TheEmotionThesaurus:AWriter’sGuideToCharacterExpression
AngelaAckerman&BeccaPuglisi
Copyright2012©byAngelaAckerman&BeccaPuglisiKindleEdition
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ABOUTTHEAUTHORS
AngelaAckermanisamemberoftheSCBWIandwritesonthedarkersideofMiddleGradeandYoungAdult.Shebelievesinthemonsterunderthebed,eatsFrench fries and ice cream together and is dedicated to paying it forwardhowevershecan.AngelalivesinCalgary,AlbertaintheshadowoftheCanadianRockieswithherhusband,twochildren,dogandzombie-likefish.
BeccaPuglisiisaYAfantasyandhistoricalfictionwriter,magazineauthor,andmemberof theSCBWI.Sheresides insunnysouthFlorida,whereshe likes towatchmovies, drink caffeinated beverages, and eat foods that aren’t good forher.Sheliveswithherhusbandandtwochildren.
Together,AngelaandBeccahostTheBookshelfMuse,anaward-winningonlineresource forwriters thatoffersanumberofdifferent thesauri toaidauthors intheirdescriptivewritingefforts.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstand foremost,wewant to thank the readersofTheBookshelfMuse—foryour support, encouragement, andkindwords thatmadeus see theneed for abookversionofTheEmotionThesaurus.Withoutallofyou,thishonestlyneverwouldhavehappened.
Wealsowant toacknowledge thevery importantmembersofour firstcritiquegroup: Helen (Bookish), Roy (Grampy),Madeline (Maddog), Joan (Unohoo),andLaura(Goofus).TheseCritiqueCirclewritershelpeduskick start this listand our respective writing careers. Our deepest appreciation also goes to ourfriendandeditorSharon,whoencourageduswhenweneededitmost.
Wealsooweahugedebttothewritingcommunityatlarge.Thewriterswehavemetonline,atconferences,atface-to-facegroups,andinourowncommunitieshavebeensogenerouswiththeirknowledgeandoptimism,enablinguseachtogrowaswriters.Welovebeingpartofthisgroup.
Andfinally,thebiggestshoutoutgoestoourfamilies,whosupportedusthoughtheycouldn’tseethevision,encourageduswhenwestruggled,andprovidedthebusinesssavvywewerelacking.Weoweitalltoyou.
ToAADandSDJ,withallourlove
TABLEOFCONTENTS
IntroductionTechniquesforWritingNonverbalEmotionUsingTheEmotionThesaurusEmotionEntries(75)AdorationAgitationAmazementAmusementAngerAnguishAnnoyanceAnticipationAnxietyConfidenceConflictedConfusionContemptCuriosityDefeatDefensivenessDenialDepressionDesireDesperationDeterminationDisappointmentDisbeliefDisgustDoubtDreadEagernessElationEmbarrassmentEnvyExcitement
FearFrustrationGratitudeGuiltHappinessHatredHopefulnessHumiliationHurtImpatienceIndifferenceInsecurityIrritationJealousyLonelinessLoveNervousnessNostalgiaOverwhelmedParanoiaPeacefulnessPrideRageRegretReliefReluctanceRemorseResentmentResignationSadnessSatisfactionScornShameSkepticismSmugnessSombernessSurprise/ShockSuspicionSympathy
TerrorUncertaintyUneaseWarinessWorry
INTRODUCTION
THEPOWEROFEMOTION
All successful novels, no matter what genre, have one thing in common:emotion.Itliesatthecoreofeverycharacter’sdecision,action,andword,allofwhich drive the story. Without emotion, a character’s personal journey ispointless. Stakes cease to exist. The plot line becomes a dry riverbed ofmeaninglessevents thatnoreaderwill take timetoread.Why?Becauseaboveallelse, readerspickupabook tohaveanemotionalexperience.Theyread toconnect with characters who provide entertainment andwhose trialsmay addmeaningtotheirownlifejourneys.
As emotional beings, feelings propel us. They drive our choices, determinewho we spend time with, and dictate our values. Emotion also fuels ourcommunication, allowing us to sharemeaningful information and beliefswithothers. And while it may seem that most exchanges happen throughconversation, in truth up to 95% of all communication is nonverbal. Even ininstanceswherewetrynot toshowourfeelings,wearestillsendingmessagesthrough body language.Because of this, each of us becomes adept at readingotherswithoutawordbeingsaid.
Aswriters,wemusttakeourinnateskillsofobservationandtransferthemtothe page. Readers have high expectations. They don’t want to be told how acharacter feels; theywant to experience the emotion for themselves. Tomakethishappen,wemustensurethatourcharactersexpresstheiremotionsinwaysthatarebothrecognizableandcompellingtoread.
VERBALANDNONVERBALCOMMUNICATION
Dialogueisaprovenvehicleforexpressingacharacter’s thoughts,beliefs,andopinions,but itcannotdelivera fullemotionalexperienceby itself.Toconveyfeelingswell,awritermustalsoutilizenonverbalcommunication,whichcanbebrokendownintothreeelements:physicalsignals(bodylanguageandactions),internalsensations(visceralreactions)andmentalresponses(thoughts).
PHYSICAL SIGNALS are how our bodies outwardly respond when weexperienceemotion.Thestrongerthefeeling, themorethebodyreactsandthelessconsciouscontrolwehaveovermovement.Becausecharactersareunique,they will express themselves in a specific way. Combine the vast number ofphysicalsignalswith the individualityofeachcharacter,andawriter’soptionsforshowingemotionthroughbodylanguageandactionarevirtuallylimitless.
MENTAL RESPONSES act as a window into the thought process thatcorrespondswithanemotionalexperience.Thoughtsarenotalwaysrationalandcanskipfromtopictotopicwithincrediblespeed.Utilizingthoughtasawaytoexpressemotionisanexcellentwaytoconveytothereaderhowacharacterseestheirworld.Thoughtsaddalayerofmeaningbyillustratinghowpeople,places,andeventsaffectthePOV(pointofview)characterandcanalsobeanexcellentwaytodemonstratevoice.
INTERNAL SENSATIONS are the most powerful form of nonverbalcommunication and should be used with the most caution. These visceralreactions(breathing,heartrate,light-headedness,adrenalinespikes,etc.)arerawand uncontrolled, triggering the fight-or-flight response. Because these areinstinctive body responses, all people experience them. As such, readers willrecognizeandconnectwiththemonaprimallevel.
Theverynatureoftheseheightenedvisceralreactionsrequireswriterstotakespecial care when using them. Relying too much on internal sensations cancreate melodrama. Also, because visceral responses are limited, a writer caninadvertently use clichéd phrasings when describing them. A light touch isneededwiththistypeofnonverbalcommunication,asalittlegoesalongway.
THEBALANCINGACT
Itiseasytoseethepowerofemotionandhowitconnectsareadertothestoryandcharacters.Thedifficultycomesinwritingitwell.Eachscenemustachieveabalancebetweenshowingtoolittlefeelingandshowingtoomuch.Aboveall,theemotionaldescriptionneedstobefreshandengaging.Thisisatallorderforwriterswhotendtoreusethesameemotionalindicatorsoverandover.
TheEmotionThesaurusaddressesthisdifficultybyhelpingwritersbrainstormnew ideas for expressing a character’s emotional state. But what about otherpitfalls associated with portraying emotion? The following section explores afew of these common trouble spots and suggests techniques for overcomingthem.
WRITINGNONVERBALEMOTION:AVOIDINGCOMMONPROBLEMS
TELLING
Bydefinition,nonverbalemotioncan’tbetold.Ithastobeshown.Thismakesitdifficulttowritebecausetellingiseasierthanshowing.Here’sanexample:
Mr.Paxton’seyesweresadashegaveherthenews.“I’msorry,JoAnne,butyourpositionwiththecompanyisnolongernecessary.”Instantly,JoAnnewasangrierthanshe’deverbeeninherlife.
Thisexchangeisfairlyeasytowrite—butnotsoeasytoread.Readersaresmart and can figure things out for themselves. They don’t want to have thescene explained to them, which is what happens when a writer tells how acharacterfeels.Anotherproblemwithtellingisthatitcreatesdistancebetweenthe reader and your characters, which is rarely a good idea. In the precedingexample, the reader sees thatMr. Paxton is reluctant to give JoAnne the badnewsand thatJoAnneisangryabout it.Butyoudon’twant thereader toonlyseewhat’shappening;youwant themto feel theemotion,and toexperience italongwiththecharacter.Toaccomplishthis,writersneedtoshowthecharacter’sphysicalandinternalresponsesratherthanstatingtheemotionoutright.
JoAnnesatonthechair’sedge,spinestraightasanewpencil,andstaredintoMr.Paxton’sface.Sixteenyearsshe’dgivenhim—daysshewassick,daysthekidsweresick—makingthetripbackandforthacrosstownonthatsweatybus.Nowhewouldn’tevenlookather, justkeptfiddlingwithherfolderandrearrangingthefancyknickknacksonhisdesk.Clearly,hedidn’twanttogiveherthenews,butshewasn’tabouttomakeiteasyforhim.The vinyl of her purse crackled and she lightened her grip on it. Her
pictureofthekidswasinthereandshedidn’twantitcreased.Mr. Paxton cleared his throat for the hundredth time. “JoAnne…Mrs.
Benson…itappearsthatyourpositionwiththecompanyisnolonger—”JoAnnejerkedtoherfeet,sendingherchairflyingoverthetile.Ithitthe
wallwithasatisfyingbangasshestormedfromtheoffice.
ThisscenegivesthereaderamuchbetteropportunitytoshareinJoAnne’s
anger.Throughtheuseofsensorydetails,awellchosensimile,specificverbs,andbodycues that correspondwith the featured emotion, readers can see thatJoAnne isangry,but theyalso feel it—in the straightnessofher spineand thecheapvinylinhergrip,intheforceittakestosendachairflyingacrosstheroomsimplyfromtheactofstanding.
Anexamplelikethisalsorevealsalotaboutthecharacter.JoAnneisnotwell-to-do. She has children to support. She may be angry, but she’s also strongminded, family oriented, and proud. This information rounds out JoAnne’scharacterandmakeshermorerelatabletothereader.
Showingtakesmoreworkthentelling,aswordcountalonewillindicate,butit pays off by drawing the reader closer to the character andhelping to createempathy. Once in a great while, it’s acceptable to tell the reader what thecharacterisfeeling:whenyouhavetopassoninformationquickly,orwhenyouneed a crisp sentence to convey a shift in mood or attention. But the otherninety-ninetimesoutofahundred,putintheextraworkandyouwillreapthebenefitsofshowing.
CLICHÉDEMOTIONS
•Thegrinthatstretchesfromeartoear•Asingletearpoolingintheeyebeforecoursingdownthecheek•Quiveringkneesthatknocktogether
Clichésinliteraturearevilifiedforgoodreason.They’reasignoflazywriting,aresultofsettlingontheeasyphrasebecausecomingupwithsomethingnewistoo hard. Writers often fall back on clichés because, technically, these tiredexamples work. That grin implies happiness as certainly as knee knockingindicates fear.Unfortunately, phrases like these lack depth because they don’tallowforarangeofemotions.Thatsingle tear tellsyouthat thepersonissad,buthowupset is she?Sadenough tosob?Shriek?Collapse?Will sheevenbecryingfiveminutes fromnow?Torelate toyourcharacter, the readerneeds toknowthedepthofemotionbeingexperienced.
Whenwritingacertainemotion,thinkaboutyourbodyandwhathappenstoitwhenyou’refeelingthatway.Excitement,forexample.Theheartracesandthe
pulsequickens.Legsbounce.Thespeechofamethodicalpersonbecomes fastpacedwith streamingwords. The voice is pitched higher and louder. For anygiven emotion, there are literallydozensof internal and external changes that,whenreferenced,willshowthereaderwhatyourcharacterisfeeling.Thelistsinthisthesaurusaregreatforprovidingideas,butyourownobservationsarejustashelpful.Watchpeople—realflesh-and-bloodspecimensatthemallorcharactersin movies. Note how they act when they’re confused or overwhelmed orirritable.Thefaceistheeasiesttonoticebuttherestofthebodyisjustastelling.Don’t overlook changes in a person’s voice, speech, or overall bearing andposture.
Secondly, know your character. Individuals do things differently—evenmundaneactivitieslikebrushingtheirteeth,driving,ormakingdinner.Emotionsarenoexception.Noteverycharacterwillshoutandthrowthingswhenangry.Some speak in quiet voices. Others go completely silent. Many, for variousreasons,will cover their anger and act like they’re not upset at all.Whateveryourcharacterisfeeling,describetheemotioninawaythatisspecifictohimorher,andyou’realmostguaranteedtowritesomethingnewandevocative.
MELODRAMA
If all emotions were of average intensity, they’d be easier to describe. Butemotionsvaryinstrength.Takefear,forinstance.Dependingupontheseverityofthesituation,apersonmightfeelanythingfromuneasetoanxietytoparanoiaor terror. Extreme emotionswill require extreme descriptors, while others arerelatively subtle and must be described as such. Unfortunately, many writersmake themistake of assuming that to be gripping, emotionmust be dramatic.Sadpeopleshouldburstintotears.Joyfulcharactersmustexpresstheirgleebyjumpingupanddown.Thiskindofwritingresultsinmelodrama,whichleadstoa senseofdisbelief in the readerbecause, in real life, emotion isn’t always sodemonstrative.
To avoidmelodrama, recognize that emotions run along a continuum, frommild to extreme. For each situation, knowwhere your character is along thatcontinuumandchooseappropriatedescriptors.Justasextremeemotionscallforextreme indicators, temperate emotions should be expressed subtly. Theindicatorsforintermediateemotionswillliesomewhereinthemiddle.
It’s alsovery important that your character follows a smooth emotional arc.Considerthefollowingexample:
Macktappedhisthumbagainstthesteeringwheel,onearmdanglingoutthewindow.HesmiledatDanabutshejustsatthere,twistingthatoneloopofhairaroundherfinger.“Worriedaboutyourinterviewtomorrow?”heasked.“Alittle.It’sagreatopportunitybutthetiming’sawful.There’stoomuch
going on.” She sighed. “I’ve been thinking about cutting back.Simplifying.”“Goodidea.”Henoddedalongwiththeradioandwavedatthebikerwho
thunderedpastonhisHarley.“I’mgladyouagree.”Shefacedhim.“Ithinkweshouldbreakup.”Hisfootslippedoffthegaspedal.Theairgrewheavy,makingithardto
breathe.Thecarveeredtowardthemiddlelineandheletitdrift,notcaringwhetherhelivedordied.
UnlessMack has a psychological reason for doing so, he shouldn’t jumpfrom placidity to depression in a matter of seconds. A realistic progressionwouldbetomovefromcontentmenttoshock,thendisbelief,andfinallytogrief.Donethoughtfully,thisemotionalarccanbeshownwithrelativelyfewwords:
“I’mgladyouagree.”Shefacedhim.“Ithinkweshouldbreakup.”His foot slipped off the gas pedal. “Break up? What are you talking
about?”“Mack.We’vebeenheadedthiswayforawhile,youknowthat.”He gripped the steeringwheel and took deep breaths. Sure, things had
been rough lately, and she kept talking about taking some time, but shealwayscamearound.Andshe’ddefinitelyneverutteredthewords,“breakup.”“Look,Dana—”“Please,don’t.Youcan’t talkmeoutof it this time.”She staredat the
dashboard.“I’msorry.”Hisinsidestwisted.HedartedalookatDana,butshewascurledagainst
thewindownow,bothhandsrestingeasyinherlap.Hegapedather.Theyweretotallybreakingup.
Makesurethatyourcharacter’sfeelingsprogressrealistically.Mapouttheemotionaljourneywithinthescenetoavoidunintendedmelodrama.
Allofthisisnottosaythatreallifedoesn’tproduceextremeemotion.Birth,death, loss, change—somesituationscall for intense responses thatmaygoonforawhile.Manywriters,inanadmirableattempttomaintainbelievability,trytorecreatetheseeventsinrealtime.Thisresultsinlongparagraphsorevenpagesof high emotion and, inevitably,melodrama. Though real life can sustain thiskindofintensityforlongperiodsoftime, it’snearlyimpossibleforthewrittenwordtodosoinawaythatreaderswillaccept.
In these situations, avoidmelodrama by abbreviating. Thismethod is oftenusedforotherreal-lifescenarios—conversations,forinstance.Smalltalkisleftouttokeepthepacemovingforward.Mundanetasksarealsocutshort,becausethereaderdoesn’tneed(orwant)toseetheentirecarwashed,apieceatatime,while Bob ponders a problem at work. In the sameway, extensive emotionalscenesshouldbelongenoughtoconveytheappropriateinformation,butnotso
long that you lose the audience.Write the emotion well, develop empathy inyour reader, maximize the words that you do use, but don’t overstay yourwelcome.
OVER-RELIANCE ON DIALOGUE ORTHOUGHTSBecausenonverbalwritingissohardtomaster,itmakessensethatsomewritersshyawayfromit,choosingtorelymoreonthoughtsordialoguetoexpresswhatacharacterisfeeling.Butanover-relianceoneitherleadstoproblems.
“Are—Areyousure?”Iasked.“Withoutadoubt,”ProfessorBakerreplied.“Itwasneck-and-neckright
uptotheend,butyoucameoutahead.Congratulations,William!”“Ican’tbelieveit,”Isaid.“Valedictorian!I’msohappy!”
Wordchoiceisimportantinexpressingemotion,butitwillonlygosofar.Afterthat,thewriterisreducedtoweaktechniquesliketellingthereaderwhat’sbeing felt (I’m so happy) and overusing exclamation points to show intensity.Withoutanyactiontobreakupthedialogue,theconversationalsosoundsstilted.
On the other hand, conveying emotion solely through thoughts has itsproblems,too.
My pulse was pounding somewhere in the 160 range. I did it!Valedictorian!IwassureNathanwouldcomeoutahead—hewasaphenomin the physics lab, and he’d been a ghost at school allmonth, practicallylivinginthelibrary.I threwmyarmsaroundProfessorBaker. I’d thinkabout this later and
cringewithembarrassment,but rightnow, Ididn’tcare. I’ddone it!TakeTHAT,NathanShusterman!
Technically, there’s nothing wrong with this sample. Bodily cues, bothinternalandexternal,areincluded.It’scleartothereaderthatWilliamisexcited.Yet it doesn’t ring true. Why? Because this monologue screams for verbal
interactionwithothers.ProfessorBakeristhereandhasclearlybeentalkingtoWilliam. ForWilliam to be so incredibly excited and not say anything comesacrossas…odd.
Internaldialogueisanimportantpartofanystory.Therearemanyscenesandscenarioswhereaparagraphormoreofcontemplationisappropriate.Thisisn’tone of them. For this scene, and for themajority of scenes, emotion ismuchmore effectively conveyed through amixture of dialogue, thoughts, and bodylanguage.
My pulse jittered somewhere around the 160mark.No, I’d heard himwrong,beentrickedbyanover-active,sleep-deprived,twistedimagination.“Are—”Iclearedmythroat.“Areyousure?”“It was neck-and-neck right up to the end, but you came out ahead.
Congratulations,William.”TheleatherchairsqueakedasIcollapsedintoit.Valedictorian.How’dI
beat out Nathan, who’d been a ghost all month, practically living in thelibrary?NottomentionthatB-Iscrapedinphysics.“ButIdidit,”Iwhispered.Theprofessorstoodtoshakemyhand.Ijumpedupandthrewmyarms
aroundhim, lifting himoff the floor.Later, I’d remember this anddie ofembarrassment,butrightnowIdidn’tcare.“Ididit!TakeTHAT,NathanShusterman!”“Knewyouhaditinyou,”theprofessorsaidinastrangledvoice.
When expressing emotion, vary your vehicles, using both verbal andnonverbaltechniquesformaximumimpact.
MISUSING BACKSTORY TO ENHANCEREADEREMPATHYEvery character is unique, influenced largely by events from the past. Onesurefirewaytogainreaderempathyistorevealwhyacharacteristhewayheis.Take themovieJaws, for example.The first glimpsewehaveof sharkhunterQuint, he’s raking his none-too-clean fingernails down a chalkboard. Hardlyendearing.Asthemovieprogresses,theviewer’sdislikeisjustifiedthroughhis
crassmannersandbullyingofyoungMr.Hooper.ButoncehetellshisstoryofthesinkingoftheIndianapolisandhisfivedaysandnightstreadingwaterwiththe sharks, the viewer understands how he became so hardened.His behaviorhasn’t changed andwe still don’t like himverymuch, butwe empathizewithhimnow.Wewishhimbetterthanwhatlifehasserveduptohim.
This is just one example of the importance of backstory in building readerempathy.Peopleareproductsoftheirpast.Astheauthor,it’simportantforyoutoknowwhyyourcharactersarethewaytheyareandtopassthatinformationalong to readers. However, it’s hard to know just how much to share. Manywriters, in an attempt to gain reader empathy, reveal too much. Excessivebackstoryslowsthepaceandcanborereaders, temptingthemtoskipaheadtothe good stuff.Undoubtedly,Quint’s path to crusty and crazy containedmorethanthatoneunfortunateevent,but therestdidn’tneedtobeshared.Thatonestory,artfullytold,wasenough.
In order to avoid using too much backstory, determine which details fromyourcharacter’spastarenecessarytoshare.Dolethemoutthroughthecontextofthepresent-timestorytokeepthepacemoving.Forinspiration,consideryourfavorite literary characters, even those whomay have been unlikable. Revisittheirstoriestoseewhatcluesfromthepasttheauthorchosetoreveal,andhowitwasdone.
Backstory is tricky to write well. As is true of so many areas of writing,balanceisthekey.
USINGTHEEMOTIONTHESAURUS
We’veestablishedthatemotionpowersascene,andwhenwrittenwell,propelsreaders out of apathy and into the character’s emotional experience. Writingauthenticemotionisnotalwayseasy,buttocreatebreakoutfiction,writersmustcomeupwithfreshideastoexpresstheircharacters’feelings.
Emotionisstrongestwhenbothverbalandnonverbalcommunicationareusedintandem. The Emotion Thesaurus can supply that critical nonverbal elementwritersneed to fireupanemotionalhit thatwill leavea lasting impressiononreaders.Herearesomefinalideasonhowtousethisthesaurustoitsfullest:
IDENTIFYTHEROOTEMOTION
Certain situations can arouse a single, easily identifiable emotion. But moreoften than not, human beings feel more than one thing at a time. If you arestrugglingwithhow toconvey thisconflict to the reader, takea stepbackandidentifyyourcharacter’srootemotion.Thisisthecatalystthatdictatesanyotherfeelings your character might also experience. Once you’ve found the rootemotion, look to the corresponding thesaurus entry for a rangeof suggestions.TheMAYESCALATETOfieldcanalsoprovidealogicalprogressionforwhereyourcharacter’sfeelingsmightbeheaded.Onceyou’veclearlyshowntherootemotion,youcanlayerotheremotionsontoalesserdegreeandmapoutthefullexperience.
UTILIZETHESETTING
Charactersdon’tliveinbubbles—theyinteractwiththeworldaroundthem.Thisis especially true when emotions come into play. A character in the kitchenmightsweepawineglassoffthecounterinafitofrage,butinanofficesetting,thesameangermayrequiresomecontrol,rangingfromaslammedofficedoortotense posture and fingers pounding the keyboard. When referring to thethesaurusentries,awritershouldkeepinmindthecharacter’ssettinginordertocreateorganicanduniqueemotionalresponses.
LESSISMORE
Using toomany cues to describe a character’s feelings can slow the pace anddilutethereader’semotionalexperience.Sometimesthishappenswhenawriterfailstoidentifyandfocusfirstontherootemotion.Othertimes,it’stheresultofchoosing toomanyweak descriptors. Strong imagerywill paint an immediatepicture, so always strive to create concrete body language for the reader tointerpret.Watch for overlong emotional passages that slow the action.Alwaysthinklikeareader,andkeepthosepagesturning.
TWISTTHECLICHÉWheneverpossible,writersshouldusefreshideastoconveyemotion.Butlet’sfaceit...somedescriptorsworkwell.That’swhytheycropupinnovelsagainandagain. Each thesaurus entry includes a myriad of possible cues; if you findyourself leaning towarda traditional response likeeye rollingor fistclenchingthatcanbeseenascliché,twistitfirst.
Take shivering, for example—a common visceral indicator to imply fear ordiscomfort.Shiversrunupthespine,downthespine...thesearetiredphrasesthatcan turn off readers. Sure, the sensation fits, but why not come up withsomethingnew?Whycouldn’tashiverswarmover thebackof the legs?Howabout using a simile that likens a shiver to leaf-cutter ants marching along avine?Betteryet,don’tcall itashiveratall. Instead,describe thesensationsoftightening skin or hair being raised.Never be afraid to experiment. There aremanywaystotakeatiredexpressionandtwistitintosomethingunique.
VIEW ENTRIES AS A LAUNCHINGPOINTBodymovement,actions,visceralsensations,andthoughtsareas individualasthecharactersexperiencingthem.Thelistaccompanyingeachthesaurusentryisnotdesignedas aone-size-fits-all setofoptions. It ismeant, rather, topromptwriters to think beyond the basics. Each character comes from a differentbackgroundandhasauniquepersonality.Theircomfortlevelaroundotherswillalsoinfluencehowtheyexpressemotion.Withthisinmind,entriesshouldserve
as a brainstorming tool and encouragewriters to take the next step and createfresh,individualwaystoshowacharacter’semotionalstate.
TRYRELATEDEMOTIONS
If you’re struggling to find the perfect physical response, visceral reaction, orthought,tryreadingthroughtheentriesofsimilaremotions.Eachentrycontainsdifferent cues. Studying the lists for related feelings may spark an idea forsomethingnew.
VISCERAL REACTIONS AS PHYSICALINDICATORS
Sometimes,thestrongestemotionalresponsesareinstinctive(visceral)onesthatoccur mostly internally and are therefore difficult for others to notice. Thisbecomesaproblem forwriterswhowant to showacharacter’s emotionwhileremainingtruetotheirthird-orfirst-personpointofview.Inthesecases,writersshould focusonvisceral reactions thathaveaphysical“tell”attached to them.Forexample,sweating,blushingandshakinesshaveanexternalcomponentthatcanbeseenbyothers.Utilizingthesecuesallowsawritertodescribeavisceralreaction without damaging the integrity of the point of view. Because of theexternal signs that accompany these unique internal sensations, we haveincludedthemunderthePHYSICALSIGNALSheading.
AFINALWORD
Our hope for this book is that it will helpwriters brainstorm uniqueways toexpresscharacteremotion.Theseentriesareonlyastartingpoint,butwehopeThe Emotion Thesaurus will become a useful companion on your writingjourney,andwilltravelwithyoufrombooktobook.Happywriting!
THEEMOTIONTHESAURUS
ADORATION
DEFINITION:theactofworship;toviewasdivineNOTE:thesubjectofadorationcanbeapersonorthing
PHYSICALSIGNALS:LipspartingAslackorsoftexpressionWalkingquicklytoerasethedistanceMimickingbodylanguage(ofthesubject)Touchingone’smouthorfaceReachingouttobrush,touchorgraspSteadyeyecontact,largepupilsLeaningforwardStrokingone’sownneckorarmasasurrogatePointingone’storsoandfeettowardthesubjectAflushedappearanceNoddingwhilethesubjectspeaksSmilingOpenbodypostureReleasinganappreciativesighLayingahandovertheheartFrequentlymoisteningthelipsPressingpalmslightlyagainstthecheeksSkimmingfingertipsalongthejawlineEyesthatarebright,glossyAgreement(murmuringaffirmations)SpeakingpraiseandcomplimentsKeepingtrinkets,pictures,orarticlesofthesubjectConstantlytalkingaboutthesubjecttoothersRaptattention,stillpostureBecomingunawareofone’senvironmentorotherpeopleAradiantglowVisibleshakinessReducedblinking
ClosingtheeyestosavortheexperienceSpeakingwithasoftvoiceortoneAvoicethatcrackswithemotion
INTERNALSENSATIONS:QuickeningheartbeatBreathlessnessFeelingone’spulseinthethroatMouthdryingThroatgrowingthickRisingbodytemperatureTinglingnerveendings
MENTALRESPONSES:AdesiretomovecloserortouchFixatingone’sthoughtsonthesubjectAcutelisteningandobservationIgnoringdistractionsAninabilitytoseethesubject’sflawsorfaults
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMADORATION:ObsessionFantasizingBelievingthatthefeelingsaremutualAsenseofdestiny(ofbelongingtogether)StalkingWritingandsendingletters,email,andgiftsTakingrisksorbreakinglawstobenearorwiththesubjectWeightlossPoorsleeppatternsJealousytowardsthoseinteractingwiththesubjectTakingontraitsormannerismsofthesubjectCarryingsomethingthatrepresentsthesubject(apicture,clothes)PossessivenessMAYESCALATETO:LOVE,DESIRE,FRUSTRATION,HURT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDADORATION:Clenchingorhidingone’shandstohidesweatingorshakingAvoidingconversationsaboutthesubject
WatchingorobservingfromafarStayingoutofthesubject’sproximityBlushingSneakinglooksatthesubjectCreatingchanceruninsWritingsecretletters,keepingadiaryLyingaboutone’sfeelingsregardingthesubject
ReturntotheTableofContents
WRITER’S TIP: Body cues should create a strong mental picture. If themovement is toodrawnoutorcomplicated, theemotionalmeaningbehind thegesturemaybelost.
