Random Likes and Dislikes Generator

One press gives a character one thing to love, one to like, one to dislike and one they cannot stand.

Random Likes and Dislikes Generator: 10 sets of likes and dislikes

Loves roadside diners. Likes a ticking clock. Dislikes a week of flat white sky. Cannot stand a closed sign five minutes early.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

Lovesroadside diners
Likesa ticking clock
Dislikesa week of flat white sky
Cannot standa closed sign five minutes early

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Every likes and dislikes you make is kept here, newest first, up to the last 20. The list stays in this browser.

Likes and Dislikes of the day

Loves the first bite of a crisp apple. Likes pencil shavings. Dislikes static on dry days. Cannot stand a spoon stirring too long.
Loves trailing houseplants. Likes rearranging the furniture. Dislikes the smell of a wet umbrella. Cannot stand construction at dawn.
Loves rain on a tin roof. Likes folding a map properly. Dislikes damp towels. Cannot stand a shoelace that keeps coming undone.
Loves a piano through a wall. Likes smooth stones. Dislikes icy sidewalks. Cannot stand a shoelace that keeps coming undone.
Loves bridges at night. Likes the first leaves turning. Dislikes parking lots. Cannot stand crumbs in the butter.
Loves thunderstorms at night. Likes detours. Dislikes muggy nights. Cannot stand a wet park bench.
Loves farmers' markets at opening time. Likes the smell of a hardware store. Dislikes sticky tables. Cannot stand a broken pencil at the start of a test.
Loves a full bookshelf. Likes yard sales. Dislikes pens that skip. Cannot stand a picnic the ants found first.
Loves rain on a tin roof. Likes cloudy days. Dislikes heat with no shade. Cannot stand a wet paper bag.
Loves botanical gardens in winter. Likes the first warm day of spring. Dislikes elevator music. Cannot stand car alarms.

Next step Roll a personality to go with them Give the character a name

How it works

This random likes and dislikes generator fills in a made-up character with four small, concrete things, from thunderstorms at night to wet socks. Each has a line in the lists below on what it hints about the person.

Read the full guide

Lock what fits the character

Press New likes and dislikes. The four lines then sit in rows, each with a lock at its end. Lock the ones that sound like your character and press again: only the open rows change.

Turn a like into a scene

A like is most useful when it costs something. Put the character who loves night trains in a town with no station, or hand wet socks to the one who cannot stand them, and see what they do. The line beside each item below suggests where to start.

Tips

Give two characters the same kind of thing in opposite rows and make them share a kitchen.
For a short character sheet, keep one love and one cannot-stand and drop the middle two.
Print ten sets and deal them out before a writing group or a tabletop game.

Questions and answers

What are these likes and dislikes for?

A made-up character: someone in a story, a role-playing game, a comic or an original character sheet. They are small and concrete on purpose, because a reader remembers wet socks longer than a word like fussy.

Is anything in the lists about people or looks?

No. Every item is a thing, a place, a sound, a texture or a kind of weather. Nothing is about a person, a body, a group of people or a way of eating.

Can the same thing come up as a like and a dislike?

No. Each item sits in one row only, so a set never argues with itself. Two characters can still clash: one likes drizzle, and another dislikes drizzle that will not commit.

Does it work as an icebreaker?

Yes. Deal each person a set and ask which line is true for them. The items are everyday and harmless, so nobody has to share more than an opinion on glitter.

Loves: all 60 things to love

Weather and seasons 15

a full moon on a clear night Looks up more than most.
a rainbow after a short shower Points it out to whoever is nearest.
the first cold morning of fall Has been waiting for sweater weather since July.
the first snow of the year Still runs to the window for it.

Show all 60 things to love (56 more)

Weather and seasons, continued

fog over water Likes not seeing the whole picture at once.
frost on the window Notices small patterns.
the hour after rain Waits for things to settle, then goes out.
the light at four in the afternoon Has a favorite time of day and can say why.
long summer evenings Never the first to go indoors.
puddles deep enough to jump in Has not grown out of it and will not.
the smell just before rain Knows what is coming before anyone says it.
sunrise from a train window Travels early and does not mind.
thunderstorms at night Sleeps best when the sky is busy.
warm rain Leaves the umbrella at home on purpose.
wind in tall grass Can sit and watch for a long time.

