Sometimes You Need Dialogue Tags And Don't Want To Use The Same Four

sometimes you need dialogue tags and don't want to use the same four

A colour wheel divided into sections with dialogue tags fitting the categories 'complains', 'agrees', 'cries', 'whines', 'shouts', and 'cheers'

A colour wheel divided into sections with dialogue tags fitting the categories 'asks', 'responds', 'states', 'whispers', 'argues', and 'thinks'

— COMO BUSCAR TEMPLATES?

Onde e como encontrar templates.

Recebi uma ask pedindo por um tutorial de como encontrar templates, e mesmo que seja um trabalho que não tem como eu facilitar, sei que muita gente chega aqui no tumblr e não sabe onde procurar e por onde começar.

Por isso, nesse guia, vamos discutir onde procurar templates para usar aqui no tumblr, seja em um blog pessoal, 1x1, blogs de personagens ou, até mesmo, em uma central.

Antes de tudo, como eu disse ali em cima, não tem muito como cortar caminho. Se você quer encontrar templates que gosta, vai ter que passar um tempo fuçando nas tags até encontrar o que você está procurando. Aqui você não vai encontrar uma fórmula mágica, e é importante saber que demanda tempo além do que você vai dispor para editar seu template. Dito, isso, vamos começar.

Adendo: o casal do @twilightalks postou um super post com vários blogs e sites pra vocês encontrarem conteúdo pra edições e que vai facilitar muito a sua vida. Clique aqui pra ser direcionado para o post!

RPHs

Primeiro, a maioria (se não todos) os tumblrs de rph reblogam templates. Você pode abrir um rph da rp br ou da tag gringa e vai encontrar resources, isso é fato. Mas se você não sabe o que procurar, abrir um blog não vai te ajudar tanto assim, já que é impossível ir olhando página por página.

Para facilitar a sua vida, eu vou colocar aqui algumas tags de helpers brasileiros onde você encontra templates:

jackhelps

#char psd; templates específicos para introdução de personagens. #ps template; templates em geral. #icon borders; templates para banners & ícones. #psd; psd para aplicar em imagens. #dividers; divisores para posts.

sakurajjam

#( templates ) #( psd ) # ♡ · ❄️ : photoshop

neozhelps

#⊰ 🍄：photoshop resources ˎˊ˗

desireeh

#templates

yeagrist

#* ⠀𓈒 ׄ ✮ ﹕ 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 ⸝⸝ template . # * ⠀𓈒 ׄ ✮ ﹕ 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 ⸝⸝ psd .

gwldcnz

#m: templates. #m: dash icons. #m: graphics. #m: colorings. #m: ps resources. #r: templates. #r: colorings. #templates. #colorings.

yixinc

#template

twilightalks

Mega post de help com vários links úteis, incluindo perfis de criadores de conteúdo.

Deviantart

Se você pretende usar templates com frequência, vai ter que se acostumar a usar o Deviantart. É um site onde criadores postam arte, mas também armazenam templates, psds, e etc, e disponibilizam para baixar. Alguns criadores aqui do tumblr armazenam lá, e você recebe um link para baixar pelo deviantart, e outros você só encontra por lá.

Para baixar, você vai precisar criar uma conta, o que é bem simples de se fazer, e depois ir até o link do que pretende baixar. Embaixo da imagem do template, você vai encontrar esses botões:

Você clica na seta de download, e o conteúdo vai ser baixado. Algumas vezes vem direto como psd, outras em uma pasta com arquivos, ou até mesmo um arquivo zipado. Depende do criador.

Mas atenção, se você entrar em um conteúdo em que no lugar da seta, apareça o valor, assim:

Significa que esse conteúdo é pago, infelizmente.

Mas, além de ser direcionado para o Deviantart apenas para download, você também pode pesquisar templates diretamente por lá. Eu considero até um pouco mais fácil, pois você consegue especificar exatamente o que está buscando.

Exemplos:

É claro que vai surgir algum conteúdo que não interessa, mas você consegue fazer uma busca mais direcionada ao que você está buscando.

Aconselho sempre adicionar o termo template no final da busca para garantir que você filtre por templates mesmo, e buscar usando termos em inglês pra ter mais resultados. Depois é só ir selecionando os que você gostar e conferir se não são pagos. Não se esqueçam, é claro, de dar uma olhada na descrição do conteúdo para saber como o criador gostaria de ser creditado.