AGITATION
DEFINITION:feelingupsetordisturbed;astateofunrest
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AreddeningofthefaceAsheenofsweatonthecheeks,chin,andforeheadHandsmovinginjerksRubbingthebackoftheneckPattingpocketsordigginginapurse,lookingforsomethinglostClumsinessduetorushing(knockingthingsover,bumpingtables)AgazethatbouncesfromplacetoplaceAninabilitytostaystillJammingorcrammingthingsawaywithoutcareAbruptmovement(causingachairtotiporscuffthefloorloudly)FlappinghandsBecomingaccidentprone(bashingone’shiponadeskcorner,etc.)DraggingthehandsthroughthehairrepeatedlyForgettingwords,beingunabletoarticulatethoughtsBacktrackingtotryandundosomethingsaidinhasteAdjustingone’sclothingAvoidingeyecontactAwaveringvoiceNotknowingwheretolookorgoGuardingone’spersonalspaceTakingtoolongtoansweraquestionorrespondThroatclearingOverusingums,ahs,andotherverbalhesitationsTurningawayfromothersAbobbingAdam’sapplePacingMakingoddnoisesinthethroatRapidlipmovementasonetriestofindtherightthingtosayFlinchingiftouchedMinimizinganother’scomplimentsFanningselfUnbuttoningatopshirtbuttonTuggingatatie,collar,orscarf
INTERNALSENSATIONS:ExcessivesalivaFeelingoverheatedStiffeninghaironthenapeoftheneckLightheadednessShort,fastbreathsSweatingTinglingskinassweatforms
MENTALRESPONSES:MountingfrustrationthatcausesthoughtstoblankCompoundingmistakesAtendencytolietocoveruporexcuseAngeratoneselfforfreezingupTryingtopinpointthesourceofdiscomfortMentallyorderingoneselftocalmdown,relax
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMAGITATION:Flightresponse(lookingforanescapeorfleeingtheroom)Snappingatothers,oradoptingadefensivetoneScatteringpapersandfilesinafranticsearchMAYESCALATETO:ANNOYANCE,FRUSTRATION,ANXIETY,ANGER
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDAGITATION:ChangingthesubjectMakingexcusesJokingtolightenthemoodStayingbusywithtaskstoavoiddealingwiththesourceoftheemotionShiftingattentiontoothers,puttingtheminthespotlight
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WRITER’STIP:Atickingclockcanrampuptheemotionsinanyscene.Asthecharacterhurriestocompleteataskormeetaneed,mistakescausedbyrushingopenthedoorforaricheremotionalride.
AMAZEMENT
DEFINITION:overwhelmingastonishmentorwonder
PHYSICALSIGNALS:WideningoftheeyesAslackmouthBecomingsuddenlystillSuckinginaquickbreathAhandcoveringone’smouthStiffeningpostureGivingasmallyelpRapidblinkingfollowedbyopenstaringFlinchingorstarting,thebodyjumpingslightlyTakingastepbackAslow,disbelievingshakeoftheheadVoicingwonder:Ican’tbelieveit!orLookatthat!PullingoutacellphonetorecordtheeventGlancingtoseeifothersareexperiencingthesamethingPressingahandagainstone’schest,fingerssplayedoutLeaninginMovingcloserReachingoutortouchingEyebrowsraisingLipspartingAwidesmileSpontaneouslaughterPressingpalmstocheeksFanningoneselfRepeatingthesamethingsoverandoverSquealingdramatically
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Aheartthatseemstofreeze,thenpoundRushingbloodRisingbodytemperatureTinglingskin
StalledbreathsAdrenalinespikes
MENTALRESPONSES:MomentarilyforgettingallelseWantingtosharetheexperiencewithothersGiddinessDisorientationEuphoriaAninabilitytofindwords
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMAMAZEMENT:AracingheartbeatShortnessofbreathKneesgoingweakFeelingoverwhelmed,asiftheroomisclosinginCollapsingMAYESCALATETO:CURIOSITY,DISBELIEF,EXCITEMENT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDAMAZEMENT:Holdingoneselftight(self-hugging)Walkinginjerky,self-containedstridesClampingthehandstothechestLookingdownorawaytohideone’sexpressionEyeswideningabitbeforecontrolisassertedMouthsnappingshutAstonyexpressionTakingaseattohidetheemotionMakingexcusesifreactionisnoticedStuttering,stammering
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WRITER’S TIP: To add another layer to an emotional experience, look forsymbolismwithinthecharacter’scurrentsetting.Whatuniqueobjectwithinthelocationcanthecharactermakenoteofthatperfectlyembodiestheemotiontheyarefeelinginside?
AMUSEMENT
DEFINITION: appealing to the sense of humor; to feel entertainment ordelight
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AshinyorrosyfaceRaisedorwigglingeyebrowsSnorting,laughingChucklingorcacklingDisplayingawidegrinExchangingknowinglookswithothersWittycommentaryMakingjokingobservationsTurningawayandburstingoutinlaughterAplayfulpinch,nudge,orshoveEyessquinting,litwithaninnerglowortwinkleofmischiefSmirkingorofferingabemusedsmileClutchingatanotherpersonforsupportGaspingforairSlappingone’skneesorthighsDrummingfeetagainstthefloorFallingagainstsomeone,shouldertoshoulder“Drunken”behavior(weaving,staggering)RepeatingthepunchlineoraselectwordtospurmorelaughterAhighvoiceHoldingone’ssidesWhimpersofmirthSpewingfoodordrinkiflaughterhitswhileeatingordrinkingFallingtotheground,rollingonthefloorNoserunning,sniffingCrashingintothings,beingclumsybutnotcaringAwide-eyedlookthatgetsothersdissolvingintolaughteragainAbellylaughHoldingontoachairorwallforsupportGiggling,makingfaces,winkingPluckingatclothestocooldown
INTERNALSENSATIONS:PainintheribsorstomachWheezybreathBodytemperaturejumpingupWeaknessinlimbs,especiallytheknees
MENTALRESPONSES:AneedtositdownReplayingthehumorouseventEmbellishingtheeventinone’smind,increasingthemirthWantingtokeeptheamusementgoingbyaddingtoitwithothers
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMAMUSEMENT:UncontrollablelaughterLaughingsoharditbecomessoundlessBodyquakingShakingtheheademphaticallyAlossofbodycontrol(weakmuscles,havingahardtimestayingupright)BeggingpeopletostopAninabilitytoformwordsBreathlessnessEyestearingAsweaty,disheveledappearanceLossofbladdercontrolNeedingtoleavetheroomMAYESCALATETO:HAPPINESS,SATISFACTION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDAMUSEMENT:ClampingthelipstogetherHoldingahandupasiftosayNomore!ShakingtheheadSwallowinglaughterWipingatthemouthCoveringthemouth,bitinglipstohideasmileAreddeningofthefaceTurningawaytocollectoneselfConfiningalaughtoasnortPressingafistagainstthelips
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WRITER’STIP:Tocreateempathyforacharacter(includingtheantagonist),take the time tohumanize them through theiractions.Even themostunlikablepersonhasaredeemingquality,soshowittothereaderinasmall,subtleway.
ANGER
DEFINITION:strongdispleasureorwrath,usuallyarousedbyaperceivedwrong
PHYSICALSIGNALS:FlaringnostrilsSweatingHoldingelbowswidefromthebody,chestthrustoutSweepingarmgesturesHandlingobjectsorpeopleroughlyAhighchinNoisybreathingLegsthatareplantedwideBaringone’steethRepetitive,sharpgestures(shakingafist,etc.)CuttingpeopleoffwhentheyspeakJerkyheadmovementsProtrudingeyesFlexingthefingersorarmmusclesCrackingknucklesRollingupsleevesorlooseningacollarEyesthatarecold,hard,flintyEnteringanother’spersonalspacetointimidateJeers,taunts,acuttingwitTightnessintheeyesorexpressionGlaringAreddeningofthefaceLipsthatflattenorcurlClosedbodyposture(crossingthearms)Nailsbitingintoone’sownpalmsPoundingone’sfistsagainstthighs,table,awall,etc.Slammingdoors,cupboards,ordrawersPunching,kicking,throwingthingsStompingorstampingAveinthatpulses,twitches,orbecomesengorgedLaughterwithanedge
Ashakingorraisedvoice,yellingDeepeningone’stoneDeployingsarcasm,insultingothersPickingfights(verbalorphysical)Snappingatpeople
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Grindingone’steethMusclesquiveringPulsespeeding,heartbeatpoundingBodytensingHeatflushingthroughthebodySweating
MENTALRESPONSES:IrritabilityPoorlisteningskillsJumpingtoconclusionsIrrationalreactionstoinconsequentialthingsDemandingimmediateactionImpetuosityTakinginappropriateactionorrisksFantasizingviolence
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMANGER:ExplodingoverlittlethingsUlcersHypertensionSkinproblems,suchaseczemaandacneDamagingone’sownpropertyasawaytoventLongerrecoverytimefromsurgeries,accidents,andothertraumaCuttingoneselfRoadrageTakingone’sangeroutoninnocentbystandersMAYESCALATETO:RAGE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDANGER:UsingacarefullycontrolledtoneDrawinginslow,steadybreaths
FalsesmilesPassive-aggressivecommentsAvoidingeyecontactSlantingthebodyawayfromthesourceofangerWithdrawingfromtheconversationHidingone’shandsandfeetsoclenchingandtwitchingcan’tbeseenExcusingoneselfforabrieftimeHeadacheSoremusclesandjaw
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WRITER’STIP:Payspecialattentiontotheeventsleadinguptoanemotionalresponse. If the plotting feels contrived, the character’s reaction will seemcontrivedaswell.
ANGUISH
DEFINITION:emotionalormentaldistress;acutesuffering
PHYSICALSIGNALS:ManicpacingMutteringRubbingthebackofone’sneckRockingbackandforthTuggingone’shairNoteatingordrinkingVisiblesweatingSkinbunchingaroundtheeyes,apainedstareHandsclenchingintofistsRubbingthewristsorwringingthehandsRestlessfingersJumpingatsoundsGrindingone’steethClenchingthejawMovingabout,beingunabletosettleinoneplaceMusclesjumpingundertheskinAcordedneckCurlingone’stoesRepeatedlytouchinganobjectthatsymbolizessafetyAudiblestressinone’svoiceandtonePickingatlips,skin,ornailsClutchingatoneselfShivering,moaningSobbingorweepingYellingorshoutingCheckingandrecheckingthetimeAskingthoseinauthorityforupdatesShouldersthatcurloverthechestBringingone’slegsupclosetothebody’scoreCrying,wailing,beggingforhelpTurningawayfromothersSeekingcornersinconfinedspaces
RubbingthearmsorlegsBeatingatwallsorsurroundingobjects
INTERNALSENSATIONS:NauseaSoremuscles,stiffness,crampingPaininthebackofthethroatDifficultyswallowingElevatedbodytemperature
MENTALRESPONSES:ThinkingirrationallyPraying,bargainingBelievinginanythingthatpromisesapositiveoutcomeFixatingonthesourceofsufferingAwillingnesstoputoneselfinharm’swayforemotionalrelief
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMANGUISH:ScreamingforreleaseAgauntappearance,wastingawayPrematureagingPosturethatbendsorcrumplesVomitingordryheavesHyperventilationPoorcoloring,darkcirclesundertheeyesWrinklesandsaggingaroundtheeyesandmouthAlcohol,drug,ormedicationdependencyBaldpatchesFacialticsorrepetitivemannerisms(hairtugging,bodyrocking)Cutting,scratching,orotherself-destructivebehaviorsDepressionSuicideMAYESCALATETO:DESPERATION,DEPRESSION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDANGUISH:WincingGrittingone’steethUncontrolledshiveringandhandtremorsMuscletightness
FurtivemovementsHidingexpressivegestureslikehandwringingBittennails,bleedingquicksAdownturnedmouthorpinchedlipsAttemptingtoholdbackwhimpersormoansHeavyorshakybreathingMinimalspeaking(one-wordanswers,shakingornoddingthehead)ChainsmokingDrinkingheavilySallowskin
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WRITER’STIP:Don’tbeafraidtochallengeyourcharacter’smorals.Puttingthem in situations that are outside their comfort zonewillmake them squirm,andthereaderwilltoo.
ANNOYANCE
DEFINITION:aggravationormildirritation
PHYSICALSIGNALS:ApinchedexpressionSighingheavilyorwithexaggerationStatementssuggestingimpatience:Here,I’lldoit.NarrowingeyesCrossedarmsTappingafoot,fidgetingSwattingattheairTicsandtells(athrobbingforeheadvein,fingeringacollar)LipspressingintoawhiteslashClenchingthejawGrimacing,sneering,frowningComplainingFoldingthearmsacrossthechestHandsthatbrieflyclenchMakingpointedsuggestionstoalleviatetheannoyanceTuggingatclothing(jerkingdownacuff,forcingazipperup)Cockingone’sheadandthenshakingitRaisingone’seyebrowsandgivingaglassystareAgazethatflicksupwardMinutelyshakingtheheadChangingone’sstance(shiftingweightorposition)ProppingtheheadupwithafistHoldingtheheadinthehandsOpeningthemouthtocriticize,thenstoppingshortTakingadeepbreathandholdingitinFinger-tappingatabletopAsmilethatslipsorappearsforcedSnappingapenciltip,usingunnecessaryforcePacingLightsarcasmAskingaquestionthathasapainfullyobviousanswerAsharptone
SpeakinginshortphrasesVisibletensionintheneck,shoulders,andarmsRigidposture,cordstwangingintheneckRubbingthebrowasiftowardoffaheadacheAvoidingthepersonorobjectofannoyancePressingafisttothemouth
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AheadacheStiffnessintheneckorjawRaisedbodytemperatureSensitivitytonoise
MENTALRESPONSES:BeratingthoughtsStrayingattentionThinkingofanexcusetoleaveMakingunkindmentalcomparisonsWishingtobesomewhereelse
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMANNOYANCE:AreddeningfaceRoughhandlingofobjectsTakingoversomeoneelse’sjobordutiesGrindingone’steethThrowingthehandsupinagestureofsurrenderStalkingofftogetsomeairShuttingdown,notspeakingorrespondingPullingsomeoneelseintothesituationtodivertattentionandallowonetoexitMAYESCALATETO:FRUSTRATION,ANGER
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDANNOYANCE:Nodding,buttightly,asifholdingbackfromspeakinganinsultSwitchingtoanotherjobtokeephandsandthoughtsbusyAttackingatask,divertingone’senergyForcingoneselftoremaininthepresenceoftheannoyanceFakinginterest,barelyholdingimpatienceatbayCarefullycontrollingone’svoiceandtoneFocusingone’sgazeelsewhereinanattempttoignore
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WRITER’STIP:Don’tgetcaughtupontheeyestoconveyemotion.Whileeyesareoftenthefirst thingwenoticeinreal life, theyprovideverylimitedoptionsfor description possibilities. Instead, dig deeper, showing how the characterbehavesthroughtheirbodymovement,actionsanddialogue.
ANTICIPATION
DEFINITION:hopefulexpectation;toawaiteagerly
PHYSICALSIGNALS:SweatypalmsTremblinghandsCrossinganduncrossingone’slegsFranticplanningfortheeventList-makingClaspingone’shandstothechestBeingunabletothinkortalkaboutanythingelseFidgetingasifmovementwillmakethingsgofasterBouncingonone’stoesAbright-eyedlook,engagingwithothersortheenvironmentFussingwithclothes,rearrangingthingsWaitingatawindow,hoveringatthedoororbythephoneCheckingandrecheckinghairormakeupinamirrorGossipingwithothers,sharingexcitement,gigglingClosingeyesandsquealingJitteringafootagainstthefloorCoveringone’sfaceandthenpeekingBitingone’slipFakeswooningAskingquestions:Howlong?When?Whatisit?WettingthelipsClosingtheeyesandsighingPacingRhythmicmovements(swingingone’slegsbackandforth,etc.)Obsessiveclock-watchingCheckingandrecheckingemailPhoningortextingfriendstotalkaboutwhat’scomingGrabbinganotherpersonandsayingTellme!LeaninginPickingatfood,tooexcitedtoeatBeggingsomeonefordetails,ananswer,foralookatsomething
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Afluttery,emptyfeelinginthestomachBreathlessnessApoundingheartTinglingallover
MENTALRESPONSES:DaydreamingAdesireforperfectionFearingthatsomethingwillhappentoscrewthingsupAlackofconcentrationImaginingwhatwillhappenBecomingself-critical(questioningclothingchoices,abilities)
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMANTICIPATION:SleeplossFrustrationorimpatienceShort-temperedness,irritabilityNeglectingeverythingelse(responsibilities,friends,family)FantasizingorbuildinguptheeventfarbeyonditsrealityOver-thinking(organizingeveryminutedetail,etc.)Goingoverboardinpreparation(dressingover-the-top,etc.)MAYESCALATETO:EXCITEMENT,JEALOUSY,DISAPPOINTMENT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDANTICIPATION:SittingunnaturallystillPressingone’slipstogetherRubbingsweatyhandsonone’sclothesPretendingtoreadabookorwatchTVAcordedneckClampingone’shandstightlytogetherAvoidingconversationSneakingglancesataclockordoorwayFeigningboredomTellingoneselfthatitdoesn’tmatterActinginterestedinsomethingelseRollingone’sshouldersandneckasifstiffChangingthetopic
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WRITER’S TIP: If a critique partner voices confusion over the emotionalreaction of one of your characters, check tomake sure the stimulus trigger isprominent. Showing the cause-effect relationship is vital when conveyingauthenticemotion.
ANXIETY
DEFINITION:mentalapprehensionandunease;asenseofforeboding
PHYSICALSIGNALS:RubbingthebackoftheneckCrossingthearms,formingabarriertoothersStandingwithonearmholdingtheotherattheelbowClutchingapurse,coat,orotherobjectWringingone’shandsTwistingawatchorringScratchingHandsrepeatedlyrisingtotouchone’sfaceFingeringanecklaceRollingone’sshouldersBouncingafootGlancingattheclock,phone,ordoorwayHoldingone’sstomachClutchingone’shandsRockinginplaceTwistingone’sneckasifsoreBitingatthelipsornailsHeadshakingShifting,unabletogetcomfortableBlowingoutaseriesofshortbreathstogaincontrolDigginginapurseorpockettokeepthehandsbusyBecomingeasilydistractedAdjustingclothesasiftheychafeRubbingatone’shandsAninabilitytoeatRubbingone’sarmsandlookingaroundBouncingacurledknuckleagainstthemouthAdartinggazeIncreasedawarenessofone’senvironmentStartingatnoisesExcessiveswallowingRepeatedlycheckingaphoneformessages
ImpatiencePraying
INTERNALSENSATIONS:FeelingtoohotortoocoldRestlesslegsDizzinessAchurningstomachIncreasedthirstTinglinginone’slimbsAtighteningchestAcceleratedbreathingFeelinglikeone’sinsidesarequivering
MENTALRESPONSES:Thinkingaboutworst-casescenariosSelfblameSeekingreassurancefromothersTimefeelinglikeit’sslowingdownDiscomfortinclosespacesIrrationalworriesReplayingtheeventsthatcausedthefeeling
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMANXIETY:ExcessivesweatingAraggedappearanceTalkingtooneselfunderthebreathRockinginone’sseatHeartpalpitationsPanicattacksHyperventilatingEmergenceoffears,phobias,orOCD-likesymptomsMAYESCALATETO:FEAR,DESPERATION,PARANOIA
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDANXIETY:FalsesmileAvoidingconversationFindingsomewheretobealoneDoingthingstoappearnormal(orderingfoodbutnoteatingit)
FeigninginterestinsomethingnearbyClosingone’seyesinanattempttostaycalmSmoothingorstrokingone’sownhairasasoothinggesture
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WRITER’S TIP: For each scene, identify the emotion you need to show andthink in terms of three…what three ways have you reinforced the character’sfeelingsthroughverbalandnonverbalcommunication?
CONFIDENCE
DEFINITION:havingfaithinone’sowninfluenceandability
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Strongposture(shouldersback,chestout,chinhigh)WalkingwithwidestepsStronghygieneandpersonalgroomingHoldingthehandslooselybehindthebackTouchingone’sfingertipstogether(tapping,formingasteeple)Agleaminone’seye,aninnerlightSmiling,aplayfulgrinWinkingorgivingsomeoneaneasynodKeepingone’shandsoutofthepocketsAppearingrelaxed(drummingfingersagainstaleg,humming)Takingupspace(legsspreadwide,armslooseatthesides)ApproachingpeoplewitheaseLookingothersdirectlyintheeyeArmsswingingwhilewalkingChoosingthemiddle,notthesides(beitacouchoraroom)UsingexaggeratedmovementstodrawattentiontooneselfAboominglaughAtilted-backheadSpeakingboisterouslyOfferingwittycommentaryGivingahalf-shrugoragrinthatconveyssecretknowledgeLight-heartedteasingFlirtingAstronghandshakeLeaningbackinachair,handsbehindtheheadAneasygoingmannerStretchingShowingcomfortinthecloseproximityofothersInitiatingcontactTellingjokes,addingtoorsteeringaconversationHostingevents(gettingtheguystogetherforafootballgame)Opennesswhendealingwithpeople
AppearingunbotheredbywhatothersmaythinkLeaningintotalkorlistenIncreasedphysicalcontact,becomingtouchy-feelyRunninghandsthroughone’shairorflippingthehairbackAssumingaposethatdrawsattentiontoone’sbestattributesWearingclothesthatareflashyordramaticLeadingratherthanfollowing
INTERNALSENSATIONS:RelaxedmusclesEasybreathsLightnessinthechest
MENTALRESPONSES:AsenseofcalmandeaseApositiveoutlookInterestinwhatever’sgoingon
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMCONFIDENCE:DoingorsayingthingsoutsideofthenormwithoutanxietyorconcernObsessivelytalkingaboutanachievementormaterialobjectReactingwithangerorjealousyifone’sreputationisimpugnedBragging,showingoffMAYESCALATETO:SATISFACTION,SMUGNESS,CONTEMPT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDCONFIDENCE:MinimizingcomplimentsModestyChangingthetopictobringothersintothespotlightDownplayingone’sowncomfortleveltomakeothersfeelbetterAskingforopinionsoradvice
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WRITER’STIP:Itisnaturaltoholdbackorhideourtruescopeofemotionsinthe presence of others.When writing a conflicted protagonist, it is critical toshowthroughactiontheemotionthecharacterwantstoconveytootherswhilealsoexpressingtheirtruefeelingstothereader.
CONFLICTED
DEFINITION:experiencingopposingemotions
PHYSICALSIGNALS:LipspressingtogetherinaslightgrimaceIncreasedswallowingorblinkingAsmilethatwaversGazeping-ponging,avoidingdirecteyecontactStart-and-stopgesturing(reachingthenhesitating,changingdirectionmid-stride)Brokendialogue,self-interruptionsOpeningandclosingthemouthStrugglingtofindtherightwordsVoicingsupport,butwithatonethatlacksenthusiasmBecomingquieter,lessanimatedScratchingone’sneckorcheekRubbingorpullingatanearAskingquestionstogainmoreinsightTalkingtoothersaboutsimilarexperiencesorsituationsGatheringopinionsonwhatotherswoulddoSoftheadshakingAneedtositdownandreflectRubbingorpinchingthebottomlipApensiveexpressionMakingaHmmmnoiseinthethroatTiltingtheheadinaside-to-siderhythmPullinginandthenslowlyreleasingadeepbreathApologizingforone’slacklusterreaction,citingmixedfeelingsRequestingsometimetodigesteverythingTappingone’sindexfingeragainstthelipBrowspullinginLookingdownwardRubbingatthemiddleofone’sforehead,eyesclosedVoicingconflict:ThisisatoughdecisionVoicingsurprise:Sorry,youcaughtmeoffguardKneesthatbend,thenstraightenArestlessstance,pacing
RubbingahandthroughthehairSmoothingone’sclothesortouchingitemstokeepthehandsbusyCancellinggestures(smilingwhileshakingthehead,noddingandgrimacing)Holdingone’selbowwhiletheoppositehandmakesafistagainstthemouthBlowingcheeksout,thenswallowingtheairorreleasingitWrinklingthenoseHoldinghandsoutand“weighing”themintheairRubbingahandagainstthefrontofone’sshirt(overheart)Forcingenthusiasmbecauseit’s“therightthingtodo”Subduedordelayedreactions
INTERNALSENSATIONS:HeadachesAheavinessinthebodyTightnessinthechestAsinkingfeelinginthestomachLossofappetite
MENTALRESPONSES:WeighingtheprosandconsResearchingorseekinginformationGuilttowardthosenegativelyaffectedbyafinaldecisionPlayingWhatif?tounderstandtherepercussionofasituationAneedtoverbalizetheinternalconflictAdesiretoretreatandgosomewherequiettothinkAninabilitytofocusonanythingbuttheinternalconflictDrawingonmoralbeliefstohelponedecide
CUESOFBEINGCONFLICTEDOVERTHELONGTERM:Adisheveledlook(hairoutofplace,clothesrumpled)Obsessiveinformation-gathering,lookingforthe“key”solutionStomachupset,poordiet,weightlossStressheadachesDifficultysleepingLossofselfconfidenceAvoidingmakinganydecisionsatallHairlossMAYESCALATETO:CONFUSION,OVERWHELMED,FRUSTRATION,ANXIETY
CUES WHEN SUPPRESSING THE FEELING OF BEINGCONFLICTED:CitingthatoneisnottheidealcandidatetomakethechoiceMakingexcusestoavoidthesituationSuggestingthatabreakisneededtoregroupMakingajoketoalleviatetensionorlightenthemoodGivingadistractednodtowhat’sbeingsaid
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WRITER’STIP:Insceneswhereinformationmustbeshared,charactersshouldstillbemoving,acting,andrevealingemotiontokeepthepaceflowingsmoothly.
