18 Nouns that Describe People’s Character

18 Nouns that Describe People’s Character (with Examples)

When we talk about people in English, adjectives are helpful — but nouns can be even more powerful. Calling someone a hypocrite, a go-getter, or a bookworm immediately creates a clear, vivid picture in the reader’s or listener’s mind. This kind of vocabulary is extremely useful for B2 First and C1 Advanced speaking, stories and character descriptions, articles and reviews and everyday conversations about people. In this lesson, you will learn 18 nouns that describe people’s character, grouped by meaning, with clear explanations and natural examples.

Negative personality traits

Bigot

A bigot is someone who has strong, unfair, and intolerant opinions about people of other religions, cultures, or groups.

• He’s a religious bigot who refuses to accept other points of view.
• Everyone avoided him because of his bigoted attitudes.

Hypocrite

A hypocrite is someone who says they have certain moral standards but does not follow them in their own behaviour.

• He’s always criticising others for being late, but he’s a real hypocrite.
• She talks about honesty all the time, but her behaviour is completely hypocritical.

Coward

A coward is someone who is not brave and avoids doing difficult or frightening things.

• Don’t be a coward — it’s just a dentist’s appointment.
• He was called a coward, but in reality he just didn’t believe in the war.

Nag

A nag is a person who keeps complaining or telling others what to do, often in an annoying way.

• Stop being such a nag — I’ll clean my room later.
• He’s not a bad manager, but he can be a real nag sometimes.

Habits, interests, and everyday types

Bookworm

A bookworm is a person who loves reading and reads a lot.

• She’s a real bookworm — she always has a novel with her.
• One of their sons is a bookworm, the other is more interested in sports.

Foodie

A foodie is someone who is very interested in food, cooking, and restaurants.

• Any true foodie would love the street food in Bangkok.
• I’m not a big foodie, but that meal was amazing.

Glutton

A glutton is a person who eats too much.

• You ate the whole cake, you glutton!
• He was known as a glutton who never left food on his plate.

Blabbermouth

A blabbermouth is someone who talks too much, often without thinking — and often tells secrets.

• Don’t tell him anything — he’s a blabbermouth.
• I was such a blabbermouth as a child. I ruined every surprise.

Chatterbox

A chatterbox is someone (often a child) who talks a lot, usually about unimportant things.

• She’s a sweet girl, but a real chatterbox.
• That child never stops talking — what a chatterbox!

Copycat

A copycat is someone who copies other people’s behaviour, clothes, or ideas.

• He started dressing like his favourite singer — such a copycat.
• She called me a copycat because I bought the same jacket.

Butterfingers

A person with butterfingers is clumsy and often drops things.

• Don’t give him the vase — he’s got butterfingers.
• Sorry, I dropped your phone. I’m such a butterfinger.

Roles in family and society

Breadwinner

A breadwinner is a person who earns the money that supports a family.

• For many years, he was the only breadwinner in the family.
• In their family, both parents are breadwinners.

Homemaker

A homemaker is a person who stays at home to take care of the house and children.

• She decided to be a homemaker while the children were small.
• He works part-time and is also a homemaker.

Peacekeeper

A peacekeeper is someone who tries to stop arguments and keep people calm.

• My mum was always the peacekeeper when my brother and I argued.
• He plays the role of peacekeeper in the team.

Success, power, and ambition

Go-getter

A go-getter is a person who is energetic, ambitious, and determined to succeed.

• She’s a real go-getter — always working on new projects.
• A true go-getter never waits for opportunities; they create them.

Mover and shaker

A mover and shaker is a person who has power and influence and makes things happen.

• He’s one of the movers and shakers in the music industry.
• She quickly became a mover and shaker in the company.

Bigwig

A bigwig is an important and influential person, especially in business or politics.

• Some local bigwigs are coming to dinner tonight.
• He’s a bigwig in the finance world.

Crackerjack

A crackerjack is someone who is extremely good at what they do.

• She’s a crackerjack lawyer.
• He’s a crackerjack chef — everything he cooks is fantastic.

These nouns are perfect for describing characters in stories, B2 / C1 speaking exams, articles, reviews, and opinions, as well as making your English more vivid and precise.

Compare:

He is very good at his job.

With:

He’s a real crackerjack.

Much more colourful, isn’t it? 😉

Good English is not only about grammar — it’s about choosing the right words to create clear images. These nouns help you describe people quickly, naturally, and powerfully.

Try using a few of them in your next speaking or writing task and watch your English come alive.

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