How to Describe an Author in a Story

By Isobel Coughlan

If you’re searching online for how to describe an author in a story, you’ll find 10 adjectives you can incorporate into your narrative below.

Someone who isn’t speaking.

“The silent author watched the crowds. He was already formulating characters based on the local people.”

“She observed the silent author as he crafted his next novel. It was amazing to see him at work.”

The word “silent” can show your author is deeply concentrating on his new book, or he might be lost in his own thoughts. This further implies that they’re a complex or intelligent character, and many other characters may look up to them for advice or inspiration.

Someone who’s nervous, shy, or has no confidence.

“The timid author hid from his fans. He knew they adored his work, but he was too scared to shake their hands.”

“She was a timid author and was afraid of facing her critics.”

Sometimes authors are quite introverted, and “timid” can emphasize this characteristic. “Timid” implies your author is an anxious person or gets nervous when surrounded by people. This could lead to them hiding from others or being reclusive — especially when they start writing.

Someone with lots of knowledge, experience, or good judgment.

“The wise author sat down and listened to the new writers. He gave them advice when asked but never forced his opinion on anyone.”

“He was a wise author, but not everyone wanted to hear his advice or read his thoughts.”

The word “wise” can imply that your author is very clever or knowledgeable. “Wise” is also often linked with life experience, so your “wise” author character might be older or well-traveled, and they could write about this in their novels. Other characters might come to your character for advice if they’re “wise” which can help you form interesting relationships between them.

Someone who cares a lot or is very enthusiastic about a specific subject.

“The devoted author made it his life’s mission to write about every species of plant in England.”

“He wanted to grow old and become a devoted author, but he was scared he’d become bored with writing.”

Many authors are portrayed as obsessed with writing, and “devoted” can show this character trait. “Devoted” also suggests the character has a true passion for writing, which you can reflect in their actions. Other characters may be in awe of a “devoted” author, as they’re dedicated to their craft.

Someone who can easily create or think of new ideas or exciting concepts.

“There was never a dull minute with the imaginative author, and many thought she lived in another world.”

“I wish I was an imaginative author. But my stories are dull compared to yours.”

“Imaginative” shows the author’s creativity and ability to craft new worlds in their stories. This word also shows the character might favor fantasy worlds over the real one, which could make them a little detached from reality.

Someone that is strange or has unusual habits.

“Gosh, he’s an eccentric author. Did you know he only writes at night with a feather pen?”

“The eccentric author hopped down the stairs and cartwheeled into his writing chair.”

Many authors and creatives display strange traits, and the word “eccentric” emphasizes their unusual nature. An “eccentric” character might be great fun to be around, and other characters might want to spend time in your author’s presence to see their funny behavior.

Someone who’s very unhappy.

“The miserable author threw his papers across the room. He couldn’t bring himself to finish the story.”

“He’s a miserable author, don’t bother asking him about the future of his book series!”

If you want to portray your author as a grumpy or sad person, “miserable” is a great word to use. This can also help you portray them as part of the brooding artist stereotype. If an author is “miserable,” other characters will likely avoid them or dislike their company.

Someone with a definite or clear purpose.

“The focused author listened carefully to the children. He wanted to make sure their voices were heard.”

“She looked at the focused author in awe. He’d been scribbling for over ten hours and didn’t show any signs of stopping.”

“Focused” is a great adjective to describe an author who’s obsessed or concentrated on their work. This word can show your author is trying to get their book finished, and it can also show they enjoy their work and easily get lost in writing. If your author is “focused,” other characters may find their work ethic inspiring.

Someone very happy, friendly, or cheerful.

“The cheery author smiled at the crowd. She was pleased that so many people had read her books.”

“I’m surprised such a cheery author wrote such scary novels! He’s way too happy to have those dark thoughts.”

If you want to show your author is a happy or upbeat person, “cheery” is a helpful adjective to use. This word shows your author is a positive person, and this could make them popular with your other characters. “Cheery” may also signal that the author writes about happy subjects, but this doesn’t have to be the case.

Someone who is quick to react, understand, or notice things.

“The sharp author didn’t miss a thing. Perhaps that’s why his novels were so complex.”

“She was a sharp author. Whenever an editor looked over her work, they never found any grammatical or plot mistakes.”

“Sharp” is a good way to show your author is intelligent or quick-witted, especially when it comes to noticing small details. Some characters may rely on your author’s “sharp” characteristics or go to them for advice on their own problems or work.

Filed Under: Grammar