CONFUSION
DEFINITION:astateofbefuddlementorbafflement
PHYSICALSIGNALS:DifficultycompletingataskFumblingUsingumanduhhesitationsGrimacingExcessiveswallowingScratchingatone’scheekortempleRubbingthechinRepeatingbackwhatwassaidasaquestionTouchingthebaseoftheneckShowingone’spalmsandshruggingAnuncertaintoneIncreaseddifficultyinfindingtherightwordsBodyposturethatloosensorcollapsesTiltingone’sheadtothesideandpursingthelipsNarrowedeyesStutteringHeadflinchingbackslightlyTrailingoffwhenspeakingRunninghandsthroughthehairEyebrowsthatsquishtogetherPullingortuggingonanearAskingsomeonetorepeatwhatwassaidGazeclouding,goingdistantRubbingone’sforeheadoreyebrowsAskingquestionsFrowningBitingone’slipRapidblinkingHandstouchingthelips,mouth,faceGlancingaroundasiflookingforanswersWanderingashortdistanceawaybeforereturningTurningawaytogatherone’sthoughts
AslightheadshakeAmouththatopensbutnothingcomesoutBlowingoutthecheeks,thenreleasingAblanklook,aslackexpressionStaringdownatthegroundAskingforaffirmation:Areyousure?TappingafistagainstthelipsPokingone’stongueintothecheekDrywashingone’shands
INTERNALSENSATIONS:RisingbodyheatFlutteringinthestomachAtighteningchestSweatingFeelingoverheated
MENTALRESPONSES:ThoughtsthatfreezeHopingforaninterruptiontodelayansweringThemindracing,searchingforanswers
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMCONFUSION:FlightresponseFailinggradesLossofrespectfromothersforunfinishedorinaccurateworkBrokenorunfulfilledpromisesAlackofproductivityAlossofselfesteemMAYESCALATETO:OVERWHELMED,FRUSTRATION,RESIGNATION,INSECURITY
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDCONFUSION:Noddingoragreeing,toavoidattentionWavingahandFalseconfidenceAssuringothersthateverythingisundercontrolSmilingandnoddingPhysicaltouchestoreassure(aclaponthebackorshoulder)
FidgetingSteeringtheconversationtoadifferenttopicLaunchingintoaflurryofactivityMakingpromisesShowingasuddeninterestinotherthingsVisiblesweatingUsing“wordfiller”tostallfortime
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WRITER’STIP:Menandwomenexperienceandexpressemotionsdifferently.Whenwritingacharacteroftheoppositesex,getasecondopinionifneededtoensureacharacter’sreactions,thoughts,andfeelingsareauthentic.
CONTEMPT
DEFINITION:alackofreverenceorrespect;toholdindisregard
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Crossingone’sarms,showingclosedbodypostureAdownturnedmouthHeadtiltingawaySneeringHeadshakingMockingRollingtheeyesUsingsarcasmGossipingSnortingloudlyBuzzingthelipstoberude(blowingaraspberry)BaitingtheotherpersonTurningthebodyatanangleinsteadoffacingthesubjecthead-onWalkingawayWavingdismissivelyStiffpostureRefusingtorespondorengageLoweringthechintolookdownonsomeoneColdeyesApinchedmouthAhard,distinctivejawlineSmirkingasthesubjectspeaksUglylaughterMakingjokesatanother’sexpenseFlashingacoldsmiletoshowinsinceritySpittinginthedirectionoftheoneprovokingcontemptStickingatongueoutAwidestance,chestthrustout
INTERNALSENSATIONS:RisingbloodpressureAtighteninginthechest
StiffnessintheneckandjawAroilingheatinthebelly
MENTALRESPONSES:NegativethinkingUnkindobservationsMentalinsultsAdesiretoverballyteardownorhurtanotherpersonWantingtoexposethesubject’signorance
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMCONTEMPT:SwearingandofferinginsultsYelling,arguingHighbloodpressureAveinthrobbingvisiblyintheforeheadThoughtsofviolenceAngrilydismissingsomeonefromone’spresenceNeedingtoleave(excusingoneself,cuttingameetingshort)MAYESCALATETO:DISGUST,SCORN,ANGER
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDCONTEMPT:FlushedskinBitingatthecheekFidgetingPressingthelipstogethertokeepfromspeakingDrywashingone’shandsPurposefullynotlookingatthesourceFeigninginterestinsomethingelseTurningawaytoignorethesourceBecomingnon-responsivePushingonthediaphragmtokeeptheangerinLeaningback,armscrossedMovingaway,creatingpersonaldistance
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WRITER’S TIP: When revising, look for instances where emotions areNAMED. Nine times out of ten this indicates a lack of confidence that theemotionisshownclearlythroughthought,sensationsandbodylanguage.Strong
verbal and nonverbal cues negate the need to “explain” the emotion to thereader.
CURIOSITY
DEFINITION:inquisitiveness;adesireforknowledge
PHYSICALSIGNALS:TiltingtheheadtothesideRaisedeyebrowsBodyposturethatperksupAslowsmilethatbuildsRepeatingastatementasaquestionLeaningforward,slidingone’schaircloserPausingtoexamineEyebrowsfurrowingandthenreleasingBlinkingGazingwithfocusShiftingfromcasualconversationtopointedquestionsAsoftenedvoiceortonethatmaycontainwonderCrossingone’sarmswhileobservingPryingorsnoopingNose-wrinklingPosinghypotheticalquestionsLingeringtouchesStoppingtopayattention(asuddenhalt,aforkpausinghalfwaytothemouth)Strainingtohear,shushingotherstobequietEavesdroppingCuppinganelbowwithonehandwhiletappingthelipswiththeotherPushingone’sglassesupBending,kneeling,orsquattingtogetcloserTiltingone’sbodytowardthesourceShuffling,creeping,oredgingcloserExploringthesenses(smellingsomethingnewforthesakeofknowing,etc.)Verballyexpressinginterest:Oh,lookatthat!orIsn’tthatamazing?Askingquestions(who,what,when,where,andwhy)Pullingonsomeone’ssleevetogetthemtojoinorfollowAstilldemeanortoaidinobservationLipsthatareslightlypartedNoddingslowly
Pokingorproddingatsomething
INTERNALSENSATIONS:BreathsthathitchorbrieflystopAnincreasedpulse
MENTALRESPONSES:Aneedtoknow,touch,orunderstandForgettingwhatonewasabouttosayordoAcompulsiontodetourtowardsomethingnewTemporarycessationofworries,stress,oractionsAdesiretoinvestigateorexperimentIncreasedawarenessofsensoryinformationWonderorinterestathowsomethingworksorwhyit’sthere
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMCURIOSITY:FidgetingorticsHypersensitivitytothesourceofinterestObsessivethoughtsPointedorevenrudequestionsSnoopingorsneakingabouttosatisfytheneedtoknowMAYESCALATETO:EAGERNESS,AMAZEMENT,CONFLICTED
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDCURIOSITY:Keepingone’seyesdownHoldingthehandsinthelapLackofeyecontactProvidinganexcusetolingerormovetowardthesourcePretendingtoignoreorbeunawareAsidelongglanceUsingone’shairtohideaninterestedglanceFeigningboredom
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WRITER’STIP:Smelltriggersmemory.Takeadvantageofthissenseandbuildolfactorydescription into the scene.Thiswill draw readers in andmake themfeelpartoftheaction.
DEFEAT
DEFINITION:thefeelingofhavingbeenmastered,conquered,orbested
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Chinloweringtoone’schestHandsthatgolimpHoldingone’spalmsupandoutShakingtheheadAlackofeyecontactStaringdownatone’shandsorfeetGoingquietornon-responsiveWeavinginplace,alackofbalanceAgreeingforthesakeofitArmshangingatone’ssidesAlong,lowsighAthickeningvoiceStumbling,kneeshitchingRubbingattheeyes,hidingrednessortearsfromothersBackingawayCheeksthatburnAbobbingAdam’sapple(thickswallows)HunchedorroundedshouldersSaggingpostureHandshiddenbehindthebackorinpocketsChintremorsArmsclutchingone’sbodyasiftoholdittogetherLacklustermovementsTonelessresponsesVacanteyesSlumpingintoachairHoldingone’sheadwiththehandsAcrackingvoice
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Feelingapulseinone’sthroatHeartthuddingdullyinthechest
WheezingbreathsFeelingliketheheadisspinningChestpainornumbnessAsourtasteinone’smouthAlackofenergyTearsorheatbehindtheeyelidsApainfullumpinone’sthroatLimbsthatfeeltooheavytoliftormove
MENTALRESPONSES:AdesiretofleeorbealoneShameWorryingthatotherswillfeelletdownordisappointedMentalfatigue
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDEFEAT:AquakingortremblingbodyUncontrollabletearsPleadingorbeggingCollapsing,kneesgivingoutSelf-loathingMAYESCALATETO:RESIGNATION,DEPRESSION,SHAME,HUMILIATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDEFEAT:ShakingtheheadFalsebravadoTryingtomaintaineyecontactDemandingarematchRepeatingthewordNoShouting,cursingLayingtheblameonothersMakingaccusationsofcheatingorunderhandednessAchinthatjutssharplyAflintygazeUsingangertofeedstrength
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WRITER’STIP: To reveal quieter emotions, try using contrast.For example,pairing a character with someone who is highly volatile will help their ownmilderbodycuesstandoutclearly.
DEFENSIVENESS
DEFINITION: resisting attack; defending against a perceived danger orthreat
PHYSICALSIGNALS:SteppingbackLeaningawayCrossingthearmsoverone’schestRigidbodypostureSquintingeyesAloweringbrowSuckingthecheeksinShakingtheheadSputtering,gapingHoldinganobjectasashield(abook,afoldedjacket)AdartinggazeLickingone’slipsRapidblinkingthatleadstoawide-eyedlookHandsup,palmstowardtheaggressorAfixedstareFlippingone’shairinannoyanceAsnortofdismissivelaughterRaisingone’svoiceCrossingthelegsBodyshielding(turningatanangle)InterruptingLookingtoothersforbackupBlowingoutanoisybreathGoingontheoffensiveandverballyattackingtheaccuserDeflectingblameFlinching,jerkingbackDifficultybeingarticulateHandsplayingacrossone’supperchestStiffneck,cordsstandingoutChinloweringandpullingbackagainsttheneckWaggingafinger,beratinganotherfortheiraccusations
UsingsarcasmEyerollingRisingcolorinone’scheeksVisiblesweatingDraggingothersintothesituationforsupportVerbalizingdisappointmentordenialAvoicethathardensoverthecourseofanargumentJerkymovements,alossoffluiditytoactionsExcessiveswallowing
INTERNALSENSATIONS:RaisedbloodpressureApoundingheartbeatthatgrowsloudintheearsDrymouthAbodythatfeelshotIntensethirstThestomachtighteningandhardening
MENTALRESPONSES:Scramblingthoughts,tryingtodiffusethesituationAnger,shockFeelingbetrayedSiftingmemoriesforevidence(tosupportinnocenceorchallengeaccusations)
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDEFENSIVENESS:Eyesdartingforanexitorescape(flightresponse)ShoutingBringinguppastexampleswhenonesupportedtheaccuserorsavedthedayCitinganopponent’sshortcomingsIncreasingone’spersonalspaceStormingawayMAYESCALATETO:ANGER,FEAR
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDEFENSIVENESS:MaintaininganeventoneOfferingafakesmileAforciblycalmdemeanorChangingthesubjectDenial(shrugging,forcingalaugh)
Calmlystatingthatonedoesn’tneedtoproveanythingNotleavingorwalkingaway,despitediscomfortAttemptingtoreasonthroughfacts,notemotion
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WRITER’S TIP: Choose each setting with deliberate care. Each locationshould symbolize something to your main character, and have an impact(positiveornegative)ontheirpsychecomingintothescene.
DENIAL
DEFINITION:arefusaltoacknowledgetruthorreality
PHYSICALSIGNALS:VerbaldisagreementBackingawayVigorousheadshakingWavingsomeoneoffDialogueinthenegative:Don’tblamemeorIhadnothingtodowithitSpeakingemphaticallywithfingerpointingorotherhardgesturesRaisingone’spalmsShruggingTuckingintheupperlipArmscrossingone’schest,closedbodyposturePlacingahandagainstthebreastboneAslackenedmouth,displayingshockSpeakingrapidly,notlettingothersgetawordinRationalizingorjustifyingShufflingbackwardSpeakingslowly,stretchingoutwords:What?Noway!Leaningback,creatingspaceWardingsomeoneorsomethingoffRaisedeyebrowsWideningeyesRaisingone’svoiceEmphaticallysayingNoSlantingthebodyawayfromanaccuserQuestioningsomeone’ssourceorthefactsMakingan“X”motionwithone’shandsEyecontactdropping(ifoneisunsureorlying)Choppyresponses,shortsentencesSweatingStaringdownatone’shands
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Mouthgoingdry
Alumpforminginone’sthroatFeelingheavyornumbHeatrisingbehindtheeyelidsTinglinginthestomach
MENTALRESPONSES:ReplayingpasteventsinordertounderstandThoughtscenteringonthefactsofthesituationBrainscramblingtofindalogicalexcuse(iflying)Angerorhurtatbeingputinthissituation
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDENIAL:BlamingothersPleading,crying,beggingtobebelievedBecomingclosed-minded,refusingtolistenWantingtobeleftaloneMAYESCALATETO:DEFENSIVENESS,HURT,GUILT,ANGER,CONFLICTED
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDENIAL:RefusingtoargueorrespondtoanaccusationSteadyeyecontactExplainingthatoneisnotindenialVoicingWe’llseecommentsSupplyingreasonstoconveythataviewpointisinvalidRepeatingthetruthasoneseesitandstickingtoitAsteady,eventone
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WRITER’STIP:Makealistofyourbodylanguagecrutches(frowning,smiling,shrugging,headshaking,etc.).Useyourbrowser’ssearchfunctiontohighlightthese so you can pinpoint where the emotional description needs somefresheningup.
DEPRESSION
DEFINITION:astateofwithdrawal;extremesadnessandreducedvitality
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AgauntappearanceNotableweightlossorgainEyesthatblinkinfrequentlyWetorredeyesStaringdownatone’shandsBecomingnon-reactivetostimulusornoiseLayinginbedwithnomotivationtogetupSaggyposture,bentneckHeadrestingonone’shandTangledhair,overlongnails,andothersignsoflettingoneselfgoWearingthesameclothesdayafterdayShufflingstepsLethargichandmovementsObsessionwithanobjectthatrepresentsloss(aphotoortrinket)CryingAvacantstareMakingexcusesAdownturnedmouthLinesintheface,aslackexpressionDarkcirclesunderone’seyesAninabilitytosleepSleepingtoomuchPooreatinghabitsAtonethatlacksstrengthorvitalityAnuncleanhome,room,orofficespaceIgnoringphonecallsorvisitorsPrematureaging(wrinkles,tiredeyes,grayorwhitehair)IllnessHavingnointerestinhobbiesFailinggradesatschool,lackofsuccessatworkChoosingisolationDroppingoutofactivitiesandmovingawayfromfriendships
PickingatfoodorfindingfoodtastelessBeingunabletofocusontasks(work,school,homelife)Forgettingappointments,conversations,andmeetingsBulkyordullclothingchoicesNon-responsivenesstoothers,evenfamilyPoorconversationskillsBodyodor
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Ahollownessinone’schestAslowpulseAchesandpainsShallowbreathingFatigue
MENTALRESPONSES:FocusinginwardDesiringtoliveinthepastorbealonePoorobservationskillsObsessivethoughtsAnegativeoutlookAninabilitytoconcentrateLosingtrackoftimeThoughtsofself-harmBleakobservationsabouttheworldandthepeopleinitAnaversiontonoise,crowds,andstressfulsituations
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDEPRESSION:EatingdisordersManicbehavior(hairpulling,OCD,paranoia)ThoughtsofsuicideSuicideattemptsAddictiontomedicationHoardingMAYRELATETO:NOSTALGIA,REGRET,SADNESS
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDEPRESSION:SlightpausesbeforereactingEmotionaldisplaysthatseemforcedorfalse
Heavyself-medicatingordrinkingWearingfalse,overlybrightsmilesPretendingtobeilltoavoidsocialsituationsandpeopleLying
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WRITER’STIP: It isn’t enough to showemotion;awriterneeds tomake thereader feel it. Think about the core visceral sensations you experience whenfeeling strong emotion, and if appropriate, utilize them to convey a similarexperiencetothereader.
DESIRE
DEFINITION:tocovet,wish,orlongfor
NOTE:theobjectofdesirecanbeaperson,athing,oranintangible(prestige,acceptance,etc.)PHYSICALSIGNALS:LipspartingFirmeyecontactHandsmoisteningStrokingone’sarmasasurrogatefortheobjectofdesireMirroringtheobject’smovements(ifaperson)TremblingLoweringone’svoicewhenspeakingLeaninginorforwardMovingclosertoerasedistanceRelaxingone’spostureFacingtheobjectstraightonEyesshining,glossingover,andsofteningSlightlypartingthelegsMuscleslosingtensionFrequenttouchingofthefaceandlipsHandsclenchingbriefly,thenreleasingBecominginarticulateSkinflushingIncreasedswallowingThetonguedartingouttotouchorlickthelipsKneeslooseningandfeelingweakRespondingimmediatelywhencalleduponTouchingorholdingtheobjectcloseAslowsmilethatbuildsSubconsciouslythrustingoutone’schestLiftingone’schintoexposetheneckHoldinginabreathStutteringorstammeringAlingeringtouch,brushingupagainsttheobjectTouchingorstrokingone’sownthroat
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Astrongawarenessofone’sownheartbeatThesensationofbeingfloodedwithwarmthThemouthbecomingmoist,increasedsalivaAsensationofhairraisingonone’sarmsandnapeFingersachingortinglingwiththeneedtotouchQuickeningbreathorbreathlessnessHypersensitivitytotouchandtextureFlutteringorevenmildpaininthechestLightheadednessAshiftingfeelingneartheheart,apangAshiverthatbringspleasureNerveendingsthatstirandtingleBodilycravingsofbeingtouchedbytheobject(person)
MENTALRESPONSES:Preoccupationwiththeobject’sscentFocusingontheobject’smostdesirablequalitiesTuningoutdistractionsinordertofixateontheobjectorwantAdesiretoerasealldistanceAneedtotouchandexploreDaydreamingorfantasizingabouttheobjectAdeterminationtohaveorownImpatienceAlossofinhibitionsSettinggoalstoobtaintheobjectTakingopportunitiesormeetingchallengestoproveone’sworthWantingtocareforandputtheobject’sneedsfirst
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDESIRE:Bumping,pushing,orshovingtogetcloserAwillingnesstoenduresufferingorhardshiptoobtaintheobjectNotcaringwhatothersthinkorfeelObsessivethoughtsCenteringallaspectsofone’slifeonbeingwiththeobjectNeglectingfriends,family,work,andotherinterestsFixationonself-improvement,education,orgoalsleadingtoachievementSheddingbadhabitsorflawstoappeaseorimpressMAYESCALATETO:ADORATION,LOVE,DETERMINATION,ENVY,
JEALOUSY
CUESOFREPRESSEDDESIRE:GlancingawayforabrieftimeFeigninginterestinsomethingelseMakingadisplayofengaginginconversationwithothersExaminingorpretendingtoconsiderotherobjectsSmilingatotherobjectsForcingaslowgaitratherthanrushingtobewiththeobject
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WRITER’STIP:Emotionshouldalways lead todecisionmaking,eithergoodorbad,thatwillpropelthestoryforward.
DESPERATION
DEFINITION:astateofhopelessnessthatleadstorashness
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Feverish,over-brighteyesAdartinggazeQuickmovementsAninabilitytosleeporeatFingertwitches,compulsiveandrepetitivemovementsAherky-jerkywalkReachingortouchinginhopesofgaininghelporfavorFacingdangerhead-onActinginwaysthatpushthelimitsofendurancePacingAnxiouslymutteringtooneselfGrabbingfistfulsofone’shairandpullingApainedstareAnemotion-chokedvoiceFlutteryhandmovementsMoaningRockinginplaceBargainingShaking,tremblingCurlingthearmsovertheheadHuggingone’sshoulders,chinrestingonthechestStiffneck,strainedforearmsEyesthatappearwetTeethbitingdownonthebottomlipWringingone’shandsShoulderscurling,abentspineShakingone’sheadindenialProtectiveposture(chintochest,armsholdingthebodytight)DraggingnailsdownthecheeksRubbingone’supperarmsforcomfortAshakingvoiceSweatingprofusely
INTERNALSENSATIONS:RacingheartbeatAdrymouthAsorethroatfrompleading,crying,beggingAheightenedlevelofpainresistanceTightnessorpaininthechestExcessiveormanicenergy
MENTALRESPONSES:ConstantplanningandobsessingIrrationalthinking,poorjudgmentAwillingnesstodoanythingIgnoringthelaworsociety’svaluesCastingmoralityandgoodjudgmentasideSacrificingothersorlessergoals,desires,andneedsifnecessaryDisregardinganother’sfeelingsiftheyconflictwithone’sgoal
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDESPERATION:Crying,sobbing,wailingScreamingBeatingone’sfistsagainstsomethingtothepointofinjuryKneelingPleading,abasing,ordisregardingpersonalworthorprideExtremerisktakingOfferinganexchange:Takeme instead or I’ll go, you stay Pushing past one’slimitstofindneededstrengthRefusingtobepersuadedMAYESCALATETO:TERROR,DREAD,ANGER,DETERMINATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDESPERATION:HoldingoneselftightBelievingalieifitoffershopeFidgetingRetreatinginternallytocope,shuttingtheworldoutDifficultysittingstillClock-watchingReassuringothersFixingone’shairandclothestoappearunaffectedTakingadvantageofadistraction(watchingamovie,TV)
Curlinghandsintotightfists
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WRITER’STIP:Clothingchoicesareindividualandprojectanimageofone’spersonality.Whencreatinguniqueemotionalbodylanguage,thinkabouthowacharacter’s clothing canbeutilized to reveal their insecurities or vanities andshowfeelingsofself-worth.
DETERMINATION
DEFINITION:firmintentiononachievingagoal;decisiveness
PHYSICALSIGNALS:BeingthefirsttospeakMovingintosomeone’spersonalspaceUsingarticulatewordsandshort,strongsentencesAsteady,lower-pitchedvoiceAfurrowingbrowTightmusclesAlertgazeAsetjawStrongeyecontactAcurtnodForminghandsintoasteepleMirroringtheleader’smovementsUsingaffirmativewords:YesandIwillPressingthelipstogetherTighteningfistsOrganizingone’sthings,beingpreparedStandingsolidly,atthereadyPlantingone’sfeetinawidestanceLeaningin,handononekneeAhighchin,neckexposedPushingupone’ssleevesShoulderspushingbackStrongposturePrecisemovementsSharphandmovements(jabbingafingerforemphasis,etc.)Afast-pacedstrideAskingpointedquestionsStraightenedlegs,kneesuncrossedThrustingthechestoutOfferingafirmhandshakeInhalingdeeplythroughthenose,thenexhalingthroughthemouthExudingcalmandfocus
PracticingaskillMakingpreparationsorconditioningthebodyStudyingorgatheringinformationAcceptingcriticismtoimprove
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AflutteryfeelinginthechestIncreasedinternaltemperatureandheartbeatMusclestighteninginreadiness
MENTALRESPONSES:PlanningforobstaclesandstrategizingwaystoovercomethemMentallyencouragingoneselftosucceedActivelisteningAnacutesenseofpurposeIgnoringdistractionsordiscomfortsExtremementalfocusontheobjectiveRunningthroughwhatonemustsayordoDismissingnegativethoughtsSettinggoals
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDETERMINATION:ConditioningforthetaskinadvanceMuscleclenchingalongthejawlineHeadachesMusclestrainIgnoringpain,stress,oranyoutsideelementsSacrificingwhatisneededtoachievethedesiredresultMAYESCALATETO:HOPEFULNESS,CONFIDENCE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDETERMINATION:PurposelyadoptingalanguidposeFeigningdisinterestMeaninglessgestures(scrutinizingcuticles,checkingforsplitends)Placingone’shandsinone’spocketsEngaginginbanterornon-threateningconversationBenignquestionsYawningShrugging
LaughingormakingjokesmeanttodisarmAlackofeyecontactClosingone’seyesasifrelaxedordosing
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WRITER’STIP:Neverunderestimatethepowerof texture.Thewayanobjectfeelsagainst theskincancreateapowerfulreaction(positiveornegative)andaddtothereader’semotionalexperience.
DISAPPOINTMENT
DEFINITION:astateofdismayordissatisfaction;feelingletdown
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Loweringone’sheadLipspressingtightShouldersdroppingorslumpingAhunchedpostureLookingupwithhandsraisedinthewhyme?positionCollapsingontoachairorbenchWeavingslightlyAbittersmileAheavysighCoveringone’sfacewithone’shandsBreakingeyecontactBendingtheneckforwardSlowlyshakingone’sheadTiltingthechindownandfrowningMakinganoiseinone’sthroatSwallowinghardSaggingagainstadoororwall,reachingouttosteadyoneselfDroppingthehead,eyesclosedStumblingmid-strideFacegoingslackandpalingslightlyThemouthfallingopenPressinghandstoone’stemplesWeavinghandsintothehairandpullingFrowningAstonyexpressionWateringeyesthatdisplayaninwardfocusWincing,apainedexpressionLookingaroundinconfusionorshockAttemptingtohide(coveringthehead,duckingone’schin)RestlessfiddlingHandsflutteringlikethey’velosttrackofwhattheyshouldbedoingFeetshuffling,kickingattheground
Rubbingatthebackofone’sneckAvoicethatdropsorgoesquietWhisperingNoorcursingunderthebreathBitingorchewingatthelipClutchingoneself(grippingtheelbows,rubbingthearms)PressingahandtotheabdomenSlinkingaway(flightresponse)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Aheartthatfeelslikeit’sshrinkingAclenchingstomachSuddenonsetofnauseaAtighteningchestBreathsthathitchAheavinessinthebody
MENTALRESPONSES:NegativityAfeelingofdreadorhopelessnessDefeatistthoughtsaboutoneselfWantingtobealoneFeelingworthless
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDISAPPOINTMENT:BeratingoneselfWallowing(drinkingtoomuch,listeningtodepressingsongs)ObsessingoverwhythingshappenedthewaytheydidAninabilitytomoveonMAYESCALATETO:DEPRESSION,DEFEAT,RESENTMENT,ANGER
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDISAPPOINTMENT:AslightlippressDroppingtheshoulders,thenhitchingthemupagainOfferingfalsecheer,aweaksmileComfortingothersCitingabackupplanorlistingmoreoptionsMakingpromisesClaspingone’shandsinone’slap
Congratulatingthevictor
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WRITER’S TIP: Characters experiencing raw emotion often react withoutthinking—either throughdialogueoraction.Rashbehavior creates theperfectstormforincreasedtensionandconflict.
DISBELIEF
DEFINITION:withholdingbelief;arefusaltoseethetruth
PHYSICALSIGNALS:MouthslackeningEyeswideningLookingdownorawayRubbingataneyelidorbrowBeingatalossforwordsTurningawayandcoveringthemouthExpressionblanching,goingpaleAskingAreyousure?questionsScratchingone’sjawAshakeoftheheadRubbingabsentlyatthearmsVerbalizingshock:Areyoukidding?orImpossible!Movingbackslightly,increasingone’spersonalspaceShowingone’spalmsLiftingasingleeyebrowCockingtheheadAnunfocusedgazeRapidblinkingRunninghandsthroughone’shairGaping,stuttering,mouthopeningandclosingHandsdroppingtoone’ssidesPostureslumpingslightlyNeckbendingforwardHandscarvingthroughone’shair,holdingitbackandthenreleasingPullingglassesdownandlookingovertherimsOpenlystaringCoveringone’searsRepeatingNoandothernegatives:It’snottrue!FoldingthearmsoverthestomachStaringatone’spalmsasiftheyholdtheanswersJiggling,tugging,ortappingtheearlobeDoingadoubletake
Wavingsomethingoff
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Atinglinginone’schestAhardeningorclenchingstomachAsmallintakeofbreath(gasp)LightheadednessRestrictedbreathing
MENTALRESPONSES:Makinganimmediatemoraljudgment(eithergoodorbad,wrongorright)ThoughtsscramblingtounderstandAttemptingtoreasonorgleanmoreinformationPretendingtohavemisheard
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDISBELIEF:ArestlessstanceArguingWalkingawayVoicingtheemotionoverandover:Ijustcan’tbelievethisDifficultyspeaking,choppyresponsesHoldingahanduptowardoffthetruthDemandingthosewithinfluencedosomethingtochangetheoutcomeClosedbodyposture(armscreatingabarrieracrossthechest)MAYESCALATETO:DENIAL,ANGER,OVERWHELMED,RESIGNATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDISBELIEF:ChangingthetopicAnervouslaughMakingexcusesSupportingtheoutcome,actinglikeonewas“intheknow”allalongReassuringothersofone’sbelief,commitment,etc.AskingquestionstogleaninformationwithoutgivingawaydisbeliefThroatclearingCoughing,pretendingadrinkwentdownwrongAvoidingeyecontactOfferingfakeplatitudes:InterestingorWell,that’sgoodthen.
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WRITER’STIP:Whilemelodrama is usually a bad idea in fiction, it can beusedeffectivelytocharacterizeanover-the-topcharacter.
