How To Write A Ruthless Character

How to Write a Ruthless Character

A ruthless character is all about the endgame. They don’t care how they get there, lying, cheating, using others, it’s all fair game as long as they win. When writing them, show how they can cut off any distractions or emotions, making decisions that others would hesitate over.

These characters don't let feelings get in the way. Compassion, guilt, regret? Nah, they don’t have time for that. Show how they can turn off their emotions and make choices purely based on logic. They’ll do things that seem heartless to everyone else, but for them, it’s just another part of the plan. It’s not that they don’t feel anything, they just choose not to.

Boundaries? What boundaries? A ruthless character doesn’t care about rules unless they can bend them to get ahead. They’ll do things no one else dares, crossing lines others are too scared to even approach. The more uncomfortable their actions make people, the more it emphasizes just how far they’re willing to go. For them, pushing limits is just another day.

They don’t act on impulse. Every move they make is planned, and every risk they take is calculated. They weigh the pros and cons before acting, and they’re always three steps ahead of everyone else. Writing a ruthless character means showing that they’ve already figured out how to win while everyone else is still trying to figure out the rules.

Betrayal is their go-to move when things get tough. Friends, allies, even people who trust them, no one is safe. They’ll turn on anyone if it benefits them. And the best part? They’ll sleep just fine afterward. Show how others react to their betrayals, shocked, hurt, furious, while your ruthless character shrugs it off like, “It had to be done.”

if you have any questions or feedback on writing materials, please send me an email at Luna-azzurra@outlook.com ✍🏻

Sethos's crush messing with him🤒

12 Emotional Wounds in Fiction Storys

Betraying a Loved One. Your character made a choice, and it backfired, badly. They betrayed someone close to them, maybe on purpose, maybe by accident. Now, the guilt’s eating them alive. They might try to fix things, but can they even make up for what they did?

Guilt Over a Past Mistake. They made a mistake, one that cost someone else. Maybe it was reckless, maybe it was a dumb decision, but now it haunts them. They can’t stop thinking about it, and no matter how hard they try to make things right, the past keeps pulling them back.

Survivor’s Guilt. Imagine surviving something awful, an accident, a disaster, but someone else didn’t make it. Now your character is stuck asking, “Why me? Why am I still here?” They push people away, convinced they don’t deserve to be happy or even alive.

Feeling Powerless. Your character is trapped, maybe in an abusive home, a toxic relationship, or just in life itself. They feel stuck, with no control over their own future.

Being Wrongly Accused. They didn’t do it. But no one believes them. Your character has been falsely accused of something serious, maybe even a crime and now they’re fighting to clear their name. It’s not just about proving their innocence, though. They’re also battling the pain of being abandoned by people who were supposed to stand by them.

Public Humiliation. They’ve just been humiliated in front of everyone, maybe it’s a video gone viral, or they were betrayed by someone they trusted. Now, they can’t even look people in the eye.

Living in Someone’s Shadow. No matter what they do, it’s never enough. Someone else, a sibling, a friend, a partner, always shines brighter. They feel stuck in that person’s shadow, invisible and overlooked.

Abandoning a Dream. They had big dreams, but somewhere along the way, life got in the way, and now they’ve given up. Maybe it was because of fear or circumstances beyond their control, but the loss of that dream has left them feeling empty.

Childhood Trauma. Something happened to them when they were young, something painful that still affects them today. Whether it was abuse, neglect, or a significant loss, the trauma follows them into adulthood, shaping how they see themselves and the world.

Being an Outsider. They’ve never felt like they fit in, whether because of their background, their personality, or something else. They long for acceptance but fear they’ll never find it.

Struggling with Addiction. They’re caught in a destructive cycle, whether it’s with substances, behaviors, or even people. The shame and struggle to break free from addiction are real and raw.

Living with Chronic Illness. They’re living with a chronic illness or disability, and it’s not just the physical challenges that weigh them down, it’s the emotional toll, too. Maybe they feel isolated, or like they’re a burden to others.

Ajaw: *making a annoyed face at kinich for the 100+ time*

Kinich: "Can you stop making that face?"

*Ajaw: *Looking even more annoyed* "What the hell are you talking about? The almighty k'uhul Ajaw always looks like this! You pes-"

Kinich: "Damn, must be tough..."

Ajaw: *Now bright red in anger* "Kinich...You take that back you spinach head!"

Kinich:"Says the one that looks like pixels."

Reader:" Guys it's seven in the morning.."

sleepy kitty for day 12 of aetober

SHOOT THE GOAL DIRECTLY IN MY HEART

summary: What's it like to be a significant other of a varsity basketball player? Scratch that, what's it like being the significant other of 'Malipo' Kinich, a nonchalant and incredibly talented player who always keeps you on your toes with his unpredictable moves on and off the court?

genre: basketball bf x supportive s/o, massive fluff, kinich being a romantic even during on court, clingy kinich :<<, reassurances, them being in love, public relationship but still low-key.

notes: I was invited to watch a basketball game by my friends and that led me to make a kinich fic bc of that lol

FREE TICKETS?! I'M IN!

You don't have to worry about ordering tickets online for games because you always have a front row seat, given the special treatment from your partner, Kinich. Even though you sometimes insisted you would pay for the ticket with your own money, he would give you the stinkeye and tell you to save your money for something else while gesturing to keep your wallet closed. If he's being generous enough, he'd let you invite your companions to join you at the games as well, but they had to promise that they would minimize any distractions and focus on the game.

