How To: Make An Original Character

awkward characters [requested]

A trend that now seems to be in every book I read is that 'awkward' characters are now REALLY common in. Every book has either an awkward protagonist or sidekick.

But these so-called 'awkward' characters usually aren't very realistic.

Here are some tips on how to write an awkward character and actually make them seem awkward (these tips come from someone who is actually extremely awkward in real life):

1. If your character is supposedly awkward, they probably won't not flourish when meeting new people or be extremely confident. They can't be awkward and then walk up to the school bully and have a fight.
2. Awkward people actually hate meeting new people, it's really stressful.
3. Awkward people overthink every action they make when they notice that the person they are talking to isn't responding well. So if someone rolls their eyes at your character, maybe make them react to that!
4. Awkward people tend to not be friends with everyone, and instead have a close nit group of friends who they spend their time with.
5. Awkward people will either stammer over words or speak too quickly.
6. Awkward people tend to be very self conscious.
7. If you're writing an 'awkward' character, really put emphasis on their thoughts. The mind of an awkward person is probably one of the most interesting things about them being awkward. Take me as an example, as I'm writing this I'm extremely paranoid that I'm generalising or going to offend someone. I'm also worried that I'm making no sense.
8. Awkward people don't like presenting things in school.
9. What I know from personal experience, really awkward people have slightly antisocial hobbies e.g. Writing or reading. Basically they like doing things that require little human contact.
10. Awkward people tend to also suffer from anxiety, mainly because awkward people overthink things.

Hope this was helpful!