DISGUST
DEFINITION:anaversion,usuallytosomethingdistasteful;revulsion
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AcurlinglipAnopenmouth,thetonguepushingslightlyforwardWrinklingone’snoseFlinching,recoilingSwallowinghardLeaningbackStrokingthethroatandgrimacingTurningone’sbacktothesourceEyesthatappearcold,dead,flatRefusingtolookShakingone’shead,mutteringWalkingawaytoregaincomposureToescurlingupPullingupacollartocoverthemouthandnoseAvertingone’sgazeSpittingorthrowingupHandsup,backingawaywithashudderRepeatingwhatsomeonehassaid,purposelydevoidofallemotionDrywashingthehandsPressingafistagainstthemouthandpuffingoutthecheeksRubbingatone’sexposedforearmsCoveringthemouthJerkingawayfromcontact,oreventhesuggestionofcontactPressinghandsagainstthestomachDemandingthatsomeonestopspeakingordesistwhattheyaredoingViolentlyrollingshouldersasifone’sownclothingiscreatingdiscomfortUsingapurseorjackettocreateashieldShunningorofferingevasiveanswersEyebrowsloweringandpinchingtogetherPressingone’skneestogetherNarrowingone’sstance,bringingthefeettogetherAfacethatblanches
Rubbingatone’snoseormouthDryheavingCringingawayfromthesourceAnexpressionthatappearspained
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AchokingoruncomfortableswallowExcessivesaliva,aneedtospitAsourorbittertanginthemouthNauseaoraheavingstomachBurninginthethroatSkintightening(crawlingfleshsensation)
MENTALRESPONSES:AcompulsiontofleeFeelinguncleanWishingtobesomewhereelseThemindreplayingwhatwasseeninagonizingdetail
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDISGUST:Focusingoncleanliness(showering,rubbingskinraw)Hyper-protectivenessofpersonalspaceActingjumpyorjitterywhennearthesourceBecomingnon-responsive,lessverbalAnintenseneedtofleethesourceMAYESCALATETO:SCORN,FEAR,ANGER
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDISGUST:OfferingawaterysmilewhilemaintainingasafedistanceForcingoneselftocomecloserMaintainingeyecontact,nomatterhowdifficultWavingahandasifsomethingdoesn’tmatterBitingthelipSlowlywalkingcloser,butkeepingarmsclosetothebodyStandingawayandreachinginwithonehandHesitatingHeavy,jerkymovementsAfrozensmile
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WRITER’S TIP: With extreme emotions that trigger an immediate fight-or-flight response, it’s important to know which “side” fits best with yourcharacter’spersonality.Allactionsshouldlineupwiththischoice.
DOUBT
DEFINITION:tolackconfidenceinorconsiderunlikely
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Browsdrawingcloser,facetighteningLookingdownorawayAvoidingeyecontactPressingthelipstogetherShufflingone’sfeetShovinghandsinpocketsThroatclearingThumbingtheearExpressingconcernCheckingandrecheckingone’sappearanceDelayingtactics(suggestingtimetoreviewoptions,etc.)Pauses,ums,orotherconversationfillersTakingaslightstepbackLingeringattheedgeofagrouporeventBitingone’scheekDeclininganofferofsupportRunninghandsthroughthehairPullingortuggingatone’sclothesAsmilethatappearstightAhesitatingnodRockingonone’sheels,pretendingtostudythefloorCockingtheheadwhileraisingtheeyebrowsSwallowingmorethanusualTippingone’sheadsidetoside,weighinganideaorchoiceTappingthefingerstogetherSlightlyclenchedfistsAdeep,weightedsighPursingthelipsShruggingShakingtheheadAskingforassurancesorclarificationArguingorquestioning
CitingpossiblerepercussionsRubbingthebackoftheneckFiddlingwitharingorbuttontoavoideyecontactPuttingahandovertheface,closingtheeyesDrawinginbreath,thenreleasingitTactfullyofferingalternativesuggestionsHesitation(acceptingaleafletwithreluctance,etc.)Crossingthearmsorlegs
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Aslightheavinessorquiverinthestomach
MENTALRESPONSES:WorryingoverthecurrentpathLookingaheadtopossiblecollateraldamageSearchingforideasonhowtocircumventthesituationDredgingupevidenceinordertoswayopinionsHopingorprayingitwillworkout
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDOUBT:AvoidingspeakingoragreeingopenlySharingalookwithanally,raisingtheeyebrowstoconveyamessageWincingasothersrallybehindaweaksolutionMAYESCALATETO:WORRY,DISBELIEF,UNEASE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDOUBT:FidgetinginachairCoughingasoneagreesorsupportsadoubtfuldecisionorstanceMimickingconfidence(straightening,speakinginaboomingvoice)LyingormisleadingothersMakingexcusesfornotagreeingimmediatelyReassuringothersofloyalty,commitment,etc.OfferingtohandletheprobleminsteadDelayingverbalsupport
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WRITER’STIP:When steering your character through scenes that allow foremotional growth, don’t forget to also provide setbacks. The path to
enlightenmentisn’tsmoothforanyone,includingourcharacters.
DREAD
DEFINITION:anearlyoverpoweringfeartofaceormeet;astrongdesiretoavoidafutureeventorcircumstancePHYSICALSIGNALS:HoldingthestomachasifpainedClutchingarmstoone’schestShoulderscurlingforward,cavingthechestinAbentneckLeaningbackorawayfromthesourceofdiscomfortDraggingfootstepsMakingexcusestoleaveAquietvoice,offeringone-wordresponsesHunchedpostureandadroopingheadClaspingone’skneestightlytogetherAvoidingeyecontactTurningthetorso,shieldingitLiftingtheshouldersasiftohideone’sneckSweatingRockingslightlyHandsthattrembleSeekingthesafetyofdarkness,anexit,etc.Holdingone’selbowstightlyagainstsidesAdownwardgaze,usingthehairasashieldMakingoneselfappearsmallerHuddlinginthecorner,behind,oragainstsomethingFlinchingorcringingHeavyfootstepsUncontrollablewhimperingIncreasedswallowingArmscrossingthestomachinaprotectivehuddleRubbingandtwistingone’shands,spinningringsorbraceletsScratchingattheskin,pickingorbitingatnailsClutchingcomfortitems(anecklacecharm,phone,etc.)Draggingthepalmsdownone’spantlegsChewingatone’slipsorinnercheekandmakingthembleedApaleorsicklycomplexion
INTERNALSENSATIONS:ArollingstomachHeavyorsluggishheartbeatChillsColdfingersTinglinginthechestAweightedchestDifficultybreathingAsourtasteinthemouthAcheinthebackofthethroatDifficultyswallowingDizzinessShakinessinthelimbs
MENTALRESPONSES:ThoughtsofescapeWantingtohideWishingtimewouldspeedupAninabilitytoseeapositiveoutcomeTheneedtocheckfordangeroverridingtheneedtohide
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMDREAD:Shaking,shudderingJumpingatsoundsTeethchatteringWeepingSeekinganyexcusetoavoidwhatistocomeHyperventilatingBargaining,pleadingAnxietyattackMAYESCALATETO:ANGUISH,TERROR
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDDREAD:ActinglikeoneissimplyfeelingundertheweatherAttemptingtoescapeviadistraction(TV,book,music)FocusingthoughtstokeepfearfromtakingoverKeepingstill
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WRITER’STIP:Maintainanoverallperspectiveofthebook’semotionalrange.A strong manuscript will always expose the reader to several contrastingemotionalexperiencesthatfitwithinthecontextoftheprotagonist’sgrowth.
EAGERNESS
DEFINITION:enthusiasmforwhatistocome
PHYSICALSIGNALS:LeaningforwardEyesthatglowRushingone’swordsSpeakinginabubblyorloudtoneRaptattention,noddingUsingexcitablelanguageAgreeabilitytowhateverissuggestedFiddlingwithanobjecttokeepthehandsbusySqueezingthehandsatone’ssidesStrongeyecontactTalkingoverothersRaisingahandimmediatelytobecalledonAskingquestions,requestinginformationRubbingthehandstogetherLeaningforwardwithahandonthekneeSittingattheedgeofachairAllowingothersintoone’spersonalspaceLickingone’slips,smilingFeetpointingforwardShouldersstraightandbackAnimatedgesturingBouncingonone’stoesMoving,fidgeting,pacingBlowingoutalongbreathandsmilingEyeswide,rounded,withveryfewblinksHandsclutchedtogetherHeadup,alertAfastwalk,jog,orrunSharingalookorwinkwithanotherClamberingclosertoagrouporeventWhisperinginhushed,excitabletonesScuffingachairclosertothetable
ArrivingearlyQuirkinganeyebrowandsmilingFriendliness,evenwiththosenotinone’sownsocialcirclePullingorproddingotherstohurryup
INTERNALSENSATIONS:FlutterystomachIncreasedheartbeatAnexpandingfeelinginthechestBreathlessnessAdrenalinecausingalertness
MENTALRESPONSES:FocusedlisteningStrongorganizationandpreparednessAninabilitytoconcentrateonanythingelseDesiringtoshareandincludeothersLosingallinhibitionsPositiveoutlookandthinkingAwillingnesstotakeonresponsibility,tohelporlead
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMEAGERNESS:Preparingearly,oftenhoursordaysbeforeneededPlanningorobsessingovereverydetailSeekingperfectionHurryingorrushingtomakethingshappenquickerMAYESCALATETO:EXCITEMENT,IMPATIENCE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDEAGERNESS:ClampingthehandsinthelapTightmusclesForcingoneselftositstillSlowingone’sspeech,concentratingonbeingarticulateAseriesofdeepbreathsTakingupataskorchoretopassthetimeFeigningdisinterestbyadoptingalooseandrelaxedpostureMakingaslightdetourasaruse
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WRITER’S TIP: To generate friction in dialogue, give the participantsopposing goals. A heightened emotional response is the natural result of notgettingwhatoneneeds.
ELATION
DEFINITION:inhighspirits;astateofeuphoriaorexhilaration
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Highcolor,aflushedappearanceAsmileorgrinthatcannotbecontainedLaughingSquealing,screaming,shouting,whooping,holleringFallingtoone’skneesJumpingupanddownTalkingoveroneanother,babblingHoldingarmsupina“victoryV”Headtippingback,turningone’sfacetotheskyRunningavictorylapAbeamingface,strongcolorandsheenEmbracingothersDancinginplaceWhoopingloudlyNotcaringwhatothersthink,alackofself-consciousnessEnjoyingcommunalhappiness,feelingpartofthecrowdRepeatingwordsoverandover:Wow!orIcan’tbelieveit!Flingingoutthearmsandlegs,takingawidestanceThrustingthechestoutEyeswideandglowingGrabbingatthesidesoftheheadinan“Ican’tbelieveit”gestureHighenergy,abouncingwalkorrun,skippingHugging,kissing,orotherdisplaysofaffectionBreakingoutintoarunHappytears,shiningcheeksThrowingsomethingintotheair—ahat,books,confetti,helmetSweatingThrustingafistintothesky
INTERNALSENSATIONS:WarmthradiatingthroughoutthebodyRacingheartbeat,drumminginthechest
Feelingultra-awake,rejuvenatedbyadrenaline
MENTALRESPONSES:Thoughtsscatter,tooexcitedtothinkstraightWantingtobesurroundedbyfamilyandfriendsFeelingvindicatedfortheeffort,sacrifice,orhardworkRevisitingthehurdlesleadingtothismomentGratitudetothosewhohelpedmakethispossible
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMELATION:TearsstreamingdownthefaceLossofmotorcontrolTremblingmusclesSinkingtotheground,exhaustedBreathlessnessLosingone’svoicefromscreamingorshoutingSpeechlessnessMAYESCALATETO:SATISFACTION,PRIDE,GRATITUDE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDELATION:Agrinthatcan’tbecontainednomatterhowhardonetriesBottlingupone’sbreathstotryandcalmdownSelf-huggingtocontainthefeelingClosingtheeyesandcoveringthemouthQuiveringwiththeeffortofcontrollingoneselfLookingdowntohideagrin
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WRITER’STIP:Makealistofthebodypartsyouincorporatewhenexpressingemotion.Arethereonesyoudon’tuseatall?Challengeyourselftocomeupwitha unique cue by using one of these “missing” parts, and substitute it for agesturethatisoverused.
EMBARRASSMENT
DEFINITION:alackofcomposureduetoself-consciousdiscomfort
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AflushthatcreepsacrossthecheeksVisiblesweatingThebodyfreezinginplaceGrimacingorswallowingEarsthatturnredThechindippingdownThechestcavingAbentspineHandscurlingaroundone’smiddleFeetshufflingClearingthethroatCoughingCoveringoneself(crossingthearms,closingajacket)PullingatthecollarRubbingthebackoftheneckWincingCoveringthefacewithhandsCringingorshakingFidgeting,squirmingStuttering,stammeringFlinchingawayfromtouchesAweakenedvoiceSpeechlessnessToescurlingupKneespullingtogetherArmstuckinginatthesidesSlidingdowninachairLookingdown,unabletomeetsomeone’seyesShouldersslumpingorcurlingforwardRespondingwithanger(shoving,punching)Grittingone’steeth,pressingthelipstightShovinghandsinpockets
FiddlingwithshirtsleevesHidingbehindabookShielding(havingadeathgriponapurse)AwalkthatacceleratesintoasprintUsinghairtohideone’sfaceGlancingaboutforhelp,anexit,orescapeTuggingahatdownloworpullingahoodovertheheadAtremblingchin
INTERNALSENSATIONS:ExcessiveswallowingLightheadednessAtinglingthatsweepsupthebackoftheneckandacrossthefaceAtighteningchestStomachhardeningordroppingwithamanifestationofdreadTheface,neck,andearsfeelingimpossiblyhotRushedbreathingArapidheartbeat
MENTALRESPONSES:Acompulsiontoflee(fight-or-flight)MuddiedorpanickedthoughtsAdisconnectwherethemindstruggleswithbelief:Thiscan’tbehappening!Thoughtssearchingforasolution
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMEMBARRASSMENT:CryingRunningfromtheroomorsituationPlummetingself-esteemFearofpublicspeakingorbeingondisplayWithdrawingfromgroups,activities,andsocialinteractionLossofappetiteObsessingabouttheembarrassingevent,relivingitPoorsleepWeightlossMAYESCALATETO:HUMILIATION,DEPRESSION,REGRET,SHAME
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDEMBARRASSMENT:
PretendingtonothaveheardorseenIntenselyconcentratingonsomethingelse,activelyignoringothersAfakesmilePretendingtolaughitoffChangingthetopicinanywaypossibleLyingDeflectingattentionandassigningblametoanother
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WRITER’S TIP: Be wary of showing emotion too readily through the act ofcrying.Inreallife,ittakesalottoreachatearfulstateandsoitshouldbethesameforourcharacters.
ENVY
DEFINITION: resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another,pairedwithalongingtoacquirethatadvantageNOTE:theadvantagecanbea person, an object, or an intangible (popularity, lifestyle, etc.) PHYSICALSIGNALS:StaringGloweringThemouthturningdownLipspartingslightlyAtighteningundertheeyesAthinningmouthChinpokingforwardSquintingBaringtheteethslightlyApoutybottomlipCrossingthearmsoverthechestShouldershunchingslightlyLeaningcloserReachingFlaringnostrilsAcovetinggazethatdriftstothesymbolofenvy(theadvantage)Beingsnarkyorrude,seeminglywithoutcauseShovingone’shandsintopocketsTwitchinghandsHandstighteningintofistsMusclesbunchingTurningawayfromtheadvantageandstalkingoffSwallowingfrequentlyRubbingthehandsoverone’sclothingFeetandtorsofacingtheadvantageLickingorsuckingonthebottomlipSweatyhandsAreddeningofthefaceRubbingatormassagingone’schestasifpainedStrokingorpinchingone’sthroatTakingasteptowardthepersonorobjectonewants
Obsessivebehavior(stalking,makingaplantoacquiretheadvantage)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:QuickheartbeatRibssqueezingtightRisingbodytemperatureApullingsensationinthegutDrythroatSuckinginbreaththroughclenchedteeth
MENTALRESPONSES:Astrongdesiretotouch,hold,andownAngerattheunfairnessorinjusticeUnkindthoughtsabouttheotherpersonFrustrationSchemingwaystoacquirewhatanotherhasSelf-loathingFantasizingabouttheadvantageAninabilitytocommittoorfocusonanythingelseDissatisfactionwithwhatonedoeshaveAfeelingofentitlement:IdeserveitorThatshouldbemineCUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMENVY:Feelingthatlifeisn’tworthlivingwithouttheadvantageGrabbingorstealingthecovetedobjectFightingorarguingwiththeenviedonetoreleasefrustrationFalselybelittlingorminimizingtheattributesofthedesiredadvantageorobjectIrrationalthinkingMakingdemands:Giveittome.MAYESCALATETO:DETERMINATION,RESENTMENT,ANGER,DEPRESSION,JEALOUSY
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDENVY:CongratulatingorofferingpraiseForcingasmileAcknowledgingtheobjectandcomplimentingitAttemptingnottostareWatchingfromadistance
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WRITER’S TIP: When crafting the physical movement of a fight scene,remember that less ismore.Toomanydetails createaplay-by-play feelwhichcancomeacrossasmechanical.
EXCITEMENT
DEFINITION: thestateofbeingenergizedor stimulatedandprovoked toact
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AwidegrinEyesthatsparkleandgleamLaughingBouncingfromfoottofootSquealing,hooting,yellingTellingjokesChestbumpingwithothersAloudvoiceSinging,humming,chantingSlam-dunkingtrashintoabarrelafteragameoreventBabblingortalkingoveroneanotherinagroupsettingFanningoneselfPretendingtofaintVerbalizingthoughtsandfeelingswithouthesitationLiftingsomeoneuporswingingthemaroundTremblingActinghyper,immature,orfoolishoutofasenseoffunAruddycomplexionMovingabout,beingunabletostaystillGood-naturedshovingandpushingWavingthearms,usinggrandgesturesDrummingone’sfeetagainstthefloorHugging,grabbingontosomeone’sarmandholdingitBumpingshouldersRaisinguporbouncingontiptoePhoningortextingtosharenewsorpassontheexcitementSpeed-talkingwithothers,headsclosetogether,gossipyThroatylaughterGettingthegigglesFriendlydemands:Tellme!Showme!Let’sgo!Abodythat’sconstantlyinmotion(nodding,bobbing,weaving,pacing)
Adistinctwalk,afast-pacedstrutMakingeyecontactwithothers,confidenceDisplayingaffectionwithfriendsorlovedones
INTERNALSENSATIONS:LightnessinthechestAfastpulseDrymouthHeightenedsensesBreathlessnessAdrenalinerush
MENTALRESPONSES:CamaraderiewithothersImaginingwhatcouldhappenEnjoymentofthecommunalenergyImpatience
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMEXCITEMENT:Aneedtorun,jump,scream,whoopitupAnintensedesiretosharethefeelingwithothersAbeamingfaceRacingheartbeatSweatingAhoarsevoicefromscreaming,yelling,orshoutingAlossofinhibitionsMAYESCALATETO:SATISFACTION,HAPPINESS,ELATION,DISAPPOINTMENT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDEXCITEMENT:Controllingone’smovementwithintentBitingdownonasmileSwallowingalaughorshoutofgleeFeelinglikeone’sinsidesarevibratingSmoothingdownclothingEyesthatglowwithinnerlightNoddingratherthanspeaking
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WRITER’S TIP: If you’re stuck on how to show an emotion, form a strongimageofthesceneinyourmind.Letthesceneunfold,andwatchthecharactertoseehowtheymoveandbehave.
FEAR
DEFINITION:tobeafraidof;toexpectthreatordanger
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Faceturningashen,white,pallidHairliftingonthenapeandarmsBodyodor,coldsweatsClammyhandsTremblinglipsandchinTendonsstandingoutintheneck,avisiblepulseElbowspressingintothesides,makingone’sbodyassmallaspossibleFreezing,feelingrootedtothespotRapidblinkingTightshouldersStaringbutnotseeing,eyesshutorcryingHandsjammedintoarmpitsorself-huggingBreathburstinginandoutLegmusclestightening,thebodyreadytorunLookingallaround,especiallybehindAshrillvoiceLoweringthevoicetoawhisperKeepingone’sbacktoawallorcornerShakinguncontrollablyGrippingsomething,knucklesgoingwhiteStiffwalking,thekneeslockingBeadsofsweatontheliporforeheadGrabbingontosomeoneEyesappearingdampandoverlybrightStutteringandmispronouncingwords,tremorsinthevoiceJerkymovements,squirmingLickingthelips,gulpingdownwaterSprintingorrunningSweepingahandacrosstheforeheadtogetridofsweatGaspingandexpellingone’sbreathasifpainedUncontrollablewhimperingPleading,talkingtooneself
Flinchingatnoises
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AninabilitytospeakShakinessinthelimbsHoldingbackascreamorcryHeartbeatracing,nearlyexplodingDizziness,weaknessinthelegsandkneesAlooseningofthebladderChestpainHoldingone’sbreath,gulpingdownbreathstostayquietAstomachthatfeelsrockhardHypersensitivitytotouchandsoundAdrenalinespikes
MENTALREACTIONS:WantingtofleeorhideThesensationofthingsmovingtooquicklytoprocessImagesofwhat-could-beflashingthroughthemindFlawedreasoningJumpingtoacourseofactionwithoutthinkingthingsthroughAskewedsenseoftime
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMFEAR:Uncontrollabletrembling,faintingInsomniaHeartgivingoutPanicattacks,phobiasExhaustionDepressionSubstanceabuseWithdrawingfromothersTics(arepetitivegrimace,aheadtwitch,talkingtooneself)ResistancetopainfromrushingadrenalineMAYESCALATETO:ANGER,TERROR,PARANOIA,DREAD
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDFEAR:KeepingsilentDenyingfearthroughdiversionortopicchange
TurningawayfromthecauseofthefearAttemptingtokeepone’svoicelightAwaterysmilethat’sforcedintoplaceMaskingfearwithareactiveemotion(angerorfrustration)FalsebravadoOver-indulgenceinahabit(nailbiting,lipbiting,scratchingtheskinraw)Ajokingtone,butthevoicecracks
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WRITER’STIP:Primereaders foranemotionalexperiencebydescribingthemoodofasceneasyourcharacterentersit.Ifyourcharacterisantsy,thereaderwillbetoo.
FRUSTRATION
DEFINITION: vexation caused by unresolved problems or unmet needs;thefeelingofbeinghinderedPHYSICALSIGNALS:PinchingthelipstogetherHoldinghandsbehindtheback,grippingone’sownwristRushedspeechTappingone’sfingerstoreleaseenergySwearingPointingwithanindexfingerScratchingorrubbingthebackoftheneckShakingtheheadJerkymovements(talkingwiththehands,changingdirectionmid-stride)PacinginshortspansStiffposture,rigidmuscles,acordedneckClenchingthejawSpeakingthroughtheteethwithforcedrestraintAnimpatientsnortorsneerDrawingbreathandreleasingitbeforespeakingSplayinghandsoutwidetostretch,thenrelaxingthemBaringone’steethSwearingThrowinghandsupinan“Igiveup”gestureStalkingawayfromsomeone,leavinginahuffAttemptingtohurtthroughname-callingandpersonaljabsSpeakingwithoutthought,oftenleadingtoregretSlammingadoorGrabbingone’shairinclumps,lookingupattheskyAheavysighAstrainedvoiceLayingone’sheaddownonthetableStiltedspeakingEyessquinting,tighteningAharriedappearanceRunninghandsthroughthehairFiststight,fingernailsbitingintothepalmsApinched,tension-filledexpression
ScrubbingahandoverthefacePoundingafistagainstatabletopScrunchingupthefaceandthenreleasing,tryingtoregaincalmHoldingone’sheadinone’shandsAhighchinArmscrossinginfrontofthechestClumsinessduetorushing(sloppingcoffee,knockingsomethingover)TheatricalgroaningRestlessness
INTERNALSENSATIONS:ThroatclosingupHardeningofthestomachTightnessinthechestHighbloodpressureHeadacheJawpain
MENTALRESPONSES:ExtremefocusonproblemsolvingReplayingasceneoreventoverandoverinone’smind,obsessingoveritSelf-talkingtocalmdown,tothinkstraightAneedtoaskquestionsandrehashinformationReininginone’semotionsbeforedamagingrelationships
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMFRUSTRATION:Shouting,yelling,ranting,screaming,orcriticizingCrying,sobbingPleading,bargaining:Pleasestop!StormingoutofaroomAninabilitytosleeporrelaxProfusesweatingUsingmore force than necessary (stomping feet, throwing instead of handingoff)A display of violence (kicking, grabbing, shaking, or destroying something inrelease)Atantrum(screaming,bodyflungdownonthefloor,crying)MAYESCALATETO:CONTEMPT,ANGER,IMPATIENCE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDFRUSTRATION:GrittedteethSwipingattears,tryingtohidethemSilenceorminimalresponsesBrieflyclosingone’seyesTakingadeepbreathScrapingahandoverthefaceasiftowashawayemotionExcusingoneselfandleavingTryingtoshakeorrolltensionfromtheshoulders
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WRITER’STIP:Useacharacter’sintuitiontodrawthereadermorefullyintothescene.Ifyoushowwhathasprimedtheirintuitionclearly,thereader’sowngutwill respondand theywill pay extra close attention.The flashof intuitionmustpayoffinsomewaytocompletethecircle.
GRATITUDE
DEFINITION:thankfulness;feelinggratefulorappreciative
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Eyesthataresoft,filledwithaninnerglowClaspinganother’shandorforearmTappingaloosefistagainsttheheartPlacingahandonthechestTearingupLayingahandonone’sheartthengesturingtoapersonorgroupPressingfingerstosmilinglipsRepeatingone’sthanksandappreciationHoldingontosomeone’shandforlongerthannecessaryHugging,showingaffectionAlightsqueezeduringahandshakeAsmilethathasagenuinebuildandlightsupthefaceSteadyeyecontactOpenpalmsMovingcloser,intoanother’spersonalspaceFormingasteeplewithhandsandpressingthemtolipsOfferingpraiseforothersAnemotion-richvoiceOfferingsmalltouchestoconnectLayingahandonsomeone’sbackorshoulderNodding,eyesglowingOfferingagift,favor,orboonofappreciationRaisingone’spalmstotheskyandlookingupComplimentingClappingvigorouslyBodyandfeetpointedforwardOfferingawaveAtwo-fingeredsaluteTippingtheheadbackforamomentandclosingtheeyesBowingorcurtseyingBlowingakissOfferingawaveofthanks
INTERNALSENSATIONS:TinglingwarmthinthelimbsAreleaseofallbodilytensionAfeelingofexpansioninthechestHeartthatfeels“full”AcomfortablewarmthinthefaceWeaknessintheknees
MENTALRESPONSES:Desiringtorepayanother’skindnessandsupportFeelingoverwhelmedinagoodwayWantingtodrinkinthemoment,torememberthisfeelingforever
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMGRATITUDE:WorshipFallingtoone’skneesAdesiretodoanythingtorepayJoyfultearsAfeelingofconnectionandloveMAYESCALATETO:SATISFACTION,PEACEFULNESS,HAPPINESS,ELATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDGRATITUDE:ClosingtheeyesDuckingtheheadtohideone’sexpressionAvoidingeyecontactwithothersQuick,dartingglancestoexpressahiddenthanksOfferingadistractionorchangingthesubject
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WRITER’S TIP:Make it a goal to offer the reader something unexpected ineveryscene,beitanemotionalreaction,aroadblocktotripthecharacterup,orasnippetofdialoguethatshedsnewlightontheeventsunfolding.
