteous, virtuous, moral |
| diligent | industrious, conscientious, occupied, engaged, active |
| dim | dense, dumb, stupid, ignorant, brainless |
| diplomatic | tactful, prudent, sensitive, subtle, discreet |
| direct | straightforward, forthright, explicit, candid, sincere |
| disagreeable | objectionable, unpalatable, unpleasant, repugnant, reprehensible |
| discerning | perceptive, wise, judicious, cultured, enlightened |
| discreet | prudent, tactful, cautious, circumspect, wary |
| disgruntled | dissatisfied, discontented, aggrieved, vexed, aggravated |
| disorganised | chaotic, messy, cluttered, disorderly, muddled |
| disruptive | troublesome, unruly, bothersome, intrusive, disturbing |
| distant | remote, vague, hazy, unclear, obscure |
| dramatic | exaggerated, ostentatious, stagy, artificial, forced |
| dreamy | thoughtful, reflective, pensive, vague, absorbed |
| dreary | dry, dull, drab, uninteresting, tedious |
| dull | boring, flat, characterless, uninteresting, lifeless |
| dutiful | responsible, faithful, loyal, devoted, steadfast |
| dynamic | energetic, vigorous, spirited, lively, high-powered |
| eager | keen, enthusiastic, fervent, diligent, passionate |
| easy-going | even-tempered, relaxed, mellow, happy-go-lucky, carefree |
| effective | constructive, productive, fruitful, powerful, fruitful |
| efficient | methodical, systematic, structured, productive, economical |
| egotistical | conceited, smug, self-absorbed, narcissistic, vain |
| eloquent | articulate, expressive, fluent, persuasive, suggestive |
| embarrassed | mortified, apologetic, regretful, sheepish, blushing |
| emotional | hot-blooded, temperamental, melodramatic, tempestuous, loving |
| energetic | active lively, animated, zestful, spirited |
| enquiring | inquisitive, probing, curious, querying, scrutinising |
| enthusiastic | eager, keen, fervent, passionate, vigorous |
| ethical | honourable, virtuous, moral, right-minded, righteous |
| evasive | elusive, secretive, avoiding, escaping, circumventing |
| exceptional | extraordinary, outstanding, phenomenal, remarkable, unparalleled |
| excitable | volatile, emotional, agitated, jittery, fluttery |
| excited | enthusiastic, jovial, eager, energised, keen, |
| expert | specialist, authority, master, aficionado, virtuoso |
| extroverted | outgoing, gregarious, assertive, lively, exuberant |
| exuberant | animated, spirited, breezy, light-hearted, vivacious |
| fair-minded | equitable, unprejudiced, unbiased, impartial, non-discriminatory |
| faithful | loyal, reliable, steadfast, trustworthy, devoted |
| fancy | extravagant, expensive, lavish, exorbitant, upmarket |
| fastidious | meticulous, particular, fussy, perfectionist, picky |
| fearless | brazen, audacious, daring, bold, courageous |
| feisty | spirited, plucky, antagonistic, combative, hostile |
| fighter | survivor, trooper, stayer, champion, stalwart |
| flawed | inadequate, deficient, inferior, imperfect, broken |
| flexible | easygoing, adaptable, versatile, accommodating, amenable |
| focused | attentive, observant, concentrated, engrossed, enrapt |
| foil | conflicting, opposite, contrast |
| forceful | bold, determined, fierce, aggressive, assertive |
| forgiving | merciful, lenient, compassionate, gracious, pitying |
| frank | direct, candid, forthright, honest, open |
| free | safe, immune, relieved, exempt, unencumbered |
| friendly | amiable, genial, cordiala, sociable, convivial |
| frustrated | agitated, perturbed, flustered, bothered, annoyed |
| fun-loving | joyful, playful, boisterous, frivolous, outgoing |
| funny | comical, amusing, humourous, laughable, hysterical |
| fussy | particular, fastidious, detailed, picky, choosy |
| generous | gracious, unselfish, liberal, courteous, mannerly |
| gentle | delicate, kind, tender, humane, good-natured |
| giving | generous, charitable, unselfish, bighearted, thoughtful |
| gorgeous | attractive, good-looking, charming, charismatic, enchanting |
| gracious | kindly, courteous, mannerly, considerate, genteel |
| grateful | appreciative, indebted, thankful, pleased, obliged |
| gregarious | sociable, outgoing, friendly, affable, cordial |
| grouchy | grumpy, cross, irritable, moody, churlish |
| grumpy | ill-tempered, crabby, crotchety, cranky, cross |
| gutsy | bold, fearless, courageous, heroic, audacious |
| happy | contented, cheery, joyful, merry, satisfied |
| hardworking | diligent, conscientious, industrious, tireless, painstaking |
| harsh | cruel, barbaric, ruthless, severe, unsympathetic |
| heavy | weighty, bulky, rotund, stocky, plump |
| helpful | practical, useful, accommodating, obliging, generous |
