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How to Describe a Handsome Man in a Story
By Isobel Coughlan
Is the protagonist in your novel ravishingly good looking? If you need some help in writing this character, read on to get some tips on how to describe a handsome man in a story.
1. Delightful
Someone very friendly or pleasant.
“The handsome man’s manners matched his appearance. He was delightful inside and out.”
“Not only was he a popular and handsome man, but he was also delightful to be around. This surprised most people.”
How it Adds Description
The word “delightful” signifies that a character is pleasant or nice to be around. If your characters describe the handsome man as “delightful,” they’re likely very fond of him and want to spend more time around him. “Delightful” could also signify that your man has a good sense of humor or wits, as this behavior is very charming.
2. Arrogant
Someone who is proud, unpleasant , and believes they’re better than others.
“Yes, he’s handsome. But he’s also arrogant and nasty to anyone not in his friendship group!”
“The handsome man was arrogant beyond belief. Good looks don’t always signal kindness.”
If you want to show that your handsome man is proud or conceited, “arrogant” is the adjective to choose. This signifies the man thinks he’s more important than others, likely due to his good looks. Characters may avoid him, as being “arrogant” is an unpleasant trait.
3. Charming
Someone very attractive and pleasant with great people skills.
“There was no denying that the handsome man was charming . Every time he spoke, the room hung on his every word.”
“The handsome man was charming , and she felt herself falling for him instantly.”
“Charming” shows your audience that your handsome man has manners to match his looks. If “charming,” many other characters may be drawn to the handsome man as he has great people skills and a friendly personality. “Charming” may also suggest the character is confident when speaking in front of others.
Someone that’s graceful in style and appearance.
“The handsome man was elegant and refined. He fit in amongst the upper crust of society.”
“She glanced at the handsome man. He was elegant in every way, and she wished she could capture his looks forever.”
“Elegant” evokes a sense of gracefulness, which can show your character has a pleasing style and appearance. This adjective is often associated with sophistication, so using “elegant” can indicate your handsome man’s refined fashion. Characters who deem the man “elegant” may be in awe of his presentation.
5. Striking
Something or someone who is attractive in a noticeable way.
“She walked into the room and stopped dead when she saw the handsome man. He was striking , as if angels had carved his looks.”
“The handsome man was striking . No one could take their eyes off his good looks.”
If you want to reinforce the effect of your handsome man’s good looks, “striking” is an appropriate adjective to use. This word shows his good looks are more noticeable than usual, and this may enchant your characters. If a character calls the man “striking,” it may even hint they’re attracted to him.
Someone who is quiet and thoughtful .
“For a second, the handsome man was serious . He urged others to never judge a book by its cover.”
“The handsome man was serious throughout the event. This surprised many guests, as they expected his personality to match his beautiful face.”
“Serious” implies that the handsome man is deep in thought or quiet in general. This might surprise other characters, as many tend to assume handsome people are happier. “Serious” may also show the handsome man is worried about something, which could foreshadow upcoming plot points.
7. Miserable
Someone who’s extremely unhappy .
“The handsome man strutted about the room. He was miserable, and no one could help lift his mood.”
“She dreamed of a handsome man with a large smile. But every time she actually spoke to him, he was miserable .”
“Miserable” showcases that despite his good looks, the handsome man is not happy. This may make other characters feel pity for him or try to lift his mood. However, some characters may find his misery confusing, as many associate good looks with happiness and joy.
8. Wordless
Someone who has nothing to say or is silent .
“The group discussed their plan, but the handsome man remained wordless .”
“To her surprise, the handsome man was wordless all day. She’d never met anyone so quiet and beautiful simultaneously.”
If you want to portray your handsome man as someone very quiet, “wordless” is a good adjective to use. This may confuse other characters. If another character describes him as “wordless,” they may not understand his silent personality. They also might assume he’s not intelligent, as he has nothing to say.
9. Statuesque
Someone who is beautiful or tall, like a statue.
“From his delicate curls to his square jaw, the handsome man was statuesque in every sense.”
“The handsome man stood tall and statuesque . His posture was like that of a Greek god.”
“Statuesque” provides readers with a vivid image of the man, as this adjective links to a specific style of statue seen in ancient history. If a character calls your handsome man “statuesque,” they’re likely in awe or impressed with his physique and facial looks.
10. Captivating
Someone or something that attracts or fascinates people.
“She stared at the handsome man for minutes. He was captivating, and no one could ignore him.
“The handsome man was captivating , and no one could deny it. Every passerby gasped at his beauty.”
“Captivating” shows how your handsome man’s good looks catch the attention of other characters. The handsome man could use this to his advantage, and this could form a manipulative part of his personality. “Captivating” may also hint that other characters become obsessed with him due to his beauty.
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