No post do twilightalks também tem uma lista ótima de usuários que postam templates, o que facilita essa busca.

Buscar templates é um trabalho um pouco cansativo, não tem muito como correr disso, infelizmente. Mas sabendo onde buscar facilita bastante e poupa um pouco do seu tempo. Então espero que esse guia ajude, e qualquer dúvida, só chegar na ask!

19 notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

Moral Dilemmas That Will Mess Up Your Character

» They witness a crime but helping the victim means exposing a secret that could ruin someone they love.

» They could save someone’s life… but only by hurting someone else.

» They’re offered everything they’ve ever wanted, by the worst person they know.

» They have to lie to protect someone, but the lie costs someone else dearly.

» They can bring justice, but only by breaking a promise.

» They’re given power, but to keep it, they have to become what they hate.

» They have the chance to take revenge, and it would be so easy. So satisfying.

» They’re the only one who knows the truth, but telling it would destroy someone’s faith.

» They could protect the many, by sacrificing the one. And the one matters to them.

» They promised not to get involved, but walking away would haunt them forever.

» They were wrong and admitting it now will shatter their credibility.

» They’re asked to forgive, and they know the person doesn’t deserve it.

» They have to pick a side, but both sides are flawed. Both will cost them something.

» They want to help, but they’re not sure it’s their place.

» They said they’d never become their parent and now they’re staring in the mirror, wondering if they already have.

» They catch their friend doing something terrible, but they owe them everything.

» They can’t tell if they’re protecting someone, or controlling them.

» They get what they want, but someone else suffers for it.

» They promised to keep a secret, but now someone innocent is getting hurt.

» They fall in love and realize it compromises everything they believe in.

5K notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

Plot Twists & Foreshadowing

A list of resources to help you with plot twists and foreshadowing.

Writing Notes: Plot Twists A helpful guide with advice and suggestions for how to write a plot twist.

How to Hide Plot Twists from Your Readers and Your Characters A helpful guide with advice for how to hide plot twists from both your readers and your characters until the reveal.

Subtle Ways to Include Foreshadowing A list of ideas for how to incorporate foreshadowing into your writing.

How to Write a Plot Twist A short list of ways to write a plot twist.

The Point of Foreshadowing A tumblr thread that explains the point of foreshadowing.

For more resources on writing a story’s plot, check out some others I’ve shared: Writing Your Story’s Plot How to Write a Scene

I’m a writer, poet, and editor. I share writing resources that I’ve collected over the years and found helpful for my own writing. If you like my blog, follow me for more resources! ♡

460 notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

Body Language Cheat Sheet For Writers

╰ Facial expressions

These are your micro-signals, like the blinking neon signs of the soul. But they’re small, quick, and often lie harder than words.

Raised eyebrows — This can mean surprise or disbelief, sure. But it can also be a full-on, silent “Are you serious right now?” when someone’s being ridiculous. Or even curiosity when someone’s too emotionally repressed to askthe damn question.

Furrowed brow — That face people make when they’re doing long division in their head or trying to emotionally process a compliment. It’s thinking, yes—but also confusion, deep frustration, or quiet simmering rage.

Smiling — Can be happiness… or total fake-it-till-you-make-it energy. Some smiles are stiff. Some don’t reach the eyes. Show that.

Frowning — Sure, sadness. But also: disappointment, judgment, or the universal “I’m about to say something blunt, brace yourself.”

Lip biting — It’s not just nervousness, it’s pressure. Self-control. Anticipation. It’s the thing people do when they want to say something and decide, at the last second, not to.

╰ Eye movement

The window to the soul? Yeah. But also the window to when someone’s lying, flirting, or deeply trying not to cry in public.

Eye contact — Confidence or challenge. Eye contact can be gentle, curious, sharp like a blade. Sometimes it’s desperate: “Please understand me.”

Avoiding eye contact — Not always guilt. Sometimes it’s protectiveness. Sometimes it’s “I’m afraid if I look at you, you’ll see everything I’m trying to hide.”

Narrowed eyes — Calculating. Suspicious. The look someone gives when their brain’s saying “hmmm...” and it’s not a good hmm.

Wide eyes — Surprise, yes. But also sudden fear. The oh-God-it’s-happening look. Or when someone just found out they’re not as in control as they thought.

Eye roll — Classic. But try using it with tension, like when someone’s annoyed and trying very hard not to lose it in public.

