The leader of the pack, the man of
the house, the head honcho. The Alpha Male is the strength and the order in
chaos. He is the one you look to for guidance. It is a physical and mental
strength that shows for only one in any given scenario. Alpha Male is, in a
word, dominance, usually male but not always.
The alpha male is a term that is
generally used to describe a male that seems dominant in his social circles,
seems to possess an unending appeal towards women, and displays general
leadership characteristics and traits. The term alpha male has been derived
from the term 'alpha dog,' a term that is used to pinpoint the leader of a pack
of wolves or dogs.
Many conflicts are sourced in the
code of the alpha male. It is true in the wild, and it is true in the modern
world. As writers, it is the heart of
the driven plot, the classic struggle between the Protagonist and the
Antagonist, and sometimes the Protagonist and the Contagonist. The battle for power, whether for money,
information, or love, is intense, heated, and sometimes violent. There are many
alpha male traits to distinguish between an alpha male and a beta male, both in
life and in your characters.
Here is a list of alpha male characteristics that can help you identify alpha males in your story, and also help you develop some of these alpha male characters.
Alpha Male Traits - Personality Traits
Talking Deliberately: It is commonly observed that if one is speaking to someone in a position higher than themselves, they tend to speak fast to maintain their attention and interest. When an Alpha talks, it’s slow, thoughtful, and deliberate. He knows that no matter what he says, he will be listened to, and thus no need to rush through his words.
Acknowledging Others: The Alpha knows how to appreciate and acknowledge other people. H will always be open to ideas and suggestions from others and will not dismiss anyone or anything without sincerely considering them.
Aloof: Alpha’s seem like they are just not interested. Their body language seems to suggest that they are always immersed in their own thoughts, and this even makes them seem self-centered. However, they are paying attention, very close attention, usually.
Attracts Women: An irresistible charm oozes out of them and sweeps all the ladies off their feet. It is no one singular characteristic, rather the combination of all the Alpha male traits which makes them so appealing.
Alpha Male Traits - Psychological Traits
Confidence: The biggest asset to possess, no matter where you are, is self-confidence. Believing in yourself, no matter what is an Alpha trait that truly stands out. There is a fine line between self-belief and arrogance, and the Alpha is well aware of these boundaries. He is supremely composed, maintaining a steady, constant level of confidence.
No Explanations: No approval needed, ever. As an Alpha, he’ll follow his instincts, and does not feel he owes anybody any explanations. There is no urge within him to justify and validate his actions. The most obvious of all the Alpha characteristics is he is comfortable in his own skin and does not seek or look to for anyone for approval.
Competing With Other Alpha Males: The most glaring thing that you will notice when you see two alpha males interacting with each other is the battle for supremacy. Each one will try and get one over on the other, and as a result, they will both be constantly competing or arguing aptly called the ‘pissing contest’ which refers to how dogs mark their territory.
Feeling Threatened: Since there is a constant tussle between Alphas for supremacy, they tend to get insecure and threatened by the activities of other alpha males. The other alpha male is undermining their superiority and authority. This is one of the alpha male traits not seen in every alpha male, but only in the ones with insecurities about their position in the mix.
Everyone knows who these guys are. The traits of an Alpha Male
are so unique and recognizable, almost everyone can instantly think of the
Alphas around them. These guys seem to have it all. Money, women, success, leadership
qualities, and ease of mind, so when building a believable alpha male, you need
to understand the most typically seen alpha male traits. Start with these as a
skeleton and work from there.
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