Home and habits 15

a desk by the window Works better with something to look at.
a drawer where everything fits Tidy in private, whatever the room looks like.
a fire in the grate The one who keeps it going all evening.
a full bookshelf Has read most of them, and means to read the others.
a kettle just coming to the boil Finds calm in small routines.
a kitchen radio Likes a voice in the next room.
a letter in the mailbox Writes back.
a made bed with cold sheets Order first, then comfort.
a window seat Wants to be indoors and looking out.
candles at dinner Makes an occasion out of a weekday.
the first page of a new notebook Loves a beginning.
laundry warm from the dryer Easily pleased, and glad of it.
old maps on the wall Plans trips that may never happen.
quilts with a history Keeps what was handed down.
trailing houseplants Patient with slow things.

Out and about 15

the back row of a movie theater Wants to see the film and the room.
botanical gardens in winter Knows the glasshouse is warm when nothing else is.
bridges at night Stops halfway across to look.
campfires Stays until the last log.
empty museums on weekday mornings Prefers to look without being hurried.
fairs after dark In it for the lights more than the rides.
farmers' markets at opening time Gets up early for the good tomatoes.
ferry rides Stands at the rail the whole way.
harbor towns Could watch boats come and go all day.
lighthouses Drawn to things that stand alone and do a job.
night trains Likes arriving somewhere by morning.
roadside diners Orders the pie.
rope swings over water Braver than they look.
secondhand bookshops Hopes to find what nobody was looking for.
the top deck of a bus Front seat, every time.

Sounds, smells and textures 15

a far-off train at night Finds distance comforting.
a piano through a wall Listens to the neighbors practice and roots for them.
church bells on a still day Stops to count them.
the click of a good pen Particular about tools.
the crackle before a record starts Likes the wait as much as the song.
the first bite of a crisp apple Enjoys a thing most at the very start.
freshly sharpened pencils Has kept a little of the first day of school.
orange peel Peels it in one long strip, or tries to.
rain on a tin roof Would stay in the shed until it stops.
sand that squeaks underfoot Walks the whole beach to hear it.
the smell of cut grass Thinks of summer all year.
the smell of fresh bread Follows it down the street.
the smell of old books Opens them to breathe in before reading.
woodsmoke Smells a bonfire and wants to be invited.
wool blankets Chooses warm over soft.

How this list was compiled: 60 things a character might love. Own work, written for this page: each item is a small, concrete thing, and its line says what the item hints about a made-up character. The lines are suggestions for a writer, not facts. No item is about a person, a body, a group of people or a way of eating, and no item sits in more than one of the page's four rows (checked by script). Licence: own work

Likes: all 60 things to like

Weather and seasons 15

a clear night sky Knows two constellations and is learning a third.
a light breeze Opens the window an inch, never all the way.
a mild winter Practical about comfort.
a pink sky at dusk Takes the picture, then just looks.
cloudy days Does not need the sun to be in a good mood.

Show all 60 things to like (55 more)

Weather and seasons, continued

crisp fall air Walks faster and thinks better in it.
dew on the grass Out before the path is dry.
drizzle Calls it fresh.
early mornings Has the best hour of the day alone.
the first leaves turning Keeps one pressed in a book.
the first warm day of spring Takes a coat anyway, and carries it.
long shadows Notices the time by the light.
mist in the morning Does not mind a slow start.
rainy Sundays Glad of an excuse to stay in.
snow that sticks Checks the yard before breakfast.

Home and habits 15

a nap at three in the afternoon Honest about running out of steam.
alphabetical order Finds comfort in a system.
burnt toast Would rather have it too done than not done.
crossword puzzles Likes a problem with one right answer.
the crust of the bread Takes the end piece nobody wants.
jigsaw puzzles Starts with the edges.
leftovers Thinks most things are better the next day.
lists Writes things down for the joy of crossing them off.
odd socks Not bothered by what does not match.
pencil over pen Likes to be able to change their mind.
rearranging the furniture Restless in a quiet way.
soup Easy to feed.
tea that has gone a little cold Gets lost in a task and forgets the cup.
wrapping presents Neat corners, too much tape.
writing in the margins Talks back to books.