╰ Gestures

This is where characters’ emotions go when their mouths are lying.

Crossing arms — Not just defensive. Sometimes it’s comfort. A self-hug. A barrier when the conversation is getting too personal.

Fidgeting — This is nervous energy with nowhere to go. Watch fingers tapping, rings spinning, sleeves tugged. It says: I’m not okay, but I’m trying not to show it.

Pointing — It’s a stab in the air. Aggressive, usually. But sometimes a desperate plea: Look. Understand this.

Open palms — Vulnerability. Honesty. Or a gesture that says, “I have nothing left to hide.”

Hand on chin — Not just thinking. It’s stalling. It’s delaying. It’s “I’m about to say something that might get me in trouble.”

╰ Posture and movement

These are your vibes. How someone occupies space says everything.

Slumped shoulders — Exhaustion. Defeat. Or someone trying to take up less space because they feel small.

Upright posture — Not always confidence. Sometimes it’s forced. Sometimes it’s a character trying really, really hard to look like they’re fine.

Pacing — Inner chaos externalized. Thinking so loudly it needs movement. Waiting for something. Running from your own thoughts.

Tapping foot — Tension. Irritation. Sometimes a buildup to an explosion.

Leaning in — Intimacy. Interest. Or subtle manipulation. (You matter to me. I’m listening. Let’s get closer.)

╰ Touch

This is intimacy in all its forms, comforting, protective, romantic, or invasive.

Hugging — Doesn’t always mean closeness. Could be a goodbye. Could be an apology they can’t say out loud. Could be awkward as hell.

Handshake — Stiff or crushing or slippery. How someone shakes hands says more than their words do.

Back patting — Casual warmth. Bro culture. Awkward emotional support when someone doesn’t know how to comfort but wants to try.

Clenched fists — Holding something in. Rage, tears, restraint. Fists mean tension that needs somewhere to go.

Hair tuck — Sure, flirtation or nerves. But also a subtle shield. A way to hide. A habit from childhood when someone didn’t want to be seen.

╰ Mirroring:

If two characters start syncing their body language, something is happening. Empathy. Chemistry. Shared grief. If someone shifts their body when the other does? Take notice. Other human bits that say everything without words...

Nodding — Not just yes. Could be an “I hear you,” even if they don’t agree. Could be the “keep going” nod. Could be patronizing if done too slow.

Crossed legs — Chill. Casual. Or closed-off, depending on context. Especially if their arms are crossed too.

Finger tapping — Time is ticking. Brain is pacing. Something’s coming.

Hand to chest — Sincerity, yes. But also shock. Or grounding—a subconscious attempt to stay present when everything feels like too much.

Tilting the head — Curiosity. Playfulness. Or someone listening so hard they forget to hide it.

Temple rub — “I can’t deal.” Could be physical pain. Could be stress. Could be emotional overload in disguise.

Chin stroking — Your classic “I’m judging you politely.” Often used in arguments between characters pretending to be calm.

Hands behind the back — Authority. Control. Or rigid fear masked as control.

Leaning body — This is the body betraying the brain. A tilt toward someone means they care—even if their words are cold.

Nail biting — Classic anxiety. But also habit. Something learned. Sometimes people bite because that’s how they self-soothe.

Squinting — Focusing. Doubting. Suspicion without confrontation.

Shifting weight — Uncomfortable. Unsure. Someone who wants to leave but doesn’t.

Covering the mouth — Guilt. Hesitation. The “should I say this?” moment before something big drops.

Body language is more honest than dialogue. If you really want to show your character’s internal world, don’t just give them lines. Give them a hand that won’t stop shaking. Give them a foot that won’t stop bouncing. Give them a mouth that smiles when their eyes don’t. And if you’re not sure what your character would do in a moment of fear, or love, or heartbreak, try acting it out yourself. Seriously. Get weird. Feel what your body does. Then write that down.