| heroic | brave, courageous, gallant, bold, daring |
| honest | genuine, upright, honourable, upright, moral |
| honourable | respectable upstanding, worthy, decent, ethical |
| hopeful | optimistic, positive, encouraging, promising, reassuring |
| hospitable | welcoming, congenial, friendly, cordial, amendable |
| humble | unassuming, unpretentious, meek, modest, demure |
| humourous | comical, witty, amusing, entertaining, jocular |
| imaginative | creative, inventive, innovative, inspired, visionary |
| impartial | neutral, unbiased, non-partisan, uninvolved |
| impulsive | spontaneous, hasty, impetuous, rash, whimsical |
| independent | autonomous, self-reliant, self-made, self-sufficient, unaided |
| industrious | diligent, dynamic, engaged, active, energetic |
| insightful | intuitive, perceptive, judicious, wise, incisive |
| intellectual | scholarly, learned, studious, cultivated, enlightened |
| intolerant | impatient, unforgiving, narrow-minded, rigid |
| irritating | annoying, infuriating, exasperating, maddening, aggravating |
| jealous | envious, covetous, malicious, spiteful, resentful |
| jocular | humourous, funny, witty, comical, entertaining |
| joyful | cheerful, happy, jolly, light-hearted, effervescent |
| judgemental | critical, disapproving, deprecating, negative, self-righteous |
| laid-back | relaxed, informal, friendly, easy-going |
| larger-than-life | flamboyant, confident, over-the-top, flashy, excessive |
| lazy | slothful, idle, plodding, inactive, lethargic |
| lethargic | sluggish, slow, lifeless, languid, sleepy |
| light-hearted | cheerful, breezy, merry, cheery, gleeful |
| likeable | affable. agreeable, amicable, pleasant, friendly |
| loveable | adorable, charming, delightful, captivating |
| loving | devoted, doting, caring, tender, warm-hearted |
| loyal | faithful, dedicated, dutiful, honourable, reliable |
| lucky | fortunate, blessed, fortuitous |
| manipulative | scheming, crafty, calculating, canny, conniving |
| mean | nasty, unkind, spiteful, unpleasant, vicious |
| meek | gentle, quiet, shy, retiring, unassuming |
| melancholy | sorrowful, mournful, sad, depressed, down |
| mellow | easy-going, tolerant, amiable, good-natured, agreeable |
| meticulous | exact, detailed, particular, thorough, fastidious |
| mischievous | naughty, devilish, rascally, roguish, deviant |
| modest | humble, unassuming, unpretentious, demure, reserved |
| motivated | inspired, stimulated, encouraged, aroused |
| naive | inexperienced, gullible, innocent, dewy-eyed, wide-eyed |
| needy | clingy, insecure, desperate, dependent, reliant |
| nervous | jumpy, skittish, tense, uneasy, edgy |
| neurotic | unstable, obsessive, unbalanced |
| noble | dignified, virtuous, upright, worthy, upstanding |
| obnoxious | detestable, contemptible, deplorable, disagreeable, unpleasant |
| opinionated | dogmatic, assertive, cocksure, inflexible, pontifical |
| passionate | intense, fiery, fervent, ardent, spirited |
| persistent | persevering, incessant, determined, resolute, single-minded |
| personable | agreeable, charming, nice, amiable, affable |
| persuasive | compelling, convincing, influential |
| philosophical | analytical, rational, thoughtful, learned, scholarly |
| placid | quiet, calm, tranquil, peaceful, serene |
| plain | ordinary, simple, basic, unadorned, modest |
| pleasant | enjoyable, agreeable, delightful, charming, attractive |
| polite | courteous, well-mannered, respectful, mannerly |
| powerful | influential, strong, important, dominant, potent |
| practical | pragmatic, functional, workable, useful, helpful |
| protagonist | lead, principal, main |
| proud | conceited, vain, arrogant, self-important, boastful |
| prudent | wise, judicious, wary, diplomatic, cautious |
| quick-witted | astute, quick-thinking, sharp, she’d, penetrating |
| quiet | silent, speechless, hushed, serene, tranquil |
| rational | sensible, reasoned, lucid, coherent, sane |
| realistic | believable, lifelike, naturalistic, authentic, representational |
| rebellious | defiant, disobedient, unruly, wayward, resistant |
| reclusive | solitary, hermit-like, secluded, withdrawn, retiring |
| relaxed | chilled, easygoing, collected, |
| reliable | dependable, trustworthy, dutiful, unfailing |
| reserved | quiet, private, self-restrained, withdrawn, guarded |
| resourceful | inventive, imaginative, creative, capable, talented |
| reverent | respectful, admiring, devoted, devout |
| romantic | devoted, passionate, affectionate, caring adoring |
| rude | impolite, disrespectful, impolite, discourteous, tactless |
| sassy | spirited, lively, vivacious, feisty, animated |