Out and about 15

bike bells Rings it for no reason.
bus timetables Likes to know how things connect.
detours Curious about the other road.
folding a map properly Small victories count.
hardware stores Likes a place where every problem has a part.
libraries At home among rules and silence.
music from an open window Slows down to hear one whole song.
park ponds Brings something for the ducks.
picnic benches Eats outside whenever the weather allows.
postcards Buys three, sends one.
the quiet car on a train Guards their own peace.
stairs over elevators Would rather move than wait.
walking the long way home Not in a hurry to be finished.
the window seat on a bus Watches the town go by like a film.
yard sales Looks for the story behind the lamp.

Sounds, smells and textures 15

a ticking clock Likes proof that time is passing at the usual rate.
a well-oiled hinge Fixes the small annoyances.
clean windows Notices the difference at once.
cold water from the tap Simple tastes.
corduroy Likes clothes with a texture.
fresh paint Likes a new start, even on an old wall.
the hum of a refrigerator Finds a quiet house too quiet.
lemon Adds it to everything.
mint Likes things clean and sharp.
pencil shavings Sharpens more than is needed.
the smell of a hardware store Oil, wood and string: a favorite mix.
the smell of a new book Reads the first line in the shop.
smooth stones Keeps one in a coat pocket.
the sound of a broom Sweeps to think.
squeaky clean dishes Does the washing up without being asked.

How this list was compiled: 60 things a character might like. Own work, written for this page: each item is a small, concrete thing, and its line says what the item hints about a made-up character. The lines are suggestions for a writer, not facts. No item is about a person, a body, a group of people or a way of eating, and no item sits in more than one of the page's four rows (checked by script). Licence: own work

Dislikes: all 60 things to dislike

Weather and seasons 15

a cold wind round the corner Knows every drafty street in town.
a week of flat white sky Needs a little weather to feel awake.
a wind that keeps changing direction Had only just got the kite up.
dark at five in the afternoon Counts the days until the clocks change.

Show all 60 things to dislike (56 more)

Weather and seasons, continued

drizzle that will not commit Prefers a clear answer, even from the sky.
fogged-up glasses Wants to see where they are going.
glare off wet roads Takes it personally.
gray slush Wants snow to be snow or be gone.
heat with no shade Plans the walk by the trees.
humid days Wilts, and says so.
icy sidewalks Walks like a penguin and resents it.
muggy nights Sleeps badly and is short the next day.
static on dry days Touches door handles with care.
sudden showers Dislikes being caught unprepared.
windy days Likes hats and papers to stay put.

Home and habits 15

a sink full of dishes Cannot relax with a job waiting.
alarm clocks Would rather wake up by themselves.
cold coffee Makes a fresh cup and forgets that one too.
damp towels Believes things should dry properly.
drawers that stick Minds the small daily frictions.
flat soda Wants the fizz or nothing.
forms in triplicate Suspects paperwork is a trap.
itchy sweaters Comfort before looks.
open cupboard doors Closes them behind other people.
overhead lighting A lamp person.
pens that skip Expects tools to work.
price stickers that leave glue Picks at it until it is gone.
soggy cereal Eats fast, and for a reason.
tangled cords Has no patience for knots.
wobbly tables Folds a napkin under the short leg.

Out and about 15

automatic doors that open late Has walked into one.
detour signs Had a plan and liked it.
elevator music Would prefer honest silence.
leaf blowers A rake person.
long lines Does the sum on whether it is worth it.
long meetings Says it in two sentences and wishes others would.
loud hand dryers Wipes hands on jeans to skip them.
narrow sidewalks Likes room to swing a bag.
parking lots Parks far away to avoid the hunt.
revolving doors Never sure of the timing.
rush hour Leaves early or late, never on time.
shopping carts with a bad wheel Gets one every time and keeps count.
speed bumps Likes a smooth run.
stiff new shoes Wears the old pair until it gives up.
waiting rooms Reads the same page of a magazine four times.

Sounds, smells and textures 15

a ticking turn signal Notices every small repeated sound.
chalk dust Claps the erasers at arm's length.
dull scissors Believes a job needs the right edge.
flickering candles in a draft Moves the candle, then the chair.
glitter Still finding it from last year.
lukewarm baths Wants hot to be hot.
paper straws Drinks fast before it gives up.
plastic wrap that will not tear straight Small defeats sting.
pulp in orange juice Wants a drink to be a drink.
scratchy tags in collars Cuts them out the first day.
the smell of a wet umbrella Leaves it open in the hall to dry.
squeaky markers Winces at the sound.
sticky tables Asks for a different table.
velcro Flinches at the rip.
wet sleeves Rolls them up before washing anything.