4K notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

Physical Contact Masterpost

Hand-Holding Dialogue

Hand-Holding

Touching

Hugs

Hugging Dialogue

Touch Starved Prompts

Touches Ask Games

Super soft intimacy

Casual Affections

Seeking out physical affection

Romantic, non-sexual intimacy prompts

Kisses

First Kisses

First Kiss Prompts

Accidental Kisses

Places for kissing

Angsty Kisses

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! And check out my Instagram! 🥰

4K notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

welcome to a guide for 2025 rpc and a throwback to the importance of creating well rounded , developed characters .

a general lovenote and reminder on how to create characters people want to rp with , as discussed by g. please note , these are all my own thoughts and feelings , but i'm not ' married ' to any of this . i'm happy for open conversation , thoughts , feedback etc , but i don't tolerate aggressive messaging .

the first thing i think about when i think about my character , whether for a rp , a book , a short story , or a 1x1 partner is . . . where is my character ? not just physically , but emotionally . what got them there ? what have they already overcome ? what do they have LEFT to overcome ?

whenever i write or create a character , i think about them in the same way i think about any story making . stories ( typically and in some manner ) have beginnings , climaxes and ends . they also have problems that need to be solved ( or not solved ) . there's an arc we follow . we go up the mountain , then back down again .

a beginning is not necessarily ' born in 1982 , to two loving parents ' . it doesn't need to be a beginning of time , but can just be the beginning to your characters story . e.g ' despite having two loving parents , she had a deep focus on soccer . if not soccer , then maths . if not maths , something else . from a young age , she strove for perfection and being the best at something .'

this beginning sets the tone of your character . in a few sentence , we can already see what kind of person she is and know that she has some internal demons she's battling . we don't necessarily need her entire family tree unless it's critical to the story.

from there, we have our climax or problem statement , where things really begin to boil . again , it doesn't necessarily need to be ' everything came to a head when her mother died ' . we can make it more character focused by writing ' in 2012 , her mother died and she threw herself into trying to create the perfect replacement family . she got married to 4 different men in the space of 5 years , and has 5 children shared among them , as well as 2 step children . but she is unable to settle down . she feels restless . she finds it hard to be a mother because everything reminds her of her own mother , and the loss she's endured . ' now , we already know two things about our character :

1 . she wants to be perfect and the best , including at creating families

2 . she is terrified of her role in motherhood due to the loss of her own mother and feeling unmoored without her

this can then take us to the problem solving portion of the character . this is usually where i like to start my character in rps and 1x1 and novel worlds . we have these 2 issues and 2 core beliefs within the character . they're instrumental to her . how are we going to overcome it ? ARE we going to overcome it ?

we can begin to think of the butterfly effect in terms of our character . we can begin to think of the tree and its branches growing within her , extending out to other characters . we can see how she effects other people , including those close to her , not close to her , new friends , old friends , new love interests , past interests . we can create drama and connections because we have a strong foundation .

so . where does it end ? does it need to end happily ? simple answer is no . your character can end in the exact same place as they did at the beginning , but the point is that we've gone on the journey with the character . maybe we've seen her talk to her mother's grave . maybe we've seen her go to grief counselling . maybe she's gotten pregnant or married again . the problem statement doesn't stop her or stick her in one place . in fact , if anything , it can encourage her to keep making the same mistakes . on the coin flip , she can learn . she can grow . she can heal . she can mend the relationships with her kids , her past partners , rekindle love , or find new love . the whole point in the made-up 'ending' for a character , is that we have options . we haven't locked her down . we can continue to plot , connect , develop , etc , as we go along .

QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS I CONSIDER WHEN CREATING A CHARACTER :

how has your character ended up where they are right in this moment? think about where you’re starting them from, and what that looks like realistically. not just physically : how did they get to this place ? but also mentally : what did they have to do to become the person they are ? was it good or bad ? everything you are and do and become as a human is made up of tiny almost inconsequential decisions or choices you made. you decided to study x. you broke up with y. your parent passed away so you had to come back to your childhood home. your illustrious career came crashing down and you need a place to cool off. you never left here, you’ve been here from the beginning, because you’re searching for something. what is it? what is the thing that has your character right where they are in this exact moment ?

what emotion do they feel the most? regret, anger, longing, nostalgia ? this helps drive your characters motives past and presently. it also helps you understand their goals. what they want to achieve and why. maybe they yearn for longing and friendship and connection because they never got it as a child, whether at home or at school. maybe they regret not keeping in touch with their childhood friends because now they are surrounded by people they can’t trust and work in a shitty environment where you have to climb over others to get on top. everyone has a goal. everyone has an emotion that drives it. what is your characters and why does it matter? how does it present?

when’s the last time they cried and why? everybody cries and everybody cries in very different ways. it says a lot about the emotional state of a character and their emotional health. are they in tune with their emotions and cry at appropriate times? do they compartmentalise it? do they only cry when angry? dig into it and think of the why why why. why does my character only cry at this one thing? why does my character only feel safe crying alone? why.

what is your characters biggest regret in life? did they get on a plane when they should have stayed? did they study a subject only because their parents wanted them to? did they not kiss the girl when they wanted to? let’s be honest. our lives are filled with “if only i’d done xyz” . if only . this also provides a great opportunity to MAKE these plots and plot with other people. now we can come up with exes or ex best friends or old flames or whatever whatever , because there’s a good chance your character regrets something that impacts someone else and they regret it BECAUSE of that impact .

