How to Write Frustration: Quick Tips for Creative Writers
Frustration—an intense, universal emotion—can deeply impact a character’s dynamics, driving both plot and personality in compelling ways: from its influence on behaviour and interpersonal interactions, to its role in shaping body language and attitudes.
Behaviour
- Impatient and easily irritated
- Avoid others and prefer solitude
- Procrastinate tasks that annoy them
- Shout, storm off, or be quick to cry
- Make rash decisions
- Restless and fidgety
- Rushed and careless when completing tasks
- Venting through hitting or throwing
- Difficulty concentrating and staying focused
- Aggressive and confrontational
Interactions
- Argumentative
- Sigh and grumble through conversations
- Blunt conversations
- Snap and bark at others
- Picking fights
- Abruptly end conversations
- Curt, sarcastic, and defensive
- Unwilling to listen to others’ opinions
- Condescending tone
- Completely ignoring others
Body language
- Crossed arms and furrowed brows
- Tense or clenched hands and jaw
- Rapid, heavy breathing
- Intensely stare or squint
- Frequently run their hands through their hair
- Sudden foot or finger tapping
- Aggressive pacing
- Slouched or hunched posture
- Pointing, jabbing, or other aggressive gestures
- Frequently shake their heads or roll their eyes
Attitude
- Negative self-talk
- Cynical or pessimistic outlook
- Defeatist attitude
- Constantly grumpy and irritable
- Little to no enthusiasm or motivation
- Stubborn and refuse to adapt
- Insecure and lack of confidence
- Overly critical of themselves and others
- Prominent jealousy
- Frequently express feelings of unfairness or injustice
Positive story outcomes
- Learn to cope with their frustration in a healthy way
- Achieve significant personal growth or transformation
- Learns to express their feelings assertively, but kindly
- Fuels their determination to overcome obstacles
- Find a new, unexpected solution or opportunity
- Improved relationships through shared trials
- Gain a better understanding of their own feelings
- Realise the need for professional help and seek therapy
- Lead to meaningful self-reflection and introspection
- Learn valuable resilience skills
Negative story outcomes
- Damage their relationships
- Isolate themselves emotionally
- Deteriorating physical health due to stress
- Make regrettable decisions in the heat of the moment
- Face legal or social consequences for their aggressive outbursts
- Miss out on opportunities due to their negative mindset
- Develop a disorder like depression or anxiety
- Decline in overall quality of life
- Face burnout due to constant, untreated frustration
- Fail to achieve their goals
Helpful Synonyms
- Aggravation
- Annoyance
- Discontent
- Irritation
- Exasperation
- Resentment
- Enmity
- Anger
- Rage
- Disgruntlement
- Chagrin
- Distress
- Vexation
- Displeasure
- Grievance
- Outrage
- Disquiet
- Dismay
- Dissatisfaction
- Peeve
