Writing Prompts

Character quirks

Instantly knows what others feel.

Always hides cash in his sock, shorts, bra, etc.

Always breaks things, trips over things, etc.

Distrusts people who talk with an accent, have blue eyes, can't remember his name, etc.

Insists everyone call him by a different name each day, depending on his mood.

Always bragging about past accomplishments, even made-up ones.

Rude to everyone.

Overly sensitive sense of smell, hearing, sight, etc.

Always looking for a cure for a disease or condition he has.

Speaks every errant thought.

Tall, but envies those who are short. (Or the reverse.)

Always laughs at the wrong things; offbeat sense of humor.

Carries batteries (and toys) with him everywhere.

Makes Batman noises (e.g. Bam!, Pow!, etc.) at an antagonist to express anger, dissatisfaction, etc.

Never asks for help; always tries to do everything himself.

Always sucking on a Certs or lollipop, munching on pretzels, etc.

Always replies to any email within 24 hours.

Loves playing catch with kittens.

Lives to role-play.

Always gets off on a tangent, tirade, etc.

Frequently says the wrong word, makes Freudian slips, etc.

Can drive at excessive speed, weaving in and out of traffic, without getting in an accident.

Names and becomes attached to stuffed animals, caterpillars, rocks, raindrops on the window, etc.

Always works very hard, but has no concrete goals.

Insists on remaining the same, even while everyone else is changing.

Wakes promptly at 6 PM; falls asleep at 10 AM.

Willing to do anything for information (if for a greater purpose).

Can't swallow pills.

Becomes depressed unless given a steady stream of positive feedback.

Has drawn up a list of transgressions and a revenge appropriate for each.

Believes Tupperware parties, AA meetings, etc. are actually planning meetings for a secret underground conspiracy.

One day each week, instead of working in the office, takes his laptop and works in the park, coffee shop, etc.

"It'll never make any difference" only strengthens his resolve.

Loathes to be photographed.

Becomes mired in grief when his favorite fictional character dies.

Agrees quickly (by silence), but later comes to a different conclusion.

Practically gives money away, knowing it will come back manyfold.

Easily deceived by anyone who uses words he doesn't understand.

Always tweaks what he's already completed, to make it better.

Accomplished illusionist. (But uses this skill only subversively.)

His online persona is of a different age, sex, etc.

Prefers computer sex to the real thing.

Raises chickens, pigs, etc.

Can't stand to do the same thing day after day.

Will accept almost anything as "normal," once it is explained to him.

Always forms an emotional attachment to fine cars, collectibles, etc., even if owned by someone else, and feels slighted if the they are mistreated.

Always tries to be nice, and always ends up insulting someone.

Loves sailing, motorboating, yachting, waterskiing, etc.

Always offended when he discovers that someone listened to him just to shut him up (and then didn't follow his advice).