In novels, characters deliberately injure themselves, usually to express their inner pain, despair, anger, or helplessness. This kind of behavior can be an external manifestation of the character's psychological state, or it may be to achieve a certain purpose. Here are some common ways： ### 1. **Self-harm** -**Cuts**: Use sharp objects such as blades and glass to cut your arms, thighs, etc. This is the most common form of self-harm and is usually related to emotional depression, self-punishment, or seeking a sense of control. -**Burns**: Burning the skin with fire, cigarette butts, or other heat sources may symbolize inner torment or an attempt to transfer mental pain through physical pain. -**Impact**: Hit the wall or furniture with your fist, or hit the wall with your head to express anger or despair. ### 2. **Taking drugs or poisons** -**Overdose**: The character may deliberately take more than the dose of the drug, it may be for self-destruction, it may also be to attract the attention of others. -**Swallowing poisons**: Swallowing cleaning agents, pesticides, or other toxic substances is usually associated with extreme despair or suicide attempts. ### 3. **Intentional accident** -**Car accident**: The character may deliberately drive a vehicle into an obstacle, or drive in an unsafe situation, trying to harm himself through an accident. -**Falling from a high altitude**: Jumping from a high altitude or deliberately falling down the stairs, may be to express despair or escape reality. ### 4. **Reject basic needs** -**Hunger strike**: Deliberately not eating, it may be for self-punishment, protest, or trying to control a certain situation. -**Refusal to sleep**: Do not sleep for a long time, trying to paralyze mental pain through physical exhaustion. ### 5. **Psychological self-abuse** -**Repeated memories of trauma**: The character may continue to recall painful experiences, self-torture, and be unable to get rid of the shadow of his heart. -**Self-deprecation**: Constantly belittling yourself through words or behaviors, thinking that you are not worthy of being loved or existing. ### 6. **Seek dangerous behavior** -**Participate in dangerous activities**: Such as unprotected rock climbing, extreme sports, or deliberately being in a dangerous environment, it may be to seek stimulation or express indifference to life. -**Provoking others**: Deliberately provoking others, trying to harm yourself through violent acts by others. ### 7. **Symbolic self-harm** -**Cutting hair**: In some cultures, cutting off hair may symbolize a break from the past or self-punishment. -**Destruction of important items**: Destroying items of special significance to oneself may be to express inner pain or despair. ### 8. **Extreme behavior** -**Self-immolation**: In some extreme cases, the character may choose to self-immolate, usually related to strong protest or despair. -**Severed limbs**: In rare cases, the character may express extreme self-loathing or evade certain responsibilities by severing limbs. ### Precautions： When describing the behavior of the character deliberately harming himself, the author needs to deal with it carefully to avoid over-rendering or beautifying this behavior. At the same time, the motivation and psychological state behind the character can be revealed through the character's inner monologues, dialogues or reactions of others, so that readers can better understand the character's inner world. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar pain, be sure to seek professional help. Self-harm behavior may be a manifestation of psychological problems, and timely intervention and support are very important.