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caprice - Word of the Day - Fri Sep 18, 2026

Myr

Entry posted by Myr in Word of the Day

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caprice - (n) - a sudden, impulsive change of mind or desire

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On a caprice, he booked the last seat and didn’t tell anyone until the gate.

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Author tip: Caprice works best when it costs someone something. 
Genre tags: Contemporary, Romance

 

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Bill W

Bill W 65,016
Frantic

Posted (edited)

The word caprice comes from the French word caprice, which was borrowed from the Italian word capriccio meaning "whim" or "shiver" and originally described a sudden shudder or a chill of fear where a person's hair stands on end.  

The noun "caprice" was first used in English in 1673, according to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).  The earliest recorded use appears in the writings of the English poet, playwright, and critic John Dryden.  

Edited by Bill W
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Bill W

Bill W 65,016
Frantic

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Caprice—defined as a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior—is a powerful tool in storytelling that disrupts predictability, humanizes characters, and mirrors the chaotic nature of real life.  While traditional narrative structure relies heavily on cause and effect, injecting elements of whimsy, impulsivity, or sudden shifts keeps a story dynamic and engaging. 
Here is why caprice is vital in storytelling, grouped by its narrative functions: 

Subverting Plot Predictability:  
Breaks formulaic patterns: If every character always makes the most logical decision, the plot becomes entirely predictable. Caprice introduces the unexpected.  
Creates organic plot twists: A sudden, impulsive choice by a character can instantly shift the narrative trajectory, forcing everyone else to adapt to a new reality.  
Heightens tension: When a character (especially an antagonist) is fickle or erratic, the audience and other characters remain on edge because they cannot anticipate the next move.  

Deeper Characterization: 
Flawed humanity: Real people are not perfectly rational algorithms. Characters who act on a whim, throw tantrums, or change their minds suddenly feel more flawed, relatable, and human. 
Highlights internal conflict: Caprice often exposes a character's hidden desires or unresolved psychological tension that logic normally suppresses.  
Defines specific archetypes: Certain iconic archetypes—like the Trickster, the Mad Scientist, or the Femme Fatale—rely entirely on caprice to establish their identity and charm.  

Theme and Atmosphere:  
Reflects the absurdity of life: In genres like Absurdist fiction or Dark Comedy, caprice underscores the theme that the universe is chaotic and indifferent to human plans.  
Establishes tone: Caprice can inject lighthearted whimsy into a fantasy world or brewing dread into a psychological thriller, depending on how the unpredictable behavior manifests.  

Balancing Logic and Caprice:  
While caprice is essential for flavor and surprise, writers must balance it carefully: 
Too much logic makes a story feel sterile, rigid, and mechanical.  
Too much caprice makes a story feel unearned, frustrating, and devoid of stakes, as actions no longer have meaningful consequences.  

The best stories use caprice like a sharp spice—sparingly, but with enough impact to completely change the flavor of the narrative.
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drpaladin

drpaladin 121,348
Zorro+

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I see Caprice and I think of...

A fancied up Chevrolet Impala.

A 1967 Doris Day movie.

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sandrewn

sandrewn 30,612
Checking In

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5 hours ago, drpaladin said:

I see Caprice and I think of...

A fancied up Chevrolet Impala.

A 1967 Doris Day movie.

Thank you for this one. Doris Day was one of my favorite actresses. Just saying her name, I can hear, 'Que Sera Sera', close my eyes and remember the movie.

Serasera youtube - Google Search

 

Thanks, :cowboy:

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ReaderPaul

ReaderPaul 22,518
Mellow

Posted

8 hours ago, Bill W said:
     Caprice—defined as a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior—is a powerful tool in storytelling that disrupts predictability, humanizes characters, and mirrors the chaotic nature of real life.  While traditional narrative structure relies heavily on cause and effect, injecting elements of whimsy, impulsivity, or sudden shifts keeps a story dynamic and engaging. 
     The best stories use caprice like a sharp spice—sparingly, but with enough impact to completely change the flavor of the narrative.

I am guessing that something like a drunk driver killing a major character by accident would not be considered caprice, @Bill W?

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Myr

Myr 43,314
Tired

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5 hours ago, ReaderPaul said:

I am guessing that something like a drunk driver killing a major character by accident would not be considered caprice, @Bill W?

depends entirely on whether the readers deserved it probably. 😛 

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Bill W

Bill W 65,016
Frantic

Posted

5 hours ago, ReaderPaul said:

I am guessing that something like a drunk driver killing a major character by accident would not be considered caprice, @Bill W?

I'd say if the drinks had merely been to give him the courage to kill a despicable character by using his car, that would be caprice. 

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drpaladin

drpaladin 121,348
Zorro+

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37 minutes ago, Myr said:

depends entirely on whether the readers deserved it probably. 😛 

Are we figuring the odds of the readers deserving it?

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sandrewn

sandrewn 30,612
Checking In

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5 hours ago, drpaladin said:

Are we figuring the odds of the readers deserving it?

Not a comment on our readers, just a song by Kenny Rogers about figuring the odds (poker and I, have long been friends).

Kenny Rogers - The Gambler - YouTube

 

:cowboy:

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