How this list was compiled: 60 things a character might dislike. Own work, written for this page: each item is a small, concrete thing, and its line says what the item hints about a made-up character. The lines are suggestions for a writer, not facts. No item is about a person, a body, a group of people or a way of eating, and no item sits in more than one of the page's four rows (checked by script). Licence: own work

Cannot stand: all 60 things they cannot stand

Weather and seasons 15

a draft under the door Rolls up a towel and declares war on it.
a gust that slams the door Jumps every time.
a heat wave with the windows painted shut Would move house over it.
a north wind in the face Turns round and walks backward.

Show all 60 things they cannot stand (56 more)

Weather and seasons, continued

a picnic the ants found first Checks the ground before the blanket goes down.
a week of rain with no break Runs on daylight.
an umbrella that turns inside out Holds a grudge against that umbrella.
black ice Trusts the ground and wants it to deserve it.
the first hot night with no breeze Moves to the floor, then the porch.
fog on the day of a trip Likes a plan to go as planned.
freezing rain Stays home and feels right about it.
hail on a car roof Cannot think over the noise.
mud season Owns two pairs of boots and trusts neither.
snow that melts by noon Hates a promise that is not kept.
thunder with no rain Wants the storm to get on with it.

Home and habits 15

a blunt pencil Keeps a sharpener in every bag.
a chair that wobbles Tests every chair before sitting.
a clock that is five minutes off Checks it against the phone and fixes it.
a door left ajar Open or shut: choose.
a dripping tap Gets up at night to deal with it.
a flickering light bulb Changes it the same hour.
a fly in the room at night Will not sleep until it is out.
a pebble in a shoe Stops right there to get it out.
an unmade plan Needs to know what Saturday holds.
crooked pictures Straightens them in other people's houses.
crumbs in the butter Has rules about shared things.
the last sheet on the roll Replaces it and wonders who did not.
lids that do not match Has sorted that cupboard more than once.
sand in the bed Shakes the sheets out twice.
wet socks The whole day is ruined, and they will say so.

Out and about 15

a broken pencil at the start of a test Brings three from then on.
a bus that leaves early On time, and expects the same.
a closed sign five minutes early Checks the hours and the time, twice.
a detour with no signs after the first Trusts directions and wants them finished.
a phone ringing at the movies Remembers which row it came from.
a puddle splash from a passing car Remembers the color of the car.
a seat that will not stay reclined Notices when things do not hold.
a shoelace that keeps coming undone Ties it twice and still does not trust it.
a stuck turnstile Feels the line building behind them.
a vending machine that keeps the coin Wants a fair trade.
a wet park bench Sits anyway, then regrets it.
car alarms Counts the seconds until someone stops it.
construction at dawn Believes mornings belong to birds.
gum on the sidewalk Watches the ground the rest of the way.
spoilers Leaves the room, humming.

Sounds, smells and textures 15

a cotton ball pulled apart Cannot even watch.
a fork scraping a plate Shudders, and cannot hide it.
a mosquito in the tent Lights on, hunt on.
a pen clicking, again and again Asks nicely once.
a smoke alarm with a low battery Finds the ladder at two in the morning.
a spoon stirring too long Counts the clinks.
a wet paper bag Carries the shopping in both arms to be safe.
a zipper that catches Gives it three tries, then a hard look.
chalk squeaking on a board Leaves the room.
foam packing that squeaks Opens parcels at arm's length.
gristle Done with dinner on the spot.
the hum of a fluorescent light Hears what others have tuned out.
the squeak of a balloon Guards the balloons at every party.
stickers that tear Wants one clean peel.
wet wool Smells it from across the room.

How this list was compiled: 60 things a character might not be able to stand. Own work, written for this page: each item is a small, concrete thing, and its line says what the item hints about a made-up character. The lines are suggestions for a writer, not facts. No item is about a person, a body, a group of people or a way of eating, and no item sits in more than one of the page's four rows (checked by script). Licence: own work