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS AND TIPS I'VE PICKED UP WHILE RPING

honestly the more “whys” you can answer for your character, the more in depth you’re getting. in order for other people to understand your character, you need to understand them yourself. you can’t expect people to write with your character if they don’t really have much of a stable personality and your plots don’t make much sense. remember: plotting should contribute to your character and their development. human relationships don’t just exist because we like them. they exist because they serve an unserved part within ourselves.

genuinely think of their hobbies. it’s all well and good to say “she’s a bookworm and loves puzzles” “he likes music” but like. what does that actually mean? WHY do they like certain things ? do they like reading books or writing? do they like fantasy and escapism because it reminds them of childhood? do they listen to only their dads favourite music because they miss him? do they make playlists for niche and specific moods only applicable to them? why are their hobbies important to them?

consider their connections, not just future but npc and current. how would 5 close friends describe them in one word? how would their ex describe them in one word? what is one thing that others could safely always rely on your character for (eg designated driver on nights out, always having some type of fidgeting device, knowing a phone app to help you meditate or streamline a process etc etc). we all exist in the worlds of our loved ones, past, present and future. we leave marks with them. we are known to them. so what is your character known and loved for?

pick your plot first, not your fc or your character. i know this sounds counterintuitive but when you have a plot for a character and a clear path for development - it helps everything else fall into place. the worst thing are characters that are plotless (specifically for group rping). i’m going to be honest here: your character has to have something to give other characters. whether it’s drama, information, hidden secrets, a connection… your character has to have something of substance. i’d actually prefer they’re a stereotype then they’re just aimless and personality-less. when you have a big overarching plot and path for your character, it will not only help you plot with others, but also help keep your character moving and not JUST reliant on others to pick up the slack

rping has always used the yes and…? rule. that extends to your characters. instead of yes and…? think of So… what? your character loves to bake. ok. so what? what does that mean for a thread, or another character? why do we care? maybe we’d care if your character bakes experimental stuff and loves to test it on other muses. maybe we’d care if your character used to be a professional baker but hasn’t baked lovingly in a while. maybe we’d care if your character is a baker but has lost their charm and schtick and can’t bake the way they used to. this stuff is important. don’t just stick arbitrary things onto your character and expect others to care, especially when you don’t care and have just put it on your character as a random quirk. that’s not how people and humans work. everything means everything.

your character doesn’t have to be likeable but they do have to be memorable. evil nasty girls, manipulative jerks… yeah that’s all ok! but also you kinda have to show, don’t tell. you can’t just SAY your character is the “head bitch in charge” and then she never actually talks or says anything or does anything. sorry, but in order for me to see your character, you actually have to write them or at the very least headcanon them. otherwise, they’re just a blob of musings in the ether.

in order to create a character , you have to write your character . i see this a lot in groups .. people love to create a character pinterest , graphics , aesthetics galore . its amazing ! but they don't actually write the character and it can close off a lot of opportunities to plot because people don't know who your character really is . i hate to say it , and its not true for everyone but : if you're relying on aesthetic , then you could be lacking in the actual creation and writing aspect . plus , people have come here to WRITE with YOU . not just see fan edits of your character . write . write badly . write starters , even if they scare you . write with people you don't know . write with yourself . write with your best friend . but you have to actually do the writing part .

163 notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

Write Rivals With Chemistry So Hot It Hurts

╰ Rivalry isn’t hate — it’s obsession True rivals aren't just like, “ugh, I dislike you.” They’re watching each other. Studying. Matching moves. Thinking about each other when they shouldn’t. Hating how much they notice the other person. Rivalry is two sides of the same coin: hatred’s messy little sibling is fascination.

