I’m 100% an introvert, and because of that, I find it very frustrating when books and movies have an “introvert” character that just isn’t convincing. So today I’ll be sharing with you what exactly defines an introvert, as well as several of my top tips on how to write an introverted character.

What is an introvert?

Believe it or not, being an introvert has nothing to do with social anxiety, awkwardness, or shyness. An introvert is someone who is energized by being alone. They could have amazing conversational skills, not the least bit of shyness, and still be an introvert. It doesn’t matter how good they are at being a “people person.” If it drains their energy instead of increasing it, they are an introvert.

So when writing an introvert character, it isn’t about how good they are around other people; it is about where their energy comes from. An introvert will be drained of energy after prolonged contact with other people but will be “recharged” and reenergized by spending time alone. Because of this, introverts are at the peak of their performance when they have had a generous amount of time to themselves. On the flip side, they are not likely to jump up pumped and ready to go, the next morning after a late night of social gatherings.

The fact that interacting with others drains an introvert’s energy, however, does not mean that every introvert is always a wallflower at parties and social gatherings. Introverts like to hang out with friends too! Being an introvert, though, they also need time to hang out alone.

An introvert can totally be someone who spends a thrilling day with friends at an amusement park, maybe even has a nice chat with a stranger in front of them waiting in line for the roller-coaster. But at the end of the day, the introvert’s energy levels will be depleted (even if they thoroughly enjoyed themselves) and they will need some time alone to “recharge.”

There’s nothing wrong about writing a shy, timid, socially-awkward introvert. It’s just that those characteristics don’t automatically apply only to introverts. Nor is it like all introverts are shy, timid, or socially awkward. Because of this, I feel like introvert characters are too stereotyped. It’s always the same old boring introvert.

How to Write an Introvert

That being said, these are my top tips when it comes to writing a compelling introvert character:

1. Don’t put them in a box.

It is fine to go the stereotypical route, if that’s what you choose, and write an introvert character who is the very definition of shy and socially-awkward. But if you really wish to write a convincing introvert, I challenge you to think outside the box. Write an introvert who is socially eloquent. Write an introvert who talks to people – even strangers. Don’t keep your character confined to the common idea of what an introvert is.

2. Realize that there are different kinds of introverts.

Yes, believe it or not, there are several kinds of introverts. Some introverts are deeper thinkers than others. Some almost act extroverted around their close friends but are much more reserved around strangers or people that they don’t know as well. Different people deplete their energy levels at different rates. Some introverts are the quiet wallflowers at social events. There are many kinds of introverts. So find out what makes your introvert character more unique. What kind of introvert are they?

3. Remember that introverts have energy.

One common misconception about introverts seems to be that they are always devoid of energy. It’s almost as if they’ve never had a decent night’s sleep in their life. But actually, introverts can be very energetic. The thing is that they are less likely to act energetic around large groups of people. Therefore, fewer people see that they can be energetic. It’s a lot easier for introverts to show their wild side when they are home alone (with no one to see them) than when they are at a party with friends. (Even if the friends are acting a bit wild.)

4. Remember where their energy comes from!

I feel like this one is possibly the most important of all. Remember that their energy comes from spending time alone while it is depleted by being around others. This is really what introversion is all about! Anything that violates this violates the basic law of introverts.

5. Understand introverts.

Many writers are introverts, so this shouldn’t be too difficult for them. But for the extroverted authors out there, please take the time to understand introverts even a little! Introverts and extroverts are opposite, so I know that it is difficult for the two to understand each other. (I, personally, have trouble comprehending how someone could possibly be extroverted.) I’ve found it helpful to take personality tests for my characters, then read the results. More often than not, this will really help to define your character and help you understand them better.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found these tips to be at least somewhat helpful. This topic is broad enough that I actually had a little trouble coming up with specific tips. So if you have any questions or suggestions on how to write an introvert, leave them in the comments below. And in the meantime, remember that introverts are more than they are commonly thought to be. But most importantly, remember that an introvert’s energy comes from spending time alone!

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