"But—" "No, buts. Save your money or use it to buy food and drinks at the game instead," Kinich would say with a frown, his arms crossed tightly across his chest. There's no winning against the man's frugality when it comes to spending money on unnecessary things. So, as a good significant other, you would just have to accept his decision and enjoy the game together without any extra expenses. "Fine, fine," you pouted, looking away as you begrudgingly agreed to Kinich's terms. Kinich hums in content and pinches your cheek playfully, replacing his frown with a smile. "That's my girl." Then he went in to kiss you on the lips before he excused himself to resume his training regimen for the upcoming competition, leaving you flustered. That damn Kinich!

HIS JERSEY IS ALSO MINE TO WEAR, HEHE.

Due to high demand, Kinich had personally requested the coach make another jersey for you to wear during his games. Of course, he didn't want to tell the truth; he just wanted to show you off as his girlfriend. But deep down, you knew he was just being sweet and thoughtful. It was cute to see you wearing the jersey with his name on it and how it perfectly complemented your figure. He was practically clinging to you like a proud boyfriend, kissing your neck and whispering in your ear how good you looked in his jersey. Every time he had a competition, he made sure you were there in the stands, cheering him on and proudly wearing his jersey. The sight of you in his jersey always brought a smirk to his face, knowing that you were there supporting him. It brought out the nastiest competitiveness in him, pushing him to perform even better just to make you proud.

"You look beautiful, [Y/N]. It fits you well," he whispered, eyeing you with adoration. His hands are toying around your waist, pulling you closer to him. "Thank you, baby," you replied with a smile, wrapping your arms around his neck and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "It feels like I'm bethroted to you when I wear this jersey," you added playfully, making him chuckle and hold you tighter. "You want to?" He tilted his head with a slight grin, his eyes slowly squinting when he noticed the flustered look on your face. So cute seeing his significant other get flustered over a playful suggestion. "Flustered, baby?" He teased, planting a soft kiss on your forehead before pulling you into a warm embrace. "Don't worry, we'll make that happen soon," he whispered, making your heart flutter with affection. You buried your head into his neck, shyly nodding in agreement.

A SACRED ROUTINE BEFORE GAME TIME!

Before Kinich could hit the field, he always made sure to spend a few moments with you, his good luck charm, to calm his nerves and boost his confidence. In an empty corner of the locker room, he would hold your hand tightly, resting his head against yours as you rubbed circles around your back. Seeing his focused yet gentle expression, you knew that no matter what happened on the field, you would always be there to support him. You know that your boyfriend is confident in his abilities, but having this special moment with you before each game helps him stay grounded and focused. Your presence and support mean everything to him, and he carries that with him onto the field.

"You can do this, baby." You whispered, planting a kiss on his forehead, and wrapped your arms around him in a comforting embrace. As he took a deep breath and nodded, planting a kiss on your arm, you could see the determination in his eyes. He needed to win this game not just for himself or the school but for you as well. He slowly removed himself from your embrace, then he turned to you with a sincere smile. "I'll make you proud," he said confidently before he cupped your cheek and gave you a reassuring squeeze. He leaned in and whispered, "I love you," before kissing you gently on the lips. The two of you pulled away and rested your foreheads together, sharing a moment of quiet understanding and support. With a final nod, he sat up and offered you his hand to help you up. "Go sit in the stands and cheer me on. I'll see you there, baby." He guided your back towards the door with a reassuring squeeze before he met your eyes one last time, his determination shining through. He shyly gave you a flying kiss before catching up with his teammates.

SHOOT THAT BALL, KINICH!

The cheer squad may be the loudest, but you know that your voice will be the one he hears above all others. You waved your banner enthusiastically when Kinich had captured the ball from his opponent's hands and swiftly made his way towards the goal, the crowd erupting in cheers as he scored a point for the team. You screamed in excitement, jumping up and down with the other fans as you watched Kinich run across the court with his finger pointing at you, silently indicating that he dedicated his goal to you. You caught a glimpse of his determined smirk as he ran his hand across his sweaty forehead, silently mouthing, "This one's for you."

Before he was given to shoot the ball to gain an extra point, he dribbled the ball first and then gave it a light kiss before shooting it towards the hoop. His first thought before shooting the ball was of you, the inspiration behind his every move on the court. He will make it matter, he will make it count, and he will make sure you know just how much you mean to him both on and off the court. As the ball swished through the net, he turned to you and kissed his two fingers and pointed towards you in the stands, then caught up with his teammates to defend their lead.

EXTRAS!

Whenever you appeared on the screen during the breaktime, Kinich would always smile at your adorable appearance, watching your face lit up in excitement, and waving the banner you made for him. "She's adorable," he whispered, shaking his head in disbelief at how lucky he was to have you supporting him.

Whenever he has an interview, he doesn't forget to mention you as his biggest supporter and source of motivation. He doesn't care about the fame or recognition, as long as he knows you're proud of him. "I'd like to thank my partner for always believing in me," he would say, glancing in your direction with a grateful smile, basking in the love and support you provide. You are his rock, his inspiration, and his greatest treasure.

Selfies before the game are a must! Kinich is wrapping his hand around your waist while you both smile at the camera. Sometimes, if he's bold enough, he would kiss your cheek in the photo, or maybe even on the lips. "Kinich! Be serious!" you would playfully scold, smacking his arm lightly as he chuckles in response. "What? We look good together," he would reply with a mischievous grin, making you scoff in amusement.