Have you ever written about a petulant person?  Perhaps you need to write one into your book now.  Whatever does a petulant person do that is irritating?For one thing, they get upset or irritated at the most trifling of situations.  That’s when you might get the head toss, roll of the eyes, deep sigh of displeasure . . .  you know the moves, right?

Like the letter “P” here the petulant attitude can make a mess of most any situation.

petulant | adjective

moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, especially over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head.

* * *

A few images will help define the facial expressions or body language found in the petulant character:

No, you don’t have to write about cats, but this fellow (or girl) says it all in the eyes.  Pretty snarky, right?  The word “snarky” is a synonym for “petulant.”  Looking pretty tough and immoveable, this cat has no intention of playing nice.

And then there’s the young couple having a tiff.  Her back is turned to him, and there’s the slightest hint of a pout in her expression.  Another classic example of petulant behavior.

For our last example, how about an actor who spends a great deal of his time being petulant. If you’ve ever watched House, you know Dr. House can be petulant — or testy, irascible, irritated (and irritating), and more.

If you feel you need more to go on for the word “petulant,” take a look at the list of synonyms and related words at Merriam-Webster.

Image attributions may be found by clicking on the image.

Click to see the A to Z blogroll.