A writing instrument according to an embodiment of the invention including, a chuck that chucks a writing lead, wherein the chuck includes a first chuck pawl which comes into point contact or line contact with the writing lead to press the writing lead so as to apply first contact stress to the writing lead; and a second chuck pawl which presses the writing lead so as to apply, to the writing lead, second contact stress that is lower than the first contact stress, and the first contact stress is configured such that, when a prescribed impact is applied to the writing lead, a contact portion of the writing lead subjected to the first contact stress fractures and absorbs the prescribed impact.