Our daily lives are filled with tiny actions and gestures that we never pay attention to and forget at the end of the day. From sniffing a bottle of perfume, petting a dog, or clicking our tongue in disgust at an auto-correct message, these trivial behaviors that we create are what makes us distinctly human and unique.

In fiction, physical details of characters lend authenticity to their distinctiveness. Their mannerisms, on the other hand, are what make them human. In The Big Bang Theory, for example, Sheldon Cooper’s quirky manner of knocking three times and calling out the apartment owner’s name thrice identifies him as a creature of habit. Although most of his quirks as an eccentric genius are off the chart, these mannerisms are what make Sheldon Cooper. Small actions make for a bigger depiction of a character’s personality and provide information to his thoughts and emotions.

Example: Miles was dumbfounded and scratched his head.

Scratching his head illustrates that he is confused, but he would only scratch his head whenever he doesn’t understand something. He could also demonstrate other forms of gestures or mannerisms depending on what situation he is in. He could rub his tummy when he’s hungry, sigh when he’s disappointed, and open his mouth when surprised. Of course, these trivial actions do not give us that much information about Miles’ motivation, but he comes out as an authentic human being. As a writing technique, mannerisms help to show rather than tell.

Example: Alexa chewed bubble gum and crossed her legs as her history professor called her name to answer his question. She twirled her hair and shrugged her shoulders.

The above example illustrates Alexa’s mannerisms and attitude inside the classroom. When done right, mannerisms can effectively help reveal personality and give readers a psychological insight into characters.

As a reminder, trivial mannerisms are different from habitual actions as the latter is often performed. However, both mannerisms and habits serve to help the reader identify the inclinations of a character.

Examples. 1) John shocked his dinner guest as he burped. 2) Michael was seen wearing his gold-plated chain necklace while taking out the trash. 3) Thinking about her demotion, Mildred drummed her fingers on the glass table.

Based on these examples, mannerisms brand characters as people like you and me. Mannerisms, quirks, and tics that characters do without realizing function like an adornment. They add something extra to what we already perceive. While these little actions may appear unimportant, they convey self-image.

Do be careful with clichés in illustrating mannerisms. Some writers, for the purpose of sounding original, make the description exaggerated or clichéd.

Clichéd: His eyes unbuttoned her blouse and she felt uncomfortable.

Better: He stared with desire at her cleavage and she felt uncomfortable.

The writer’s description of mannerism can humanize a character as someone with an inclination that the reader can identify with.

Uninteresting: Ben combed his hair.

Interesting: Ben licked his fingers and ran them through his cowslick.