I have a character in mind, but I just cannot think of a few good words that would sum up their nature. So I thought I would post here and, if some people give me the type of words I would normally use, then I would go ahead and give them a try. I am not big for cracking open the thesaurus and looking for the longest ten cent word I can find. But I just cannot think of some good adjectives in this case.
Let me describe the person:
somewhat socially awkward
willing to purchase symbols of status in order to appeal to the popular crowd
willing to take on Herculean tasks in order to be seen as a hero or to bolster their ego
naturally shy, but willing to overcome it if there is a chance they might gain social status
I'm really stuck. I keep getting stuck on "uncool" and "emotionally needy", but those just don't fit the style of this piece. Then I'll go a few rounds with "obsequious" (a word I willingly use), but it's totally wrong here even though this character has a touch the servile. I keep going back and forth without any better options coming to mind. Any help?
I am kind of feeling the writer's block on everything else based on this one issue. (obsess much? yeah, kinda... :???:)
Instead of stabbing at adjectives, I suggest you chip away at your block by taking a fresh approach. Construct a situation in which you character can do some of the things you describe, or have your character talk to others about past events that illustrate these traits, or have another character tell this one about why they hate / love these qualities and behaviors. A school reunion (or e-mails on same), a family gathering (wedding or funeral), an office party, or some such could provide ample opportunity to make a more nuanced and memorable impression of your character.
But I'm a hack, so don't listen to me.
You've already got shy and socially awkward for that part of his character. For the other part you're trying to describe, how about vain, vainglorious, shallow, materialistic, or egocentric, if you're inclined to be critical? But my preference is to use a more neutral word that focuses on the ends rather than the means: ingratiating.
And give the guy some credit for his willingness to take on Herculean tasks. I'm willing to call him a hero, or at least say "thanks," if he gets the tough jobs done!
make a more nuanced and memorable impression of your character . . .
Glenn, I just realized that you and I have a different set of assumptions regarding listerman's question. It seems you are assuming that the “character†in question is a fictitious person in a story that listerman is writing ("writer's block" is the clue, but I didn't take that literally). I assumed that he is a real person, and listerman is simply looking for a few choice adjectives to describe him. If your assumption is correct, Glenn, then your “hack†advice is the best suggestion.
Glenn:
Thanks for the advice, but in this case I have a secondary character who needs to directly describe this person to the main character. It's more like a warning which is then corroborated by later activities and does not get into detail.
semaphore:
I guess that socially awkward would fit the bill. It's just doesn't cover enough ground though. And my goal here is that, while the guy is willing to take on these tasks, he's often undone by others who sense his neediness and his real reasons for helping out. He never gets the glory he seeks because he is seeking it so rigorously.
It's just possible that I cannot find what I am looking for because it doesn't exist yet. But thanks for giving my your options. It really does help.