When depicting a character intentionally harming themselves in fiction, the author can choose from a variety of ways to show the character's inner struggle and emotional state. Here are some common methods: 1. **Self-harming behavior**: - **Cutting wrists and skin**: The character uses a knife or other sharp object to cut the surface of the body as a way to express emotions. - **Burn**: The skin is burned with hot objects or chemicals. - **Bumping or hitting**: Hitting the head or other parts of the body, causing minor injuries. 2. **Substance abuse or overdose**: - **Overdose**: The character may intentionally take more prescription or over-the-counter medication than the doctor recommends. - **Illegal drug abuse**: The use of drugs or other illegal substances to seek temporary escape or relief. 3. **Excessive drinking**: - **Alcoholism**: Using large amounts of alcohol to numb oneself, escape reality, or relieve pain. 4. **Fasting or excessive dieting**: - **Restricting food intake**: Expressing inner pain or loss of control by controlling diet. 5. **Dangerous Behavior**: - **Self-exposure to dangerous environments**: Such as walking on high places, driving dangerous vehicles, etc., seeking excitement or feeling alive in a risky way. - **Self-alienation**: Deliberately isolating oneself from society and reducing contact with others, leading to emotional self-harm. 6. **Suicidal Tendencies**: - **Suicide Attempts**: The character may have tried suicide but failed, and expressed despair through this extreme behavior. - **Suicide Plan**: Describe in detail the process and inner struggle of the character planning suicide. ### Notes on Writing 1. **Avoid Over-Detail**: When describing self-harming behaviors, avoid being too specific and detailed to avoid causing discomfort or imitating the behavior to the reader. 2. **Show the Psychological Level**: Focus more on the character's emotional and psychological state, rather than just the external behavioral performance. 3. **Provide Support Information**: When appropriate, provide channels or resources for seeking help and convey positive messages. 4. **Avoid Glamorizing Self-Injury**: Make sure the behavior is portrayed as a challenge faced by the character, rather than a way to solve a problem. ### Reference Resources - **Psychological Consultation**: Consult psychology books or professionals to ensure that self-harm behaviors are accurately and responsibly portrayed. - **Real Case Studies**: Read real cases or self-narratives to help understand the complex emotions of the characters. By writing carefully and responsibly, authors can effectively portray characters' self-harm behaviors in their novels while conveying understanding and concern for this serious issue.