Summary

The article discusses the strategic use of profanity in novels to enhance character development and authenticity, emphasizing that its effectiveness varies by genre and context.

Abstract

The use of profanity in literature is a nuanced decision that can significantly impact a novel's characters and narrative. The article suggests that profanity should reflect a character's natural speech patterns and fit the scene's mood and the genre's conventions. It posits that while some genres like mystery, thriller, or horror may naturally incorporate profanity, others, such as cozy mysteries, typically do not. The article also outlines different approaches to handling profanity, such as using reported or implied profanity instead of explicit language, and provides tips for writers, including knowing the characters' personalities, considering the impact of a character breaking their usual speech pattern, and understanding the genre's expectations.

Opinions

Profanity in novels must feel natural and not forced to be effective.
The use of profanity depends on the character's personality and the scene's appropriateness.
Writers should consider their own comfort with profanity and its relevance to the story.
Profanity has a hierarchy, with some words being considered more offensive than others.
Reported profanity allows the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps without explicit language.
Implied profanity can be used to suggest a character's speech without actually using swear words.
The article suggests that less is more when it comes to using profanity in writing.
A character's unexpected use of profanity can be strategically used for dramatic effect.
The genre of the novel heavily influences the acceptability and frequency of profanity.
Profanity is presented as another tool in a writer's arsenal, to be used judiciously to convey character traits and emotional states.

How Much Profanity Do You Need In Your Novel?

How your characters relate to each other is critical to the story

Have you thought about profanity in your novels? Do your characters use profanity in their speech?

It’s a common issue as we use profanity in our lives (well, maybe some don’t) and we are familiar with it. However, writing about it is different. It must come as a natural speech pattern. Otherwise, it is forced and doesn’t work.

Does your character say ‘Oh fudge!’ or do they use a stronger phrase? Vocabulary shows us who a character is, but how many f-bombs can you drop in one story?

I love this question as it goes to a very important piece in terms of the characteristics in your book. Some people will never use profanity, no matter what.

Then there are others like me who will let it fly when appropriate to the character and the scene. What side of the fence are you on? Either you do it or you don’t. So much depends on the genre. Typically, mystery, thriller or horror most likely include some profanity.

Cozy mysteries, not so much.

You can take a lesson from real life. Think of the various circumstances you find yourself in. When would you use profanity? A lot depends on the company, right?

If you don’t swear, it may be difficult for you to add it to your character’s dialogue. And if you do swear you have the challenge of not overdoing it.

Think about your characters and their roles. If you are writing about a meth house and drug dealers, profanity would make sense, of course. Your character is not going to say, “fiddlesticks.”

On the other hand, you could create a scene with the church ladies and a bake sale. What if something happened and one of the ladies dropped the cake and said, “Oh fuck.” That would be out of character but catch everyone’s attention.

Here are some options you can use along with a profanity.

What is the Hierarchy Of Bad Words?

Not all profanity is created equal. There is actually a hierarchy of words. Such as, Damn is considered “entry-level.” Some consider it bad, but certainly not the worse word you can use. Of course, it gets worse from there. I’ll leave it up to your imagination.

What is Reported Profanity?

Here, you can have a conversation and then just “report” that someone used a certain word and everyone was shocked.

For example: ‘You are not serious? I can’t believe she said that.’

What is Implied Profanity?

Here, you only have to say that your character cursed. You do not have to use swear words.

For example, Jane cursed and yanked her purse back.

Five Tips For Using Profanity In Your Novel:

1. You know this is true: Less is always more. If you are going to use profanity spell it properly.

2. Know who your characters are. These are people you have gotten to know. Some say, ‘darn it’, and others say, ‘fuck it’, know who you are dealing with.

3. As we mentioned above. What if your character was always prim and proper, then suddenly swears? And vice versa. What if one of your most profane-dropping people holds back?

4. What is your genre. Certainly, if you are writing a thriller, chances are your folks do swear. Know your genre. Certain genres allow for more profanity, some don’t allow for any.

How your character communicates verbally will tell the reader so much about them. How we talk to each other gives us away the moment we open our mouths. Profanity is just another tool in your writer’s toolbox. Use it wisely.