GUILT
DEFINITION: a feeling of culpability over an offense (either real orimagined)
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Avertingorloweringone’sgazeTurningawayShiftingaboutChindippingtothechest,adoptingaslumpedpostureBlushingReactingdefensivelyShort-temperednessConsumingantacidsRepetitiveswallowingLyingSweatingGrimacingLipbitingAvoidingapersonorplaceTalkingtoomuchortoofastKeepingatadistanceRubbingthenoseorearsShouldersdrawingup,elbowstuckingintothesidesClosingorcurlingone’shandsinwardStuttering,growingflusteredJokingtolightenthemoodordistractothersfromthetruthSeekingcomfortbytouchingone’sownhair,neck,orclothingPinningthearmsagainstthestomachBecomingunnaturallyquietorstillAquiveringchinMutteringtearfullytooneselfAnxiousmovements(pawingahandthroughthehair,pacing)AcrackingvoicePullingatone’scollarTakingadeep,painedbreathandclosingtheeyesStaringdownatone’sfeet
Palmshidden(stuffedintopockets,heldbehindtheback)DartingglancesatthepersonwrongedFollowingtheonewronged,tryingtoconvinceoneselftoconfessInflictingpainononeselfasapenanceDestroyingone’sownpossessionsAninabilitytojoininfunactivitiesorbewithfriendsLookingpale,havingaharriedorhauntedlookNotshowingupforworkorschool,lettinggradesslip
INTERNALSENSATIONS:UpsetstomachTightchestPaininthebackofthethroatLossofappetiteThicknessinthethroat
MENTALRESPONSES:ReplayingwhathappenedAnxietyThoughtsfilledwithself-loathingWishingonecouldgobackandchangewhathappenedDesiringtoconfessorsharethepainorburdenwithanotherBrooding,retreatinginward,withdrawingfromothersParanoiathatothersknowandarepassingjudgmentAninabilitytoconcentrateonanythingelse
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMGUILT:Alackofinterestinone’sownappearanceorwellnessDrinkinguntilpassingout(toforget)InsomniaDepressionExhaustionNightmaresDruguseCrying,sobbing,hitchingbreathsFlightresponse—runningaway,unabletodealwiththeconsequencesGrowingreclusive,cuttingoneselfofffromothersSelf-mutilationSelf-loathing
AttemptingsuicideasawayoutMAYESCALATETO:CONFLICTED,REGRET,SHAME,REMORSE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDGUILT:BecomingexcessivelyresourcefulorhelpfultomakeupforearlierfailureFidgetingHidingone’smouthbehindahandChangingthesubjectDeflectingattentionThroatclearingVerballydenyinghavinganythingtodowiththeevent
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WRITER’S TIP: Character bibles can help you keep track of hair, eye andclothingchoicesforeachcharacter,keepingthecontinuityfromthefirstpagetothelast.
HAPPINESS
DEFINITION:astateofwell-beingorjoyfulcontentment
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AnupturnedfaceSmilingHumming,whistling,singingArelaxedappearanceTellingjokes,laughingfrequentlyLaughlinesRaised,prominentcheekbones(fromsmiling)Eyesthatdance,sparkle,orshineAbubblyorlightvoiceRapidspeakingBuyinggiftsforothersorofferingtokensofkindnessStretchingoutthelegs,adoptingawide,openstanceGivingsomeonethethumbs-upSittingup,straightandalertFluidmovementsOfferingcomplimentsSwingingthearmswhilewalkingEnthusiasticwavingApolitemannerSteppinglightly,skippingInitiatingphysicalcontactwithothersInfusingone’sspeechwithpositivewordsShowingatalkativenatureandcourtesywithstrangersSpontaneityLightlyrappingone’sfingers(asiftointernalmusic)onalegorothersurfaceSwingingortappingone’sfoottoaneasybeatSatisfied,catlikestretchesExpressingenjoymentofthesenses(swayingtomusic,savoringfood)Noddingorleaningin,activelyshowinginterestBouncingonthetoesClaspinghandstothechestOfferingencouragementandsupport
Quickmovements,nohesitationAnoverallvisagethatglowsorradiatesHoldingthearmsoutwideasiftohugtheworldInitiatingrandomactsofkindness
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AfeelingofbreathlessnessHeatthatradiatesthroughthechestTinglinghandsLightnessinthelimbsAfeelingofweightlessness
MENTALRESPONSES:PositivethinkingDesiringtospreadjoyandmakeothersfeelgoodNoticingthesmallthings(smellingtheroses,sotospeak)HelpfulnessBeingateasewiththeworld,contentShowingpatienceAbrightoutlook(glasshalffull)AdesiretobewithlovedonesorfriendsFearlessnessBenignrisktakingforfun
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMHAPPINESS:JoyfultearsShakingwithexcitementBigmovements(leaping,fistpumping,running)Happyburstsofscreaming,shouting,laughter,squeals,gigglesShowsofaffectionSpinninginawildcircleDancingMAYESCALATETO:ELATION,GRATITUDE,SATISFACTION,PEACEFULNESS
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDHAPPINESS:PressingthelipstighttokeepfromsmilingDifficultystayingstillTakingdeep,calmingbreaths
BouncinglightlyinplaceAvertingthefaceFiddlingwiththingstokeephandsandfeetfromtwitchingCarefully-maskedfeatures,buteyesthatbetraythetrueemotionPuttingawayhappythoughtstosavorlaterIntenseconcentrationonsomethingorsomeoneelseHidingajoyousexpressionwithone’shairHoldingahandoverthemouthtocoverasmilePinchingoneselfandusingthepaintohelpcontaintheemotion
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WRITER’STIP:Toincreasetensioninascene,thinkaboutwhatismotivatingyourcharacter,andwhichemotionscouldgetintheway.Introduceaneventthatcreatestheveryemotionsthecharacterwishestoavoid.
HATRED
DEFINITION:toloatheordetest;tofeelanimositytoward
PHYSICALSIGNALS:FiststhatshakeAnintense,feveredstareClenchedjaw,grindingteethRigidanddefinedforearmmusclesUtteringdark,hurtfulwordsmeanttoprovokeStiffposture,squareshoulders,alurchingwalkShoving,pushing,trippingBearingtheteethFingersretracting,turningclaw-likeShouting,screaming,swearingLungingatanenemySpittleflyingwhileyellingAredfaceandneckSweatingVisibleveinthrobAcordedneckWalkingoff,refusingtostayinanother’spresenceSwitchingshiftsoralteringascheduletoavoidanenemyTightnessintheface,skinstretchedintoasnarlAnanimalisticgrowlinthethroatFlaringnostrilsAgripthatunintentionallycrushesorbreaks(snappingapen,etc.)Atensebody,onthevergeofspringingBullying,cybertrollingAmouththatcurlswithdislike,sneeringSpittingatsomeoneorintheirdirectionReachingouttothrottle,hit,orcausepainShovingpeopleasidetoreachtheenemyAngrytearsCursing,swearingAscathingtoneAshakingvoice
UsingfriendstohelpostracizeorbringtheenemylowInitiatinghatefulgossip,settingtheenemyup,startingrumorsWrenchinganenemy’sarmtostopthemfromleavingActingonviolenturges(throwingachair,destroyingproperty)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Loudbreaths,aheavingchestPaininthejawfromclenchingorgrindingteethApoundingheartbeatHeadacheRisingbodytemperatureStrainorsorenessfromtensemusclesRoaringintheears
MENTALRESPONSES:AdarkmoodthatnoonecanreachthroughordispelRashdecisions,impairedjudgmentIrrationalthoughts,takingriskstogetevenAdesiretocarryoutavendetta(viavandalism,theft,etc.)Single-mindedfocusonhowtodestroyanotherHumiliationfantasiesfeaturingtheenemyActivelywishingforharmormisfortunetohappentoanother
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMHATRED:AninabilitytoenjoypositivethingsorhappinessDifficultyeatingandsleepingIsolationFixatingonanenemy,stalkingDerivingpleasurefromviolentfantasiesinvolvinganenemyCommittingcrimesagainsttheenemyAssaultormurderMAYESCALATETO:PARANOIA,RAGE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDHATRED:ClampingtheteethshuttocontainhardwordsTakingdeepbreathstocalmoneselfSeekingoutadistractionordiversionLeavingthesituationorpresenceofanenemySurroundingoneselfwithsupportivefriends
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WRITER’STIP:Onewaytocreateemotionalintensityistohavethecharacterrememberthestakesonthecuspof takingaction.Worryover theoutcomecanaddasliceofdesperationtoanysceneandcreateacompellingemotionalpullforthereader.
HOPEFULNESS
DEFINITION:abright,promisingoutlook;optimism
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Holdingone’sbreathRaisingtheeyebrowsandofferingaquestioninggazeLeaninginClutchingatthechestorbellyMutteringpleaserepeatedlyunderthebreathClaspinghandsunderthechin(inaprayergesture)AfacethatseemstoshineGentlybitingthelipCoveringthemouthwithahand,eyeswideandshiningDeepbreathsWiggling,squirmingVerbalizingthepros,nottheconsStrongeyecontactSmilingStiffposture,anairofreadinessSmoothingone’sclothingtoappearcollectedorworthyNoddingalongasanotherspeaksHoldingstillinexpectationRapidswallowingandnoddingChattiness,babblingLipspartingslightlyAskingotherstoreaffirmthechancesofsuccessShiftingbackandforthMakingpromisestoconvinceothersofone’sworthinessOfferingcommitment,toshowone’sabilitytomeetexpectationsAttentivenesstotasksorpeopleconnectedwithone’sgoalRestlessnessLickingthelipwithcautioushopeExhalingwhiletheeyeslookupAgazethatdartstoasymbolofhope(afriendintheknow,atableofjudges)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:
AflutterinthebellyAlight-heartedfeelingTinglinglimbsAjoltthroughthebodyAfloatingsensation,likeallone’sburdenshavebeenremovedBreaththattemporarilybottlesupinthechest
MENTALRESPONSES:AwillingnesstobelievethateverythingwillbeallrightAstrongawarenessofone’ssurroundingsThinkingpositivethoughtsAsenseofcalmFocusingonimprovement(studying,workingextrahard)Refusingtoconsider,speakof,orlistentonegativesPreparingforthebestcasescenario
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMHOPEFULNESS:Handsclaspedinprayer,pressedtothelips,eyesclosedQuiveringbreathsShakinessTearsAtremblingvoiceWhimperingMAYESCALATETO:EAGERNESS,EXCITEMENT,DISAPPOINTMENT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDHOPEFULNESS:LockinghandstogethertoforcestillnessMentallyreducinghighexpectationsRemindingoneselfofobstaclesorcompetitionPressingthepalmsdownwardtostaveoffover-confidenceKeepingone’sfaceblankLookingdownoraway
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WRITER’S TIP: Force your characters to make choices between bad andworse.Readerswillempathizewithyourcharacter,rememberingtheirownpastwhentheyfacedasimilardilemma.
HUMILIATION
DEFINITION:feelingdegradedormortified,worthlessorcheap
PHYSICALSIGNALS:BodycollapsinginonitselfAbowedheadShoulderscurlingoverchestAnglingtorsoawayfromothersUncontrollableshudderingorshiveringHairhanginginface,hidingtheeyesAdownwardgazeAflushedfaceHitchingchestEyesdull,lifelessPullingdownashirthem(coveringgesture)Bodyshielding(ifholdingontoanobject)HandsclutchingatstomachCoveringfacewithhandsBottomliporchintremblingWhimperingThroatbobbingArmsfallingtosides,lifelessUncontrolledtearsFlinchingatnoiseorfrombeingtouchedHuddling,crouchingTryingtocoverbodywithhandsNeckbendingforwardMovementisslow,jerkyKneeslockedtighttogetherAlossofcoordinationColdsweatStumbling,staggeringBackingupagainstawall,slidingintoacorner,hidingVisibletremorscoursingthroughthebodyHandsgrippingelbowsPigeontoes(tiltedinward)
SobstrappedinthroatDrawingkneesuptothebody’scoreWrappingarmsaroundselfRunnynose
INTERNALSENSATIONS:WeaknessinlegsSluggishheartbeatPaininchestRapidswallowingDizziness,asenseofvertigoRibssqueezingBodyfeelsbrokenSkintightens(crawls)LoosemusclesHoteyesandcheeksNausea
MENTALRESPONSES:Self-loathingShatteredthoughtsAfeelingofnakedness,ofbeingondisplayAneedtohideorfleethatsupersedesallelseWantingittoendatallcosts
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMHUMILIATION:CurlinguponthefloorHidingbehindsomething,againstsomethingCrying,blubbering,hitchingsobsWillingnesstoescapebyanymeansAdesiretodie,fortheemotionalpaintoendMAYESCALATETO:DEPRESSION,REGRET,SHAME,ANGER,HATRED
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDHUMILIATION:NumbnessinmindandbodyBecomingpassiveanddisengagedClosingoffallthoughtsofwhatishappeningNotspeakingormakinganysound
Sendingthemind“somewhereelse”Adisconnectbetweenthemindandbody
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WRITER’STIP:Addconflictingemotionsforaricherexperience.Acharactermightfeelexcitementandprideatpurchasingtheirfirstcar,yetworrythattheymight be extending themselves too far financially. This inner conflict helps tohumanizeacharactertothereader.
HURT
DEFINITION:sufferinggrieformentalpain;feelingwoundedoraggrieved
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Eyeswidening,yetbrowsarefurrowedSwallowinghardLoweringthehead,theneckappearingtoshrinkAslow,disbelievingheadshakeAtremblingchinMouthfallingopenFlinching,startingColordrainingfromthefaceSayingHowcouldyou?asanaccusationHunchingoverasifchokingdownasobPressingafisttothelipsBitingdownonone’sbottomlipGrippingafistfulofshirtatthechestlevelHoldingahandup,wardingothersoffClutchingthestomachThebodycrumplinginonitselfAhitchingchestDroopingshouldersWeaknessinthekneesAnunevenstepDisplayingpoorbalanceandcoordinationAhandpressingagainstthethroatorbreastboneStuttering,chokingoutwordsLettingoutawhimperEyesthatwaterThemouthopening,butnowordsformingSendingsomeonealong,painedlookandthenbreakingeyecontactAhangingheadRetractingthearms,bringingthemclosetothetorsoStumblingbackastepBackingupSpinningaway
AgrimacethatlingersClutchingatoneself,elbowspressedtothesides
INTERNALSENSATIONS
DizzinessStomachhardening,nauseaApainfultightnessinone’sthroatConstrictinglungs,makingithardtobreatheHeartbeatseemingtosloworstopmomentarilyWeakeningmuscles,tremblinginthelimbsSpotsflashinginone’svision
MENTALRESPONSES:ThesensethattimehasstoppedThoughtsspinning,focusinginwardShock,disbeliefDredginguphistory,tryingtounderstandhowitledhereFeelingbrokeninside
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMHURT:AsenseofbetrayalthatrocksthemindtotheverycoreAcollapseinbodypostureTears,sobbingRunningawayReactingwithanger(screaming,slapping,hitting)MAYESCALATETO:DEPRESSION,ANGUISH,ANGER
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDHURT:VisibleswallowingUnnaturalstiffnessPinchingthelipstighttokeepthemfromtremblingTensingthebodytowardoffshakingLiftingthechinForcingoneselftomaintaineyecontact
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WRITER’STIP:Anaturalwaytodescribeacharacter’sappearanceistoshowthem interactingwith their environment.A senseofmovementalsoallows thistypeofdescriptiontoflowwiththesceneasitprogresses.
IMPATIENCE
DEFINITION: feeling restless or short-tempered; having a desire forimmediatechange,relief,orgratificationPHYSICALSIGNALS:Raisingone’seyebrowsPlacinghandsonthehipsScowlingHeadtiltingback,gazelookingupCrossingthearmsStandingorsittingstifflyAtappingfootFoldingthehandsPursingone’slipsFiddlingwithcuffsorjewelryGlancingrepeatedlyattheclockPacingAhardjawline,ajuttingchinClickingone’sfingernailsagainstatableFidgetinginsteadofsittingorstandingstillNarrowingeyes,havinganintensefocusInterrupting,talkingoversomeoneelseCompressingthelipswhilesomeoneelsespeaksBeingunnervedbyannoyingtics(loudbreathing,penclicking)FrowningAsharptoneMassagingthetemples,asifwearyPinchingthebridgeofthenoseandsqueezingtheeyestightAttentionthatsnapstowardsoundormovementDoorwatchingComplainingunderthebreath:Whereishe?orThisistakingtoolong!HoldingaplateoffoodbutnoteatingitAclenchedjaw,grittedteethWhining,grumbling,orpouting(smallchildren)LettingoutaloudbreathMovingabout(sittingthenstanding,choosingadifferentchair)Toyingwithitems(turningacup,manglingapaperclip)Muttering,shakingthehead
TiltingtheheadtotheceilingandlettingoutaheavysighUncrossingandre-crossingthelegsTensionintheface,shouldersandneckUsingthebodytonudge,push,orblock(linejumpers)RepeatedlyrunningthehandsthroughthehairVeiledangerorlightsarcasm
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Breathingthatgrowsheavier,louderRisingbodytemperatureFeelingexhaustedorstrainedtothelimitsHeadaches
MENTALRESPONSES:Mentallyberatingatime-wasterWishingtimewouldspeedupRunningthroughhowtodosomethingfasterormoreefficientlyAttentionstrayingtootherthingsAssertingmentalrestrainttoavoidsnapping
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMIMPATIENCE:SlappingahandagainstthetableBarkingorders,yellingCuttingpeopleoffTakingoveraprojectordutyTellingthespeakertomoveonandgettothepointRedirectingthefocustoallowthingstoproceedbetterSettingatimelimitMakingdemandsResortingtothephysical(pushing,shoving)MAYESCALATETO:IRRITATION,FRUSTRATION,ANGER,SCORN
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDIMPATIENCE:AfrozensmileGoingforawalkUsingthetimetorunanerrandorcompleteataskAttemptingtodistractoneselfinanefforttobepatientRootinginapurseorpocketasadistractionCheckingandrecheckingaphoneformessages
Fussingwithappearance(brushingawaylint,checkingfingernails)
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WRITER’STIP:Neverletthereadernoticethewriting.Overusingmetaphors,similes,descriptiveterms,andrepeatedbodylanguagecanpullthereaderoutofthestory.
INDIFFERENCE
DEFINITION:astateofapathy,casualness,ordisinterest
PHYSICALSIGNALS:ShouldersareloweredandlooseAslow,steadygaitArmshanginglimplyatthesidesShrugginghalf-heartedlyLongpausesbeforerespondingStaringblanklyoremotionlesslyLiftingahandloosely,palmupina“Whocares?”gesturePlacinghandsinone’spocketsLeaningbackorawayLookingsleepyorglazedSpeakinginaflatvoiceSmilingpolitely,notgenuinelyThebodysaggingwhileseated,lackingtensionAwanderinggazePickingatlint,scratchingatcuticles,etc.,toshowthatinterestislackingClosingone’seyestoshuteverythingoutTextingduringaneventorwhilesomeonespeaksNotbotheringtoanswersomeone’squestionsBeingnon-responsiveduringagroupdiscussionordebateIgnoringsomethingbeinghandedover(afile,businesscard,etc.)TurningawayAnonchalantattitudeSpeakingonlywhenspokentoNotrespondingtojokesorpersonalexchangesPointedlyignoringanotherpersonorsituationthatdrawsothersinRelaxedpostureAnunhurriedexitFocusing on one’s shoe, scuffing at the ground, etc., rather than giving dueattentionRespondingwithWhateverorSo?RandomlychangingthetopicMutedbodylanguage,lackingenergy
YawningMimickingboredom(slumpinginone’sseat,tappingapencil)Half-liddedeyesMutteringUh-huhorYeahwhenitseemsappropriateBeingeasilydistractedbyotherthings(TV,ahotgirlwalkingpast)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AlackofenergySlow,evenbreaths
MENTALRESPONSES:ZoningortuningothersouttoconcentrateonotherthingsWanderingthoughtsAlackofempathyThinkingaboutthetimeorfutureevents
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMINDIFFERENCE:Adisconnectwithone’slifeorsocietyAfadingsenseofempathyFallingintoaroutineMeaninglessinteractionwithothersFindinglittleday-to-dayjoyIgnoringthepainorsufferingofothersMAYESCALATETO:IRRITATION,ANNOYANCE,CONTEMPT,RESIGNATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDINDIFFERENCE:SmilingandpretendingtopayattentionAskingafewtokenquestionsMakinganexcusetoleave
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WRITER’STIP:Tocreateafluid,emotionalarcinyourstory,makesureyourcharacter’sfeelingsbuildinintensityandcomplexityasthenovelprogresses.
INSECURITY
DEFINITION:feelingunsureofoneselfordisplayingalackofconfidence
PHYSICALSIGNALS:SmoothingdownclothingAself-deprecatinglaughBreakingeyecontactandshruggingHidingthehandsinthepocketsFidgetingCheckingone’sbreathThroatclearingVisibleblushingLickingorbitingthebottomlipPettingorstrokingone’sownhair(comfortgestures)Coveringup(pullingajackettighter,holdingone’selbows)HoldingthekneesandlegstightlytogetherAwkwardlymirroringthebehaviorofothersChoosinglooseclothingovertight,revealingonesAskingforreassurancefromothersBrushingoffcomplimentsorputtingoneselfdownLookingdownwhilewalkingStayingattheedgeofagroup,seekingthecornerofabusyroomTuckingthehandsbehindtheelbowsWristtwistingNotsmiling,orofferingasmilethatfadesquicklyVisibletensioninthemusclesRubbingone’sforearmsNeedingadviceorinstructiononwhattosayordoLaughingtooloudly,oratoddtimesClutchinganitemtothechest(book,binder,purse)TappingthelegtosettlenervesHidingbehindone’shairBitingnailsorpickingatloosethreadsonone’sclothingStayingatadistanceHoldingahandclosetothefacewhilespeakingDifficultyspeakingorofferingopinions
Rubbingatone’slipsWearingtoomuchmakeupRushedspeechIncreasedsweatoutputduringuncomfortablemoments
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AheartbeatthatraceswhenonefeelsconfrontedAroilingstomachUncontrollableflushesofheatAnuncomfortable,drythroat
MENTALRESPONSES:DifficultymakingdecisionsOver-thinkingproblemsorchoicesObsessingoverone’sownflawsandshortcomingsAlerttoothers,toseehowtheyreactandwhattheydoAgreeingonlytoavoidaconfrontationFixatingonthetalentsandstrengthsofothersComparingoneselftoothersandfindingoneselflacking
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMINSECURITY:Holdingontoacomfortitem(aspecialpieceofjewelry,apicture)AbentspineBlushingwhennoticedorspokentoAvoidingsocialsituationsActingskittisharoundpeoplePanicsymptomswhenputonthespotPreferringtodothingsaloneWearingplainclothingtoreinforceinvisibilityDifficultymakingfriendsChoosingaseatinthebackoftheroomorawayfromothersSeekinginteractiononlineratherthaninpersonMAYESCALATETO:UNEASE,WARINESS,WORRY,PARANOIA
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDINSECURITY:TossingthehairThrustingthechestoutStandingtaller,squaringone’sshouldersForcingoneselftomaintaineyecontact
DeflectingquestionsorconcernRushingintodecisionstoprovedecisivenessMimickingotherswhodisplayconfidenceRisktakingLyingInsertingoneselfintoconversations
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WRITER’S TIP: Scenes do not happen in a vacuum. Don’t forget to includesetting,thoughtsorverbalcuesthatalludetothepassageoftime.
IRRITATION
DEFINITION:impatienceanddispleasure;thesenseofbeingbothered
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Thelipspressingtogether,pursing,orflatteningFacetighteningNarrowingeyes,squintingRubbingthebackoftheneckWatchingthesourcefurtivelyFrowningCrossingone’sarmsAglancethatreturnstothesourceofirritationPullingorpluckingatclothingasifthatisthesourceofdiscomfortFidgetymovements(scrapingthehairback,curlingone’sfingers)Turningone’sattentiontosomeoneelseAdoptingachallengingtone,arguingAhardsmilePokingatonguelightlyintothecheekandinhalingalongbreathAskingpointedquestionsChangingthesubjectForcingalaughRaisingthevoiceOpeningthemouthtosaysomething,thenthinkingbetterofitBitingtheinsideofthecheekRestlesslegs(crossinganduncrossing,unabletostandstill)Goingsilent,disengagingfromconversationFeigninginterestinotherthingstobuytimeandregaincontrolMakingsmall,jitterymovementswiththefingersBreathingthroughthenose(audiblytoothers)Curlingone’stoesClaspingthehandstightly,awhiteningoftheknucklesInterruptingRepeatingamannerism(scratchinganeyebrow,adjustingglasses)SpotsofcolorenteringthecheeksClenchingone’steeth
INTERNALSENSATIONS:TightnessinthechestTensemusclesSensitiveskinQuickenedpulseAtwitchyfeelingintheextremitiesRaisedbodytemperatureTightnessinthejawandfacialmuscles,causingdiscomfort
MENTALRESPONSES:DismissingthesourceasunworthyTryingtoputtheupsettinginformationoutofone’smindAdesiretotalkthesituationoverwithsomeoneelseWishingsomeonewouldstoporshutupStubbornlystickingtoone’sbeliefevenifitdoesn’tmakesenseCloudedjudgmentJudgingothersandtheirperformanceorcontribution
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMIRRITATION:Openlychallenginganother’slogicorstandpointSwearingNegativelanguage:Youdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout!SarcasmName-callingFacialticsRisingbloodpressureMAYESCALATETO:FRUSTRATION,ANGER
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDIRRITATION:AvoidingthesourceTwo-facedbehaviorNitpickingPassive-aggressivecommentsForcingoneselftonotlookatoracknowledgethesourceLeavingtheroomorsituationtoclearthoughtsSeekingtodiscreditthesourcesoasnottohavetobelievehimorher
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WRITER’S TIP: Make body language unique to the character. Do they liftthemselvesupintheirshoesastheywaitinline?Dotheyrunafingeralongtheseamlineoftheirjeanswhendeepinthought?Creativeemotionalmannerismshelpcharactersleapoffthepage.
JEALOUSY
DEFINITION: hostility toward a rival or one suspected of enjoying anadvantageNOTE: the advantage can be a person, an object, or an intangible (love,success,etc.)PHYSICALSIGNALS:AdoptingasullenlookMakingaslightgrowlornoiseinthethroatBitternessatwatchinghowothersrespondtotherivalQuick,sharpmovements(swipingtearsfromcheeks,shovinghairoutofeyes)PursingorpressinglipsflatCrossingarmsinfrontofchestClenchingteethMutteringunkindthingsunderbreathStartingrumors,actingcattyPickingonsomeoneweakerforasenseofpowerandcontrolSneeringUglylaughterShoutinginsults,name-callingTakingastepcloser,fistsclenchedAvisibleflushincheeksApinchedexpressionTightmusclesBodymimickingthatoftherivalTryingto“one-up”IssuingachallengetotherivalthatcontainsanelementofriskCriticismSpittinginthedirectionoftherivalSwearingKickingatnearbyobjectsShowingoffPullingstuntsorprankstoregainattentionRudeness,sayingsomethingthatisa“lowblow”RecklessbehaviorGloatingwhentherivalfaltersorshowsweakness
INTERNALSENSATIONS:
BurningsensationinthechestorstomachStomachhardeningBreathscomingcoarser,fasterSpotsorflashesinvisionPaininjawfromclenchingteeth
MENTALRESPONSES:Adesiretoventandvoicetherival’sunworthinesstoothersRashdecision-making(quittingateam,stormingoutofaparty)AflashofangerwhentherivalismentionedAdesiretodiscredit,ortakeawaytherival’spowerWishingharmAdesireforrevengeTurmoilathavingnegativefeelingsFocusingsolelyontherival’snegativeattributesComparingoneselftotherivalintheeyesofpeersRejectingtheadvantage(choosingtopursueanothergirlinstead)
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMJEALOUSY:Jeering,runningsomeonedown,bullyingPickingfightsUnhealthyobsessionwiththerivalIndulginginpettycrime(keyingtherival’scar,etc.)Engaginginself-mutilationasareleaseNegativityspillingintootherpartsofone’slifeSelf-doubt,alackofconfidenceArelationshipcategorizedbynegativity,passive-aggression,andcriticismFeelingfakefromwearingtwofacesforsolongDishonestywithselfandothersApatternofsubversivelytryingtounderminetherivalintheeyesofothersMAYESCALATETO:ENVY,DETERMINATION,ANGER,HATRED
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDJEALOUSY:Actingnormaltotherival’sfacebuttalkingnegativelybehindtheirbackWatchingtherivalfurtively,privatelyStrivingtoalsoexcelatwhateverisdesiredGroupingwithotherswhoalsolackwhateverisdesiredKissinguptogainapprovalthroughassociationTryingnottofocusontherival
Tellingoneselfthatitdoesn’tmatterAttemptingtothinkpositivethoughtsabouttherival
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WRITER’STIP: Ineachscene, thinkabout the lighting.Full sunlight,muddycloudswashingeverything ingrey, theonsetof sunsetorevendarkness…lightandshadowcanaffectacharacter’smood,amptheirstresslevelorevenworkagainsttheirgoals.