╰ Let them know exactly where to hit—and hesitate The best rivals know exactly where to stick the knife. Childhood wounds. Secret fears. Insecurities no one else sees. But the most powerful moment isn't when they stab, it's when they hesitate. When they flinch. When the reader sees the care underneath the kill shot.

╰ Make every win personal Every victory between rivals should feel like flirting with a knife’s edge. They don't just beat each other; they get under each other's skin. "I outsmarted you" translates directly to "I'm the only one who really sees you." (And no, they're not ready to talk about why that makes them insane.)

╰ Layer the attraction under everything You don't have to write "he found her hot" every five seconds. (Please don't.) Just lace it into the friction. The way they notice each other’s hands. The way a sarcastic smile feels like a slap and a kiss at the same time. Let it be unspoken, which somehow makes it ten times louder.

╰ Give them one private, honest moment and then destroy them for it That one late-night conversation. That brush of honesty. That accidental partnership in a bar fight. That glimpse of trust that leaves them both raw and feral because now it’s personal. Now it hurts. And guess what? Neither of them is stable enough to handle it like adults.

╰ Let them wound each other in ways no one else can Rivals with chemistry are like: “I know your softest place. I know where you hurt. And maybe I’m the only one who could ever touch it.” Terrifying. Intimate. Sexy. Self-destructive. Delicious.

╰ Don’t make it easy to flip to love If they hook up too soon, it’s cheap. If they confess too soon, it’s fake. They have to fight it. They have to screw it up. They have to almost kiss and almost kill each other in the same breath. The reward is sweeter because it’s hard won.

╰ Make them jealous, but make it messy Not cutesy "oh no I'm jealous" moments. Ugly jealousy. Pride-shredding, shame-inducing jealousy. Watching their rival smile at someone else and feeling like they're drowning in acid and denial. Bonus points if they pretend they’re above it and then spiral anyway.

╰ Tension isn’t just in the fighting—it’s in the silences It’s the stare across the room that says “I hate you and I want you” with zero words. It’s the hand that lingers a second too long after pulling them out of danger. It's the unsent text. It's the "accidental" meeting. Sometimes not speaking burns hotter than the screaming matches.

╰ Remember, they don’t want to ruin each other, they want to matter At the core of a rival/chemistry dynamic is one brutal truth: “I want to matter to you more than anyone else does.” And they’ll deny it. And fight it. And wreck themselves over it. (And we, as the readers, will eat it with a goddamn spoon.)

1K notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

How to Write SIBLING Relationships

If you're looking to write a sibling relationship but don't fully understand how a sibling relationship actually works, this is for you! As someone who has a younger brother, here are some points you'll want to consider when writing siblings!

Oldest, Middle, and Youngest

First, let's talk about the three types of siblings and explore their general roles, expectations, and characterization within a family!

Oldest

Starting with the oldest child, oftentimes, the eldest child is expected to act as the most responsible and as the role model. This doesn't mean they will go out of their way to set an example, but typically, no matter their personality and relationship with their younger siblings, they will have an innate sense of duty and protectiveness over their siblings. They want their siblings to enter the right path.

As the role model, the oldest child normally feels the most stress and anxiety, yet they also try not to show it to avoid worry from others. They highly value independence.

Middle

I'm sure you've heard of the jokes that the middle child is invisible child, and while those jokes are often exaggerated, the truth isn't terribly far off.

Between the eldest and youngest child, the middle child has a more difficult time standing out, which may lead to more reckless behavior for attention. They are characterized as more free-spirited and might act as a mediator between the youngest and oldest.

They will likely be more responsible and experienced than the youngest but can act similarly to the youngest.

Youngest

The youngest child can look like many things. Sometimes, you'll see the youngest is the most spoiled because they're the parents' favorite, and sometimes they're ignored because they have the least experience. Despite that, they have their fair share of pressures and burdens because they are often expected to meet, if not surpass, the achievements of their older siblings.

The General Dynamic

A sibling relationship differs from a typical friendship. They WILL find each other more annoying, but that doesn't mean they can't get along.

Siblings are also more honest and nit-pickier with each other. For example, if a friend changes the radio without asking, the character might not think too much of it. However, if their brother changes the radio without asking, then the character will likely feel irritated and call them out for it.

And when I say honest, I don't mean that they're super honest with each other emotionally, because that's not always the case. When I mean honest, I mean they're rather honest with each other at a surface, verbal level. They hardly hesitate to say their thoughts and can be pushy about them.

