In order to break down the characteristics of the person who might be defined as “haughty,” I did not need to look far. However, if you’re not a fan of Downton Abbey, I apologize for my source.
haughty | adj.1. disdainfully proud; snobbish; arrogant. 2. Archaic. lofty or noble; exalted.
* * *
When I selected the word “haughty” for today’s post, I thought of several persons I know who might fit the bill. However, none so well as Downton Abbey’s own Dowager Countess Violet Grantham. Lady Violet exudes the pure essence of haughty.
If you’re using a character possessed by haughtiness, you might think of using some of the following characteristics, of which Lady Violet never hesitated to show:
rude, snobbish, hypocritical, self-serving, imperious, disdainful, overly aristocratic, condescending
And yet in the case of Lady Violet, she was also a very intelligent woman, one given to witticisms her viewers could not be sure she understood, often loyal.
Writing such a character as Julian Fellows did must be great fun!
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Oooo I loved this series Sherrey! Lady Violet (I’d forgotten her name) was the personification of haughty. I well remember her airs and graces and will bring them to mind when I need to describe someone with those characteristics in my own writing. I’m trying as I write to think of anyone I know, or of whom I know, who is haughty. And now I am wondering about this characteristic – yes, I know a few personally who are disdainful, which is not pleasant.I wonder what your ‘I’ will be?
I posted on ‘HAIR’ a moment or so ago ..
Susan, isn’t Lady Violet just the one you’d think of a haughty? Julian Fellows must know something of haughtiness in his life as a Brit to write such a perfectly haughty character. I’m on way over to read about hair!
She is an excellent example of haughtiness! 🙂 Love that show, but I am behind on episodes. I’m planning to catch up over the summer.
C.B., Lady Violet is too much! 🙂 Enjoy your catching up.
What a great example of haughtiness. I need to create a haughty character and put him/her in my novel. Seems like it’s just what it needs. Thank you for your great A to Z posts, Sherrey. They are terrific.
Madeline, I can’t wait to see what you come up with. So glad you’re enjoying my first stab at A to Z!
We stopped watching the show – it ain’t no Upstairs downstairs — but you’re right about the character. Would be hard to write one such I expect
Sue, I must give Julian Fellows his due — he knew how to write this particular character at least. And yet I wonder if it didn’t have something to do with his own British upbringing??? We’ll not be watching Downtown next season for the same reason you mentioned. 🙂
I’ve never watched the show and keep meaning to cue it up on Netflix. It looks really good. Maybe one of these days. Haughty people are not among my favorite types lol.
Tracy, it is really a well done period show. I’m fascinated by the turn of the century and early 1900s. Haughty folks aren’t among my favs either. 🙂
Sure hope that my last comment went through.
Came through just fine!
I love Maggie Smith on Downton. She’s a hoot, and definitely haughty! Popping in from a-z, and am touched by your honesty is seeking healing from past abuse. Writing IS healing…I have found that too. I pray you can continue to find peace from past hurts in your work. So nice to find you.Come visit me, if you’d like: from The Dugout
Mare, thanks for dropping in from A to Z. Maggie Smith is a great actress and pulled this role off beautifully. Yes, I find my writing to be healing and hope to help others find that it is. Heading over to the Dugout right now!
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