LONELINESS
DEFINITION:thefeelingofbeingisolatedorcutoff
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AlonginggazeDisinterestinone’sappearance(blandclothing,lacklusterhair)Slumpedshoulders,limppostureAmonotonevoiceLookingdownwhenwalkinginpublicWatchingpeoplefurtivelyAnexpressionless,unsmilingfaceSullennessBeinggeneroustoothersinordertocurryfavorSpyingoreavesdroppingonotherstofeelapartofsomethingFillingschedulewithworkorvolunteeringtoavoiddowntimeUsingbooks,theinternet,andTVtoescapeAnexpressionthatcrumplesatotherpeoples’affectiondisplaysHuggingoneselfAlackofeyecontactFalsebravadoTears,sadnessAheavysighTalkingtooneselfFeelingasenseofcomfortfromafullmailbox(evenjunkmail)Strokingself(rubbinganarmabsentlyforcontact)UsingbrightoreccentricclothingchoicesinanattempttogetattentionDotingonsomeoneorsomething(aneighbor,apet)TalkingtostrangerstofeelconnectedRelishingopportunitiestotalkorengage(maildeliveries,etc.)RamblingwhenconversingwithothersAdheringtoaroutine(eatingthesamemeals,visitingthesamepark)Livingvicariouslythroughanalteregooravatar(socialnetworking,gaming)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Athicknessinthethroat,signalingtheonsetoftearsAlongingsointenseitmanifestsitselfasanacheorpain
InsomniaFatigue
MENTALRESPONSES:Avoidingcrowds,largeevents,orsocialsituationsAdesiretobeincluded,wantedAnger,bitternessDaydreamingaboutpeopleonewouldliketohaverelationshipswithAfeelingofunworthiness
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMLONELINESS:Doubtingoneself,alackofconfidenceWeightgainBelievingthatoneisuglyorunworthyUncontrollablecryingboutsDespairingofeverbeingabletochangeHighbloodpressureWorkaholictendenciesBingeingtocompensate(eating,drinking,shopping,gambling)HoardingpetsSuicidalthoughtsMAYESCALATETO:SADNESS,HURT,DEPRESSION,RESIGNATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDLONELINESS:CommittingtooquicklytoanyonewhoshowsinterestChoosingnegativerelationshipsoverbeingaloneBeingtoofriendlyandcomingacrossasdesperateFrequentlycallingfamilyorfriendsSolitary activities that show a craving for contact (people watching from theporch)
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WRITER’S TIP: Body movements should never be random. Everything acharacterdoesshouldhaveaspecificintent:toachieveanend,revealemotion,ortocharacterize.
LOVE
DEFINITION:deepaffection,attachment,ordevotionforanother
PHYSICALSIGNALS:MovingtogetcloserortouchSmilingatnothingAbeamingexpression,glowingcheeksStrongeyecontact,verylittleblinkingFocusingontheother’sbestattributesTakinglarge,deep,savoringbreathsAyearninglookLickingone’slipsUnconsciouslypartingthelipsAlight,bouncingstepThroatclearing,swallowingAsillygrin,laughingLeaningagainstoneanotherLyingintheother’slapUsingpetnamesortermsofendearmentMooningoverphotosorrepresentationsofaloveinterestListeningtoandconnectingwithlovesongsAdoptingasillylove-strucktonewhencommunicatingNervousbehaviors(fiddlingwiththehands,moisteningone’slips)FlirtatioustalkornonstoptalkingTorsoandfeetpointingtowardthelovedonePlayfulshovingandgrabbingSharingsecretsanddesiresAffectionatetouches(armstroking,holdinghands,kissing,hugging)SittingtogethersothelegstouchPuttinganarmaroundsomeone’sshouldersRealigninghobbiesorintereststomatchtheother’sHookingahandintheotherperson’sbeltorpocketIgnoringorneglectingotherfriendstobewiththesignificantotherWritingnotesorpoetrytotheotherpersonOfferinggiftsoftime,value,orthoughtfulnessTalkingtofriendsaboutthespecialperson,askingforadvice
ObsessivelycheckingthephonetoseeiftheloveinteresthascalledConstanttextingbackandforthDoodlingheartsandnamesDietingorworkingoutinanefforttoimproveone’sappearanceWatchingromanticmoviesSayingIloveyou
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Aflutteringinthestomach,afeelingofemptinessAracingpulseTheheartbeating,banging,orhammeringAhyper-awarenessofthebodyWeakkneesorlegsAtinglingorelectricaljoltataccidentaltouchesGettingtongue-tangled
MENTALRESPONSES:Euphoria,pleasureattouchingandclosenessAppreciatingtheworldandeverythinginitLosingtrackoftimewhenwiththeotherpersonMentalfuzziness,distractionDaydreamingLosingawarenessofsurroundingswhenloveinterestispresentSeekingwaystomakealovedoneproudWorryingwhentoomuchtimehaspassedwithoutcontactAfeelingofpossessiveness,jealousyFeeingsafeandwholewhentogether
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMLOVE:Exchangingpersonaleffects(clothing,jewelry,keys)Embracingtheloveinterest’sfriendsasone’sownSharingfinancesandpossessionsEnduringhardshiptobewiththeloveinterestormakethemhappyPuttingtheother’sneedsanddesiresfirstIntimacySharinghopesanddreams,becomingemotionallyvulnerableFutureplanningthatcentersaroundtheloveinterestLivingtogether,acommittedrelationship,marriageMAYESCALATETO:PEACEFULNESS,SATISFACTION,DESIRE,
ADORATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDLOVE:FlushedskinAhigh-pitchedvoiceNervouslaughterorgigglingStandingcloseyetnottouchingDartingglancesWatchingfromasafedistanceAnincreasedinterestintheotherperson’spersonallifeForciblydeclaringthatnothing’sgoingon:We’rejustfriendsAnoverallbrighteningwhentheotherpersonenterstheroom
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WRITER’S TIP: Sentence structure is especially important when describing.Varied sentence length keeps the pace moving and livens up sensory detail,avoidinga“dryreport”feel.
NERVOUSNESS
DEFINITION:thestateoffeelingunsettledandbeingeasilyagitated
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Short,jerkymovementsPacingRapidblinkingRubbingthebackoftheneckUnbuttoningthetopbuttonofashirtScratchingorrubbingskinBitingatlipsJumpinessFlightyhandmovements,fidgetingClumsinessRubbinghandsdownone’spantlegsAlackofeyecontactScrapingahandthroughthehairQuickbreathsCrossinganduncrossingarmsorlegsEyeingtheexitsBouncingaknee(whilesitting)Repeatedgestures(tiestraightening,touchinganear)Increasedsweat,particularlyonthehandsTinglingfingersandtoesPupilsappeardilatedBitingorpickingatone’sfingernailsShakingoutthehandsClearingthethroatFacialticsStuttering,stumblingoverone’swordsQuick,high-pitchedlaughterRestlessness(sitting,thenstanding)LaughterthatgoesonforlongerthannormalClosingtheeyesandtakingacalmingbreathRapidspeaking,babblingAchangeinthepitch,tone,orvolumeofthevoice
Tacklingatasktodistract(cleaning,waxingthecar)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AcutesensesNauseaSensitiveskinFaintnessAnemptyfeelinginthepitofthestomachQuivering,twitchymusclesArollingorflutteryfeeling(butterflies)inthestomachLossofappetiteDrymouthHeartpalpitationsHeadache
MENTALRESPONSES:ThedesiretofleeErraticthoughtprocesses,irrationalfearsOverreactingtonoiseThemindgoingtotheworst-casescenarioWishingtimewouldspeedup
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMNERVOUSNESS:VomitingFatigueorinsomniaPanicattacksWithdrawalIrritabilityUlcersandotherdigestivedisordersWeightlossorgainNegativethoughtpatternsIndulginginalcohol,drugs,orchainsmokingtotaketheedgeoffMAYESCALATETO:INSECURITY,ANXIETY,FEAR,DREAD
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDNERVOUSNESS:Apasted-onsmileFlexingthefingers,curlinganduncurlingClaspingone’shandstogetherAnunnaturalstillness
Eyesthatblinktoomuchordon’tblinkenoughNotmeetinganyone’sgazeChangingthetopicAvoidingconversation
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WRITER’STIP:Bodymovementandexternalreactionsalonewillnotcreateanemotionalexperiencefor thereader.Pairingactionwitha lightuseof internalsensationsand/orthoughtscreatesadeeperemotionalpull.
NOSTALGIA
DEFINITION:theyearningforareturntoapastperiodorsituation
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AnunfocusedgazeAslightsmileSlowlyflippingthrougholdpictures,strokingthepagesArelaxedpostureEyesthatfillwithtearsUsingaquietvoiceCockingone’sheadtothesideSubduedlaughterAshallowsighAnunhurriedwalkRubbingahandagainsttheheartSlouchingonasofa,watchingoldmoviesSlow,languidmovementsGrowinganimatedwhenmemoryistriggered(anoldsongplayingontheradio,etc.)EyesbrighteningasmemoriesarerecalledKeepingmementosfromthehappytimeTellingandretellingstoriesaboutthepastSeekingoutthosewhosharedtheeventGentlytouchingmemorableitems(ababyblanket,weddinginvitations)Closingone’seyestomoreclearlyrecallthememoriesTryingtorecreateapastevent(burningthesamescentedcandle,wearingtheoldclothes)Seeingsimilaritiesinthepresent:YoulookjustlikehimorThisisthesamecolorasourfirstcar Increased tenderness (sittingclose,aquickkiss) for thosewhosharedintheevent
INTERNALSENSATIONS:EyespricklingwithtearsAnexcitedflutterinthebellyAnoverallrelaxationofthebodyBreathingslowsasamemorytakesover
Dulledawareness(sittinginanuncomfortablepositionwithoutfeelingit)Experiencing (to a lesser degree) the same physical sensations felt during thepastevent
MENTALRESPONSES:LosingtrackofthetimewhilerememberingAdesiretogobackandvisitthepastMentallyreplayingpasteventsSatisfaction at having experienced the event despite any pain or loss resultingfromit
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMNOSTALGIA:DiscontentmentwiththewaythingspresentlyareExpressingmoreemotionaboutthepastthanthepresentSpendinglargeperiodsoftimeinthepastHoardingtendenciesNeglectingcurrentdutiesorrelationshipsAninabilitytomoveonDepressionMAYESCALATETO:SADNESS,DEPRESSION,HAPPINESS
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDNOSTALGIA:AnausterelackofmementosfromthepastSniffingbacktearsRejecting opportunities to revisit the past (reunions, trips to the old house orhometown)NotengaginginconversationsaboutthepastMaskingnostalgiawithpracticality:IkepthistoyssohecouldgivethemtohiskidsReturntotheTableofContents
WRITER’S TIP: When introducing and describing characters, parcel outpersonal details in small bits. Anything that isn’t pivotal to plot orcharacterizationcanbelefttothereader’simagination.
OVERWHELMED
DEFINITION:tobeoverpoweredorovercomebyfeelingsorcircumstances
PHYSICALSIGNALS:BringingashakyhandtotheforeheadHoldingapalmuptostopsomeonefromdumpingonmoreworryWavingpeopleawayShouldersthatdroporcurlAchestthatcavesinClutchingatone’sarmsorstomachTouchingatemplewhileclosingtheeyesAvoicechokedwithtearsAchestthathitchesAquakingvoicePoorbalanceMumbling,mutteringLettingoutanuncontrollablecry,sob,orwhimperUncertain(almostdrunken)stepsSaggingintoachair,leaningagainstadoorframeorwallPullingthekneesuptothechest,circlingone’skneeswiththearmsFallingagainstanotherpersonShakingalloverTearyeyesDifficultyformingresponsesHolingupinacorner,placingone’sbackagainstthewallDroppingorspillingthingsShakingtheheadrepeatedlyAglassystare,aglazedlookStaringdownatone’semptypalmsCrumplingtothefloorPuttingone’shandsoverone’searsRockingbackandforthClosingtheeyesInappropriateresponses(laughing,screaming)LeaningoverwiththehandsonthekneesHyperventilating
Looseningbelts,collars,andotherconfiningclothingTouchingone’sfingertipstoone’slips
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Weaknessinthelegs,asuddenneedtositdownAwaveofheatorcoldLightheadednessDifficultybreathingAninabilitytoeatNoisesensitivityRingingearsTunnelvision
MENTALRESPONSES:MentalnumbnessRetreatinginwardBecomingnon-responsivetoothers,almostcatatonicWishingforcomfortThedesiretobealoneAninabilitytofocusIndecisiveness
CUESOFBEINGOVERWHELMEDLONGTERM:FlightSnappingunderpressure(screaming,yelling,hittingothers)FaintingorswooningWeepingHysteriaHeadachesHypertensionMusclefatigueandsorenessSeekingcomfortinunhealthywaysHeartattackorstrokeChronicfatigue,insomniaDecayingphysicalhealth,hospitalizationMAYESCALATETO:ANXIETY,DEPRESSION
SUPPRESSEDCUESOFBEINGOVERWHELMED:Verbaldenial:I’mfine,really
FalsesmilesandconfidenceAgreeabilityorfalseenthusiasmMaskingweaknesswithexcuses:Sorry,IstooduptoofastFeigningaheadacheorothermaladyratherthanadmitone’slimits
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WRITER’S TIP: When delivering emotional description, it’s easy to rely toomuch on facial expressions. Instead, look down and describe what the arms,hands,legs,andfeetaredoing.
PARANOIA
DEFINITION:excessiveorillogicalsuspicionand/ordistrustofothers
PHYSICALSIGNALS:StartlingeasilyClenchingthejawDartingeyemovementsExcessivesafetyprecautions(extralocks,guarddogs,videosurveillance)Fidgetyhandsthatwon’tsettleWideeyesRestlesssleep,tossingandturningInsomniaBackingawaywithraisedhandsFlinchingEyesthatdon’tseemtoblinkoftenenoughCrossingthearmstightlyoverthechestMutteringunderone’sbreath,talkingtooneselfScratchingcompulsivelySweatingBloodshoteyesScoutingforexitswhenenteringaroomAheightenedneedforpersonaldistanceDependencyoncaffeinatedbeveragesordrugstostayalertPallidskinfromlackofsunlightArumpledappearanceAccusinginnocentpeopleofplanningorcarryingoutmischiefFacialtics,musclesthatjumpAquick,erraticpaceAlwayslookingovertheshoulderoraroundthenextcornerWeightlossPluckingatclothingasifitchafesAligningwithfringegroupsandconspiracytheoristsEspousingfar-outbeliefsandopinionsBecomingeasilyoffendedJumpingtothedefensiveVerballyattackinganyperceivedopponents
SpoutinginaneorirrationalargumentsCitingunreliablesourcesStubbornlyadheringtoone’sbeliefsnomatterhowoutlandishPerfectionisttendenciesCompulsivebehaviorsRefusingfoodordrinkspreparedbyothers
INTERNALSENSATIONS:HeightenedsensesFatigueMusclesthatarealwaystense,readytofightorrunSensitivitytotouchandsoundAracingheartbeatRawnervesandskinHighadrenalinelevel,jumpiness
MENTALRESPONSES:SeeingdangersymbolsineverythingJudgingtooquicklyAheightenedsenseofself-importanceIrrationalresponses,jumpingtoillogicalconclusionsMentalfatiguefromnotgettingenoughsleepSeeingandhearingthingsthataren’tthereAninabilitytoconnectwithothersduetoalackoftrustAlwaysseeingtheworst-casescenarioNegativethoughtpatternsFeelingwatchedorfollowedThebeliefthateveryoneelseisdeludedAdheringtosuperstitiousbeliefstostaysafe
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMPARANOIA:ContactingtheauthoritiesforhelpagainstsuspectedassailantsAninabilitytomaintainlong-termrelationshipsIsolationLivingoffthegridThebeliefthatoneisnolongerrequiredtolivebythelawsofsocietyAcompletebreakwithrealityRageHallucinations
Anxietyattacks,phobias,psychosisMAYESCALATETO:FEAR,ANGER,RAGE,HATRED,DESPERATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDPARANOIA:AvoidanceofsocialsituationsAttemptingtoengagesocially,butwithwaryanddartingeyesAgreeingwitheverythinginanattempttoseem“partofthegroup”WatchingothersandmimickingthemasawayofappearingnormalAsmilethatisfrozen,manicAhighvoiceoroddlaughUsingmedicineorseekingtherapy
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WRITER’S TIP: In dialogue, it’s not always what a character says that’simportant,it’showtheysayit.(Andsometimesit’swhattheyaretryinghardnottosay!)
PEACEFULNESS
DEFINITION: a state of calm that is devoid of strife, agitation, orcommotion
PHYSICALSIGNALS:ArelaxedpostureSmiling,grinningFingerslooselyclaspedinone’slapClosedeyes,theheadtippedbackSoftenedfeaturesthatimplycalmNoddingtoothersingreetingLeaningback,anarmhookedoverthebackofachairTakingadeep,satisfiedbreathUsingafriend’sshoulderasashelfforyourelbowAnunforcedlaughWhistlingorhummingSparklingeyes,aweightlessgazeEnjoyinganevent(amovie,aconcertinthepark,apicnic)LyingonthegrasstosoakupthesunCatlikestretchesAwarmvoice,caringtoneHalf-closedeyes,aliddedlookofsatisfactionLacingfingersbehindtheheadAwidestance,opendemeanorLanguidmovementsRollingtheneckbackandforthLoopingthethumbsinthefrontpocketswhilestandingAneasywalk,unhurriedAwanderinggaze,takinginrandomthingsAsatisfiedsighUnhurriedspeechContentedlytakingmoretimetocompletetasksExpressingagreaterinterestinthehappinessofothersEngaginginmeaningfulconversations
INTERNALSENSATIONS:
SlowandeasybreathsSlackmusclesLooselimbsDrowsinessAlackoftensionandstressthatalmostequatestoafeelingofnothingnessAsteady,calmpulseandheartbeat
MENTALRESPONSES:BeingwithotherswithnoneedtofillthesilenceSatisfactionwiththeworldatlargeAfeelingofconnectiontolifeHavingnodesiretobeanywhereelseEnjoyinglisteningtoothersLivinginthemoment,notacknowledgingthepastorfutureAvoidingtopicsofconversationthatwillkillthemoodDelightinginevenmundane,everydaytasksAdesireforeveryonetoexperiencesuchpeace
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMPEACEFULNESS:AlessenedneedforworldlygoodsChoosingtospendtimewithpositiveorlike-mindedpeopleAgrowinginterestinspiritualorreligiousphilosophyAdesiretomaintainapositivestatusquoChangingone’slifestyletoaccommodatenewbeliefs(recycling,movingtothecountry)ImpatiencewithcorporategreedandcapitalismAdesireformorenaturallivingAnincreasedawarenessofone’sbodyandwhatgoesintoitEngaginginnewandsatisfyinghobbiesandinterestsMAYESCALATETO:HAPPINESS,SATISFACTION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDPEACEFULNESS:Claimingthatone’scalmdemeanorissimplytirednessForcingoneselftomaintainaslightstiffnessinposturePretendingtodisengagebecauseofboredom
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WRITER’S TIP: Choose verbs carefully. The meaning of a sentence can be
alteredthroughthewordsusedtodescribeaction.Readerswillseeacharacterwho trudgesup thestairsasbeing inadifferentemotionalstate thanone thatboundsupthem,twoatatime.
PRIDE
DEFINITION: proper self-respect arising from a significant achievement,possession of an item, or involvement in a relationship PHYSICALSIGNALS:AhighchinShouldersbackChestthrustoutStandingtallwithgoodposture,legsspreadwideAgleaminone’seyeAknowinggrinPerfectionismWatchingotherstoseetheirreactionsVerbalizingtheupsanddownsthatledtothispointCallingfriendsandlovedonestotellthemaboutanaccomplishmentDirectorintenseeyecontactAboominglaughBecomingtalkativeLiftingtheheelsandrisingupslightlytoemphasizewordsSteeringordominatingtheconversationBecomingextraanimatedwhenthere’sanaudienceAgrinthatconveyssecretknowledgeThrustingoneselfintothemiddleofaneventordebateAsatisfiedsmileHookingthumbsintoone’sbeltloops,thrustingthepelvisforwardPullinginadeepbreathFalsemodestyIgnoringoroverlookinganyflawsassociatedwiththeprideitemApreoccupationwithone’sappearanceStandingwithhandstuckedinone’sarmpits,thumbsvisibleandpointingupRunningthehandsthroughthehair,flippinghairbackAssumingaposethat’ssexyordrawsattentiontoone’sbestattributesAppearingunaffectedbywhatothersthinkSpeakingfirst,thinkingsecond
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Thefeelingofbeingtaller,bigger,stronger
Lungsexpandedtotheirfullestthroughdeep,satisfiedbreaths
MENTALRESPONSES:PositiveselfthoughtsPreoccupationwithone’sachievementsorsuccessesAfeelingofbeingabletoconquertheworldWantingtobesurroundedbysupportivelovedonesAdesiretoshareachievementswithothersAtendencytojudgepeopleaccordingtoone’spersonalmeasuringstickOver-estimatingone’scapabilitiesUnderestimatingothersAsenseofentitlementPlanningandseekingadvantages
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMPRIDE:EnjoymentatprovingotherswrongBragging,obsessivelytalkingaboutanachievementormaterialobjectPraising group accomplishments as a way to remind people of one’s owninvolvementReactingwithangerorjealousyifone’sreputationisimpugnedMakingradicalstatementsorpromisesaboutfuturegoalsRevisitingthesourceorplaceofaccomplishmenttofeelempoweredMAYESCALATETO:SMUGNESS,CONTEMPT,CONFIDENCE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDPRIDE:WavingoffacomplimentPassingthecredittosomeoneelseTurningattentionawayfromoneselfSeekingothers’opinionsasaformofvalidation
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WRITER’S TIP: Understand your character’s emotional range. For onecharacter, intense situations may make them hyperventilate. For another, itmight cause them to shift slightly while seated. Knowing how expressive acharacter is will help you find the perfect body cue to convey an emotionalmeaning.
RAGE
DEFINITION:violentanduncontrolledanger
PHYSICALSIGNALS:FlushedormottledskinShakingextremitiesHandsthatclenchandunclenchWideeyes,showingthewhitesSpittlebuildingupinthecornersofthemouthBitingcriticismandbelittlementJabbingafingerinsomeone’sfaceAcordedneckNostrilsflaringLipspullingback,baringtheteethCrackingtheneckfromsidetosideforintimidationMusclesandveinsstrainingagainstskinAgutturalroarPlantingthefeetwideapartSuddenexplosionsoverseeminglylittlethingsPushingandshovingLimberingupshouldersandneckasifreadyingtofightSqueezingsomeone’sarmtothepointofbruisingUsinginsultstopickafightCrackingone’sknucklestointimidatePullingoutaweapon(knife)Findingsomethingclosetohandtouseasaweapon(branch,rock)MovingslowlyanddeliberatelytowardanotherpersontointimidateBarrelingtowardsomeone,utteringascreamorwarcryFightingwithnothoughtforone’sownsafetyThrowingorkickingthingsJumpingtoextremeangerwithlittleprovocationScreamingThreateningviolenceStaringsomeonedowntofrightenthemGettingintosomeone’spersonalspaceManipulation
INTERNALSENSATIONS:ApoundingintheearsIncreasedbloodflowtotheextremitiesElevatedpulseCloudedvisionAdrythroatfromrushedbreathingPainthatissuspendeduntillaterAdrenalinerushingthroughthebodyAsensationofincreasedstrengthAnedgy,twitchyfeelingTunnelvision
MENTALRESPONSES:BeingdrivenbythebeliefthatonehasbeenmistreatedordonewrongAdesireforvengeanceLookingforafightWantingtohurtsomeone,toseebloodAsenseofreleasewhenviolenceisexpressedNotthinkingorcaringaboutconsequencesAneedtodominateorcontrolDifficultyfocusingorconcentrating
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMRAGE:BeatingsomeonesenselessCommittingassaultormurderSeekingoutopportunitiestoreactviolentlySelf-destructiveaddictionsDepressionHeartdisease,strokeUlcersAninabilitytocopewithsmallerproblemsovertimeInsomniaFatigueDestroyingpropertyMAYESCALATETO:PARANOIA,REGRET
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDRAGE:UnnaturalsilenceUncontrollablebodytremors
PunchingawallorobjectinsteadofapersonClenched,grindingteethPaininthejawfromclenchedteethAtightsmilethatdoesn’treachtheeyesGrabbingontosomethingsecure(likeasteeringwheel)andshakingitviolentlyPunchingorrippingapartsomethingsoftAggressiveworkouts
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WRITER’STIP:Asyourcharacterreactsemotionallytocircumstanceswithinthe environment, don’t underestimate the importance of sensory details. Dotexturesbotherthembecauseofaheightenedstate?Whatsoundsdotheypickuponthattheymightnototherwisenotice?
REGRET
DEFINITION: sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one’s ability tocontrolorrepairPHYSICALSIGNALS:ScrubbingahandoverthefaceLayingahandagainstthebreastboneAheavysighAdownturnedmouthBentpostureHeavyarms,theshoulderspulledlowApologizingTryingtoreasonorexplainEyebrowsgatheringinApainedexpressionHandsfallingtothesidesStaringdownatone’sfeetCoveringthefacewiththehandsSqueezingone’seyesshutLiftinghandsupandthenlettingthemfallPinchingthebridgeofthenose,eyesclosedWincingorgrimacingRubbingthechestasifpainedAvoidingthevictims(shame)Seekingreconciliation(determinationtosetright)BeratingoneselfforactionsorchoicesLosingthethreadofconversationsHidingbehindone’shairShakingtheheadAvoicethatlosesitspowerUsingbrokensentencesortrailingoffwhilespeakingMaking a tsking noise or murmuring regret:What a shame Asking questionsaboutthefallout:Howdidshetakethenews?ScramblingtoreversewhatwassaidordoneIncreasingone’sdistancefromothersTryingtofadeintothebackgroundatsocialeventsPuttingoneselfdown
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AknottedbellyInsomniaAninabilitytofilllungscompletelyAnervousstomachLossofappetiteDullnessinthechest,afeelingofheaviness
MENTALRESPONSES:Self-loathingThefeelingthatonedeservespainorjudgmentObsessionwiththepersonoreventassociatedwiththeregretRelivingpasteventsThoughtsthatturninwardTryingtoforgettheeventAdesiretogounnoticedDistractednessWishingithadn’thappened
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMREGRET:NottakingphysicalcareofoneselfWeightlossWithdrawingfromsocietyDroppingoutofclubsandgroupsNolongerfindingjoyinhobbiesorfavoritepastimesOvercompensationinotherrelationshipsCrying,sobbingSelf-destructivebehaviorsDrugandalcoholabuseUnsafesexualpracticesAbusiverelationshipsAstringofbrokenrelationshipsUlcersAlackofintimacywithothersAninabilitytoforgiveoneselfMAYESCALATETO:SHAME,FRUSTRATION,DEPRESSION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDREGRET:Desperatelyseekingoutnewrelationships
Talkingaboutone’saccomplishmentsasawayofwinningpeopleoverMaking life-altering decisions (career change, amove, etc.) as a way to startoverActinglikethelifeofthepartyPuttingonahappyface
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WRITER’STIP:Watchforpossibledescriptioncrutches.Isthecolor“green”used too much? Does a sensory sound (like wind rustling through the trees)happeninmultiplescenes?Keeptrackofthesedetailstoavoidoveruse.
RELIEF
DEFINITION:thealleviationorlighteningofoppressivestressors
PHYSICALSIGNALS:CoveringthemouthwithahandShakingheadandclosingtheeyesGaspingTremblinghandsReachingouttoanotherforcomfortSlumpingpostureAslowsmileUsinghumortolightenthemomentShakylaughterSaggingagainstawallorpersonPressingthepalmstotheeyesAskingforthegoodnewstoberepeatedWobblylegsBucklingkneesStumblingbackastepFloppingbackinachairAgapingmouthStrugglingtospeak,tofindtherightwordsAnunsteadywalkCryingorcallingoutinreleaseAskingredundantquestionstoassurethatthemomentisrealEyesgoingup,lookingheavenwardLettingoutahugebreathRockingbackandforthEyesshining,lockedonthesourceofreliefAslightmoanLipspartingShowingkinshipwithothersinvolved(hugging,reachingfortheirhands)Pressingone’shandstothestomachApalmpressedtotheheartAbowedheadStartingtofallthencatchingoneself
Closedeyes,compulsivenoddingLettingtheheadfallbackUtteringasoftcurseorthankingGodMakingthesignofthecross(ifreligious)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:DrymouthWeakmusclesAnunexpectedreleaseofalltensionTearswellingupbehindeyelidsAsuddenlightnessorgiddiness
MENTALRESPONSES:WantingtobeheldAdesiretobestillandletthereliefsinkinGratitudeJumbledthoughtsAninabilitytoformulateanappropriateverbalresponsePostponementofresiduallossorpainuntilalatertime
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMRELIEF:Breakingdown,tearsExuberant responses (jumping up and down, shouting, running, hystericalcrying)CollapsingAnexpandingfeelinginthechestLightheadednessAthickthroatMAYESCALATETO:HAPPINESS,EXCITEMENT,GRATITUDE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDRELIEF:AdeliberatelyquietexhaleBrieflyclosingtheeyesDrawingadeepbreaththroughthenoseBitingthelipstokeepfromsmilingSwallowingandnoddingNarrowedeyes,whenit’snecessarytofocusonsomethingbesidesthesourceofreliefNotthinkingaboutit,puttingitofftosavorlater
Inattentiveness
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WRITER’STIP:When a character is hiding an emotion, the cues are not asnoticeable. In this circumstance, it’s oftenmore effective to show the emotionthroughchange—alteringaspeechpattern,fallingbackonhabits,postureshifts,etc.
RELUCTANCE
DEFINITION:unwillingness;aversion
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Stallinggestures(takingtimetothink,turningaway)Ahard,obviousswallowWettingthelipsTensearms,shoulders,orfaceHesitantstepsTheheadpullingbackastheshoulderspushforwardRespondingslowly(acceptinganitem,offeringassistance)PressinglipstogetherGlancingarounduneasilyHandsthatshake,nervoustwitchingHandsalmostcurlingintofistsandthenstraighteningAgrimaceorpainedlookEyebrowssqueezingtogetherStuttering,stammeringMakingexcusesLyingTentativelyreachingoutortouchingHoldingahandup,wardingsomeoneorsomethingoffSuggestingsomeoneelsetohelporactinsteadShakingtheheadAhandflutteringtothelipsorneckNervoushabits(runninghandsthroughthehair,pacing,repetitivegestures)Atoo-quicksmileGlancingatone’swatchJumpinessMovingtowardanexitPuttingdistancebetweenoneselfandtherequesterBitingthelipornailsPinchingthebridgeofthenoseandtightlysqueezingtheeyesChangingthetopicordivertingattentionClosedbodylanguage(handsup,crossedarms)Leaningorturningawayfromthepersonmakingtherequest
AskingfortimetomakethedecisionExpressingskepticismAskingquestionsforclarificationNotmeetingtherequester’seyesNotengaginginfurtherconversationAnsweringwitha“maybe”responseMutteringnegatives:NoorIdon’twantto
INTERNALSENSATIONS:TakingadeepbreathbeforeactingAtighteningchestSlighttensenessinthemusclesAheavinessinthestomach
MENTALRESPONSES:AdesiretogetawayfromthepersonmakingtherequestIndecisionAmindthatisclearlydistractedGuiltSearchingforwaystogetoutofwhateverisrequestedAninabilitytofocusonanythingbutthedecisiontobemadeAneedtojustifyone’sreluctance
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMRELUCTANCE:ResentmentAtightorroilingstomachAvoidanceofthesourceAstrainedrelationshipMAYESCALATETO:SKEPTICISM,DEFENSIVENESS,ANGER,FEAR,DISGUST,RESENTMENT,DREAD
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDRELUCTANCE:Agreeing,thennotfollowingthroughHintsaboutbeingbusyoroverlystressedArisingantipathytowardthepersonresponsibleforthesituationPassive-aggressivecommentsDeflecting,actingasiftherequestisabsurdJokingcommentstodeflectRevealingtruefeelingstoathirdparty,hopingthey’llpasstheinformationalong
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WRITER’STIP:Avoidbranddroppingtocharacterize.Brandnamescomeandgoandcandateyourwriting.Insteaduseothercluestoconveyyourcharacter’spersonality,strengths,orshortcomings.
REMORSE
DEFINITION: distress resulting from guilt over wrongdoing; a desire toundoorfixPHYSICALSIGNALS:HeartfeltapologiesAskingtotalkFollowingtheaggrievedpartyRepeatedlyreturningtothescenewherepasteventstookplaceHeaddownastheeyeslookupWateringeyesAhandthatcupsthemouthHoldingone’sheadinhandsTearsthatonedoesnottrytohideorcontrolSilenceOfferingrestitutionUsingthevictim’snameindialoguewhentheyarepresentTellingtheunvarnishedtruthSpeakingwithouthesitationwhenansweringAquiveringchinHoldingthestomachShouldersthatcurloverthechestNotdefendingoneselfagainstattack(verbalorphysical)CrumpledbodypostureStaringdownatthefloorClaspingthehandstogetherinthelapShakingBeggingforforgivenessShouldersthatquakewithrepressedsobsApleadingtoneApaleorunhealthycomplexionDarkcirclesundertheeyesHollowedcheeksReachingouttotouchandthenpullingbackasifnotworthyReadilyagreeingtoapunishmentorpronouncementAvoicethatcracksVerbalizingresponsibilityforwhathappenedQuietanswerstoquestions
ArmshangingatthesidesStillhandsandfeetObedienceBreakingintosobs
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AstomachthatfeelshardRunnynoseNauseaGrittyordryeyesfromlackofsleepAlumpinthethroat
MENTALRESPONSES:MentallyberatingoneselfoveranactionorpoordecisionWantingtofacetheconsequencesObsessingoverfindingawaytorepaythedebtEmpathyfortheotherpartyandwhattheyaregoingthroughBeinghonestaboutone’sroleinthesituationReliefforowninguptowrongdoing
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMREMORSE:WeightlossHeadachesHeartproblemsSelf-destructivebehaviorsoutofthebeliefthatonedoesnotdeservehappinessDesperationtobalancethescalesorresolvethesituationAcompletelifechange(takingupcharitywork,findingGod,etc.)MAYESCALATETO:SHAME,REGRET,DETERMINATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDREMORSE:Avoidingfriendswhoarealsoculpable(ifagroupact)LyingaboutfeelingsClaimingthatthevictimwaspartlyresponsibleMakinganexcusetoleaveDroppingoutofactivities,school,orworkonfalsepretensesMovingaway
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WRITER’STIP:Descriptionisclearestwhenawriteradherestotherealorderofeventsinascene.Showtheaction(stimulus),thenthereaction(response)andareaderwillclearlyseehowAleadstoB.
RESENTMENT
DEFINITION: indignation toward an act, remark, or person; feelinginjuredorinsultedPHYSICALSIGNALS:ApinchedmouthArmscrossedoverthechestAflatlook,narrowedeyesScowlingIncreasingone’spersonaldistancefromothersComplainingRudenessPouting(children)CattybehaviorName-callingAvoicethatrisesinvolumeorintensityArguingLookingpastsomeoneratherthanatthemAhardexpressionArmsstraight,handslockedintofistsRefusingtobeboughtoffthroughkindnessorthoughtfulnessShunningthesourceAstiffstancePurposelyignoringsomeone’sconciliatoryeffortsMutteringunderthebreathorcursingTwistingthemouth,asouredexpressionBelittlinganother’sstatusoraccomplishmentTensionintheneckandshouldersPointingandjabbingtheairforemphasisAcurlinglip,showingtheteethAsharp,definedjawlineAtarttone,snappingatothersSabotaginganother’sprojectsoractionsoutofasenseofbeingwrongedTalkingbehindsomeone’sback,gossipingAnunkindsmileShakingtheheadindisapprovalbutnotsayinganythingBallingthehandsintofistsWalkingoutoftheroom
SpinningawayinahuffStompingupthestairsShuttingadoorwithmoreforcethannecessary
INTERNALSENSATIONS:TensionheadachesPaininthejawAtightchestConstrictingthethroatHighbloodpressureStomachtroublesorulcers
MENTALRESPONSES:UnkindthoughtstowardthetargetFrustrationatunfairnessoralackofjusticeFantasizingharmorthedownfallofanotherMoodinessWantingtobealoneFixatingonapersonorsituationtothedetrimentofotherrelationshipsAdesiretobringothersinandcreateamobmentalityofresentment
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMRESENTMENT:WeightgainIllnessInsomniaArriving late, calling in sick, or refusing work shifts to avoid the source ofresentmentHighbloodpressureSeekingrevengeMAYESCALATETO:ANGER,HATRED,JEALOUSY
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDRESENTMENT:WalkingawayKeepingsilentChangingthetopictosomethingsafePuttingonasmile
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WRITER’STIP:Whenexposingthereadertoanewscene,person,orobject,itcanbeusefultohavesomedescriptionoropiniondeliveredthroughasecondarycharacter’s dialogue. What they notice and how they respond provides anopportunitytocharacterize.
RESIGNATION
DEFINITION:thestateofsurrendering,oftenwithlittleornoresistance
PHYSICALSIGNALS:SighingdejectedlySlumpedshouldersBlankfeaturesStoopedpostureShufflingfootstepsSmallstepsTearsAmonotonevoiceBecominglessverbalovertimeDulleyesAchinthattremblesAnsweringwithasmallnodSaggingfacialfeaturesLimphandsandarmsUnwashedhairWrinkled,disheveledclothesAlossofappetiteDisinterestinformerhobbiesorpassionsMakingoneselfsmall(huggingoneself,squattingdown,fetalposition)AvoidingeyecontactBeingatalossforwordsLethargically giving comfort to others (rubbing their back, patting theirshoulder)AshakeoftheheadHeadtippingbackonthenecktolookskywardAgreeing,butwithoutemotionClaspingthehandstogetherLeaningforward,elbowsonkneesStaringoffatnothingAhangingheadLoosejawAhalf-heartedshrug
AlongexhaleMuttering,mumblingHoldingtheheadinthehandsProppingacheekonafistUnresponsiveorslowedreactionstostimulusGrunting,one-wordanswersPurposelyclosingtheeyes,asiftoprocessExcessivesleeping
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AfallingordroppingsensationEmptiness,numbnessAlackofemotionWeaknessinthemuscles
MENTALRESPONSES:Adeterminationtomakethebestofthesituation(glasshalf-full)AninabilitytofocusorconcentrateFeelingdirectionlessConfusion:Howdidthishappen?orWhatwillhappentomenow?ThesensethatnothingwilleverbethesameFeelingpowerlessoverthepresentorfutureBelievingthatonehasfailed
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMRESIGNATION:DepressionRetreatinginwardDisconnectingfromothersDoubtingoneself,adecreaseinconfidenceApathyBecomingsubmissive,givingupcontrolMAYESCALATETO:SADNESS,DISAPPOINTMENT,DEFEAT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDRESIGNATION:Whining,questioning,offeringtokenweakargumentsSquaringshoulders,butwithoutanyrealforceorstrengthOfferingasmalldisplayofangerActinglikegivinginwasachoice,nottheonlyoption
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WRITER’STIP:Toomanyemotional internalizations inascenecanslowthepaceconsiderably. If the thoughtsarekey, try shifting someof these toactive,realistic dialogue. It will increase the pace and still reveal the character’sfeelings.
SADNESS
DEFINITION:characterizedbygrieforunhappiness
PHYSICALSIGNALS:CryingPuffyfaceoreyesEyesappearredRunningmakeupSplotchyskinSniffing,wipingatnoseWincingDroopingshouldersVoiceistearfulorbreaksStaringdownatone’shandsStoopedpostureRubbingtheheelofapalmagainstchestDecreasedcoordinationandclumsinessAdistantoremptystareAflat,monotonevoiceDownturnedfacialfeaturesCoveringthehandswiththefaceArmshangatthesides,slackRubbingorpressingafistagainstthechestCrossingone’sarms,holdingontoone’sshouldersSlumpingratherthansittingstraightAheavy-footedwalkAslackexpression,wet,dulleyesBendingforward,layingheadonarmsMovementsthatlackenergyAtremblingchinDiggingfortissuesTouchingacrossorfingeringjewelryforcomfortDrawingthelimbsclosetothebodyStaringdownatone’semptyhandsAbowedspineClutchingatokenthatisthefocalpointfortheemotion
QuakingshouldersDecreasedinteractionwiththeworldatlarge
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AnachingchestHotorgummyeyelidsAscratchythroatArunnynoseSorenessinthethroatandlungsTheworldspinningorseemingtoslowdownHeavinessortightnessinthechestandlimbsAheartthatisbreakingorachingBlurredvisionLackofenergyBodyfeelscold
MENTALRESPONSES:DifficultyrespondingtoquestionsAninabilitytoseewherethefuturemightgoTurninginward,withdrawingAdesiretoescapethesadness(throughsleep,drink,companionship)AneedtobealoneWishingcomfortfromothersAvoidingthepainfulsubject,denialWantingthepaintoend
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSADNESS:ApainedkeeningTearspouring,dripping,orcoursingHyperventilating,shortnessofbreathLossofappetiteDespair,hopelessnessDespondencyMAYESCALATETO:NOSTALGIA,DEPRESSION,LONELINESS
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSADNESS:TurningawayHaltingone’sspeechtogaincontrolDeepbreaths
BitingthelipBlinkingGulpingairChangingthesubjectSippingadrinkortakingabitetoeatQuiverysmilesHandsgrippingeachotheroranobjectAhandcoveringthemouth,rubbingthechinFocusingonalleviatinganother’spainratherthanone’sownExcusingoneselftousetherestroomorgetadrinktobealone
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WRITER’S TIP: In dialogue, be on the lookout for where your character“thinks” instead of “responds” verbally. This leads to unnatural, one-sidedconversations.
SATISFACTION
DEFINITION:thestateofbeingcontentorfulfilled
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AhighchinandexposedneckAcrispnodArmscrossedSmoothingthefrontofashirtortuggingdownthesleevesOfferinga“thumbs-up”GivingatoastorpraiseClappingsomeoneonthebackAwidestance,fistsonhips,elbowswideSurveyingthefinishedproductwithapleasedexpressionAraisedeyebrowandaSee?lookAsleekwalkthatdrawstheeye(catlike,deliberate)Ashy,confident,radiant,orcockysmileAptdialoguethatsumsupthesituationperfectlySayingItoldyouso!Apuffed-outchestShouldersback,straightpostureAfistpumpClappingFingersformingasteepleIncludingothersinthemomentBraggingAhandcasuallyanchoredonthehipStretchingthearmsoutwideLeaningback,ateaseandincontrolAdeep,gratifyingsighWhistlingorhummingAdistant,unfocusedsmileTakingdeepbreaths,savoringthemomentUnhurried,relaxedmovementsAdirectmanner(eyecontact,strengthinvoice)Rewardingoneself
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Ahyper-awarenessofothersandtheirreactionsAlightnessinthechestWarmthspreadingthroughthebodyAtirednessthatisfulfillingratherthanexhausting
MENTALRESPONSES:HappinessoverajobwelldoneEuphoria,exhilarationContentmentGratificationIncreasedconfidenceLookingforwardtoawell-earnedrestMentallyfixatingontherecentsuccessNotpayingattentiontoone’ssurroundingsSelf-congratulationsGenerositytoothersasaresultoffeelinggratifiedAdesiretotelleveryoneaboutthesuccess
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSATISFACTION:JustifiedpossessivenessAnexpressionofsupremeconfidence,aglowCockinessMAYESCALATETO:HAPPINESS,SMUGNESS,PRIDE,GRATITUDE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSATISFACTION:TwitchinglipsHidingasmilebehindahandBouncinglightlyonthetoesGettingawayatthefirstopportunitytotellsomeonethegoodnewsSettlingbackinachairinrelease
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WRITER’S TIP: Loners and their lack of social interaction present specificwriting challenges.Tobreakup long stretchesof introspection,maintain somecharacter relationships. Remember that a person can be lonely even whensurroundedbypeople;use thedialogue,dysfunction,anddramathatgoalongwiththoserelationshipstokeepthepacemovingforward.
SCORN
DEFINITION:extremecontemptorderision;regardingasinferior
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AbitingremarkBelittlingcommentsthatremindthetargetwhohastheupperhandAsmirkAquick,disgustedsnortLoomingoverthetargetCrossedarms,awidestanceSarcasmAtightjawAharshsquintAdeliberateeyebrowraiseandheadtiltPullingdownglassesandlookingovertherimswithaflatgazeFlappingahandindismissalBullyingtacticsAnexaggeratedeyerollorupwardglanceBlowingoutabreaththatrattlesthelipsInsultingthetargetinfrontofothersAthrust-outchestAnuglytwisttothemouthEncouragingotherstospeakupagainstthetargetLimitedverbalresponses,asifthetargetisn’tevenworthtalkingtoLaughteratanother’sexpenseAwrinklednoseFlickingahandinfrontofone’snoseasiftogetridofabadsmellAtightmouth,asiftastingsomethingbadNarrowedeyesStaringthetargetdownApplaudinginadeliberatelyfalsefashionProjectinghurtfulobservations:I’dbeembarrassedifIwereyou!AngeratbeingtouchedoraddressedbythetargetCallingattentiontoanother’sweaknessesIgnoringthetargetSpeakingslowlytoemphasizehurtfulwords
Leavingtoshowthatthetargetisnotworthone’stimeorenergyApologizingtoothersforhavingtheirtimewastedbythetarget
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Apuffed-upfeelingAdrenalinerushattakingawayanother’spower
MENTALRESPONSES:ElationatdeliveringablowtoanopponentthroughdialogueoractionAngerAdesiretoputthepersonintheirplaceSuperiorityArrogance
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSCORN:AskingquestionstofurtherincriminatethetargetEggingthetargetonPickingfightsForcingthetargetintocircumstanceswhereheissuretofailGatheringotherlike-mindedpeopleandencouragingtheirscornSeekingtohurtthrougha“lowblow”commentMAYESCALATETO:ANGER,HATRED,ELATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSCORN:Ablank,emotionlessfaceBecomingunresponsivetoquestionsoractionTurningawayShakingtheheadAslightmusclejumpinthecheekTightenedjawClampingone’slipstighttokeepfromsayinganythingMakinganexcusetoleave
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WRITER’STIP:Whendescribingacharacter’semotionalstate,payattentiontotheirvoice.Doesitriseordropinpitch?Getlouderorsofter?Growroughorsilky smooth? Changes in pitch and tone are great indicators for when acharacteristryingtohidetheirfeelingsfromothers.
SHAME
DEFINITION:thefeelingthatarisesfromadishonorableorimproperact;disgracePHYSICALSIGNALS:CheeksthatburnCrumplingontoachairorsofaPullingarmsandlegsintowardthecoreMutteringWhathaveIdone?orHowcouldIletthishappen?UsingthehairtohidethefacePullingaballcaplowPressinghandsagainstone’scheeksDroppingthechintothechestWeteyesAblanklookAninabilitytomeetanother’seyesCrumplingunderscrutinyShaking,trembling,shiveringHunchedshouldersAperpetualslouchTearsAclosed-offstance(crossingthearms,makingoneselfsmall,avertingthehead)PressingapalmoverthelipstoholdbackacryShakingtheheadLettingoutanuncontrolledmoanPunchingfistsagainstthighstoreleasefrustrationLashingoutatotherstotransferangerorblameArmshangingatthesidesHitchingbreathsAtremblingchinShieldingthebody,anglingawayfromthosebearingwitnesstoshamePullingandtuggingatone’sclothesasiftheycanmakeonelessvisibleVandalismofone’sownthingsLossofinterestinone’spersonalappearanceSeekingoutsecondchances(fawning,begging,followingothers)toregainselfworthLyingordoingwhateverittakestokeepashamefulsecret
INTERNALSENSATIONS:Hypersensitivitytonoise,crowds,activityFlu-likesymptoms(nausea,sweats,tinglinginchest)WeakkneesThicknessinthroatHeatandtinglinginfaceBodytremors
MENTALRESPONSES:FlightreactionPullingawayfromfriendsandlovedonesAvoidingfamiliarplacesandactivitiesSelf-loathing,beratingoneself,anger,disgustRisk-takingbehaviors,hopingsomethingwillhappentobalancethescaleDenialAnutterlackofself-confidenceAdesiretofadeintothebackgroundandavoidnotice
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSHAME:Self-violence(scratching,cutting,pullinghair)DepressionSubstanceabuseEatingdisordersIncreasedsexualactivityPanicattacksAnxietydisordersPerfectionisttendenciestobalancethesourceofshameSeekingpowerasameansofself-validationDenial,diversionofblametoothersSuicideAbusiverelationshipsAttemptingtochangeone’sappearanceThebeliefthatonedeservespainRejectinghelpoutofadesiretodopenanceMAYESCALATETO:DEPRESSION,HUMILIATION,REMORSE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSHAME:Shame is, by and large, private. People are always trying to suppress thisemotionsoallcuesforshamearenaturallysuppressed.
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WRITER’STIP:Therearedozensofphysical,internal,andmentalresponsestouse when conveying a given emotion. Filter possible cues through what youknow about your character. “Wouldmy character react thisway?” is a greatquestiontoasktostayontherighttrack.
SKEPTICISM
DEFINITION:havingadispositionofdoubtorincredulity
PHYSICALSIGNALS:PursingthelipsinthoughtTiltingtheheadandpausingShakingtheheadPressingthelipsintoafinelineRaisingtheeyebrowsClearingthethroatFiddlingwithjewelryorotheritemsShruggingNodding,butwithatightexpressiontoshowoneisnotfullycommittedAconfrontationalstanceAsmirkoreyerollAhandflapthatdismissesthepersonortheirideaDemandingprooforevidencetosupportListingthepossibleconsequencesPoliteverbaloppositionAcondescendingsmileMutteringnegatives: I don’t think so orNoway thatwouldwork Restlessness(pacing,tappingfingers,clock-watching)AtightnessinthefaceRigidbodypostureRubbingthebackoftheneckwithoutmakingeyecontactNarrowedeyesBitingorchewingonone’slipGossipingwithothers,runningapersondownfortheirchoicesorideasSnipingremarksLickingone’slipsHemmingandhawingReferencingsimilareventsfromthepastthatdidnotpanoutBringingupeverythingthatcouldgowrongApurposefulshiverorshudderBitingthefingernailsAheavysigh
WalkingawayTappingafingeragainstthetabletopinanefforttodriveapointhomeAskingAreyousure?orWhatif?questionsAjuttingchinAsilentlookWrinklingthenoselikethere’sabadsmellAquickexhalethroughthenose,asnort
INTERNALSENSATIONS:TightnessinthechestIncreasedheartbeatandpulseTensemusclesAflareofadrenaline,firingthebraintoact
MENTALRESPONSES:NegativethoughtsUncertaintyHoninginonflaws,eitheroflogicorofaphysicalnatureAdesiretochangethespeaker’smindorstandpointWantingtobearoundpeoplewiththesameopinions
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSKEPTICISM:AngerFrustrationPassiveskepticismbecomingmoreovertLookingforwaystodiscreditthespeakerAdesiretoshutthespeakerupThemindracingthroughpossibleargumentsDisbelief,thatotherscan’tseethetruthActivelyseekingtobringpeopleovertoone’swayofthinkingBecomingargumentativeMAYESCALATETO:UNCERTAINTY,SUSPICION,RESIGNATION,SCORN
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSKEPTICISM:AttemptingtokeepaneutralfacialexpressionFootstepsthatdragAquickwideningoftheeyesbeforeschoolingone’sexpressionApologizingfornotshowingimmediatesupport
Sittingstill,handsclasped,mimickinginterestandattentionActing noncommittal: Interesting idea, or That’s something to think aboutAskingforapersontoreviewtheprosandconsagainforclaritySuggestingatrialbasisasasolutionRequestingmoretimetoreflectAsuggestionthatperhapsmorethoughtorstudyisneeded
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WRITER’S TIP: Don’t make it easy for your heroes. Pile on the difficulties.Overwhelmthem.Makeitseeminglyimpossibleforthemtosucceedsothatwhentheydoovercome,thereaderwillbeproperlyimpressed.
SMUGNESS
DEFINITION:supremeconfidenceinandsatisfactionwithoneself
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AjuttingchinCrossedarmsAthrust-outchestDeliberatelyraisedeyebrowsCockingortiltingtheheadAsmirkorsneerDirect,probingeyecontactSquintingandahardsmileAdismissivenodorglanceRollingtheeyesAggressiveteasingintendedtoputanotherintheirplaceAsighconveyingannoyance(ahuff)WavingahandindismissalLeaninginaggressivelyasiftochallengeRockingbackonheelsMean-spiritedtalkbehindanother’sbackProjectingthevoice,reinforcingwhohastheupperhandSarcasm:Whatever,orSureyouare,orIfyousayso!AlookthatradiatessuperiorityPerfectposture,shouldersback,exposedneckAdeterminedwalk,strut,orswaggerAloudvoice,bragging,fullofblusterUsingboisterousmovementstodrawattentiontooneselfAwidestanceCriticismandbelittlementTalkingoverpeople,controllingconversationsLookingdownone’snoseatothersDominantbehavior(invadinganother’spersonalspace,standingwhileotherssit)Lavishingpraiseonfavoredones(children,friends,peopleinpower)AnarrogantlaughPreening(fussingwithclothing,checkingoneselfinthemirror)Flashyordramaticclothing
Tossingone’shairback,ashakeoftheheadAdoptingaponderingpose(handclaspingthechinasifstruckbydeepthoughts)SettlingbackinachairwithexaggeratedcasualnessMovementsthatdrawattention(wavingacigar,gesturingwithaglassofwine)AdeliberatecrossingofthelegsorclaspingofthehandsFidgetingwithjewelryinordertodrawattentiontoitClappingsomeoneontheback,overplayingclosenessorfriendshipName-droppingRubbingitinwithanI-told-you-so
INTERNALSENSATIONS:WarmthradiatingthroughoutthebodyApuffed-upfeeling
MENTALRESPONSES:Afirmbeliefinone’sownrightnessandsuperiorityDisdainforthosewhoareunworthyOver-confidenceAdesiretobelittletheunworthyandexaltone’sownaccomplishmentsGratitudeathavingrisenabovetherestThebeliefthatthosewhohavenotsucceededaretoblamefortheirfailure
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSMUGNESS:ExtremeprideinappearanceandpossessionsCarefulconsiderationoffriendships,purchases,placeswhereoneisseenRemindingsomeoneofapastmistaketorubitinChoosingtospendtimeinenvironmentsthatareareminderofsuccessGenerositythatdisplayspower(hostingcharityfunctions,etc.)ActingasifrulesdonotapplyoroneisabovethelawMAYESCALATETO:CONTEMPT,SCORN
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSMUGNESS:MakingtokenacknowledgementstothosewhoplayedapartinanoutcomeCitingthatluckwasinvolved,butnotmeaningitPreachyadvice:DowhatIdidandyou’llsucceedtoo.
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WRITER’S TIP: When describing a character’s feelings, the word “felt” is
often a cue for telling emotion, not showing. Run a search for this word andchallengeyourselfonitsuse.
SOMBERNESS
DEFINITION:havingadarkorgloomymanner
PHYSICALSIGNALS:AnunmovingstanceAvoicedevoidofemotion,deadpanAgraveexpressionAsadorseriousdemeanorHandsfoldedinone’slapSittingquietlyFlaccidyetunwelcoming(closed)bodylanguageAtendencytolookdownAthoughtfulexpressionHesitationbeforespeaking,asifweighingwordsDarkorheavyobservationsAbleakmoodthataffectsothers,lessensenergy,bringspeopledownAninwardgazeorunfocusedstareLoosepostureSpeakingattheairratherthanmakeeyecontactwithothersHandsclaspedlooselybehindthebackandgazedownAslowwalkFeaturesaresmooth,expressionlessKeepingarmsandlegsinclosetothebodyMovementsarefunctionalandpreciseUnsmiling,humorlessWordsarechosendeliberatelyNotreactingtostimuli(laughter,excitement,activities)Drab,colorlessclothingchoicesAgrimtwisttothemouthSedatemannerisms,minimaloreconomicalmovementEyesthatlookdarkorseriousAnunnaturalstillnessApensiveexpressionFoodanddrinklackstasteordoesnotbringenjoyment
INTERNALSENSATIONS:
Fatigue,lackingenergyHeavinessinthelimbsormusclesAweighed-downfeelingBreathingisslowandeven
MENTALRESPONSES:SubduedpersonalityAnegativeoutlookAdesiretobealoneDifficultyengaginginconversationSearchinginternallyforanswersratherthanaskingothers
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSOMBERNESS:AcceptinganegativeoutcomeorrealizationUninterestedinhobbiesorentertainmentsMelancholy,gloomyShunningotherpeoplewhoarenotoflikemindInabilitytofocusontheneedsofothers(children,family)Apathetictowardgoals,desiresorupcomingeventsMAYESCALATETO:DEPRESSION,RESIGNATION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSOMBERNESS:ForcedlaughterAtoo-frequentsmileSmilesthatquicklyfadeAgreeingtoattendhappysocialevents,thennotshowingSmilesthatdon’treachtheeyesLightwordsdeliveredinaserioustoneAddinganadornment(apin,fancyhat,abrightscarf)solelyforappearances
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WRITER’S TIP: If your scene includes a small dip into the past to retrieveinformationthathasdirectbearingonthecurrentaction,makesurethereisanemotionalcomponent.Emotionsaretriggerstomemoryandhelptiethepresenttothepast.
SURPRISE/SHOCKDEFINITION:unexpectedlystruckwithafeelingofwonder,joy,orfearNOTE:canbenegativeorpositive
PHYSICALSIGNALS:ThemouthfallingopenAhandflyingtothechestFingerstouchingpartedlipsAgaspAnincredulousstareordazedlookJerkingtheheadbackSlappinghandsagainstthecheeksAplayfulswatatafriendforcausingthesurpriseShufflingbackasteportwoAyelp,gasporsquealAsuddenstiffeningposture,rigidmusclesStoppingmid-strideorstumblingHuggingfriendsclosebyGiddinessWideningorbulgingeyes,adoubletakeShakingthehead,voicingdenialStuttering,stammeringAriseinvocalpitchGrabbingontoafriend’sarmHidingthefaceSqueezingtheeyesshutGrippingthesidesoftheheadasiftocovertheearsSpreadingthefingersoutinafanagainstthebreastboneTouchingthethroatTurningaway(negativesurprise)Pullingbooksorpackagestightlyagainstone’schestRaisingahandtowardoffothersfromapproachingorspeakingAshaky,soft,halting,ordisbelievingvoiceAskingsimplequestionsforclarification:Who?When?Why?AtentativesmilethatbuildsassurprisesinksinAbarkoflaughterBreathsthatcatchorhitch
Tippingorturningtheheadtotheside
INTERNALSENSATIONS:TinglingskinAheavyfeelinginthestomachRacingheartbeatBreathlessnessAsuddencoldnessthathitsatthecore(ifsurpriseisnegative)Disorientation,dizziness,oreuphoriaAflutteryfeelinginthebellyAflushofadrenalinetinglingthroughthebody
MENTALRESPONSES:WantingtohideFuzzythoughts,aninabilitytothinkEmbarrassment
CUESOFACUTESURPRISE(SHOCK):Ducking,coveringone’sheadwiththearmsCollapsingfromaperceivedfrightBreathlessnessTearsorshakinessDuckingthechintohidetheneckJerkinessinthelegs,leapingbackHandsrushingtowardthemouthtocoverGaspingorlettingoutasharpscreamClutchingatone’schestonreflexMusclestightening,headdrawingbackstifflyFlightreaction(runningaway,hiding)Fightreaction(shovingtheinitiator,deliveringapunchtoreleaseanxiety)ArmsdrawingbacktothebodycoreinaprotectiveflinchStutteringorspeechlessnessSwearingorshoutingMAYESCALATETO:AMAZEMENT,HAPPINESS,FEAR,ANGER,RELIEF,DISAPPOINTMENT
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSURPRISE:One’ssmilegoingstiffinaneffortnottoloseit(negative)Rapidblinking
WideningeyesLiftingtheeyebrowsAclosed-lippedsmileNoddingthehead,asifoneisnotsurprisedatallAquicktensingofthebodyAsplitsecondwherebreathingissuspendedTighteningthegriponwhateverisbeingheldShakingout thehands inaneffort to relax thebodyonce the initial shockhaspassed
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WRITER’STIP:Withemotion,neverbeafraidtotrysomethingnew.Individualexpressionsshouldbegenuinebutunique.
SUSPICION
DEFINITION:suspecting,withlittleornoproof,thatsomethingiswrong
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Narrowingtheeyes,squintingBodyanglingawayfromsuspectAwrinkledbrowFlushedskinAdeliberateloweringoftheheadtostudyorstareArmstighttothebodyShootingglancesatthesuspectAvoidingdirecteyecontactAfakesmileSneakingorspyingEavesdroppingFollowingthesuspectedpersonKeepingatasafedistanceEvaluatingthesubject’smannerandappearanceForcednonchalancetoavoidthesubject’snotice(handsinpockets)CrouchingorleaningforwardtogetcloserwithoutbeingseenLipspressedflatRecordingthesuspect’sactivityandmovement(notes,pictures,etc.)AsetjawHeadtiltedwhilementallyweighingevidenceBeingconfrontational:Whatareyoudoinghere?orWhatdoyouwant?PointingafingerwhileconfrontingOpenlyexpressingdistrustCrossingthearmsLegswideapartAraisedvoiceTryingtoconvinceothersofthesuspect’sguiltBigmovements(wavingarmswhiletalking,countingoutargumentsonfingers)SwayingfromsidetosideArguingwiththesuspectPacingBitingtheinsideofthelip
Sarcasm: So you just happened to be near whenmy car’s tires were slashed,huh?QuestioningothersasawayofgatheringinformationGooglingthesuspect
INTERNALSENSATIONS:QuickenedbreathsAdrenalinerushThumpingheartbeatFight-or-flightreflexkickinginAknotinthebellyAsenseofreleasewhenconfrontingthesuspect
MENTALRESPONSES:Intentlistening,soastocatchthesuspectintheirlieMentallyrunningthrougheverythingknownaboutthesituationWantingtoshieldoneselfandothersfromthepersonSecondguessing,fearingotherswillthinkone’sconcernsareirrationalCarefullypreparinganargumentorplanofattackWeighingthedangerlevelofthesituation
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSUSPICION:ObsessionwiththesuspectStalkingSettingupthesuspectinthehopeshewillrevealhistrueselfAttemptingtoopenlydiscreditorblackballthesuspectContactingtheappropriateauthoritiestoexpressconcernFantasizingaboutthedaythesuspectisfinallyexposedMAYESCALATETO:FEAR,AGITATION,ANGER,PARANOIA
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSUSPICION:AslightheadnodHmms,asopposedtoovertagreementAflattoneofvoiceNoncommittalanswersAvoidingthesuspectedpersonAgreeingtooquickly,tooloudlyOver-the-topsupport:I’mwithyou100%,IabsolutelyagreeNervousmovements(bitingnails,twistingashirtbutton,rubbingtheneck)
Standingbackfromthesuspect,notsteppingintohiscircleoffriendsSpendingminimumtimewiththesuspectbeforefindingareasontoleave
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WRITER’STIP:Whileit’stemptingtoletacharacterspeakopenlyabouttheiremotionsindialogue,itwillraisearedflagforthereader.Ifyouwouldn’tsayitinreallife,don’tletyourcharacter.
SYMPATHY
DEFINITION:sensitivitytoandsharinginanother’semotions
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Kindwords,asoothingtoneTellingsomeonethattheyaren’talone,howthingswillworkoutRubbingsomeone’sbackSqueezingashoulderorhandLightlystrokingaforearmAsadsmileOfferingadeepsighandthoughtfulexpressionApartinghuglastinglongerthannormalAnunderstandingnodEyesnarrowing,eyebrowspullingdowninconcentrationCryingwiththepersonOffering the bright side:At least now we know, or It could have been worseHugging,holdingPullingsomeoneagainstyourshoulderStrokingorsmoothingsomeone’shairClumsyattemptstocomfort(aweaksmile,anawkwardhug)FumblingforwordsPattingalegincomfortLeaningin,scootingcloserAgentletone,usingwordstheotherpersonwantstohearPhrasingquestionsinapositivewaytomaketheotherpersonfeelbetterSittingwithkneestouchingtheotherperson’sBringingaboxoftissueoracupoftea,unaskedFlounderinghandmovementsPullingsomeoneintoasidehugHandlingdistractions(answeringthephone)sotheotherpersonwon’thavetoApologizing, not out of accountability, but to voice the unfairness of thesituationOffering the advice of a relative or well-known person:As my uncle used tosay…Fussingovertheperson’sappearancewhilespeakinginencouragingtonesListeningintentlywhileignoringdiscomforts(cold,rain,heat)
Making sacrifices to offer comfort (cancelling plans, being late for anappointment)
*SPECIAL:SympatheticphysicalsignalsbetweenmalesSayingThatsucks,orYeah,Ihearyou,orIfeelyou,manAsofttaptothearm,apatonthebackLightlytouchingashoulderListening,armscrossedoverone’schestLeaninginawkwardlywithhandsinthepockets,askingifthingsareokayAheavynodSpeakinginaquietvoiceAsingleshouldershrugthatbreaksquicklyListeningwhileparticipatinginanotheractivityLooking elsewhere while listening, so as not to make the other maleuncomfortableOfferingtotakehimsomewhere—awalk,acarride,tohangoutAgreeing,evenifhe’sbeingirrationalLettinghimblowoffsteamortalktrashaboutothersOfferingtoavengetheoffendedpartyAttemptingtodistracthim(goingtothemovies,aparty,drinking)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:FeelingemotionallydrainedAnoverallweightedfeelingAslowerheartbeatAcheinthethroat
MENTALRESPONSES:AdesiretobenearortomakephysicalcontactWishingonecouldalleviatethepainUncertaintyaboutwhattosayListeningwithoutjudgmentWorry that this event couldhappen to anyone, particularly to oneself or lovedonesAppreciationforthelittlethingsThemindturningoftentothepersonOfferingupprayersontheirbehalfAnarrowedfocus,allowingforsoleconcentrationontheotherpersonRelief
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMSYMPATHY:ObsessivethoughtsonhowtofixthesituationEmployingclichés:Thistoowillpass,keepyourchinup,etc.Givingcomfortthroughgifts,plyingapersonwithfoodorattentionInvolvingoneselfinthesituation,internalizingtheotherperson’spainMAYESCALATETO:SADNESS,ADORATION,LOVE,GRATITUDE,NOSTALGIA,WORRY
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDSYMPATHY:Ahandthatliftstowardssomeone,thenlowersSpeakingoftenofthepersonorsituationPrivatelyprayingforthepersonSmilingorwinkingatthepersonbutnotofferingverbalsupportWatchingatadistance,hopingforchange
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WRITER’STIP:Emotionsusuallydon’t jump frommild toextreme inashortperiodof time.Togain the reader’s trust, lay theproper foundationand showhowstressorsleadtoagreaterintensity.
TERROR
DEFINITION:astateofextremefear
PHYSICALSIGNALS:RaspingbreathsBulgingeyes,aninabilitytoblinkFullbodytremorsBoltingoutofhiding,rushingawayfromthethreatScreaming,crying,blubberingSpeechlessnessorincoherenceHoldingoneselftightly(clutchingthearmsorwrappingarmsaroundthebelly)SqueezingeyesshutMoaning,whimperingTremblingchinandlipsRunningawaywithnodestinationinmindShakingone’sheadasifindenialClappingthehandsovertheearsPressingfiststothesidesoftheheadCrumpling,sinkingtothegroundRetreatingintothefetalpositionorcurlinguponthekneesCoveringthefaceCringing,flinching,jumpingatsoundsTensemuscles,rigidpostureAprimalscreamFlaringnostrilsGrabbingontoanotherperson,refusingtoletgoorleavethemClumsiness(bumpingintothings,knockingthingsover)ClutchingthethroatorchestGaspingforairClammyskinAharried,wildappearanceClawingatthecheeks,draggingthefingersdownTremorsinthehandsandfingersCopioussweatingRiskinglesserdangerinordertoescapeCausingself-harmandnotnoticing(cuts,bruises,etc.,whiletryingtoescape)
Spinningaround,tryingtospotanyandalldangerBackingawayinquick,jerkystepsfromsomethingorsomeoneFightresponse(arushattack,usinganythingathandtohitordestroy)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:HyperventilationAracingpulseSoundofheartbeatthrashingintheearsAclenchedjawHighpaintolerance,notfeelingornoticinginjuriesIncreasedstrengthorstaminaClaustrophobia(eveninonewhoisnotusuallyclaustrophobic)Paininthechest,lungs,orthroatWeaklegsIncreasedsensitivitytoeverysound,touch,orchangeintheenvironmentDizziness,seeingblackspots
MENTALRESPONSES:Acompulsiontolookback(whenfleeing)ImpaireddecisionmakingAsingle-mindedfocus:tosaveoneselforsomeoneelseRisktakingSurrenderifbreakingpointisreachedHyper-vigilanceThoughtsthatkeepcomingbacktotheworstpossibleoutcomeSensitivitytonoiseandmovement
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMTERROR:Passingoutfromastressoverload,lackofoxygen,orbothAmentalbreak(humming,rocking,handsoverearsoreyes)HeartattackShuttingdownmentally,retreatinginwardPostTraumaticStressDisorderInsomniaHallucinationsAnxietyattacksWeightlossNightmaresDepression
SubstanceabuseDifficultiesrelatingtoothersIsolationPhobiasMAYESCALATETO:PARANOIA,RAGE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDTERROR:Terrorbynature isalmost impossible tosuppressorhide.Anyattempt tohideterrorwouldsimplydisplayitselfasFEAR
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WRITER’S TIP: When conveying high emotion, keep the metaphors to aminimum.Nomatterhowfloweryorcreativeacharactermightbe,inthemidstof strong emotion, most people don’t think in those terms. Keep it simple tomaintainbelievability.
UNCERTAINTY
DEFINITION: the stateofbeingunsure;unable to commit toa courseofaction
PHYSICALSIGNALS:BitingtheliporinsideofthecheekFrowningGlancingatotherstoseewhattheythinkLookingdownAskingothersforadviceoropinionsHandsthatfidget(twistingtogether,rubbingdownthefrontofone’spants)AdowncastexpressionForeheadwrinklingSquinting,lookinginwardPinchingortuggingonthebottomlipTiltingtheheadfromsidetoside,weighingchoicesRubbingthejaworbackoftheneckPushingthehairoutofthefaceAnimpatienthuffShufflingfeetHesitatingmid-action(whilereachingforsomethingorpullingoutawallet)Startingasentencewiththeword,Well…PullingbackslightlyAgrimaceandaslightshakeoftheheadAskingquestionstoelicitmoreinformationMakingaHmmmnoiseorthroatclearingSwallowingCrackingtheknuckles,orother‘stalling’gesturesDoodlingonpaperSwayingorrockingonone’sfeetRubbingthelipsorchinBitingtheinsideofthecheekorbottomlipSighingRollingtheneckTappingapencilagainstanotepadortableJottingnotesasawaytodelayanswering
Roundedshoulders,aslumpedpostureStaringatnothingforanoverlongmomentTalkingthroughtheoptionsaloudAskingforreassurance
INTERNALSENSATIONS:BreathsthatcatchinthechestTensenessinone’sstomachIncreasedthirst
MENTALRESPONSES:FeelingtrappedIndecisionUneaseatone’soptionsorchoicesThemindracingthroughpossibilitiesAvoidingthepersonorissueAdesperateneedtofindanswersFeelingflusteredbyaless-than-idealsituationMakingdecisions,thensecond-guessingoneselfShuttingdown,refusingtomakeadecision
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMUNCERTAINTY:Self-doubtUncertaintythatbleedsintootherdecisionsandsituationsAngerandfrustrationDismissingthesituationwithoutmakingadecisionInabilitytomakeanydecisiononone’sownResearching(searchingtheweb,speakingwithprofessionals)tofindanswersGoingforawalkorleavingthesituationinhopesofgainingaclearheadRepeatedlypostponingorreschedulingeventsAnincreasedsenseofdesperationastimegoesbyandthesituationisunresolvedMAYESCALATETO:CONFUSION,DENIAL,FRUSTRATION,UNEASE
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDUNCERTAINTY:AdelayedresponseAnoncommittalanswer:MaybeorWe’llseeChangingthetopictoavoidhurtfeelingsoranargumentDiversionratherthanopensupport
AhesitantnodStallingfortime(pouringaglassofwateranddrinking)Refusingtoanswer,lettingthesilencedothetalkingOpeningone’smouthtoargue,thenstoppingOffering something noncommittal: Let’s put that in our back pocket for now,okay?SuggestingavoteofmajorityOfferingweakagreementorhalf-heartedsupportRequestingmoretimetoconsiderinordertodelayPassive-aggressiveness
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WRITER’S TIP: Maintain an overall perspective of emotional range as thestoryprogressesfromscenetoscene.Astrongmanuscriptwillalwaysexposethereader to contrasting emotional experiences that fit within the context of thePOVcharacter’sgrowth.
UNEASE
DEFINITION:arestlessnessofthebodyormind
PHYSICALSIGNALS:Shakingone’sheadCrossinganduncrossingthearmsorlegsShiftinginone’schairTwistingorpullingatclothingSlippinghandsintopocketsSidelongglanceswhilekeepingtheheadstillTskingormakinganoiseinthethroatLeaningawayfromthesourceDrawingback,makingoneselfsmallerStoppingtolistenintentlyAquickglanceatthesource,thenaway(aperson,aclock,adoor)Chewingonafingernail,pickingatcuticlesDrawingthemouthintoastraightlineandbitingthelipExcessiveswallowingAshakyvoiceTuggingclothesmorefirmlyintoplace,closinganopenjacketFlippinghairorcombingfingersthroughitHidingbehindone’sbangsBeingunnaturallyquietThroatclearingFrowningPushingfoodaroundonaplateGulpingfooddowninordertoescapemorequicklyTryingtoevadenotice(slumpinginachair,withdrawingfromconversation)Turningslowly,unwillinglyClutchinganitemtightlyorholdingitasashieldReluctantlyspeakingorapproachingsomeoneStilted,haltingdialogueAtappingheelCheckingacellformessagesortoseethetimeFiddlingwithjewelryorpropsAswingingfootthatsuddenlygoesstill
ScrunchingoneselfupinachairorsofaChoosingasafespottowaitFlickingthroughamagazinewithoutreadingitLiftingthechininanattempttolookconfidentConsciouslyforcingone’slimbstorelaxLickingthelipsTighteningthehandsintofists,thenlooseningthemRigidpostureNervoushabits(pickingoffnailpolish,hummingunderthebreath)Warm,sweatyhandsConstantmotion(applyinglipgloss,textingpeople,rootinginpurse)
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AslightchillorshiverHairliftingonthebackoftheneckApricklingofthescalpAquiverinthestomach
MENTALRESPONSES:ThefeelingofbeingwatchedDenial:There’snothingwrong,orYou’reoverreacting.Heightenedemotions,afeelingofbeingonedgeImpatienceTimefeelslikeit’sslowingdownHeightenedwatchfulness
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMUNEASE:Increasedfidgeting,aninabilitytoremainstillPacingAnunshakeablesenseofsomethingbeingwrongAneedtoleave,butnotunderstandingwhyShiftingfromfoottofootFeelingphysicallyillPretendingtobeunawareofaloudargumentoruncomfortablesituationMAYESCALATETO:NERVOUSNESS,WORRY,FEAR
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDUNEASE:Tryingtoslowone’sbreathingAttemptingtoloosenupbyrollingtheshoulders
AnunfocusedgazeasonestrivesformentalcalmWalkingawaytogaincomposureWideeyesAquick,falsesmileStudiouslynotlookingatthesourceKeepingatadistanceTalkingtoofast
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WRITER’STIP:Tocreateastrongerreaderreactiontoemotion,remembertofocus on showing what triggers the feeling, rather than only showing thecharacter’sresponsetoit.
WARINESS
DEFINITION:mistrustmarkedbycautionandwatchfulness;beingalerttopossibledangerPHYSICALSIGNALS:HeadcockedtothesideEyesnarrowed,asifinconfusionPursingthelipsLoweringthebrowsCuttingtheeyestowardthesourceHandsupinadefensivestanceSpeakinginasoothing,placatingvoiceBackingawayPosture“perksup”asawarenessincreasesSidestepping,butkeepingone’sgazeonthesourceActivelylisteningforsomethingLiftingthechinKeepingone’shandsfreeTakingnoteofpossibleexitsBeingawareofwhatliesbehindAskingquestionstodiscerntherootissuebeforethingsturnbadCircling,approachingsomeoneorsomethinginaroundaboutfashionSlow,cautiousmovementsSpeakingrapidly,withtheintentofmaintainingthestatusquoStandingbackandobservingbeforejumpinginStiffeningandgoingstillAstrainedortensevoiceFlinchingwhentouchedHesitationLipbitingorpressingthelipstogetherAprobinggazeCarefulwordsAfurrowedbrowRubbingattheforeheadortemplesGrittingtheteethAsternorseriousexpressionAjuttingjawAlerttosuddenmovements
INTERNALSENSATIONS:IncreasedadrenalineRapidheartbeatandpulseTensemusclesBreaththatcatchesorstopsbrieflyAn intuitive feeling that something isn’t right (hairs standing up, prickling ofskin)
MENTALRESPONSES:MindtriestodiscernpossibledangerTrustingone’sgutfeelingsHeightenedsensesDefensivenessRacingthoughtswhiletryingtomakesenseofthesituationConfusionDifficultycommittingfullytoanyactionAfinely-tunedsenseofobservationTryingtoseeandheareverythingatonceAninabilitytorelaxorsmileThinkingaheadtowhatmighthappen
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMWARINESS:Increasingone’spersonalspacePositioningoneselftocreateabarrier(movingbehindatable,etc.)Arguingwithoutaggression,onlytoprovideinsightScanningforpotentialweaponsAsking questions one knows the answers to in an effort to discern another’sintentMAYESCALATETO:ANXIETY,FEAR,UNEASE,SUSPICION
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDWARINESS:StandoffishnessLookingfromloweredlidsAttemptingtolightenthemoodwithajokeA posture that suggests discomfort (standing by oneself, clamping the handsaroundthewaist)LeaningawayHesitation
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WRITER’STIP:Whenwritingemotion,pull fromyourownpast.Even if youhaven’t experienced what the POV character is going through, chances areyou’ve felt the same emotion about something else. Draw on your personalexperienceandbringlifetothestory.
WORRY
DEFINITION:mentaldistressthatarisesfromdisturbingthoughts,usuallyregardingsomeanticipatedeventPHYSICALSIGNALS:WrinklingthebrowBitingone’slipPinchingtheskinatthethroatFeetthatbounceortapPullingortwistingatone’shairPacingDrinkingtoomuchcoffee,smokingtoomuchCirclesundertheeyesEyebrowsdrawingtogetherTossingandturninginbed,aninabilitytosleepAskingtoomanyquestionsStrokingorrubbinganeyebrowRumpled,unwashedclothesRubbingone’shandsonpantlegsLankorunwashedhairPoorcommunicationwithothersRepeatedlyrubbingthefaceAgazethatflitsaroundtheroom,neversettlingonapersonorobjectforlongClingingtolovedonesTakingdeepbreathsinanefforttocalmoneselfPointlessactivityasawaytostaybusyCallinginsickStoopedpostureClutchingatasweater,purse,ornecklaceforcomfortBitingthenails,chewingonaknuckleRunningajerkyhandthroughthehairSmoothingandre-smoothingclothingClaspingone’shandstogetherAstiffneck,strainedmusclesApainedorwaterygazeThroatclearingBlinkingless(asifworriedonemightmisssomething)Fidgeting,havingahardtimesittingstill
Sitting,thenstanding,thensittingagain
INTERNALSENSATIONS:AlossofappetiteAsensitivestomachHeartburnorotherdigestiveissuesDrymouth
MENTALRESPONSES:UncertaintyoverchoicesmadeAnunwillingnesstoleaveacertainplace(phone,house,car)AninabilitytofocusAneedtocontrolRegretforapastactionDistancingoneselffromothersReadingintothings,over-analyzingAssumingtheworst-casescenarioOver-protectivenessIrritability
CUESOFACUTEORLONG-TERMWORRY:WeightlossPrematuregrayNewwrinklesSlippinggradesatschool,poorperformanceatworkUlcersAnxietyattacksPanicdisordersHighbloodpressureHeartdiseaseIncreasedsicknessduetocompromisedimmunesystemInsomniaandfatigueHypochondriaMAYESCALATETO:WARINESS,FEAR,ANXIETY,PARANOIA,DREAD
CUESOFSUPPRESSEDWORRY:FurtivelywatchingtheclockordoorJumpiness
AstrainedorfakedsmileAdoptingnewhobbiestodistractoneselfPuttingupafalsefrontasifeverythingisokayAshortenedattentionspanDifficultyfocusingHummingthatfeelsforced,orfadesquicklyafteritstartsGoingaboutone’sdailyactivitieswiththemindsomewhereelse
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WRITER’S TIP: Weather details can add texture and meaning to a scene.Considerhowacharacter’smoodcanshiftbecauseof theweather.Itcanalsostandinthewayoftheirgoals,providingtension.
RECOMMENDEDREADING
TheDefinitiveBookofBodyLanguage(Allan&BarbaraPease)Characters,Emotion&Viewpoint(NancyKress)CreatingCharacterEmotion(AnnHood)TellingLies:Clues toDeceit in theMarketplace,Politics,andMarriage (PaulEkman)DearReader,If you found The Emotion Thesaurus a useful companion to your creativeprocess,we’dlovetohearaboutyourexperience.HonestreviewsonGoodreads,AmazonandBarnes&Noblearealwaysappreciated.AndifyouwouldliketoexploresomeoftheotherDescriptiveThesaurusCollectionswehavecreatedforwriters,pleasevisitusatTheBookshelfMuse.
Happywriting!
Angela&Becca
TableofContentsTITLEPAGEABOUTTHEAUTHORSACKNOWLEDGEMENTSTABLEOFCONTENTSINTRODUCTIONWRITINGNONVERBALEMOTION:AVOIDINGCOMMONPROBLEMSUSINGTHEEMOTIONTHESAURUSTHEEMOTIONTHESAURUSADORATIONAGITATIONAMAZEMENTAMUSEMENTANGERANGUISHANNOYANCEANTICIPATIONANXIETYCONFIDENCECONFLICTEDCONFUSIONCONTEMPTCURIOSITYDEFEATDEFENSIVENESSDENIALDEPRESSIONDESIREDESPERATIONDETERMINATIONDISAPPOINTMENTDISBELIEFDISGUSTDOUBTDREADEAGERNESS
ELATIONEMBARRASSMENTENVYEXCITEMENTFEARFRUSTRATIONGRATITUDEGUILTHAPPINESSHATREDHOPEFULNESSHUMILIATIONHURTIMPATIENCEINDIFFERENCEINSECURITYIRRITATIONJEALOUSYLONELINESSLOVENERVOUSNESSNOSTALGIAOVERWHELMEDPARANOIAPEACEFULNESSPRIDERAGEREGRETRELIEFRELUCTANCEREMORSERESENTMENTRESIGNATIONSADNESSSATISFACTIONSCORNSHAMESKEPTICISMSMUGNESS
SOMBERNESSSURPRISE/SHOCKSUSPICIONSYMPATHYTERRORUNCERTAINTYUNEASEWARINESSWORRYRECOMMENDEDREADING