They will have an opinion on everything.

Personalities

If you've ever had some friends that have siblings, I'm sure that you're aware sometimes siblings can be similar and sometimes they're total opposites.

However, this doesn't mean that a pair of "opposite" siblings are ying and yang. While they may seem visibly different, such as fashion sense, and whether they're an introvert or extrovert, there are still shared traits that they hold. This is especially true if they're biological siblings and/or raised in the same environment together.

They influence each other, so there's bound to be some similarities in personality or values no matter how distinct each one is.

Love, Even If Unseen

No matter what, siblings love each other. They might not say it, they might not express it, or they might show it in a toxic and unhealthy way, but there's always an underlying sense of familial love. These are the people that your character has (or was supposed to) grown up with, after all.

There's going to be attachment, they will defend each other, even if they claim to hate the other.

Parents

Okay guys, now let's move on to parents and how they might play a part in sibling relationships!

Comparisons

Regardless of whether you have a sibling or not, you've likely experienced what it feels like to be compared to someone else. I'm not saying people with siblings have it worse, but they do have a wider range of people to be compared with.

It's not uncommon for parents to compare their children to each other, and it's not uncommon either for a child to compare themselves to their siblings. Sometimes, outsiders and/or distant family members will also compare the siblings, causing feelings of inferiority and envy.

When siblings have a poor relationship, it can sometimes be because of the parents.

Fighting and Arguments

Siblings fight and argue a LOT. However, you'd be mistaken if you thought a parent resolves all of these fights.

The truth is, after a certain age is reached, parents won't step in or resolve a fight unless it's right in front of them. They expect their children to be mature enough to solve their issues out, and honestly? They were tired of breaking up conflicts years ago.

Bonus point: yes, siblings can fight often, but the quarrels are usually forgotten pretty quick too. I've had several fights with my brother in which we were back to normal literally a few hours later the spat. Will I remember it for the next year? Absolutely. But do I care anymore? Not really.

Conclusion

This post may not apply to all siblings--everyone has different types of relationships--but here are some good points to start at!

TL;DR: The eldest sibling has the most responsibility, the middle sibling is a blend between the oldest and youngest and often strives for attention, and while the youngest sibling may look like they have it the easiest, they have their pressures too. Sibling relationship does not mimic a friendship, and they will have similar traits despite distinct personalities. They love and care for each other, even if it doesn't look that way. Having siblings sets up for many comparisons between them, and parents won't always resolve sibling spats.

I'll likely release some posts detailing how to write specific sibling relationships, so let me know if you want to see one in particular! Thank you for making it here!

Happy writing~

3hks <3

876 notes View Post

lexiquc

1 month ago

Making a Character Whine in Monologue

I’m a big believer in letting characters bleed quietly. You know, the kind of emotional tension that simmers just under the surface—not the dramatic “I am torn!” speeches. Here’s how I like to sneak internal conflict into my writing without making my characters feel like they belong in a bad soap opera... Have Fun! (｡♥‿♥｡)

╰ Saying the opposite of what they feel. Like insisting they’re fine while gripping a coffee mug like it personally insulted their ancestors.

╰ Pausing before responding to something simple. Because sometimes the silence says “I’m thinking too hard about this” louder than a whole paragraph ever could.

╰ Changing the subject when things get too close to their emotional soft spot. Classic evasion. Bonus points if they pretend it's for someone else’s sake.

╰ Making choices that contradict their stated goals. "I swear I’m over them"—cut to them rerouting an entire road trip to pass by their ex’s hometown.

╰ Being too nice. Yep. People-pleasing? Avoidance in a trench coat.

╰ Fixating on a tiny, irrelevant detail while avoiding the bigger thing. They can’t deal with their grief, but they can definitely spend 12 minutes lining up pens perfectly.

╰ Snapping at someone they trust—then immediately regretting it. Because pain has to leak out somewhere, and it’s usually not in a convenient monologue.

╰ Doing something “just in case,” but obviously hoping for the opposite. Packing a goodbye gift they never plan to give. Writing a message they never send.

╰ Rewriting memories in their head. “It wasn’t that bad. They didn’t mean it. I probably deserved it.” A spiral in slow motion.

╰ Being hyper-aware of how others are reacting to them. Internal conflict often turns into external paranoia: “Did she flinch? Was I too cold? Did he see that?”

1K notes View Post