| self-assured | confident, composed, assertive, together, unruffled |
| selfish | self-centred, thoughtless, unthinking, uncaring, miserly |
| sensible | practical, pragmatic, responsible, balanced, level-headed |
| sensitive | sympathetic, compassionate, understanding, intuitive, receptive |
| serious | earnest, firm, profound, absorbing, considered |
| shrewd | canny, savvy, crafty, calculating, wily |
| shy | bashful, sheepish, reserved, mousy, retiring |
| simple-minded | slow, backward, dense, moronic, half-witted |
| sincere | honest, candid, frank, truthful, genuine |
| sneering | scoffing, contemptuous, scornful, derogatory, arrogant |
| snivelling | blubbering, tearful, complaining, moaning, whining |
| sociable | friendly, affable, cordial, agreeable, amicable |
| soft | kind, gentle, mild, soothing, sensitive, affectionate |
| sombre | glum, down, solemn, serious, grave |
| spirited | lively, vivacious, energetic, animated, vibrant |
| sporty | athletic, fit, active, ripped, shredded |
| stable | balanced, sane, secure, rational, steadfast |
| static | fixed, dormant, changeless, inert |
| stock | standard, staple, customary, conventional, stereotyped, traditional |
| straightforward | candid, frank, honest, direct, forthright |
| strong | determined, self-assertive, tough, firm, formidable |
| stubborn | headstrong, uncompromising, adamant, obstinate, strong-willed |
| studious | intellectual, academic, scholarly, bookish, learned |
| stupid | idiotic, dopey, ignorant, foolish, brainless |
| successful | prosperous, thriving, flourishing, eminent, fruitful |
| sympathetic | compassionate, empathetic, understanding, pitying, caring |
| tactful | discreet, discerning, delicate, diplomatic, judicious |
| talkative | chatty, conversational, gossipy, babbling, blathering |
| tall | towering, colossal, gigantic, lofty, soaring |
| temperamental | volatile, emotional, fiery, hot-headed, erratic |
| territorial | possessive, jealous, defensive, protective |
| thick-skinned | unaffected, unruffled, heartless, unsympathetic, pitiless |
| thorough | rigorous, exhaustive, in-depth, meticulous, detailed |
| thoughtful | considerate, kind, contemplative, reflective, philosophical |
| thrifty | economical, frugal, sparing, prudent, scrimping |
| tidy | orderly, neat, smart, spruce, dapper |
| timid | frightened, apprehensive, faint-hearted, bashful, reserved |
| tired | fatigued, exhausted, weary, spent, drained |
| tolerant | forgiving, kind, patient, unprejudiced, open-minded |
| tough | resilient, strong, hardy, determined, resolute, dogged |
| tranquil | peaceful, quiet, serene, calm, placid, subdued |
| trustworthy | reliable, responsible, dependable, steadfast, upright |
| truthful | honest, sincere, genuine, trustworthy, frank |
| ugly | unattractive, plain, hideous, unappealing, ghastly |
| unassuming | meek, unpretentious, modest, humble, restrained |
| understanding | empathetic, sympathetic, kind, compassionate, considerate |
| unique | distinctive, uncommon, individual, special, distinguishing |
| unlucky | unfortunate, hapless, wretched, doomed, hopeless |
| unselfish | selfless, giving, generous, unsparing, charitable |
| unstable | erratic, unbalanced, disturbed, demented, troubled |
| untidy | disorganised, messy, cluttered, dishevelled, unkempt |
| upbeat | cheerful, positive, confident, optimistic, jovial |
| vain | arrogant, smug, conceited, narcissistic, self-absorbed |
| versatile | adaptable, flexible, handy, multifaceted, resourceful |
| virtuous | honourable, righteous, moral, upstanding, principled |
| warm | cordial, friendly, sociable, affable, affectionate |
| warmhearted | kind, compassionate, sympathetic, tenderhearted, thoughtful |
| wild | untamed, uncultivated, frantic, frenzied, beserk |
| willing | obliging, accommodating, helpful, enthusiastic, amenable |
| wise | knowledgeable, learned, enlightened, sage, clever |
| witless | dense, idiotic, dopey, foolish, stupid |
| witty | humourous, funny, comical, amusing, clever |
| wonderful | excellent, fabulous, extraordinary, awesome, marvellous |
| youthful | childish, sprightly, vigorous, boyish, girlish |
| zealous | fiery, passionate, devoted, enthusiastic, committed |
Words appearing in this post will also assist students in trying to define their character when studying or preparing monologues for class or for auditions. This list will also prove handy when preparing for end-of-semester or end-of-year written examinations.
Really appreciate your good words, it makes it less stressful to get the best expression for your character
List of words now alphabetical by column, repeated words deleted, optimised for mobile view.