How to Write an OVERTHINKER
Writing an overthinker seems easy, does it not? It's in the name: they think. A lot. They probably have anxiety and perhaps perfectionism, but that seems like the extent of it.
Except, it's not.
Like with any person, there's more to overthinkers than simply a head filled with thoughts never spoken, so let's dissect that!
1. They Are Selfless
This might seem like a surprise for some. Selflessness and overthinking? There doesn't really look to be any overlap in these two sections, but when you consider it, many overthinkers are selfless--people pleasers--even.
When they study a text they sent thirty minutes ago, it's because they're concerned it sounds wrong. Maybe too aggressive. Or too passive. Or maybe they left out something. They're worried that the receiver might interpret the message the wrong way even if they had no bad intentions while sending it.
They almost always try to put others first, and when they don't feel like they can because their own side feels correct, they overthink. They weigh every pro and con because they're scared to let others down if it causes even the smallest setback.
In short, they care too much.
2. Overthinking is NOT Something That Happens 24/7
If you're worried that you'll have to spam thoughts over and over again for this kind of character, you'd actually be wrong.
Thinking requires energy; it's like your brain is running at 80 miles per hour, but overthinking? That's like your brain running at 240 miles. No one can do that all day, any day.
Most of the time, they'll be preoccupied with other tasks that make them too busy to start spiraling, so that brings us to our next question...
3. When Do They Overthink?
If they aren't overthinking all the time, then when do they do it?
There are a few consistent instances--when they're anxious, overwhelmed, or even doing nothing.
When your character is meeting someone new, they want to leave a good impression on them, causing anxiety. This forces them to think over every small action, word, tone, etc. Stress also contributes to overthinking too--deadlines, assignments, events--all these things can overwhelm someone, and bam bam bam, the thoughts are flooding back. And finally, when they have nothing to do, they'll reflect. They'll think about how they might've upset someone because the other's tone was too harsh. Or how they laughed a bit too loudly. Or how their voice sounded too artificial when they tried to sound enthusiastic.
4. They Apologize Too Much
They apologize at any minor inconvenience that they were possibly tied to. Were they the perpetrator? No. But were they in the room? Yes, so they should take some responsibility. The words "sorry" and "it's my fault" spill out of them like a fountain and somehow, they mean it every time.
When it comes to an actual mistake they caused, the guilt floods them and suddenly, they can't sleep that night.
Sometimes, safe is sorry.
5. They Tend to Assume the Worst (in themselves)
Overthinkers can seem sensitive at times, and it's not necessarily because they're weak or insecure, but it's because they have a tendency to assume the worst-case scenario.
Let's say that a character sent a text message to her friend but receives no response despite the fact that her and her friend were just texting each other prior a couple hours.
At first, she might not look too deep into it. But after a bit, she might scrutinize their conversation and her last message more. Maybe it sounded too apathetic. Maybe the emoji wasn't really a good fit. Then, it escalates. Perhaps her friend didn't like how apathetic it sounded. Perhaps her friend was offended. Perhaps silence was the friend's way of expressing her unhappiness.
In reality, the friend could simply have been busy. Or lost their phone. Or forgot to reply.
It could have had no relation to the character and her actions, but until it's confirmed, she won't know.
6. They Have Lots of Questions
This one isn't really about how an overthinker interacts with others, but more about how they act within an environment. Specifically, in a school or work setting--somewhere where there's stakes.
When it comes assignments, projects, etc., overthinkers tend to be overly cautious, leading to an abundance of questions. They're great at identifying what was omitted, what was left vague, and what could have double meanings. Since they don't want to improperly complete the work, they have questions to ask.
Additionally, they like to reaffirm things. Maybe a teacher told them to round to a certain digit on the test offhandedly. You can bet that the student will re-ask the teacher that--not because they forgot, but because they want to confirm.
CONCLUSION
Overthinkers care too much, especially (though not limited to) other people. It's the reason why they hesitate, why they apologize, and why they feel guilty for something that ultimately isn't a big deal.
In a sense, this makes them selfless people, but such excessive altruistic behavior is extremely mentally draining--a flaw more than a virtue.
Happy writing~
3hks <3
