: Re: How to make clear what a part-humanoid character looks like when they're quite common in their world? How can I describe an unconventionally part-humanoid character, so the reader knows clearly

@Reiling826

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One element is if you characters have a reason to notice these things. In Ward, the protagonist is a bit of a Fashion Police, so she's always commenting on what people are wearing, whether regular people clothes or a super hero/villain costume. Because it's a character trait that makes sense for her (was popular in high school, she loves to try to classify everything), it never feels like an info dump.

So if one of your characters is a flight instructor or physical trainer, they'd probably always be noticing something about the wings of other characters or other elements (like a contrast between short legs that have a small limp, yet impressive shoulders and gliding, or noting that Bob is exactly as thick-headed as you'd expect a guy with chartreuse feathers to be.)

Prewriting thought: I'd like to know what's considered GORGEOUS in your world, both in a fashion/aspirational-but-unrealistic way, an Olympic medalist (performance-focused, but different sports lead to different physiques), and just cute friend of a friend. Also the opposite. And the stereotypes associated with different characteristics. Your people don't have to consciously believe them, but they may influence how they describe someone else, using flattering or unflattering terms. Did his eyebrows indicate someone manipulative or persuasive?

Iceberg that! Your characters don't need to go around talking about gorgeousness or athleticism, but knowing what makes LLyrrra "cute" or "just ok" helps you describe them in the story.

(Example: I think just about ALL cats/kittens are adorable, but they're not my people. But my cats probably have strong reactions about each other's fur color, nose shape, walking style, etc.)

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