The Characters We Write Must Have Traits, Habits, and Flaws

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan
I'm a people watcher. I'm sure most of you who are writers do the same. I pick up numerous character traits that way. I even read a cartoon the other day containing a terrific character trait, and I knew it would be perfect for one of my characters in my WIP. 
I keep a list of those I like—both good, bad, funny, and unusual traits. I've gathered these from people I know, things I've seen people do when I'm out and about. I've listed some but I have compiled an exhaustive list for me to choose my characters' traits. Here are a few of those.
Traits/habits
AbsentmindedBites fingernailsBold/blunt in speechCollects things, always has a pocketful of rocks, paper clips, etcCounts thingsCracks knucklesFickleFlirtGullibleHard of hearingHumsJiggles foot or legLicks lipsMakes lists constantlyNervousPicks at nail polishPolishes flatwarePurses lips and taps with index finger while thinkingSnaps fingersSpeaks loudlySqueamishStuttersTaps footTwirls hairTwitchy (can be a habit or physical problem)Have you ever known anyone who can't pass a mirror without checking their hair, lipstick, or whatever?
Minor Character Flaws:AimlessApologizes constantlyClumsy GluttonGossipLazy and unwilling to do thingsNaiveNoseyPerpetually latePoor decision-making skillsPoor hygienePreoccupation with one's physical featuresSpoiledSpacey
Major/fatal Character FlawsAbusiveAddicted (can be drugs, gambling, smoking, sex, serial killer)Always finding fault in othersBlames everyone but themselfCruelDeceptiveGreedyInconsiderateLiarNarcissisticPossessiveRecklessRevengefulShort-temperedWeak-willed
Don't forget phobias. Those can be really good to add to a character, especially for an antagonist. Why not have a serial killer who has arachnophobia or claustrophobia? You can find exhaustive lists online. 
What's your favorite trait from a book you're written or read? Join the conversation!
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Ane Mulligan lives life from a director’s chair, both in theatre and at her desk, creating novels. Entranced with story by age three, at five, she saw PETER PAN onstage and was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. One day, her passions collided, and an award-winning, bestselling novelist immerged. She believes chocolate and coffee are two of the four major food groups and lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest, The Write Conversation, and Blue Ridge Conference Blog.