Physical feature: SLENDER BUILD

SLENDER BUILD

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Physical features should do more than simply describe how a character looks. Just like their occupation or area of giftedness, a character's appearance can say a great deal about them. Hinting at traits through clothing choices, alluding to an emotional state through movements, and highlighting certain details for comparison or contrast purposes can help readers form opinions on who the character really is.

With the prevalence of body image issues in today's world, much emphasis is placed on the slender body type being the preferred one, particularly in books for children and young adults. People with other builds can be just as healthy and well-adjusted; it would be nice to see these body types better represented in literature.
Men whose bodies aren't athletic or muscular are often portrayed as unhealthy in some way. But men can be thin or willowy just like women. Twist the cliché by including the slender man who is confident and happy with his body.
Because slender bodies are neither large nor small, big or little, they can be easily forgotten or overlooked. This is where individual quirks and details can help to differentiate a character. Clothing choices, skin color, birthmarks, freckles, piercings, tattoos, mannerisms, and other defining details can turn a forgettable body into a memorable one.

SLENDER BUILD

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DESCRIPTORS AND KEY ELEMENTS:

SIMILE AND METAPHOR EXAMPLES:

CLICHÉS TO AVOID:

TWISTING THE STEREOTYPE:

PEOPLE LIKELY TO HAVE THIS BUILD:

FAMOUS EXAMPLES:

OTHER THOUGHTS ON THIS BODY TYPE: