The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide To Character Expression

Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi

Copyright 2012 © by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi

Kindle Edition

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Edited in part by: Sharon Knauer

Book cover design by: Scarlett Rugers Design 2012

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ebook formatting by: CyberWitch Press

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Angela Ackerman is a member of the SCBWI and writes on the darker side of Middle Grade and Young Adult. She believes in the monster under the bed, eats French fries and ice cream together and is dedicated to paying it forward however she can. Angela lives in Calgary, Alberta in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies with her husband, two children, dog and zombie-like fish.

Becca Puglisi is a YA fantasy and historical fiction writer, magazine author, and member of the SCBWI. She resides in sunny south Florida, where she likes to watch movies, drink caffeinated beverages, and eat foods that aren’t good for her. She lives with her husband and two children.

Together, Angela and Becca host The Bookshelf Muse, an award-winning online resource for writers that offers a number of different thesauri to aid authors in their descriptive writing efforts.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, we want to thank the readers of The Bookshelf Muse—for your support, encouragement, and kind words that made us see the need for a book version of The Emotion Thesaurus. Without all of you, this honestly never would have happened.

We also want to acknowledge the very important members of our first critique group: Helen (Bookish), Roy (Grampy), Madeline (Maddog), Joan (Unohoo), and Laura (Goofus). These Critique Circle writers helped us kick start this list and our respective writing careers. Our deepest appreciation also goes to our friend and editor Sharon, who encouraged us when we needed it most.

We also owe a huge debt to the writing community at large. The writers we have met online, at conferences, at face-to-face groups, and in our own communities have been so generous with their knowledge and optimism, enabling us each to grow as writers. We love being part of this group.

And finally, the biggest shout out goes to our families, who supported us though they couldn’t see the vision, encouraged us when we struggled, and provided the business savvy we were lacking. We owe it all to you.

~To AAD and SDJ, with all our love~

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Techniques for Writing Nonverbal Emotion

Using The Emotion Thesaurus

Emotion Entries (75)

Adoration

Agitation

Amazement

Amusement

Anger

Anguish

Annoyance

Anticipation

Anxiety

Confidence

Conflicted

Confusion

Contempt

Curiosity

Defeat

Defensiveness

Denial

Depression

Desire

Desperation

Determination

Disappointment

Disbelief

Disgust

Doubt

Dread

Eagerness

Elation

Embarrassment

Envy

Excitement

Fear

Frustration

Gratitude

Guilt

Happiness

Hatred

Hopefulness

Humiliation

Hurt

Impatience

Indifference

Insecurity

Irritation

Jealousy

Loneliness

Love

Nervousness

Nostalgia

Overwhelmed

Paranoia

Peacefulness

Pride

Rage

Regret

Relief

Reluctance

Remorse

Resentment

Resignation

Sadness

Satisfaction

Scorn

Shame

Skepticism

Smugness

Somberness

Surprise/Shock

Suspicion

Sympathy

Terror

Uncertainty

Unease

Wariness

Worry

INTRODUCTION

THE POWER OF EMOTION

All successful novels, no matter what genre, have one thing in common: emotion. It lies at the core of every character’s decision, action, and word, all of which drive the story. Without emotion, a character’s personal journey is pointless. Stakes cease to exist. The plot line becomes a dry riverbed of meaningless events that no reader will take time to read. Why? Because above all else, readers pick up a book to have an emotional experience. They read to connect with characters who provide entertainment and whose trials may add meaning to their own life journeys.

As emotional beings, feelings propel us. They drive our choices, determine who we spend time with, and dictate our values. Emotion also fuels our communication, allowing us to share meaningful information and beliefs with others. And while it may seem that most exchanges happen through conversation, in truth up to 95% of all communication is nonverbal. Even in instances where we try not to show our feelings, we are still sending messages through body language. Because of this, each of us becomes adept at reading others without a word being said.

As writers, we must take our innate skills of observation and transfer them to the page. Readers have high expectations. They don’t want to be told how a character feels; they want to experience the emotion for themselves. To make this happen, we must ensure that our characters express their emotions in ways that are both recognizable and compelling to read.

VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Dialogue is a proven vehicle for expressing a character’s thoughts, beliefs, and opinions, but it cannot deliver a full emotional experience by itself. To convey feelings well, a writer must also utilize nonverbal communication, which can be broken down into three elements: physical signals (body language and actions), internal sensations (visceral reactions) and mental responses (thoughts).

PHYSICAL SIGNALS are how our bodies outwardly respond when we experience emotion. The stronger the feeling, the more the body reacts and the less conscious control we have over movement. Because characters are unique, they will express themselves in a specific way. Combine the vast number of physical signals with the individuality of each character, and a writer’s options for showing emotion through body language and action are virtually limitless.

MENTAL RESPONSES act as a window into the thought process that corresponds with an emotional experience. Thoughts are not always rational and can skip from topic to topic with incredible speed. Utilizing thought as a way to express emotion is an excellent way to convey to the reader how a character sees their world. Thoughts add a layer of meaning by illustrating how people, places, and events affect the POV (point of view) character and can also be an excellent way to demonstrate voice.

INTERNAL SENSATIONS are the most powerful form of nonverbal communication and should be used with the most caution. These visceral reactions (breathing, heart rate, light-headedness, adrenaline spikes, etc.) are raw and uncontrolled, triggering the fight-or-flight response. Because these are instinctive body responses, all people experience them. As such, readers will recognize and connect with them on a primal level.

The very nature of these heightened visceral reactions requires writers to take special care when using them. Relying too much on internal sensations can create melodrama. Also, because visceral responses are limited, a writer can inadvertently use clichéd phrasings when describing them. A light touch is needed with this type of nonverbal communication, as a little goes a long way.

THE BALANCING ACT

It is easy to see the power of emotion and how it connects a reader to the story and characters. The difficulty comes in writing it well. Each scene must achieve a balance between showing too little feeling and showing too much. Above all, the emotional description needs to be fresh and engaging. This is a tall order for writers who tend to reuse the same emotional indicators over and over.

The Emotion Thesaurus addresses this difficulty by helping writers brainstorm new ideas for expressing a character’s emotional state. But what about other pitfalls associated with portraying emotion? The following section explores a few of these common trouble spots and suggests techniques for overcoming them.

WRITING NONVERBAL EMOTION: AVOIDING COMMON PROBLEMS

TELLING

By definition, nonverbal emotion can’t be told. It has to be shown. This makes it difficult to write because telling is easier than showing. Here’s an example:

Mr. Paxton’s eyes were sad as he gave her the news. “I’m sorry, JoAnne, but your position with the company is no longer necessary.”

Instantly, JoAnne was angrier than she’d ever been in her life.

This exchange is fairly easy to write—but not so easy to read. Readers are smart and can figure things out for themselves. They don’t want to have the scene explained to them, which is what happens when a writer tells how a character feels. Another problem with telling is that it creates distance between the reader and your characters, which is rarely a good idea. In the preceding example, the reader sees that Mr. Paxton is reluctant to give JoAnne the bad news and that JoAnne is angry about it. But you don’t want the reader to only see what’s happening; you want them to feel the emotion, and to experience it along with the character. To accomplish this, writers need to show the character’s physical and internal responses rather than stating the emotion outright.

JoAnne sat on the chair’s edge, spine straight as a new pencil, and stared into Mr. Paxton’s face. Sixteen years she’d given him—days she was sick, days the kids were sick—making the trip back and forth across town on that sweaty bus. Now he wouldn’t even look at her, just kept fiddling with her folder and rearranging the fancy knickknacks on his desk. Clearly, he didn’t want to give her the news, but she wasn’t about to make it easy for him.

The vinyl of her purse crackled and she lightened her grip on it. Her picture of the kids was in there and she didn’t want it creased.

Mr. Paxton cleared his throat for the hundredth time. “JoAnne…Mrs. Benson…it appears that your position with the company is no longer—”

JoAnne jerked to her feet, sending her chair flying over the tile. It hit the wall with a satisfying bang as she stormed from the office.

This scene gives the reader a much better opportunity to share in JoAnne’s anger. Through the use of sensory details, a well chosen simile, specific verbs, and body cues that correspond with the featured emotion, readers can see that JoAnne is angry, but they also feel it—in the straightness of her spine and the cheap vinyl in her grip, in the force it takes to send a chair flying across the room simply from the act of standing.

An example like this also reveals a lot about the character. JoAnne is not well-to-do. She has children to support. She may be angry, but she’s also strong minded, family oriented, and proud. This information rounds out JoAnne’s character and makes her more relatable to the reader.

Showing takes more work then telling, as word count alone will indicate, but it pays off by drawing the reader closer to the character and helping to create empathy. Once in a great while, it’s acceptable to tell the reader what the character is feeling: when you have to pass on information quickly, or when you need a crisp sentence to convey a shift in mood or attention. But the other ninety-nine times out of a hundred, put in the extra work and you will reap the benefits of showing.

CLICHÉD EMOTIONS

• The grin that stretches from ear to ear

• A single tear pooling in the eye before coursing down the cheek

• Quivering knees that knock together

Clichés in literature are vilified for good reason. They’re a sign of lazy writing, a result of settling on the easy phrase because coming up with something new is too hard. Writers often fall back on clichés because, technically, these tired examples work. That grin implies happiness as certainly as knee knocking indicates fear. Unfortunately, phrases like these lack depth because they don’t allow for a range of emotions. That single tear tells you that the person is sad, but how upset is she? Sad enough to sob? Shriek? Collapse? Will she even be crying five minutes from now? To relate to your character, the reader needs to know the depth of emotion being experienced.

When writing a certain emotion, think about your body and what happens to it when you’re feeling that way. Excitement, for example. The heart races and the pulse quickens. Legs bounce. The speech of a methodical person becomes fast paced with streaming words. The voice is pitched higher and louder. For any given emotion, there are literally dozens of internal and external changes that, when referenced, will show the reader what your character is feeling. The lists in this thesaurus are great for providing ideas, but your own observations are just as helpful. Watch people—real flesh-and-blood specimens at the mall or characters in movies. Note how they act when they’re confused or overwhelmed or irritable. The face is the easiest to notice but the rest of the body is just as telling. Don’t overlook changes in a person’s voice, speech, or overall bearing and posture.

Secondly, know your character. Individuals do things differently—even mundane activities like brushing their teeth, driving, or making dinner. Emotions are no exception. Not every character will shout and throw things when angry. Some speak in quiet voices. Others go completely silent. Many, for various reasons, will cover their anger and act like they’re not upset at all. Whatever your character is feeling, describe the emotion in a way that is specific to him or her, and you’re almost guaranteed to write something new and evocative.

MELODRAMA

If all emotions were of average intensity, they’d be easier to describe. But emotions vary in strength. Take fear, for instance. Depending upon the severity of the situation, a person might feel anything from unease to anxiety to paranoia or terror. Extreme emotions will require extreme descriptors, while others are relatively subtle and must be described as such. Unfortunately, many writers make the mistake of assuming that to be gripping, emotion must be dramatic. Sad people should burst into tears. Joyful characters must express their glee by jumping up and down. This kind of writing results in melodrama, which leads to a sense of disbelief in the reader because, in real life, emotion isn’t always so demonstrative.

To avoid melodrama, recognize that emotions run along a continuum, from mild to extreme. For each situation, know where your character is along that continuum and choose appropriate descriptors. Just as extreme emotions call for extreme indicators, temperate emotions should be expressed subtly. The indicators for intermediate emotions will lie somewhere in the middle.

It’s also very important that your character follows a smooth emotional arc. Consider the following example:

Mack tapped his thumb against the steering wheel, one arm dangling out the window. He smiled at Dana but she just sat there, twisting that one loop of hair around her finger.

“Worried about your interview tomorrow?” he asked.

“A little. It’s a great opportunity but the timing’s awful. There’s too much going on.” She sighed. “I’ve been thinking about cutting back. Simplifying.”

“Good idea.” He nodded along with the radio and waved at the biker who thundered past on his Harley.

“I’m glad you agree.” She faced him. “I think we should break up.”

His foot slipped off the gas pedal. The air grew heavy, making it hard to breathe. The car veered toward the middle line and he let it drift, not caring whether he lived or died.

Unless Mack has a psychological reason for doing so, he shouldn’t jump from placidity to depression in a matter of seconds. A realistic progression would be to move from contentment to shock, then disbelief, and finally to grief. Done thoughtfully, this emotional arc can be shown with relatively few words:

“I’m glad you agree.” She faced him. “I think we should break up.”

His foot slipped off the gas pedal. “Break up? What are you talking about?”

“Mack. We’ve been headed this way for awhile, you know that.”

He gripped the steering wheel and took deep breaths. Sure, things had been rough lately, and she kept talking about taking some time, but she always came around. And she’d definitely never uttered the words, “break up.”

“Look, Dana—”

“Please, don’t. You can’t talk me out of it this time.” She stared at the dashboard. “I’m sorry.”

His insides twisted. He darted a look at Dana, but she was curled against the window now, both hands resting easy in her lap.

He gaped at her. They were totally breaking up.

Make sure that your character’s feelings progress realistically. Map out the emotional journey within the scene to avoid unintended melodrama.

All of this is not to say that real life doesn’t produce extreme emotion. Birth, death, loss, change—some situations call for intense responses that may go on for awhile. Many writers, in an admirable attempt to maintain believability, try to recreate these events in real time. This results in long paragraphs or even pages of high emotion and, inevitably, melodrama. Though real life can sustain this kind of intensity for long periods of time, it’s nearly impossible for the written word to do so in a way that readers will accept.

In these situations, avoid melodrama by abbreviating. This method is often used for other real-life scenarios—conversations, for instance. Small talk is left out to keep the pace moving forward. Mundane tasks are also cut short, because the reader doesn’t need (or want) to see the entire car washed, a piece at a time, while Bob ponders a problem at work. In the same way, extensive emotional scenes should be long enough to convey the appropriate information, but not so long that you lose the audience. Write the emotion well, develop empathy in your reader, maximize the words that you do use, but don’t overstay your welcome.

OVER-RELIANCE ON DIALOGUE OR THOUGHTS

Because nonverbal writing is so hard to master, it makes sense that some writers shy away from it, choosing to rely more on thoughts or dialogue to express what a character is feeling. But an over-reliance on either leads to problems.

“Are—Are you sure?” I asked.

“Without a doubt,” Professor Baker replied. “It was neck-and-neck right up to the end, but you came out ahead. Congratulations, William!”

“I can’t believe it,” I said. “Valedictorian! I’m so happy!”

Word choice is important in expressing emotion, but it will only go so far. After that, the writer is reduced to weak techniques like telling the reader what’s being felt (I’m so happy) and over-using exclamation points to show intensity. Without any action to break up the dialogue, the conversation also sounds stilted.

On the other hand, conveying emotion solely through thoughts has its problems, too.

My pulse was pounding somewhere in the 160 range. I did it! Valedictorian! I was sure Nathan would come out ahead—he was a phenom in the physics lab, and he’d been a ghost at school all month, practically living in the library.

I threw my arms around Professor Baker. I’d think about this later and cringe with embarrassment, but right now, I didn’t care. I’d done it! Take THAT, Nathan Shusterman!

Technically, there’s nothing wrong with this sample. Bodily cues, both internal and external, are included. It’s clear to the reader that William is excited. Yet it doesn’t ring true. Why? Because this monologue screams for verbal interaction with others. Professor Baker is there and has clearly been talking to William. For William to be so incredibly excited and not say anything comes across as…odd.

Internal dialogue is an important part of any story. There are many scenes and scenarios where a paragraph or more of contemplation is appropriate. This isn’t one of them. For this scene, and for the majority of scenes, emotion is much more effectively conveyed through a mixture of dialogue, thoughts, and body language.

My pulse jittered somewhere around the 160 mark. No, I’d heard him wrong, been tricked by an over-active, sleep-deprived, twisted imagination.

“Are—” I cleared my throat. “Are you sure?”

“It was neck-and-neck right up to the end, but you came out ahead. Congratulations, William.”

The leather chair squeaked as I collapsed into it. Valedictorian. How’d I beat out Nathan, who’d been a ghost all month, practically living in the library? Not to mention that B- I scraped in physics.

“But I did it,” I whispered.

The professor stood to shake my hand. I jumped up and threw my arms around him, lifting him off the floor. Later, I’d remember this and die of embarrassment, but right now I didn’t care.

“I did it! Take THAT, Nathan Shusterman!”

“Knew you had it in you,” the professor said in a strangled voice.

When expressing emotion, vary your vehicles, using both verbal and nonverbal techniques for maximum impact.

MISUSING BACKSTORY TO ENHANCE READER EMPATHY

Every character is unique, influenced largely by events from the past. One surefire way to gain reader empathy is to reveal why a character is the way he is. Take the movie Jaws, for example. The first glimpse we have of shark hunter Quint, he’s raking his none-too-clean fingernails down a chalkboard. Hardly endearing. As the movie progresses, the viewer’s dislike is justified through his crass manners and bullying of young Mr. Hooper. But once he tells his story of the sinking of the Indianapolis and his five days and nights treading water with the sharks, the viewer understands how he became so hardened. His behavior hasn’t changed and we still don’t like him very much, but we empathize with him now. We wish him better than what life has served up to him.

This is just one example of the importance of backstory in building reader empathy. People are products of their past. As the author, it’s important for you to know why your characters are the way they are and to pass that information along to readers. However, it’s hard to know just how much to share. Many writers, in an attempt to gain reader empathy, reveal too much. Excessive backstory slows the pace and can bore readers, tempting them to skip ahead to the good stuff. Undoubtedly, Quint’s path to crusty and crazy contained more than that one unfortunate event, but the rest didn’t need to be shared. That one story, artfully told, was enough.

In order to avoid using too much backstory, determine which details from your character’s past are necessary to share. Dole them out through the context of the present-time story to keep the pace moving. For inspiration, consider your favorite literary characters, even those who may have been unlikable. Revisit their stories to see what clues from the past the author chose to reveal, and how it was done.

Backstory is tricky to write well. As is true of so many areas of writing, balance is the key.

USING THE EMOTION THESAURUS

We’ve established that emotion powers a scene, and when written well, propels readers out of apathy and into the character’s emotional experience. Writing authentic emotion is not always easy, but to create breakout fiction, writers must come up with fresh ideas to express their characters’ feelings.

Emotion is strongest when both verbal and nonverbal communication are used in tandem. The Emotion Thesaurus can supply that critical nonverbal element writers need to fire up an emotional hit that will leave a lasting impression on readers. Here are some final ideas on how to use this thesaurus to its fullest:

IDENTIFY THE ROOT EMOTION

Certain situations can arouse a single, easily identifiable emotion. But more often than not, human beings feel more than one thing at a time. If you are struggling with how to convey this conflict to the reader, take a step back and identify your character’s root emotion. This is the catalyst that dictates any other feelings your character might also experience. Once you’ve found the root emotion, look to the corresponding thesaurus entry for a range of suggestions. The MAY ESCALATE TO field can also provide a logical progression for where your character’s feelings might be headed. Once you’ve clearly shown the root emotion, you can layer other emotions on to a lesser degree and map out the full experience.

UTILIZE THE SETTING

Characters don’t live in bubbles—they interact with the world around them. This is especially true when emotions come into play. A character in the kitchen might sweep a wine glass off the counter in a fit of rage, but in an office setting, the same anger may require some control, ranging from a slammed office door to tense posture and fingers pounding the keyboard. When referring to the thesaurus entries, a writer should keep in mind the character’s setting in order to create organic and unique emotional responses.

LESS IS MORE

Using too many cues to describe a character’s feelings can slow the pace and dilute the reader’s emotional experience. Sometimes this happens when a writer fails to identify and focus first on the root emotion. Other times, it’s the result of choosing too many weak descriptors. Strong imagery will paint an immediate picture, so always strive to create concrete body language for the reader to interpret. Watch for overlong emotional passages that slow the action. Always think like a reader, and keep those pages turning.

TWIST THE CLICHÉ

Whenever possible, writers should use fresh ideas to convey emotion. But let’s face it...some descriptors work well. That’s why they crop up in novels again and again. Each thesaurus entry includes a myriad of possible cues; if you find yourself leaning toward a traditional response like eye rolling or fist clenching that can be seen as cliché, twist it first.

Take shivering, for example—a common visceral indicator to imply fear or discomfort. Shivers run up the spine, down the spine...these are tired phrases that can turn off readers. Sure, the sensation fits, but why not come up with something new? Why couldn’t a shiver swarm over the back of the legs? How about using a simile that likens a shiver to leaf-cutter ants marching along a vine? Better yet, don’t call it a shiver at all. Instead, describe the sensations of tightening skin or hair being raised. Never be afraid to experiment. There are many ways to take a tired expression and twist it into something unique.

VIEW ENTRIES AS A LAUNCHING POINT

Body movement, actions, visceral sensations, and thoughts are as individual as the characters experiencing them. The list accompanying each thesaurus entry is not designed as a one-size-fits-all set of options. It is meant, rather, to prompt writers to think beyond the basics. Each character comes from a different background and has a unique personality. Their comfort level around others will also influence how they express emotion. With this in mind, entries should serve as a brainstorming tool and encourage writers to take the next step and create fresh, individual ways to show a character’s emotional state.

TRY RELATED EMOTIONS

If you’re struggling to find the perfect physical response, visceral reaction, or thought, try reading through the entries of similar emotions. Each entry contains different cues. Studying the lists for related feelings may spark an idea for something new.

VISCERAL REACTIONS AS PHYSICAL INDICATORS

Sometimes, the strongest emotional responses are instinctive (visceral) ones that occur mostly internally and are therefore difficult for others to notice. This becomes a problem for writers who want to show a character’s emotion while remaining true to their third- or first-person point of view. In these cases, writers should focus on visceral reactions that have a physical “tell” attached to them. For example, sweating, blushing and shakiness have an external component that can be seen by others. Utilizing these cues allows a writer to describe a visceral reaction without damaging the integrity of the point of view. Because of the external signs that accompany these unique internal sensations, we have included them under the PHYSICAL SIGNALS heading.

A FINAL WORD

Our hope for this book is that it will help writers brainstorm unique ways to express character emotion. These entries are only a starting point, but we hope The Emotion Thesaurus will become a useful companion on your writing journey, and will travel with you from book to book. Happy writing!

THE EMOTION THESAURUS

ADORATION

DEFINITION: the act of worship; to view as divine

NOTE: the subject of adoration can be a person or thing

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Lips parting

A slack or soft expression

Walking quickly to erase the distance

Mimicking body language (of the subject)

Touching one’s mouth or face

Reaching out to brush, touch or grasp

Steady eye contact, large pupils

Leaning forward

Stroking one’s own neck or arm as a surrogate

Pointing one’s torso and feet toward the subject

A flushed appearance

Nodding while the subject speaks

Smiling

Open body posture

Releasing an appreciative sigh

Laying a hand over the heart

Frequently moistening the lips

Pressing palms lightly against the cheeks

Skimming fingertips along the jaw line

Eyes that are bright, glossy

Agreement (murmuring affirmations)

Speaking praise and compliments

Keeping trinkets, pictures, or articles of the subject

Constantly talking about the subject to others

Rapt attention, still posture

Becoming unaware of one’s environment or other people

A radiant glow

Visible shakiness

Reduced blinking

Closing the eyes to savor the experience

Speaking with a soft voice or tone

A voice that cracks with emotion

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Quickening heartbeat

Breathlessness

Feeling one’s pulse in the throat

Mouth drying

Throat growing thick

Rising body temperature

Tingling nerve endings

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A desire to move closer or touch

Fixating one’s thoughts on the subject

Acute listening and observation

Ignoring distractions

An inability to see the subject’s flaws or faults

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ADORATION:

Obsession

Fantasizing

Believing that the feelings are mutual

A sense of destiny (of belonging together)

Stalking

Writing and sending letters, email, and gifts

Taking risks or breaking laws to be near or with the subject

Weight loss

Poor sleep patterns

Jealousy towards those interacting with the subject

Taking on traits or mannerisms of the subject

Carrying something that represents the subject (a picture, clothes)

Possessiveness

MAY ESCALATE TO: LOVE, DESIRE, FRUSTRATION, HURT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ADORATION:

Clenching or hiding one’s hands to hide sweating or shaking

Avoiding conversations about the subject

Watching or observing from afar

Staying out of the subject’s proximity

Blushing

Sneaking looks at the subject

Creating chance run ins

Writing secret letters, keeping a diary

Lying about one’s feelings regarding the subject

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Body cues should create a strong mental picture. If the movement is too drawn out or complicated, the emotional meaning behind the gesture may be lost.

AGITATION

DEFINITION: feeling upset or disturbed; a state of unrest

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A reddening of the face

A sheen of sweat on the cheeks, chin, and forehead

Hands moving in jerks

Rubbing the back of the neck

Patting pockets or digging in a purse, looking for something lost

Clumsiness due to rushing (knocking things over, bumping tables)

A gaze that bounces from place to place

An inability to stay still

Jamming or cramming things away without care

Abrupt movement (causing a chair to tip or scuff the floor loudly)

Flapping hands

Becoming accident prone (bashing one’s hip on a desk corner, etc.)

Dragging the hands through the hair repeatedly

Forgetting words, being unable to articulate thoughts

Backtracking to try and undo something said in haste

Adjusting one’s clothing

Avoiding eye contact

A wavering voice

Not knowing where to look or go

Guarding one’s personal space

Taking too long to answer a question or respond

Throat clearing

Overusing ums, ahs, and other verbal hesitations

Turning away from others

A bobbing Adam’s apple

Pacing

Making odd noises in the throat

Rapid lip movement as one tries to find the right thing to say

Flinching if touched

Minimizing another’s compliments

Fanning self

Unbuttoning a top shirt button

Tugging at a tie, collar, or scarf

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Excessive saliva

Feeling overheated

Stiffening hair on the nape of the neck

Light-headedness

Short, fast breaths

Sweating

Tingling skin as sweat forms

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Mounting frustration that causes thoughts to blank

Compounding mistakes

A tendency to lie to cover up or excuse

Anger at oneself for freezing up

Trying to pinpoint the source of discomfort

Mentally ordering oneself to calm down, relax

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM AGITATION:

Flight response (looking for an escape or fleeing the room)

Snapping at others, or adopting a defensive tone

Scattering papers and files in a frantic search

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANNOYANCE, FRUSTRATION, ANXIETY, ANGER

CUES OF SUPPRESSED AGITATION:

Changing the subject

Making excuses

Joking to lighten the mood

Staying busy with tasks to avoid dealing with the source of the emotion

Shifting attention to others, putting them in the spotlight

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: A ticking clock can ramp up the emotions in any scene. As the character hurries to complete a task or meet a need, mistakes caused by rushing open the door for a richer emotional ride.

AMAZEMENT

DEFINITION: overwhelming astonishment or wonder

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Widening of the eyes

A slack mouth

Becoming suddenly still

Sucking in a quick breath

A hand covering one’s mouth

Stiffening posture

Giving a small yelp

Rapid blinking followed by open staring

Flinching or starting, the body jumping slightly

Taking a step back

A slow, disbelieving shake of the head

Voicing wonder: I can’t believe it! or Look at that!

Pulling out a cell phone to record the event

Glancing to see if others are experiencing the same thing

Pressing a hand against one’s chest, fingers splayed out

Leaning in

Moving closer

Reaching out or touching

Eyebrows raising

Lips parting

A wide smile

Spontaneous laughter

Pressing palms to cheeks

Fanning oneself

Repeating the same things over and over

Squealing dramatically

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A heart that seems to freeze, then pound

Rushing blood

Rising body temperature

Tingling skin

Stalled breaths

Adrenaline spikes

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Momentarily forgetting all else

Wanting to share the experience with others

Giddiness

Disorientation

Euphoria

An inability to find words

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM AMAZEMENT:

A racing heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Knees going weak

Feeling overwhelmed, as if the room is closing in

Collapsing

MAY ESCALATE TO: CURIOSITY, DISBELIEF, EXCITEMENT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED AMAZEMENT:

Holding oneself tight (self-hugging)

Walking in jerky, self-contained strides

Clamping the hands to the chest

Looking down or away to hide one’s expression

Eyes widening a bit before control is asserted

Mouth snapping shut

A stony expression

Taking a seat to hide the emotion

Making excuses if reaction is noticed

Stuttering, stammering

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: To add another layer to an emotional experience, look for symbolism within the character’s current setting. What unique object within the location can the character make note of that perfectly embodies the emotion they are feeling inside?

AMUSEMENT

DEFINITION: appealing to the sense of humor; to feel entertainment or delight

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A shiny or rosy face

Raised or wiggling eyebrows

Snorting, laughing

Chuckling or cackling

Displaying a wide grin

Exchanging knowing looks with others

Witty commentary

Making joking observations

Turning away and bursting out in laughter

A playful pinch, nudge, or shove

Eyes squinting, lit with an inner glow or twinkle of mischief

Smirking or offering a bemused smile

Clutching at another person for support

Gasping for air

Slapping one’s knees or thighs

Drumming feet against the floor

Falling against someone, shoulder to shoulder

“Drunken” behavior (weaving, staggering)

Repeating the punch line or a select word to spur more laughter

A high voice

Holding one’s sides

Whimpers of mirth

Spewing food or drink if laughter hits while eating or drinking

Falling to the ground, rolling on the floor

Nose running, sniffing

Crashing into things, being clumsy but not caring

A wide-eyed look that gets others dissolving into laughter again

A belly laugh

Holding onto a chair or wall for support

Giggling, making faces, winking

Plucking at clothes to cool down

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Pain in the ribs or stomach

Wheezy breath

Body temperature jumping up

Weakness in limbs, especially the knees

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A need to sit down

Replaying the humorous event

Embellishing the event in one’s mind, increasing the mirth

Wanting to keep the amusement going by adding to it with others

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM AMUSEMENT:

Uncontrollable laughter

Laughing so hard it becomes soundless

Body quaking

Shaking the head emphatically

A loss of body control (weak muscles, having a hard time staying upright)

Begging people to stop

An inability to form words

Breathlessness

Eyes tearing

A sweaty, disheveled appearance

Loss of bladder control

Needing to leave the room

MAY ESCALATE TO: HAPPINESS, SATISFACTION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED AMUSEMENT:

Clamping the lips together

Holding a hand up as if to say No more!

Shaking the head

Swallowing laughter

Wiping at the mouth

Covering the mouth, biting lips to hide a smile

A reddening of the face

Turning away to collect oneself

Confining a laugh to a snort

Pressing a fist against the lips

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: To create empathy for a character (including the antagonist), take the time to humanize them through their actions. Even the most unlikable person has a redeeming quality, so show it to the reader in a small, subtle way.

ANGER

DEFINITION: strong displeasure or wrath, usually aroused by a perceived wrong

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Flaring nostrils

Sweating

Holding elbows wide from the body, chest thrust out

Sweeping arm gestures

Handling objects or people roughly

A high chin

Noisy breathing

Legs that are planted wide

Baring one’s teeth

Repetitive, sharp gestures (shaking a fist, etc.)

Cutting people off when they speak

Jerky head movements

Protruding eyes

Flexing the fingers or arm muscles

Cracking knuckles

Rolling up sleeves or loosening a collar

Eyes that are cold, hard, flinty

Entering another’s personal space to intimidate

Jeers, taunts, a cutting wit

Tightness in the eyes or expression

Glaring

A reddening of the face

Lips that flatten or curl

Closed body posture (crossing the arms)

Nails biting into one’s own palms

Pounding one’s fists against thighs, table, a wall, etc.

Slamming doors, cupboards, or drawers

Punching, kicking, throwing things

Stomping or stamping

A vein that pulses, twitches, or becomes engorged

Laughter with an edge

A shaking or raised voice, yelling

Deepening one’s tone

Deploying sarcasm, insulting others

Picking fights (verbal or physical)

Snapping at people

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Grinding one’s teeth

Muscles quivering

Pulse speeding, heartbeat pounding

Body tensing

Heat flushing through the body

Sweating

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Irritability

Poor listening skills

Jumping to conclusions

Irrational reactions to inconsequential things

Demanding immediate action

Impetuosity

Taking inappropriate action or risks

Fantasizing violence

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ANGER:

Exploding over little things

Ulcers

Hypertension

Skin problems, such as eczema and acne

Damaging one’s own property as a way to vent

Longer recovery time from surgeries, accidents, and other trauma

Cutting oneself

Road rage

Taking one’s anger out on innocent bystanders

MAY ESCALATE TO: RAGE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ANGER:

Using a carefully controlled tone

Drawing in slow, steady breaths

False smiles

Passive-aggressive comments

Avoiding eye contact

Slanting the body away from the source of anger

Withdrawing from the conversation

Hiding one’s hands and feet so clenching and twitching can’t be seen

Excusing oneself for a brief time

Headache

Sore muscles and jaw

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Pay special attention to the events leading up to an emotional response. If the plotting feels contrived, the character’s reaction will seem contrived as well.

ANGUISH

DEFINITION: emotional or mental distress; acute suffering

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Manic pacing

Muttering

Rubbing the back of one’s neck

Rocking back and forth

Tugging one’s hair

Not eating or drinking

Visible sweating

Skin bunching around the eyes, a pained stare

Hands clenching into fists

Rubbing the wrists or wringing the hands

Restless fingers

Jumping at sounds

Grinding one’s teeth

Clenching the jaw

Moving about, being unable to settle in one place

Muscles jumping under the skin

A corded neck

Curling one’s toes

Repeatedly touching an object that symbolizes safety

Audible stress in one’s voice and tone

Picking at lips, skin, or nails

Clutching at oneself

Shivering, moaning

Sobbing or weeping

Yelling or shouting

Checking and rechecking the time

Asking those in authority for updates

Shoulders that curl over the chest

Bringing one’s legs up close to the body’s core

Crying, wailing, begging for help

Turning away from others

Seeking corners in confined spaces

Rubbing the arms or legs

Beating at walls or surrounding objects

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Nausea

Sore muscles, stiffness, cramping

Pain in the back of the throat

Difficulty swallowing

Elevated body temperature

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Thinking irrationally

Praying, bargaining

Believing in anything that promises a positive outcome

Fixating on the source of suffering

A willingness to put oneself in harm’s way for emotional relief

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ANGUISH:

Screaming for release

A gaunt appearance, wasting away

Premature aging

Posture that bends or crumples

Vomiting or dry heaves

Hyperventilation

Poor coloring, dark circles under the eyes

Wrinkles and sagging around the eyes and mouth

Alcohol, drug, or medication dependency

Bald patches

Facial tics or repetitive mannerisms (hair tugging, body rocking)

Cutting, scratching, or other self-destructive behaviors

Depression

Suicide

MAY ESCALATE TO: DESPERATION, DEPRESSION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ANGUISH:

Wincing

Gritting one’s teeth

Uncontrolled shivering and hand tremors

Muscle tightness

Furtive movements

Hiding expressive gestures like hand wringing

Bitten nails, bleeding quicks

A downturned mouth or pinched lips

Attempting to hold back whimpers or moans

Heavy or shaky breathing

Minimal speaking (one-word answers, shaking or nodding the head)

Chain smoking

Drinking heavily

Sallow skin

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Don’t be afraid to challenge your character’s morals. Putting them in situations that are outside their comfort zone will make them squirm, and the reader will too.

ANNOYANCE

DEFINITION: aggravation or mild irritation

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A pinched expression

Sighing heavily or with exaggeration

Statements suggesting impatience: Here, I’ll do it.

Narrowing eyes

Crossed arms

Tapping a foot, fidgeting

Swatting at the air

Tics and tells (a throbbing forehead vein, fingering a collar)

Lips pressing into a white slash

Clenching the jaw

Grimacing, sneering, frowning

Complaining

Folding the arms across the chest

Hands that briefly clench

Making pointed suggestions to alleviate the annoyance

Tugging at clothing (jerking down a cuff, forcing a zipper up)

Cocking one’s head and then shaking it

Raising one’s eyebrows and giving a glassy stare

A gaze that flicks upward

Minutely shaking the head

Changing one’s stance (shifting weight or position)

Propping the head up with a fist

Holding the head in the hands

Opening the mouth to criticize, then stopping short

Taking a deep breath and holding it in

Finger-tapping a tabletop

A smile that slips or appears forced

Snapping a pencil tip, using unnecessary force

Pacing

Light sarcasm

Asking a question that has a painfully obvious answer

A sharp tone

Speaking in short phrases

Visible tension in the neck, shoulders, and arms

Rigid posture, cords twanging in the neck

Rubbing the brow as if to ward off a headache

Avoiding the person or object of annoyance

Pressing a fist to the mouth

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A headache

Stiffness in the neck or jaw

Raised body temperature

Sensitivity to noise

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Berating thoughts

Straying attention

Thinking of an excuse to leave

Making unkind mental comparisons

Wishing to be somewhere else

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ANNOYANCE:

A reddening face

Rough handling of objects

Taking over someone else’s job or duties

Grinding one’s teeth

Throwing the hands up in a gesture of surrender

Stalking off to get some air

Shutting down, not speaking or responding

Pulling someone else into the situation to divert attention and allow one to exit

MAY ESCALATE TO: FRUSTRATION, ANGER

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ANNOYANCE:

Nodding, but tightly, as if holding back from speaking an insult

Switching to another job to keep hands and thoughts busy

Attacking a task, diverting one’s energy

Forcing oneself to remain in the presence of the annoyance

Faking interest, barely holding impatience at bay

Carefully controlling one’s voice and tone

Focusing one’s gaze elsewhere in an attempt to ignore

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Don’t get caught up on the eyes to convey emotion. While eyes are often the first thing we notice in real life, they provide very limited options for description possibilities. Instead, dig deeper, showing how the character behaves through their body movement, actions and dialogue.

ANTICIPATION

DEFINITION: hopeful expectation; to await eagerly

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Sweaty palms

Trembling hands

Crossing and uncrossing one’s legs

Frantic planning for the event

List-making

Clasping one’s hands to the chest

Being unable to think or talk about anything else

Fidgeting as if movement will make things go faster

Bouncing on one’s toes

A bright-eyed look, engaging with others or the environment

Fussing with clothes, rearranging things

Waiting at a window, hovering at the door or by the phone

Checking and rechecking hair or makeup in a mirror

Gossiping with others, sharing excitement, giggling

Closing eyes and squealing

Jittering a foot against the floor

Covering one’s face and then peeking

Biting one’s lip

Fake swooning

Asking questions: How long? When? What is it?

Wetting the lips

Closing the eyes and sighing

Pacing

Rhythmic movements (swinging one’s legs back and forth, etc.)

Obsessive clock-watching

Checking and rechecking email

Phoning or texting friends to talk about what’s coming

Grabbing another person and saying Tell me!

Leaning in

Picking at food, too excited to eat

Begging someone for details, an answer, for a look at something

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A fluttery, empty feeling in the stomach

Breathlessness

A pounding heart

Tingling all over

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Daydreaming

A desire for perfection

Fearing that something will happen to screw things up

A lack of concentration

Imagining what will happen

Becoming self-critical (questioning clothing choices, abilities)

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ANTICIPATION:

Sleep loss

Frustration or impatience

Short-temperedness, irritability

Neglecting everything else (responsibilities, friends, family)

Fantasizing or building up the event far beyond its reality

Over-thinking (organizing every minute detail, etc.)

Going overboard in preparation (dressing over-the-top, etc.)

MAY ESCALATE TO: EXCITEMENT, JEALOUSY, DISAPPOINTMENT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ANTICIPATION:

Sitting unnaturally still

Pressing one’s lips together

Rubbing sweaty hands on one’s clothes

Pretending to read a book or watch TV

A corded neck

Clamping one’s hands tightly together

Avoiding conversation

Sneaking glances at a clock or doorway

Feigning boredom

Telling oneself that it doesn’t matter

Acting interested in something else

Rolling one’s shoulders and neck as if stiff

Changing the topic

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: If a critique partner voices confusion over the emotional reaction of one of your characters, check to make sure the stimulus trigger is prominent. Showing the cause-effect relationship is vital when conveying authentic emotion.

ANXIETY

DEFINITION: mental apprehension and unease; a sense of foreboding

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Rubbing the back of the neck

Crossing the arms, forming a barrier to others

Standing with one arm holding the other at the elbow

Clutching a purse, coat, or other object

Wringing one’s hands

Twisting a watch or ring

Scratching

Hands repeatedly rising to touch one’s face

Fingering a necklace

Rolling one’s shoulders

Bouncing a foot

Glancing at the clock, phone, or doorway

Holding one’s stomach

Clutching one’s hands

Rocking in place

Twisting one’s neck as if sore

Biting at the lips or nails

Head shaking

Shifting, unable to get comfortable

Blowing out a series of short breaths to gain control

Digging in a purse or pocket to keep the hands busy

Becoming easily distracted

Adjusting clothes as if they chafe

Rubbing at one’s hands

An inability to eat

Rubbing one’s arms and looking around

Bouncing a curled knuckle against the mouth

A darting gaze

Increased awareness of one’s environment

Starting at noises

Excessive swallowing

Repeatedly checking a phone for messages

Impatience

Praying

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Feeling too hot or too cold

Restless legs

Dizziness

A churning stomach

Increased thirst

Tingling in one’s limbs

A tightening chest

Accelerated breathing

Feeling like one’s insides are quivering

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Thinking about worst-case scenarios

Self blame

Seeking reassurance from others

Time feeling like it’s slowing down

Discomfort in close spaces

Irrational worries

Replaying the events that caused the feeling

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ANXIETY:

Excessive sweating

A ragged appearance

Talking to oneself under the breath

Rocking in one’s seat

Heart palpitations

Panic attacks

Hyperventilating

Emergence of fears, phobias, or OCD-like symptoms

MAY ESCALATE TO: FEAR, DESPERATION, PARANOIA

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ANXIETY:

False smile

Avoiding conversation

Finding somewhere to be alone

Doing things to appear normal (ordering food but not eating it)

Feigning interest in something nearby

Closing one’s eyes in an attempt to stay calm

Smoothing or stroking one’s own hair as a soothing gesture

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: For each scene, identify the emotion you need to show and think in terms of three…what three ways have you reinforced the character’s feelings through verbal and nonverbal communication?

CONFIDENCE

DEFINITION: having faith in one’s own influence and ability

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Strong posture (shoulders back, chest out, chin high)

Walking with wide steps

Strong hygiene and personal grooming

Holding the hands loosely behind the back

Touching one’s fingertips together (tapping, forming a steeple)

A gleam in one’s eye, an inner light

Smiling, a playful grin

Winking or giving someone an easy nod

Keeping one’s hands out of the pockets

Appearing relaxed (drumming fingers against a leg, humming)

Taking up space (legs spread wide, arms loose at the sides)

Approaching people with ease

Looking others directly in the eye

Arms swinging while walking

Choosing the middle, not the sides (be it a couch or a room)

Using exaggerated movements to draw attention to oneself

A booming laugh

A tilted-back head

Speaking boisterously

Offering witty commentary

Giving a half-shrug or a grin that conveys secret knowledge

Light-hearted teasing

Flirting

A strong handshake

Leaning back in a chair, hands behind the head

An easygoing manner

Stretching

Showing comfort in the close proximity of others

Initiating contact

Telling jokes, adding to or steering a conversation

Hosting events (getting the guys together for a football game)

Openness when dealing with people

Appearing unbothered by what others may think

Leaning in to talk or listen

Increased physical contact, becoming touchy-feely

Running hands through one’s hair or flipping the hair back

Assuming a pose that draws attention to one’s best attributes

Wearing clothes that are flashy or dramatic

Leading rather than following

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Relaxed muscles

Easy breaths

Lightness in the chest

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A sense of calm and ease

A positive outlook

Interest in whatever’s going on

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM CONFIDENCE:

Doing or saying things outside of the norm without anxiety or concern

Obsessively talking about an achievement or material object

Reacting with anger or jealousy if one’s reputation is impugned

Bragging, showing off

MAY ESCALATE TO: SATISFACTION, SMUGNESS, CONTEMPT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED CONFIDENCE:

Minimizing compliments

Modesty

Changing the topic to bring others into the spotlight

Downplaying one’s own comfort level to make others feel better

Asking for opinions or advice

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: It is natural to hold back or hide our true scope of emotions in the presence of others. When writing a conflicted protagonist, it is critical to show through action the emotion the character wants to convey to others while also expressing their true feelings to the reader.

CONFLICTED

DEFINITION: experiencing opposing emotions

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Lips pressing together in a slight grimace

Increased swallowing or blinking

A smile that wavers

Gaze ping-ponging, avoiding direct eye contact

Start-and-stop gesturing (reaching then hesitating, changing direction mid-stride)

Broken dialogue, self-interruptions

Opening and closing the mouth

Struggling to find the right words

Voicing support, but with a tone that lacks enthusiasm

Becoming quieter, less animated

Scratching one’s neck or cheek

Rubbing or pulling at an ear

Asking questions to gain more insight

Talking to others about similar experiences or situations

Gathering opinions on what others would do

Soft head shaking

A need to sit down and reflect

Rubbing or pinching the bottom lip

A pensive expression

Making a Hmmm noise in the throat

Tilting the head in a side-to-side rhythm

Pulling in and then slowly releasing a deep breath

Apologizing for one’s lackluster reaction, citing mixed feelings

Requesting some time to digest everything

Tapping one’s index finger against the lip

Brows pulling in

Looking downward

Rubbing at the middle of one’s forehead, eyes closed

Voicing conflict: This is a tough decision

Voicing surprise: Sorry, you caught me off guard

Knees that bend, then straighten

A restless stance, pacing

Rubbing a hand through the hair

Smoothing one’s clothes or touching items to keep the hands busy

Cancelling gestures (smiling while shaking the head, nodding and grimacing)

Holding one’s elbow while the opposite hand makes a fist against the mouth

Blowing cheeks out, then swallowing the air or releasing it

Wrinkling the nose

Holding hands out and “weighing” them in the air

Rubbing a hand against the front of one’s shirt (over heart)

Forcing enthusiasm because it’s “the right thing to do”

Subdued or delayed reactions

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Headaches

A heaviness in the body

Tightness in the chest

A sinking feeling in the stomach

Loss of appetite

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Weighing the pros and cons

Researching or seeking information

Guilt toward those negatively affected by a final decision

Playing What if? to understand the repercussion of a situation

A need to verbalize the internal conflict

A desire to retreat and go somewhere quiet to think

An inability to focus on anything but the internal conflict

Drawing on moral beliefs to help one decide

CUES OF BEING CONFLICTED OVER THE LONG TERM:

A disheveled look (hair out of place, clothes rumpled)

Obsessive information-gathering, looking for the “key” solution

Stomach upset, poor diet, weight loss

Stress headaches

Difficulty sleeping

Loss of self confidence

Avoiding making any decisions at all

Hair loss

MAY ESCALATE TO: CONFUSION, OVERWHELMED, FRUSTRATION, ANXIETY

CUES WHEN SUPPRESSING THE FEELING OF BEING CONFLICTED:

Citing that one is not the ideal candidate to make the choice

Making excuses to avoid the situation

Suggesting that a break is needed to regroup

Making a joke to alleviate tension or lighten the mood

Giving a distracted nod to what’s being said

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: In scenes where information must be shared, characters should still be moving, acting, and revealing emotion to keep the pace flowing smoothly.

CONFUSION

DEFINITION: a state of befuddlement or bafflement

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Difficulty completing a task

Fumbling

Using um and uh hesitations

Grimacing

Excessive swallowing

Scratching at one’s cheek or temple

Rubbing the chin

Repeating back what was said as a question

Touching the base of the neck

Showing one’s palms and shrugging

An uncertain tone

Increased difficulty in finding the right words

Body posture that loosens or collapses

Tilting one’s head to the side and pursing the lips

Narrowed eyes

Stuttering

Head flinching back slightly

Trailing off when speaking

Running hands through the hair

Eyebrows that squish together

Pulling or tugging on an ear

Asking someone to repeat what was said

Gaze clouding, going distant

Rubbing one’s forehead or eyebrows

Asking questions

Frowning

Biting one’s lip

Rapid blinking

Hands touching the lips, mouth, face

Glancing around as if looking for answers

Wandering a short distance away before returning

Turning away to gather one’s thoughts

A slight head shake

A mouth that opens but nothing comes out

Blowing out the cheeks, then releasing

A blank look, a slack expression

Staring down at the ground

Asking for affirmation: Are you sure?

Tapping a fist against the lips

Poking one’s tongue into the cheek

Dry washing one’s hands

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Rising body heat

Fluttering in the stomach

A tightening chest

Sweating

Feeling overheated

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Thoughts that freeze

Hoping for an interruption to delay answering

The mind racing, searching for answers

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM CONFUSION:

Flight response

Failing grades

Loss of respect from others for unfinished or inaccurate work

Broken or unfulfilled promises

A lack of productivity

A loss of self esteem

MAY ESCALATE TO: OVERWHELMED, FRUSTRATION, RESIGNATION, INSECURITY

CUES OF SUPPRESSED CONFUSION:

Nodding or agreeing, to avoid attention

Waving a hand

False confidence

Assuring others that everything is under control

Smiling and nodding

Physical touches to reassure (a clap on the back or shoulder)

Fidgeting

Steering the conversation to a different topic

Launching into a flurry of activity

Making promises

Showing a sudden interest in other things

Visible sweating

Using “word filler” to stall for time

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Men and women experience and express emotions differently. When writing a character of the opposite sex, get a second opinion if needed to ensure a character’s reactions, thoughts, and feelings are authentic.

CONTEMPT

DEFINITION: a lack of reverence or respect; to hold in disregard

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Crossing one’s arms, showing closed body posture

A downturned mouth

Head tilting away

Sneering

Head shaking

Mocking

Rolling the eyes

Using sarcasm

Gossiping

Snorting loudly

Buzzing the lips to be rude (blowing a raspberry)

Baiting the other person

Turning the body at an angle instead of facing the subject head-on

Walking away

Waving dismissively

Stiff posture

Refusing to respond or engage

Lowering the chin to look down on someone

Cold eyes

A pinched mouth

A hard, distinctive jaw line

Smirking as the subject speaks

Ugly laughter

Making jokes at another’s expense

Flashing a cold smile to show insincerity

Spitting in the direction of the one provoking contempt

Sticking a tongue out

A wide stance, chest thrust out

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Rising blood pressure

A tightening in the chest

Stiffness in the neck and jaw

A roiling heat in the belly

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Negative thinking

Unkind observations

Mental insults

A desire to verbally tear down or hurt another person

Wanting to expose the subject’s ignorance

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM CONTEMPT:

Swearing and offering insults

Yelling, arguing

High blood pressure

A vein throbbing visibly in the forehead

Thoughts of violence

Angrily dismissing someone from one’s presence

Needing to leave (excusing oneself, cutting a meeting short)

MAY ESCALATE TO: DISGUST, SCORN, ANGER

CUES OF SUPPRESSED CONTEMPT:

Flushed skin

Biting at the cheek

Fidgeting

Pressing the lips together to keep from speaking

Dry washing one’s hands

Purposefully not looking at the source

Feigning interest in something else

Turning away to ignore the source

Becoming non-responsive

Pushing on the diaphragm to keep the anger in

Leaning back, arms crossed

Moving away, creating personal distance

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When revising, look for instances where emotions are NAMED. Nine times out of ten this indicates a lack of confidence that the emotion is shown clearly through thought, sensations and body language. Strong verbal and nonverbal cues negate the need to “explain” the emotion to the reader.

CURIOSITY

DEFINITION: inquisitiveness; a desire for knowledge

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Tilting the head to the side

Raised eyebrows

Body posture that perks up

A slow smile that builds

Repeating a statement as a question

Leaning forward, sliding one’s chair closer

Pausing to examine

Eyebrows furrowing and then releasing

Blinking

Gazing with focus

Shifting from casual conversation to pointed questions

A softened voice or tone that may contain wonder

Crossing one’s arms while observing

Prying or snooping

Nose-wrinkling

Posing hypothetical questions

Lingering touches

Stopping to pay attention (a sudden halt, a fork pausing halfway to the mouth)

Straining to hear, shushing others to be quiet

Eavesdropping

Cupping an elbow with one hand while tapping the lips with the other

Pushing one’s glasses up

Bending, kneeling, or squatting to get closer

Tilting one’s body toward the source

Shuffling, creeping, or edging closer

Exploring the senses (smelling something new for the sake of knowing, etc.)

Verbally expressing interest: Oh, look at that! or Isn’t that amazing?

Asking questions (who, what, when, where, and why)

Pulling on someone’s sleeve to get them to join or follow

A still demeanor to aid in observation

Lips that are slightly parted

Nodding slowly

Poking or prodding at something

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Breaths that hitch or briefly stop

An increased pulse

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A need to know, touch, or understand

Forgetting what one was about to say or do

A compulsion to detour toward something new

Temporary cessation of worries, stress, or actions

A desire to investigate or experiment

Increased awareness of sensory information

Wonder or interest at how something works or why it’s there

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM CURIOSITY:

Fidgeting or tics

Hypersensitivity to the source of interest

Obsessive thoughts

Pointed or even rude questions

Snooping or sneaking about to satisfy the need to know

MAY ESCALATE TO: EAGERNESS, AMAZEMENT, CONFLICTED

CUES OF SUPPRESSED CURIOSITY:

Keeping one’s eyes down

Holding the hands in the lap

Lack of eye contact

Providing an excuse to linger or move toward the source

Pretending to ignore or be unaware

A sidelong glance

Using one’s hair to hide an interested glance

Feigning boredom

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Smell triggers memory. Take advantage of this sense and build olfactory description into the scene. This will draw readers in and make them feel part of the action.

DEFEAT

DEFINITION: the feeling of having been mastered, conquered, or bested

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Chin lowering to one’s chest

Hands that go limp

Holding one’s palms up and out

Shaking the head

A lack of eye contact

Staring down at one’s hands or feet

Going quiet or non-responsive

Weaving in place, a lack of balance

Agreeing for the sake of it

Arms hanging at one’s sides

A long, low sigh

A thickening voice

Stumbling, knees hitching

Rubbing at the eyes, hiding redness or tears from others

Backing away

Cheeks that burn

A bobbing Adam’s apple (thick swallows)

Hunched or rounded shoulders

Sagging posture

Hands hidden behind the back or in pockets

Chin tremors

Arms clutching one’s body as if to hold it together

Lackluster movements

Toneless responses

Vacant eyes

Slumping into a chair

Holding one’s head with the hands

A cracking voice

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Feeling a pulse in one’s throat

Heart thudding dully in the chest

Wheezing breaths

Feeling like the head is spinning

Chest pain or numbness

A sour taste in one’s mouth

A lack of energy

Tears or heat behind the eyelids

A painful lump in one’s throat

Limbs that feel too heavy to lift or move

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A desire to flee or be alone

Shame

Worrying that others will feel let down or disappointed

Mental fatigue

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DEFEAT:

A quaking or trembling body

Uncontrollable tears

Pleading or begging

Collapsing, knees giving out

Self-loathing

MAY ESCALATE TO: RESIGNATION, DEPRESSION, SHAME, HUMILIATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DEFEAT:

Shaking the head

False bravado

Trying to maintain eye contact

Demanding a rematch

Repeating the word No

Shouting, cursing

Laying the blame on others

Making accusations of cheating or underhandedness

A chin that juts sharply

A flinty gaze

Using anger to feed strength

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: To reveal quieter emotions, try using contrast. For example, pairing a character with someone who is highly volatile will help their own milder body cues stand out clearly.

DEFENSIVENESS

DEFINITION: resisting attack; defending against a perceived danger or threat

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Stepping back

Leaning away

Crossing the arms over one’s chest

Rigid body posture

Squinting eyes

A lowering brow

Sucking the cheeks in

Shaking the head

Sputtering, gaping

Holding an object as a shield (a book, a folded jacket)

A darting gaze

Licking one’s lips

Rapid blinking that leads to a wide-eyed look

Hands up, palms toward the aggressor

A fixed stare

Flipping one’s hair in annoyance

A snort of dismissive laughter

Raising one’s voice

Crossing the legs

Body shielding (turning at an angle)

Interrupting

Looking to others for backup

Blowing out a noisy breath

Going on the offensive and verbally attacking the accuser

Deflecting blame

Flinching, jerking back

Difficulty being articulate

Hand splaying across one’s upper chest

Stiff neck, cords standing out

Chin lowering and pulling back against the neck

Wagging a finger, berating another for their accusations

Using sarcasm

Eye rolling

Rising color in one’s cheeks

Visible sweating

Dragging others into the situation for support

Verbalizing disappointment or denial

A voice that hardens over the course of an argument

Jerky movements, a loss of fluidity to actions

Excessive swallowing

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Raised blood pressure

A pounding heartbeat that grows loud in the ears

Dry mouth

A body that feels hot

Intense thirst

The stomach tightening and hardening

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Scrambling thoughts, trying to diffuse the situation

Anger, shock

Feeling betrayed

Sifting memories for evidence (to support innocence or challenge accusations)

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DEFENSIVENESS:

Eyes darting for an exit or escape (flight response)

Shouting

Bringing up past examples when one supported the accuser or saved the day

Citing an opponent’s shortcomings

Increasing one’s personal space

Storming away

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANGER, FEAR

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DEFENSIVENESS:

Maintaining an even tone

Offering a fake smile

A forcibly calm demeanor

Changing the subject

Denial (shrugging, forcing a laugh)

Calmly stating that one doesn’t need to prove anything

Not leaving or walking away, despite discomfort

Attempting to reason through facts, not emotion

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Choose each setting with deliberate care. Each location should symbolize something to your main character, and have an impact (positive or negative) on their psyche coming into the scene.

DENIAL

DEFINITION: a refusal to acknowledge truth or reality

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Verbal disagreement

Backing away

Vigorous head shaking

Waving someone off

Dialogue in the negative: Don’t blame me or I had nothing to do with it

Speaking emphatically with finger pointing or other hard gestures

Raising one’s palms

Shrugging

Tucking in the upper lip

Arms crossing one’s chest, closed body posture

Placing a hand against the breastbone

A slackened mouth, displaying shock

Speaking rapidly, not letting others get a word in

Rationalizing or justifying

Shuffling backward

Speaking slowly, stretching out words: What? No way!

Leaning back, creating space

Warding someone or something off

Raised eyebrows

Widening eyes

Raising one’s voice

Emphatically saying No

Slanting the body away from an accuser

Questioning someone’s source or the facts

Making an “X” motion with one’s hands

Eye contact dropping (if one is unsure or lying)

Choppy responses, short sentences

Sweating

Staring down at one’s hands

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Mouth going dry

A lump forming in one’s throat

Feeling heavy or numb

Heat rising behind the eyelids

Tingling in the stomach

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Replaying past events in order to understand

Thoughts centering on the facts of the situation

Brain scrambling to find a logical excuse (if lying)

Anger or hurt at being put in this situation

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DENIAL:

Blaming others

Pleading, crying, begging to be believed

Becoming closed-minded, refusing to listen

Wanting to be left alone

MAY ESCALATE TO: DEFENSIVENESS, HURT, GUILT, ANGER, CONFLICTED

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DENIAL:

Refusing to argue or respond to an accusation

Steady eye contact

Explaining that one is not in denial

Voicing We’ll see comments

Supplying reasons to convey that a viewpoint is invalid

Repeating the truth as one sees it and sticking to it

A steady, even tone

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Make a list of your body language crutches (frowning, smiling, shrugging, head shaking, etc.). Use your browser’s search function to highlight these so you can pinpoint where the emotional description needs some freshening up.

DEPRESSION

DEFINITION: a state of withdrawal; extreme sadness and reduced vitality

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A gaunt appearance

Notable weight loss or gain

Eyes that blink infrequently

Wet or red eyes

Staring down at one’s hands

Becoming non-reactive to stimulus or noise

Laying in bed with no motivation to get up

Saggy posture, bent neck

Head resting on one’s hand

Tangled hair, overlong nails, and other signs of letting oneself go

Wearing the same clothes day after day

Shuffling steps

Lethargic hand movements

Obsession with an object that represents loss (a photo or trinket)

Crying

A vacant stare

Making excuses

A downturned mouth

Lines in the face, a slack expression

Dark circles under one’s eyes

An inability to sleep

Sleeping too much

Poor eating habits

A tone that lacks strength or vitality

An unclean home, room, or office space

Ignoring phone calls or visitors

Premature aging (wrinkles, tired eyes, gray or white hair)

Illness

Having no interest in hobbies

Failing grades at school, lack of success at work

Choosing isolation

Dropping out of activities and moving away from friendships

Picking at food or finding food tasteless

Being unable to focus on tasks (work, school, home life)

Forgetting appointments, conversations, and meetings

Bulky or dull clothing choices

Non-responsiveness to others, even family

Poor conversation skills

Body odor

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A hollowness in one’s chest

A slow pulse

Aches and pains

Shallow breathing

Fatigue

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Focusing inward

Desiring to live in the past or be alone

Poor observation skills

Obsessive thoughts

A negative outlook

An inability to concentrate

Losing track of time

Thoughts of self-harm

Bleak observations about the world and the people in it

An aversion to noise, crowds, and stressful situations

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DEPRESSION:

Eating disorders

Manic behavior (hair pulling, OCD, paranoia)

Thoughts of suicide

Suicide attempts

Addiction to medication

Hoarding

MAY RELATE TO: NOSTALGIA, REGRET, SADNESS

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DEPRESSION:

Slight pauses before reacting

Emotional displays that seem forced or false

Heavy self-medicating or drinking

Wearing false, overly bright smiles

Pretending to be ill to avoid social situations and people

Lying

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: It isn’t enough to show emotion; a writer needs to make the reader feel it. Think about the core visceral sensations you experience when feeling strong emotion, and if appropriate, utilize them to convey a similar experience to the reader.

DESIRE

DEFINITION: to covet, wish, or long for

NOTE: the object of desire can be a person, a thing, or an intangible (prestige, acceptance, etc.)

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Lips parting

Firm eye contact

Hands moistening

Stroking one’s arm as a surrogate for the object of desire

Mirroring the object’s movements (if a person)

Trembling

Lowering one’s voice when speaking

Leaning in or forward

Moving closer to erase distance

Relaxing one’s posture

Facing the object straight on

Eyes shining, glossing over, and softening

Slightly parting the legs

Muscles losing tension

Frequent touching of the face and lips

Hands clenching briefly, then releasing

Becoming inarticulate

Skin flushing

Increased swallowing

The tongue darting out to touch or lick the lips

Knees loosening and feeling weak

Responding immediately when called upon

Touching or holding the object close

A slow smile that builds

Subconsciously thrusting out one’s chest

Lifting one’s chin to expose the neck

Holding in a breath

Stuttering or stammering

A lingering touch, brushing up against the object

Touching or stroking one’s own throat

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A strong awareness of one’s own heartbeat

The sensation of being flooded with warmth

The mouth becoming moist, increased saliva

A sensation of hair raising on one’s arms and nape

Fingers aching or tingling with the need to touch

Quickening breath or breathlessness

Hypersensitivity to touch and texture

Fluttering or even mild pain in the chest

Light-headedness

A shifting feeling near the heart, a pang

A shiver that brings pleasure

Nerve endings that stir and tingle

Bodily cravings of being touched by the object (person)

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Preoccupation with the object’s scent

Focusing on the object’s most desirable qualities

Tuning out distractions in order to fixate on the object or want

A desire to erase all distance

A need to touch and explore

Daydreaming or fantasizing about the object

A determination to have or own

Impatience

A loss of inhibitions

Setting goals to obtain the object

Taking opportunities or meeting challenges to prove one’s worth

Wanting to care for and put the object’s needs first

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DESIRE:

Bumping, pushing, or shoving to get closer

A willingness to endure suffering or hardship to obtain the object

Not caring what others think or feel

Obsessive thoughts

Centering all aspects of one’s life on being with the object

Neglecting friends, family, work, and other interests

Fixation on self-improvement, education, or goals leading to achievement

Shedding bad habits or flaws to appease or impress

MAY ESCALATE TO: ADORATION, LOVE, DETERMINATION, ENVY, JEALOUSY

CUES OF REPRESSED DESIRE:

Glancing away for a brief time

Feigning interest in something else

Making a display of engaging in conversation with others

Examining or pretending to consider other objects

Smiling at other objects

Forcing a slow gait rather than rushing to be with the object

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Emotion should always lead to decision making, either good or bad, that will propel the story forward.

DESPERATION

DEFINITION: a state of hopelessness that leads to rashness

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Feverish, over-bright eyes

A darting gaze

Quick movements

An inability to sleep or eat

Finger twitches, compulsive and repetitive movements

A herky-jerky walk

Reaching or touching in hopes of gaining help or favor

Facing danger head-on

Acting in ways that push the limits of endurance

Pacing

Anxiously muttering to oneself

Grabbing fistfuls of one’s hair and pulling

A pained stare

An emotion-choked voice

Fluttery hand movements

Moaning

Rocking in place

Bargaining

Shaking, trembling

Curling the arms over the head

Hugging one’s shoulders, chin resting on the chest

Stiff neck, strained forearms

Eyes that appear wet

Teeth biting down on the bottom lip

Wringing one’s hands

Shoulders curling, a bent spine

Shaking one’s head in denial

Protective posture (chin to chest, arms holding the body tight)

Dragging nails down the cheeks

Rubbing one’s upper arms for comfort

A shaking voice

Sweating profusely

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Racing heartbeat

A dry mouth

A sore throat from pleading, crying, begging

A heightened level of pain resistance

Tightness or pain in the chest

Excessive or manic energy

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Constant planning and obsessing

Irrational thinking, poor judgment

A willingness to do anything

Ignoring the law or society’s values

Casting morality and good judgment aside

Sacrificing others or lesser goals, desires, and needs if necessary

Disregarding another’s feelings if they conflict with one’s goal

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DESPERATION:

Crying, sobbing, wailing

Screaming

Beating one’s fists against something to the point of injury

Kneeling

Pleading, abasing, or disregarding personal worth or pride

Extreme risk taking

Offering an exchange: Take me instead or I’ll go, you stay

Pushing past one’s limits to find needed strength

Refusing to be persuaded

MAY ESCALATE TO: TERROR, DREAD, ANGER, DETERMINATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DESPERATION:

Holding oneself tight

Believing a lie if it offers hope

Fidgeting

Retreating internally to cope, shutting the world out

Difficulty sitting still

Clock-watching

Reassuring others

Fixing one’s hair and clothes to appear unaffected

Taking advantage of a distraction (watching a movie, TV)

Curling hands into tight fists

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Clothing choices are individual and project an image of one’s personality. When creating unique emotional body language, think about how a character’s clothing can be utilized to reveal their insecurities or vanities and show feelings of self-worth.

DETERMINATION

DEFINITION: firm intention on achieving a goal; decisiveness

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Being the first to speak

Moving into someone’s personal space

Using articulate words and short, strong sentences

A steady, lower-pitched voice

A furrowing brow

Tight muscles

Alert gaze

A set jaw

Strong eye contact

A curt nod

Forming hands into a steeple

Mirroring the leader’s movements

Using affirmative words: Yes and I will

Pressing the lips together

Tightening fists

Organizing one’s things, being prepared

Standing solidly, at the ready

Planting one’s feet in a wide stance

Leaning in, hand on one knee

A high chin, neck exposed

Pushing up one’s sleeves

Shoulders pushing back

Strong posture

Precise movements

Sharp hand movements (jabbing a finger for emphasis, etc.)

A fast-paced stride

Asking pointed questions

Straightened legs, knees uncrossed

Thrusting the chest out

Offering a firm handshake

Inhaling deeply through the nose, then exhaling through the mouth

Exuding calm and focus

Practicing a skill

Making preparations or conditioning the body

Studying or gathering information

Accepting criticism to improve

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A fluttery feeling in the chest

Increased internal temperature and heartbeat

Muscles tightening in readiness

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Planning for obstacles and strategizing ways to overcome them

Mentally encouraging oneself to succeed

Active listening

An acute sense of purpose

Ignoring distractions or discomforts

Extreme mental focus on the objective

Running through what one must say or do

Dismissing negative thoughts

Setting goals

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DETERMINATION:

Conditioning for the task in advance

Muscle clenching along the jaw line

Headaches

Muscle strain

Ignoring pain, stress, or any outside elements

Sacrificing what is needed to achieve the desired result

MAY ESCALATE TO: HOPEFULNESS, CONFIDENCE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DETERMINATION:

Purposely adopting a languid pose

Feigning disinterest

Meaningless gestures (scrutinizing cuticles, checking for split ends)

Placing one’s hands in one’s pockets

Engaging in banter or non-threatening conversation

Benign questions

Yawning

Shrugging

Laughing or making jokes meant to disarm

A lack of eye contact

Closing one’s eyes as if relaxed or dosing

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Never underestimate the power of texture. The way an object feels against the skin can create a powerful reaction (positive or negative) and add to the reader’s emotional experience.

DISAPPOINTMENT

DEFINITION: a state of dismay or dissatisfaction; feeling let down

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Lowering one’s head

Lips pressing tight

Shoulders dropping or slumping

A hunched posture

Looking up with hands raised in the why me? position

Collapsing onto a chair or bench

Weaving slightly

A bitter smile

A heavy sigh

Covering one’s face with one’s hands

Breaking eye contact

Bending the neck forward

Slowly shaking one’s head

Tilting the chin down and frowning

Making a noise in one’s throat

Swallowing hard

Sagging against a door or wall, reaching out to steady oneself

Dropping the head, eyes closed

Stumbling mid-stride

Face going slack and paling slightly

The mouth falling open

Pressing hands to one’s temples

Weaving hands into the hair and pulling

Frowning

A stony expression

Watering eyes that display an inward focus

Wincing, a pained expression

Looking around in confusion or shock

Attempting to hide (covering the head, ducking one’s chin)

Restless fiddling

Hands fluttering like they’ve lost track of what they should be doing

Feet shuffling, kicking at the ground

Rubbing at the back of one’s neck

A voice that drops or goes quiet

Whispering No or cursing under the breath

Biting or chewing at the lip

Clutching oneself (gripping the elbows, rubbing the arms)

Pressing a hand to the abdomen

Slinking away (flight response)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A heart that feels like it’s shrinking

A clenching stomach

Sudden onset of nausea

A tightening chest

Breaths that hitch

A heaviness in the body

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Negativity

A feeling of dread or hopelessness

Defeatist thoughts about oneself

Wanting to be alone

Feeling worthless

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DISAPPOINTMENT:

Berating oneself

Wallowing (drinking too much, listening to depressing songs)

Obsessing over why things happened the way they did

An inability to move on

MAY ESCALATE TO: DEPRESSION, DEFEAT, RESENTMENT, ANGER

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT:

A slight lip press

Dropping the shoulders, then hitching them up again

Offering false cheer, a weak smile

Comforting others

Citing a backup plan or listing more options

Making promises

Clasping one’s hands in one’s lap

Congratulating the victor

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Characters experiencing raw emotion often react without thinking—either through dialogue or action. Rash behavior creates the perfect storm for increased tension and conflict.

DISBELIEF

DEFINITION: withholding belief; a refusal to see the truth

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Mouth slackening

Eyes widening

Looking down or away

Rubbing at an eyelid or brow

Being at a loss for words

Turning away and covering the mouth

Expression blanching, going pale

Asking Are you sure? questions

Scratching one’s jaw

A shake of the head

Rubbing absently at the arms

Verbalizing shock: Are you kidding? or Impossible!

Moving back slightly, increasing one’s personal space

Showing one’s palms

Lifting a single eyebrow

Cocking the head

An unfocused gaze

Rapid blinking

Running hands through one’s hair

Gaping, stuttering, mouth opening and closing

Hands dropping to one’s sides

Posture slumping slightly

Neck bending forward

Hands carving through one’s hair, holding it back and then releasing

Pulling glasses down and looking over the rims

Openly staring

Covering one’s ears

Repeating No and other negatives: It’s not true!

Folding the arms over the stomach

Staring at one’s palms as if they hold the answers

Jiggling, tugging, or tapping the earlobe

Doing a double take

Waving something off

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A tingling in one’s chest

A hardening or clenching stomach

A small intake of breath (gasp)

Lightheadedness

Restricted breathing

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Making an immediate moral judgment (either good or bad, wrong or right)

Thoughts scrambling to understand

Attempting to reason or glean more information

Pretending to have misheard

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DISBELIEF:

A restless stance

Arguing

Walking away

Voicing the emotion over and over: I just can’t believe this

Difficulty speaking, choppy responses

Holding a hand up to ward off the truth

Demanding those with influence do something to change the outcome

Closed body posture (arms creating a barrier across the chest)

MAY ESCALATE TO: DENIAL, ANGER, OVERWHELMED, RESIGNATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DISBELIEF:

Changing the topic

A nervous laugh

Making excuses

Supporting the outcome, acting like one was “in the know” all along

Reassuring others of one’s belief, commitment, etc.

Asking questions to glean information without giving away disbelief

Throat clearing

Coughing, pretending a drink went down wrong

Avoiding eye contact

Offering fake platitudes: Interesting or Well, that’s good then.

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: While melodrama is usually a bad idea in fiction, it can be used effectively to characterize an over-the-top character.

DISGUST

DEFINITION: an aversion, usually to something distasteful; revulsion

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A curling lip

An open mouth, the tongue pushing slightly forward

Wrinkling one’s nose

Flinching, recoiling

Swallowing hard

Leaning back

Stroking the throat and grimacing

Turning one’s back to the source

Eyes that appear cold, dead, flat

Refusing to look

Shaking one’s head, muttering

Walking away to regain composure

Toes curling up

Pulling up a collar to cover the mouth and nose

Averting one’s gaze

Spitting or throwing up

Hands up, backing away with a shudder

Repeating what someone has said, purposely devoid of all emotion

Dry washing the hands

Pressing a fist against the mouth and puffing out the cheeks

Rubbing at one’s exposed forearms

Covering the mouth

Jerking away from contact, or even the suggestion of contact

Pressing hands against the stomach

Demanding that someone stop speaking or desist what they are doing

Violently rolling shoulders as if one’s own clothing is creating discomfort

Using a purse or jacket to create a shield

Shunning or offering evasive answers

Eyebrows lowering and pinching together

Pressing one’s knees together

Narrowing one’s stance, bringing the feet together

A face that blanches

Rubbing at one’s nose or mouth

Dry heaving

Cringing away from the source

An expression that appears pained

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A choking or uncomfortable swallow

Excessive saliva, a need to spit

A sour or bitter tang in the mouth

Nausea or a heaving stomach

Burning in the throat

Skin tightening (crawling flesh sensation)

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A compulsion to flee

Feeling unclean

Wishing to be somewhere else

The mind replaying what was seen in agonizing detail

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DISGUST:

Focusing on cleanliness (showering, rubbing skin raw)

Hyper-protectiveness of personal space

Acting jumpy or jittery when near the source

Becoming non-responsive, less verbal

An intense need to flee the source

MAY ESCALATE TO: SCORN, FEAR, ANGER

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DISGUST:

Offering a watery smile while maintaining a safe distance

Forcing oneself to come closer

Maintaining eye contact, no matter how difficult

Waving a hand as if something doesn’t matter

Biting the lip

Slowly walking closer, but keeping arms close to the body

Standing away and reaching in with one hand

Hesitating

Heavy, jerky movements

A frozen smile

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: With extreme emotions that trigger an immediate fight-or-flight response, it’s important to know which “side” fits best with your character’s personality. All actions should line up with this choice.

DOUBT

DEFINITION: to lack confidence in or consider unlikely

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Brows drawing closer, face tightening

Looking down or away

Avoiding eye contact

Pressing the lips together

Shuffling one’s feet

Shoving hands in pockets

Throat clearing

Thumbing the ear

Expressing concern

Checking and rechecking one’s appearance

Delaying tactics (suggesting time to review options, etc.)

Pauses, ums, or other conversation fillers

Taking a slight step back

Lingering at the edge of a group or event

Biting one’s cheek

Declining an offer of support

Running hands through the hair

Pulling or tugging at one’s clothes

A smile that appears tight

A hesitating nod

Rocking on one’s heels, pretending to study the floor

Cocking the head while raising the eyebrows

Swallowing more than usual

Tipping one’s head side to side, weighing an idea or choice

Tapping the fingers together

Slightly clenched fists

A deep, weighted sigh

Pursing the lips

Shrugging

Shaking the head

Asking for assurances or clarification

Arguing or questioning

Citing possible repercussions

Rubbing the back of the neck

Fiddling with a ring or button to avoid eye contact

Putting a hand over the face, closing the eyes

Drawing in breath, then releasing it

Tactfully offering alternative suggestions

Hesitation (accepting a leaflet with reluctance, etc.)

Crossing the arms or legs

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A slight heaviness or quiver in the stomach

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Worrying over the current path

Looking ahead to possible collateral damage

Searching for ideas on how to circumvent the situation

Dredging up evidence in order to sway opinions

Hoping or praying it will work out

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DOUBT:

Avoiding speaking or agreeing openly

Sharing a look with an ally, raising the eyebrows to convey a message

Wincing as others rally behind a weak solution

MAY ESCALATE TO: WORRY, DISBELIEF, UNEASE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DOUBT:

Fidgeting in a chair

Coughing as one agrees or supports a doubtful decision or stance

Mimicking confidence (straightening, speaking in a booming voice)

Lying or misleading others

Making excuses for not agreeing immediately

Reassuring others of loyalty, commitment, etc.

Offering to handle the problem instead

Delaying verbal support

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When steering your character through scenes that allow for emotional growth, don’t forget to also provide setbacks. The path to enlightenment isn’t smooth for anyone, including our characters.

DREAD

DEFINITION: a nearly overpowering fear to face or meet; a strong desire to avoid a future event or circumstance

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Holding the stomach as if pained

Clutching arms to one’s chest

Shoulders curling forward, caving the chest in

A bent neck

Leaning back or away from the source of discomfort

Dragging footsteps

Making excuses to leave

A quiet voice, offering one-word responses

Hunched posture and a drooping head

Clasping one’s knees tightly together

Avoiding eye contact

Turning the torso, shielding it

Lifting the shoulders as if to hide one’s neck

Sweating

Rocking slightly

Hands that tremble

Seeking the safety of darkness, an exit, etc.

Holding one’s elbows tightly against sides

A downward gaze, using the hair as a shield

Making oneself appear smaller

Huddling in the corner, behind, or against something

Flinching or cringing

Heavy footsteps

Uncontrollable whimpering

Increased swallowing

Arms crossing the stomach in a protective huddle

Rubbing and twisting one’s hands, spinning rings or bracelets

Scratching at the skin, picking or biting at nails

Clutching comfort items (a necklace charm, phone, etc.)

Dragging the palms down one’s pant legs

Chewing at one’s lips or inner cheek and making them bleed

A pale or sickly complexion

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A rolling stomach

Heavy or sluggish heartbeat

Chills

Cold fingers

Tingling in the chest

A weighted chest

Difficulty breathing

A sour taste in the mouth

Ache in the back of the throat

Difficulty swallowing

Dizziness

Shakiness in the limbs

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Thoughts of escape

Wanting to hide

Wishing time would speed up

An inability to see a positive outcome

The need to check for danger overriding the need to hide

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DREAD:

Shaking, shuddering

Jumping at sounds

Teeth chattering

Weeping

Seeking any excuse to avoid what is to come

Hyperventilating

Bargaining, pleading

Anxiety attack

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANGUISH, TERROR

CUES OF SUPPRESSED DREAD:

Acting like one is simply feeling under the weather

Attempting to escape via distraction (TV, book, music)

Focusing thoughts to keep fear from taking over

Keeping still

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Maintain an overall perspective of the book’s emotional range. A strong manuscript will always expose the reader to several contrasting emotional experiences that fit within the context of the protagonist’s growth.

EAGERNESS

DEFINITION: enthusiasm for what is to come

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Leaning forward

Eyes that glow

Rushing one’s words

Speaking in a bubbly or loud tone

Rapt attention, nodding

Using excitable language

Agreeability to whatever is suggested

Fiddling with an object to keep the hands busy

Squeezing the hands at one’s sides

Strong eye contact

Talking over others

Raising a hand immediately to be called on

Asking questions, requesting information

Rubbing the hands together

Leaning forward with a hand on the knee

Sitting at the edge of a chair

Allowing others into one’s personal space

Licking one’s lips, smiling

Feet pointing forward

Shoulders straight and back

Animated gesturing

Bouncing on one’s toes

Moving, fidgeting, pacing

Blowing out a long breath and smiling

Eyes wide, rounded, with very few blinks

Hands clutched together

Head up, alert

A fast walk, jog, or run

Sharing a look or wink with another

Clambering closer to a group or event

Whispering in hushed, excitable tones

Scuffing a chair closer to the table

Arriving early

Quirking an eyebrow and smiling

Friendliness, even with those not in one’s own social circle

Pulling or prodding others to hurry up

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Fluttery stomach

Increased heartbeat

An expanding feeling in the chest

Breathlessness

Adrenaline causing alertness

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Focused listening

Strong organization and preparedness

An inability to concentrate on anything else

Desiring to share and include others

Losing all inhibitions

Positive outlook and thinking

A willingness to take on responsibility, to help or lead

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM EAGERNESS:

Preparing early, often hours or days before needed

Planning or obsessing over every detail

Seeking perfection

Hurrying or rushing to make things happen quicker

MAY ESCALATE TO: EXCITEMENT, IMPATIENCE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED EAGERNESS:

Clamping the hands in the lap

Tight muscles

Forcing oneself to sit still

Slowing one’s speech, concentrating on being articulate

A series of deep breaths

Taking up a task or chore to pass the time

Feigning disinterest by adopting a loose and relaxed posture

Making a slight detour as a ruse

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: To generate friction in dialogue, give the participants opposing goals. A heightened emotional response is the natural result of not getting what one needs.

ELATION

DEFINITION: in high spirits; a state of euphoria or exhilaration

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

High color, a flushed appearance

A smile or grin that cannot be contained

Laughing

Squealing, screaming, shouting, whooping, hollering

Falling to one’s knees

Jumping up and down

Talking over one another, babbling

Holding arms up in a “victory V”

Head tipping back, turning one’s face to the sky

Running a victory lap

A beaming face, strong color and sheen

Embracing others

Dancing in place

Whooping loudly

Not caring what others think, a lack of self-consciousness

Enjoying communal happiness, feeling part of the crowd

Repeating words over and over: Wow! or I can’t believe it!

Flinging out the arms and legs, taking a wide stance

Thrusting the chest out

Eyes wide and glowing

Grabbing at the sides of the head in an “I can’t believe it” gesture

High energy, a bouncing walk or run, skipping

Hugging, kissing, or other displays of affection

Breaking out into a run

Happy tears, shining cheeks

Throwing something into the air—a hat, books, confetti, helmet

Sweating

Thrusting a fist into the sky

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Warmth radiating throughout the body

Racing heartbeat, drumming in the chest

Feeling ultra-awake, rejuvenated by adrenaline

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Thoughts scatter, too excited to think straight

Wanting to be surrounded by family and friends

Feeling vindicated for the effort, sacrifice, or hard work

Revisiting the hurdles leading to this moment

Gratitude to those who helped make this possible

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ELATION:

Tears streaming down the face

Loss of motor control

Trembling muscles

Sinking to the ground, exhausted

Breathlessness

Losing one’s voice from screaming or shouting

Speechlessness

MAY ESCALATE TO: SATISFACTION, PRIDE, GRATITUDE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ELATION:

A grin that can’t be contained no matter how hard one tries

Bottling up one’s breaths to try and calm down

Self-hugging to contain the feeling

Closing the eyes and covering the mouth

Quivering with the effort of controlling oneself

Looking down to hide a grin

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Make a list of the body parts you incorporate when expressing emotion. Are there ones you don’t use at all? Challenge yourself to come up with a unique cue by using one of these “missing” parts, and substitute it for a gesture that is overused.

EMBARRASSMENT

DEFINITION: a lack of composure due to self-conscious discomfort

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A flush that creeps across the cheeks

Visible sweating

The body freezing in place

Grimacing or swallowing

Ears that turn red

The chin dipping down

The chest caving

A bent spine

Hands curling around one’s middle

Feet shuffling

Clearing the throat

Coughing

Covering oneself (crossing the arms, closing a jacket)

Pulling at the collar

Rubbing the back of the neck

Wincing

Covering the face with hands

Cringing or shaking

Fidgeting, squirming

Stuttering, stammering

Flinching away from touches

A weakened voice

Speechlessness

Toes curling up

Knees pulling together

Arms tucking in at the sides

Sliding down in a chair

Looking down, unable to meet someone’s eyes

Shoulders slumping or curling forward

Responding with anger (shoving, punching)

Gritting one’s teeth, pressing the lips tight

Shoving hands in pockets

Fiddling with shirt sleeves

Hiding behind a book

Shielding (having a death grip on a purse)

A walk that accelerates into a sprint

Using hair to hide one’s face

Glancing about for help, an exit, or escape

Tugging a hat down low or pulling a hood over the head

A trembling chin

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Excessive swallowing

Lightheadedness

A tingling that sweeps up the back of the neck and across the face

A tightening chest

Stomach hardening or dropping with a manifestation of dread

The face, neck, and ears feeling impossibly hot

Rushed breathing

A rapid heartbeat

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A compulsion to flee (fight-or-flight)

Muddied or panicked thoughts

A disconnect where the mind struggles with belief: This can’t be happening!

Thoughts searching for a solution

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM EMBARRASSMENT:

Crying

Running from the room or situation

Plummeting self-esteem

Fear of public speaking or being on display

Withdrawing from groups, activities, and social interaction

Loss of appetite

Obsessing about the embarrassing event, reliving it

Poor sleep

Weight loss

MAY ESCALATE TO: HUMILIATION, DEPRESSION, REGRET, SHAME

CUES OF SUPPRESSED EMBARRASSMENT:

Pretending to not have heard or seen

Intensely concentrating on something else, actively ignoring others

A fake smile

Pretending to laugh it off

Changing the topic in any way possible

Lying

Deflecting attention and assigning blame to another

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Be wary of showing emotion too readily through the act of crying. In real life, it takes a lot to reach a tearful state and so it should be the same for our characters.

ENVY

DEFINITION: resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, paired with a longing to acquire that advantage

NOTE: the advantage can be a person, an object, or an intangible (popularity, lifestyle, etc.)

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Staring

Glowering

The mouth turning down

Lips parting slightly

A tightening under the eyes

A thinning mouth

Chin poking forward

Squinting

Baring the teeth slightly

A pouty bottom lip

Crossing the arms over the chest

Shoulders hunching slightly

Leaning closer

Reaching

Flaring nostrils

A coveting gaze that drifts to the symbol of envy (the advantage)

Being snarky or rude, seemingly without cause

Shoving one’s hands into pockets

Twitching hands

Hands tightening into fists

Muscles bunching

Turning away from the advantage and stalking off

Swallowing frequently

Rubbing the hands over one’s clothing

Feet and torso facing the advantage

Licking or sucking on the bottom lip

Sweaty hands

A reddening of the face

Rubbing at or massaging one’s chest as if pained

Stroking or pinching one’s throat

Taking a step toward the person or object one wants

Obsessive behavior (stalking, making a plan to acquire the advantage)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Quick heartbeat

Ribs squeezing tight

Rising body temperature

A pulling sensation in the gut

Dry throat

Sucking in breath through clenched teeth

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A strong desire to touch, hold, and own

Anger at the unfairness or injustice

Unkind thoughts about the other person

Frustration

Scheming ways to acquire what another has

Self-loathing

Fantasizing about the advantage

An inability to commit to or focus on anything else

Dissatisfaction with what one does have

A feeling of entitlement: I deserve it or That should be mine

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ENVY:

Feeling that life isn’t worth living without the advantage

Grabbing or stealing the coveted object

Fighting or arguing with the envied one to release frustration

Falsely belittling or minimizing the attributes of the desired advantage or object

Irrational thinking

Making demands: Give it to me.

MAY ESCALATE TO: DETERMINATION, RESENTMENT, ANGER, DEPRESSION, JEALOUSY

CUES OF SUPPRESSED ENVY:

Congratulating or offering praise

Forcing a smile

Acknowledging the object and complimenting it

Attempting not to stare

Watching from a distance

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When crafting the physical movement of a fight scene, remember that less is more. Too many details create a play-by-play feel which can come across as mechanical.

EXCITEMENT

DEFINITION: the state of being energized or stimulated and provoked to act

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A wide grin

Eyes that sparkle and gleam

Laughing

Bouncing from foot to foot

Squealing, hooting, yelling

Telling jokes

Chest bumping with others

A loud voice

Singing, humming, chanting

Slam-dunking trash into a barrel after a game or event

Babbling or talking over one another in a group setting

Fanning oneself

Pretending to faint

Verbalizing thoughts and feelings without hesitation

Lifting someone up or swinging them around

Trembling

Acting hyper, immature, or foolish out of a sense of fun

A ruddy complexion

Moving about, being unable to stay still

Good-natured shoving and pushing

Waving the arms, using grand gestures

Drumming one’s feet against the floor

Hugging, grabbing onto someone’s arm and holding it

Bumping shoulders

Raising up or bouncing on tiptoe

Phoning or texting to share news or pass on the excitement

Speed-talking with others, heads close together, gossipy

Throaty laughter

Getting the giggles

Friendly demands: Tell me! Show me! Let’s go!

A body that’s constantly in motion (nodding, bobbing, weaving, pacing)

A distinct walk, a fast-paced strut

Making eye contact with others, confidence

Displaying affection with friends or loved ones

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Lightness in the chest

A fast pulse

Dry mouth

Heightened senses

Breathlessness

Adrenaline rush

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Camaraderie with others

Imagining what could happen

Enjoyment of the communal energy

Impatience

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM EXCITEMENT:

A need to run, jump, scream, whoop it up

An intense desire to share the feeling with others

A beaming face

Racing heartbeat

Sweating

A hoarse voice from screaming, yelling, or shouting

A loss of inhibitions

MAY ESCALATE TO: SATISFACTION, HAPPINESS, ELATION, DISAPPOINTMENT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED EXCITEMENT:

Controlling one’s movement with intent

Biting down on a smile

Swallowing a laugh or shout of glee

Feeling like one’s insides are vibrating

Smoothing down clothing

Eyes that glow with inner light

Nodding rather than speaking

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: If you’re stuck on how to show an emotion, form a strong image of the scene in your mind. Let the scene unfold, and watch the character to see how they move and behave.

FEAR

DEFINITION: to be afraid of; to expect threat or danger

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Face turning ashen, white, pallid

Hair lifting on the nape and arms

Body odor, cold sweats

Clammy hands

Trembling lips and chin

Tendons standing out in the neck, a visible pulse

Elbows pressing into the sides, making one’s body as small as possible

Freezing, feeling rooted to the spot

Rapid blinking

Tight shoulders

Staring but not seeing, eyes shut or crying

Hands jammed into armpits or self-hugging

Breath bursting in and out

Leg muscles tightening, the body ready to run

Looking all around, especially behind

A shrill voice

Lowering the voice to a whisper

Keeping one’s back to a wall or corner

Shaking uncontrollably

Gripping something, knuckles going white

Stiff walking, the knees locking

Beads of sweat on the lip or forehead

Grabbing onto someone

Eyes appearing damp and overly bright

Stuttering and mispronouncing words, tremors in the voice

Jerky movements, squirming

Licking the lips, gulping down water

Sprinting or running

Sweeping a hand across the forehead to get rid of sweat

Gasping and expelling one’s breath as if pained

Uncontrollable whimpering

Pleading, talking to oneself

Flinching at noises

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

An inability to speak

Shakiness in the limbs

Holding back a scream or cry

Heartbeat racing, nearly exploding

Dizziness, weakness in the legs and knees

A loosening of the bladder

Chest pain

Holding one’s breath, gulping down breaths to stay quiet

A stomach that feels rock hard

Hyper-sensitivity to touch and sound

Adrenaline spikes

MENTAL REACTIONS:

Wanting to flee or hide

The sensation of things moving too quickly to process

Images of what-could-be flashing through the mind

Flawed reasoning

Jumping to a course of action without thinking things through

A skewed sense of time

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM FEAR:

Uncontrollable trembling, fainting

Insomnia

Heart giving out

Panic attacks, phobias

Exhaustion

Depression

Substance abuse

Withdrawing from others

Tics (a repetitive grimace, a head twitch, talking to oneself)

Resistance to pain from rushing adrenaline

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANGER, TERROR, PARANOIA, DREAD

CUES OF SUPPRESSED FEAR:

Keeping silent

Denying fear through diversion or topic change

Turning away from the cause of the fear

Attempting to keep one’s voice light

A watery smile that’s forced into place

Masking fear with a reactive emotion (anger or frustration)

False bravado

Over-indulgence in a habit (nail biting, lip biting, scratching the skin raw)

A joking tone, but the voice cracks

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Prime readers for an emotional experience by describing the mood of a scene as your character enters it. If your character is antsy, the reader will be too.

FRUSTRATION

DEFINITION: vexation caused by unresolved problems or unmet needs; the feeling of being hindered

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Pinching the lips together

Holding hands behind the back, gripping one’s own wrist

Rushed speech

Tapping one’s fingers to release energy

Swearing

Pointing with an index finger

Scratching or rubbing the back of the neck

Shaking the head

Jerky movements (talking with the hands, changing direction mid-stride)

Pacing in short spans

Stiff posture, rigid muscles, a corded neck

Clenching the jaw

Speaking through the teeth with forced restraint

An impatient snort or sneer

Drawing breath and releasing it before speaking

Splaying hands out wide to stretch, then relaxing them

Baring one’s teeth

Swearing

Throwing hands up in an “I give up” gesture

Stalking away from someone, leaving in a huff

Attempting to hurt through name-calling and personal jabs

Speaking without thought, often leading to regret

Slamming a door

Grabbing one’s hair in clumps, looking up at the sky

A heavy sigh

A strained voice

Laying one’s head down on the table

Stilted speaking

Eyes squinting, tightening

A harried appearance

Running hands through the hair

Fists tight, fingernails biting into the palms

A pinched, tension-filled expression

Scrubbing a hand over the face

Pounding a fist against a tabletop

Scrunching up the face and then releasing, trying to regain calm

Holding one’s head in one’s hands

A high chin

Arms crossing in front of the chest

Clumsiness due to rushing (slopping coffee, knocking something over)

Theatrical groaning

Restlessness

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Throat closing up

Hardening of the stomach

Tightness in the chest

High blood pressure

Headache

Jaw pain

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Extreme focus on problem solving

Replaying a scene or event over and over in one’s mind, obsessing over it

Self-talking to calm down, to think straight

A need to ask questions and rehash information

Reining in one’s emotions before damaging relationships

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM FRUSTRATION:

Shouting, yelling, ranting, screaming, or criticizing

Crying, sobbing

Pleading, bargaining: Please stop!

Storming out of a room

An inability to sleep or relax

Profuse sweating

Using more force than necessary (stomping feet, throwing instead of handing off)

A display of violence (kicking, grabbing, shaking, or destroying something in release)

A tantrum (screaming, body flung down on the floor, crying)

MAY ESCALATE TO: CONTEMPT, ANGER, IMPATIENCE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED FRUSTRATION:

Gritted teeth

Swiping at tears, trying to hide them

Silence or minimal responses

Briefly closing one’s eyes

Taking a deep breath

Scraping a hand over the face as if to wash away emotion

Excusing oneself and leaving

Trying to shake or roll tension from the shoulders

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Use a character’s intuition to draw the reader more fully into the scene. If you show what has primed their intuition clearly, the reader’s own gut will respond and they will pay extra close attention. The flash of intuition must pay off in some way to complete the circle.

GRATITUDE

DEFINITION: thankfulness; feeling grateful or appreciative

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Eyes that are soft, filled with an inner glow

Clasping another’s hand or forearm

Tapping a loose fist against the heart

Placing a hand on the chest

Tearing up

Laying a hand on one’s heart then gesturing to a person or group

Pressing fingers to smiling lips

Repeating one’s thanks and appreciation

Holding onto someone’s hand for longer than necessary

Hugging, showing affection

A light squeeze during a handshake

A smile that has a genuine build and lights up the face

Steady eye contact

Open palms

Moving closer, into another’s personal space

Forming a steeple with hands and pressing them to lips

Offering praise for others

An emotion-rich voice

Offering small touches to connect

Laying a hand on someone’s back or shoulder

Nodding, eyes glowing

Offering a gift, favor, or boon of appreciation

Raising one’s palms to the sky and looking up

Complimenting

Clapping vigorously

Body and feet pointed forward

Offering a wave

A two-fingered salute

Tipping the head back for a moment and closing the eyes

Bowing or curtseying

Blowing a kiss

Offering a wave of thanks

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Tingling warmth in the limbs

A release of all bodily tension

A feeling of expansion in the chest

Heart that feels “full”

A comfortable warmth in the face

Weakness in the knees

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Desiring to repay another’s kindness and support

Feeling overwhelmed in a good way

Wanting to drink in the moment, to remember this feeling forever

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM GRATITUDE:

Worship

Falling to one’s knees

A desire to do anything to repay

Joyful tears

A feeling of connection and love

MAY ESCALATE TO: SATISFACTION, PEACEFULNESS, HAPPINESS, ELATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED GRATITUDE:

Closing the eyes

Ducking the head to hide one’s expression

Avoiding eye contact with others

Quick, darting glances to express a hidden thanks

Offering a distraction or changing the subject

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Make it a goal to offer the reader something unexpected in every scene, be it an emotional reaction, a roadblock to trip the character up, or a snippet of dialogue that sheds new light on the events unfolding.

GUILT

DEFINITION: a feeling of culpability over an offense (either real or imagined)

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Averting or lowering one’s gaze

Turning away

Shifting about

Chin dipping to the chest, adopting a slumped posture

Blushing

Reacting defensively

Short-temperedness

Consuming antacids

Repetitive swallowing

Lying

Sweating

Grimacing

Lip biting

Avoiding a person or place

Talking too much or too fast

Keeping at a distance

Rubbing the nose or ears

Shoulders drawing up, elbows tucking into the sides

Closing or curling one’s hands inward

Stuttering, growing flustered

Joking to lighten the mood or distract others from the truth

Seeking comfort by touching one’s own hair, neck, or clothing

Pinning the arms against the stomach

Becoming unnaturally quiet or still

A quivering chin

Muttering tearfully to oneself

Anxious movements (pawing a hand through the hair, pacing)

A cracking voice

Pulling at one’s collar

Taking a deep, pained breath and closing the eyes

Staring down at one’s feet

Palms hidden (stuffed into pockets, held behind the back)

Darting glances at the person wronged

Following the one wronged, trying to convince oneself to confess

Inflicting pain on oneself as a penance

Destroying one’s own possessions

An inability to join in fun activities or be with friends

Looking pale, having a harried or haunted look

Not showing up for work or school, letting grades slip

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Upset stomach

Tight chest

Pain in the back of the throat

Loss of appetite

Thickness in the throat

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Replaying what happened

Anxiety

Thoughts filled with self-loathing

Wishing one could go back and change what happened

Desiring to confess or share the pain or burden with another

Brooding, retreating inward, withdrawing from others

Paranoia that others know and are passing judgment

An inability to concentrate on anything else

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM GUILT:

A lack of interest in one’s own appearance or wellness

Drinking until passing out (to forget)

Insomnia

Depression

Exhaustion

Nightmares

Drug use

Crying, sobbing, hitching breaths

Flight response—running away, unable to deal with the consequences

Growing reclusive, cutting oneself off from others

Self-mutilation

Self-loathing

Attempting suicide as a way out

MAY ESCALATE TO: CONFLICTED, REGRET, SHAME, REMORSE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED GUILT:

Becoming excessively resourceful or helpful to make up for earlier failure

Fidgeting

Hiding one’s mouth behind a hand

Changing the subject

Deflecting attention

Throat clearing

Verbally denying having anything to do with the event

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Character bibles can help you keep track of hair, eye and clothing choices for each character, keeping the continuity from the first page to the last.

HAPPINESS

DEFINITION: a state of well-being or joyful contentment

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

An upturned face

Smiling

Humming, whistling, singing

A relaxed appearance

Telling jokes, laughing frequently

Laugh lines

Raised, prominent cheekbones (from smiling)

Eyes that dance, sparkle, or shine

A bubbly or light voice

Rapid speaking

Buying gifts for others or offering tokens of kindness

Stretching out the legs, adopting a wide, open stance

Giving someone the thumbs-up

Sitting up, straight and alert

Fluid movements

Offering compliments

Swinging the arms while walking

Enthusiastic waving

A polite manner

Stepping lightly, skipping

Initiating physical contact with others

Infusing one’s speech with positive words

Showing a talkative nature and courtesy with strangers

Spontaneity

Lightly rapping one’s fingers (as if to internal music) on a leg or other surface

Swinging or tapping one’s foot to an easy beat

Satisfied, catlike stretches

Expressing enjoyment of the senses (swaying to music, savoring food)

Nodding or leaning in, actively showing interest

Bouncing on the toes

Clasping hands to the chest

Offering encouragement and support

Quick movements, no hesitation

An overall visage that glows or radiates

Holding the arms out wide as if to hug the world

Initiating random acts of kindness

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A feeling of breathlessness

Heat that radiates through the chest

Tingling hands

Lightness in the limbs

A feeling of weightlessness

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Positive thinking

Desiring to spread joy and make others feel good

Noticing the small things (smelling the roses, so to speak)

Helpfulness

Being at ease with the world, content

Showing patience

A bright outlook (glass half full)

A desire to be with loved ones or friends

Fearlessness

Benign risk taking for fun

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM HAPPINESS:

Joyful tears

Shaking with excitement

Big movements (leaping, fist pumping, running)

Happy bursts of screaming, shouting, laughter, squeals, giggles

Shows of affection

Spinning in a wild circle

Dancing

MAY ESCALATE TO: ELATION, GRATITUDE, SATISFACTION, PEACEFULNESS

CUES OF SUPPRESSED HAPPINESS:

Pressing the lips tight to keep from smiling

Difficulty staying still

Taking deep, calming breaths

Bouncing lightly in place

Averting the face

Fiddling with things to keep hands and feet from twitching

Carefully-masked features, but eyes that betray the true emotion

Putting away happy thoughts to savor later

Intense concentration on something or someone else

Hiding a joyous expression with one’s hair

Holding a hand over the mouth to cover a smile

Pinching oneself and using the pain to help contain the emotion

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: To increase tension in a scene, think about what is motivating your character, and which emotions could get in the way. Introduce an event that creates the very emotions the character wishes to avoid.

HATRED

DEFINITION: to loathe or detest; to feel animosity toward

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Fists that shake

An intense, fevered stare

Clenched jaw, grinding teeth

Rigid and defined forearm muscles

Uttering dark, hurtful words meant to provoke

Stiff posture, square shoulders, a lurching walk

Shoving, pushing, tripping

Bearing the teeth

Fingers retracting, turning claw-like

Shouting, screaming, swearing

Lunging at an enemy

Spittle flying while yelling

A red face and neck

Sweating

Visible vein throb

A corded neck

Walking off, refusing to stay in another’s presence

Switching shifts or altering a schedule to avoid an enemy

Tightness in the face, skin stretched into a snarl

An animalistic growl in the throat

Flaring nostrils

A grip that unintentionally crushes or breaks (snapping a pen, etc.)

A tense body, on the verge of springing

Bullying, cyber trolling

A mouth that curls with dislike, sneering

Spitting at someone or in their direction

Reaching out to throttle, hit, or cause pain

Shoving people aside to reach the enemy

Angry tears

Cursing, swearing

A scathing tone

A shaking voice

Using friends to help ostracize or bring the enemy low

Initiating hateful gossip, setting the enemy up, starting rumors

Wrenching an enemy’s arm to stop them from leaving

Acting on violent urges (throwing a chair, destroying property)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Loud breaths, a heaving chest

Pain in the jaw from clenching or grinding teeth

A pounding heartbeat

Headache

Rising body temperature

Strain or soreness from tense muscles

Roaring in the ears

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A dark mood that no one can reach through or dispel

Rash decisions, impaired judgment

Irrational thoughts, taking risks to get even

A desire to carry out a vendetta (via vandalism, theft, etc.)

Single-minded focus on how to destroy another

Humiliation fantasies featuring the enemy

Actively wishing for harm or misfortune to happen to another

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM HATRED:

An inability to enjoy positive things or happiness

Difficulty eating and sleeping

Isolation

Fixating on an enemy, stalking

Deriving pleasure from violent fantasies involving an enemy

Committing crimes against the enemy

Assault or murder

MAY ESCALATE TO: PARANOIA, RAGE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED HATRED:

Clamping the teeth shut to contain hard words

Taking deep breaths to calm oneself

Seeking out a distraction or diversion

Leaving the situation or presence of an enemy

Surrounding oneself with supportive friends

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: One way to create emotional intensity is to have the character remember the stakes on the cusp of taking action. Worry over the outcome can add a slice of desperation to any scene and create a compelling emotional pull for the reader.

HOPEFULNESS

DEFINITION: a bright, promising outlook; optimism

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Holding one’s breath

Raising the eyebrows and offering a questioning gaze

Leaning in

Clutching at the chest or belly

Muttering please repeatedly under the breath

Clasping hands under the chin (in a prayer gesture)

A face that seems to shine

Gently biting the lip

Covering the mouth with a hand, eyes wide and shining

Deep breaths

Wiggling, squirming

Verbalizing the pros, not the cons

Strong eye contact

Smiling

Stiff posture, an air of readiness

Smoothing one’s clothing to appear collected or worthy

Nodding along as another speaks

Holding still in expectation

Rapid swallowing and nodding

Chattiness, babbling

Lips parting slightly

Asking others to reaffirm the chances of success

Shifting back and forth

Making promises to convince others of one’s worthiness

Offering commitment, to show one’s ability to meet expectations

Attentiveness to tasks or people connected with one’s goal

Restlessness

Licking the lip with cautious hope

Exhaling while the eyes look up

A gaze that darts to a symbol of hope (a friend in the know, a table of judges)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A flutter in the belly

A light-hearted feeling

Tingling limbs

A jolt through the body

A floating sensation, like all one’s burdens have been removed

Breath that temporarily bottles up in the chest

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A willingness to believe that everything will be all right

A strong awareness of one’s surroundings

Thinking positive thoughts

A sense of calm

Focusing on improvement (studying, working extra hard)

Refusing to consider, speak of, or listen to negatives

Preparing for the best case scenario

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM HOPEFULNESS:

Hands clasped in prayer, pressed to the lips, eyes closed

Quivering breaths

Shakiness

Tears

A trembling voice

Whimpering

MAY ESCALATE TO: EAGERNESS, EXCITEMENT, DISAPPOINTMENT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED HOPEFULNESS:

Locking hands together to force stillness

Mentally reducing high expectations

Reminding oneself of obstacles or competition

Pressing the palms downward to stave off over-confidence

Keeping one’s face blank

Looking down or away

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Force your characters to make choices between bad and worse. Readers will empathize with your character, remembering their own past when they faced a similar dilemma.

HUMILIATION

DEFINITION: feeling degraded or mortified, worthless or cheap

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Body collapsing in on itself

A bowed head

Shoulders curling over chest

Angling torso away from others

Uncontrollable shuddering or shivering

Hair hanging in face, hiding the eyes

A downward gaze

A flushed face

Hitching chest

Eyes dull, lifeless

Pulling down a shirt hem (covering gesture)

Body shielding (if holding onto an object)

Hands clutching at stomach

Covering face with hands

Bottom lip or chin trembling

Whimpering

Throat bobbing

Arms falling to sides, lifeless

Uncontrolled tears

Flinching at noise or from being touched

Huddling, crouching

Trying to cover body with hands

Neck bending forward

Movement is slow, jerky

Knees locked tight together

A loss of coordination

Cold sweat

Stumbling, staggering

Backing up against a wall, sliding into a corner, hiding

Visible tremors coursing through the body

Hands gripping elbows

Pigeon toes (tilted inward)

Sobs trapped in throat

Drawing knees up to the body’s core

Wrapping arms around self

Runny nose

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Weakness in legs

Sluggish heartbeat

Pain in chest

Rapid swallowing

Dizziness, a sense of vertigo

Ribs squeezing

Body feels broken

Skin tightens (crawls)

Loose muscles

Hot eyes and cheeks

Nausea

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Self-loathing

Shattered thoughts

A feeling of nakedness, of being on display

A need to hide or flee that supersedes all else

Wanting it to end at all costs

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM HUMILIATION:

Curling up on the floor

Hiding behind something, against something

Crying, blubbering, hitching sobs

Willingness to escape by any means

A desire to die, for the emotional pain to end

MAY ESCALATE TO: DEPRESSION, REGRET, SHAME, ANGER, HATRED

CUES OF SUPPRESSED HUMILIATION:

Numbness in mind and body

Becoming passive and disengaged

Closing off all thoughts of what is happening

Not speaking or making any sound

Sending the mind “somewhere else”

A disconnect between the mind and body

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Add conflicting emotions for a richer experience. A character might feel excitement and pride at purchasing their first car, yet worry that they might be extending themselves too far financially. This inner conflict helps to humanize a character to the reader.

HURT

DEFINITION: suffering grief or mental pain; feeling wounded or aggrieved

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Eyes widening, yet brows are furrowed

Swallowing hard

Lowering the head, the neck appearing to shrink

A slow, disbelieving head shake

A trembling chin

Mouth falling open

Flinching, starting

Color draining from the face

Saying How could you? as an accusation

Hunching over as if choking down a sob

Pressing a fist to the lips

Biting down on one’s bottom lip

Gripping a fistful of shirt at the chest level

Holding a hand up, warding others off

Clutching the stomach

The body crumpling in on itself

A hitching chest

Drooping shoulders

Weakness in the knees

An uneven step

Displaying poor balance and coordination

A hand pressing against the throat or breastbone

Stuttering, choking out words

Letting out a whimper

Eyes that water

The mouth opening, but no words forming

Sending someone a long, pained look and then breaking eye contact

A hanging head

Retracting the arms, bringing them close to the torso

Stumbling back a step

Backing up

Spinning away

A grimace that lingers

Clutching at oneself, elbows pressed to the sides

INTERNAL SENSATIONS

Dizziness

Stomach hardening, nausea

A painful tightness in one’s throat

Constricting lungs, making it hard to breathe

Heartbeat seeming to slow or stop momentarily

Weakening muscles, trembling in the limbs

Spots flashing in one’s vision

MENTAL RESPONSES:

The sense that time has stopped

Thoughts spinning, focusing inward

Shock, disbelief

Dredging up history, trying to understand how it led here

Feeling broken inside

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM HURT:

A sense of betrayal that rocks the mind to the very core

A collapse in body posture

Tears, sobbing

Running away

Reacting with anger (screaming, slapping, hitting)

MAY ESCALATE TO: DEPRESSION, ANGUISH, ANGER

CUES OF SUPPRESSED HURT:

Visible swallowing

Unnatural stiffness

Pinching the lips tight to keep them from trembling

Tensing the body to ward off shaking

Lifting the chin

Forcing oneself to maintain eye contact

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: A natural way to describe a character’s appearance is to show them interacting with their environment. A sense of movement also allows this type of description to flow with the scene as it progresses.

IMPATIENCE

DEFINITION: feeling restless or short-tempered; having a desire for immediate change, relief, or gratification

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Raising one’s eyebrows

Placing hands on the hips

Scowling

Head tilting back, gaze looking up

Crossing the arms

Standing or sitting stiffly

A tapping foot

Folding the hands

Pursing one’s lips

Fiddling with cuffs or jewelry

Glancing repeatedly at the clock

Pacing

A hard jaw line, a jutting chin

Clicking one’s fingernails against a table

Fidgeting instead of sitting or standing still

Narrowing eyes, having an intense focus

Interrupting, talking over someone else

Compressing the lips while someone else speaks

Being unnerved by annoying tics (loud breathing, pen clicking)

Frowning

A sharp tone

Massaging the temples, as if weary

Pinching the bridge of the nose and squeezing the eyes tight

Attention that snaps toward sound or movement

Door watching

Complaining under the breath: Where is he? or This is taking too long!

Holding a plate of food but not eating it

A clenched jaw, gritted teeth

Whining, grumbling, or pouting (small children)

Letting out a loud breath

Moving about (sitting then standing, choosing a different chair)

Toying with items (turning a cup, mangling a paperclip)

Muttering, shaking the head

Tilting the head to the ceiling and letting out a heavy sigh

Uncrossing and re-crossing the legs

Tension in the face, shoulders and neck

Using the body to nudge, push, or block (line jumpers)

Repeatedly running the hands through the hair

Veiled anger or light sarcasm

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Breathing that grows heavier, louder

Rising body temperature

Feeling exhausted or strained to the limits

Headaches

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Mentally berating a time-waster

Wishing time would speed up

Running through how to do something faster or more efficiently

Attention straying to other things

Asserting mental restraint to avoid snapping

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM IMPATIENCE:

Slapping a hand against the table

Barking orders, yelling

Cutting people off

Taking over a project or duty

Telling the speaker to move on and get to the point

Redirecting the focus to allow things to proceed better

Setting a time limit

Making demands

Resorting to the physical (pushing, shoving)

MAY ESCALATE TO: IRRITATION, FRUSTRATION, ANGER, SCORN

CUES OF SUPPRESSED IMPATIENCE:

A frozen smile

Going for a walk

Using the time to run an errand or complete a task

Attempting to distract oneself in an effort to be patient

Rooting in a purse or pocket as a distraction

Checking and rechecking a phone for messages

Fussing with appearance (brushing away lint, checking fingernails)

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Never let the reader notice the writing. Overusing metaphors, similes, descriptive terms, and repeated body language can pull the reader out of the story.

INDIFFERENCE

DEFINITION: a state of apathy, casualness, or disinterest

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Shoulders are lowered and loose

A slow, steady gait

Arms hanging limply at the sides

Shrugging half-heartedly

Long pauses before responding

Staring blankly or emotionlessly

Lifting a hand loosely, palm up in a “Who cares?” gesture

Placing hands in one’s pockets

Leaning back or away

Looking sleepy or glazed

Speaking in a flat voice

Smiling politely, not genuinely

The body sagging while seated, lacking tension

A wandering gaze

Picking at lint, scratching at cuticles, etc., to show that interest is lacking

Closing one’s eyes to shut everything out

Texting during an event or while someone speaks

Not bothering to answer someone’s questions

Being non-responsive during a group discussion or debate

Ignoring something being handed over (a file, business card, etc.)

Turning away

A nonchalant attitude

Speaking only when spoken to

Not responding to jokes or personal exchanges

Pointedly ignoring another person or situation that draws others in

Relaxed posture

An unhurried exit

Focusing on one’s shoe, scuffing at the ground, etc., rather than giving due attention

Responding with Whatever or So?

Randomly changing the topic

Muted body language, lacking energy

Yawning

Mimicking boredom (slumping in one’s seat, tapping a pencil)

Half-lidded eyes

Muttering Uh-huh or Yeah when it seems appropriate

Being easily distracted by other things (TV, a hot girl walking past)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A lack of energy

Slow, even breaths

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Zoning or tuning others out to concentrate on other things

Wandering thoughts

A lack of empathy

Thinking about the time or future events

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM INDIFFERENCE:

A disconnect with one’s life or society

A fading sense of empathy

Falling into a routine

Meaningless interaction with others

Finding little day-to-day joy

Ignoring the pain or suffering of others

MAY ESCALATE TO: IRRITATION, ANNOYANCE, CONTEMPT, RESIGNATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED INDIFFERENCE:

Smiling and pretending to pay attention

Asking a few token questions

Making an excuse to leave

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: To create a fluid, emotional arc in your story, make sure your character’s feelings build in intensity and complexity as the novel progresses.

INSECURITY

DEFINITION: feeling unsure of oneself or displaying a lack of confidence

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Smoothing down clothing

A self-deprecating laugh

Breaking eye contact and shrugging

Hiding the hands in the pockets

Fidgeting

Checking one’s breath

Throat clearing

Visible blushing

Licking or biting the bottom lip

Petting or stroking one’s own hair (comfort gestures)

Covering up (pulling a jacket tighter, holding one’s elbows)

Holding the knees and legs tightly together

Awkwardly mirroring the behavior of others

Choosing loose clothing over tight, revealing ones

Asking for reassurance from others

Brushing off compliments or putting oneself down

Looking down while walking

Staying at the edge of a group, seeking the corner of a busy room

Tucking the hands behind the elbows

Wrist twisting

Not smiling, or offering a smile that fades quickly

Visible tension in the muscles

Rubbing one’s forearms

Needing advice or instruction on what to say or do

Laughing too loudly, or at odd times

Clutching an item to the chest (book, binder, purse)

Tapping the leg to settle nerves

Hiding behind one’s hair

Biting nails or picking at loose threads on one’s clothing

Staying at a distance

Holding a hand close to the face while speaking

Difficulty speaking or offering opinions

Rubbing at one’s lips

Wearing too much makeup

Rushed speech

Increased sweat output during uncomfortable moments

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A heartbeat that races when one feels confronted

A roiling stomach

Uncontrollable flushes of heat

An uncomfortable, dry throat

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Difficulty making decisions

Over-thinking problems or choices

Obsessing over one’s own flaws and shortcomings

Alert to others, to see how they react and what they do

Agreeing only to avoid a confrontation

Fixating on the talents and strengths of others

Comparing oneself to others and finding oneself lacking

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM INSECURITY:

Holding onto a comfort item (a special piece of jewelry, a picture)

A bent spine

Blushing when noticed or spoken to

Avoiding social situations

Acting skittish around people

Panic symptoms when put on the spot

Preferring to do things alone

Wearing plain clothing to reinforce invisibility

Difficulty making friends

Choosing a seat in the back of the room or away from others

Seeking interaction online rather than in person

MAY ESCALATE TO: UNEASE, WARINESS, WORRY, PARANOIA

CUES OF SUPPRESSED INSECURITY:

Tossing the hair

Thrusting the chest out

Standing taller, squaring one’s shoulders

Forcing oneself to maintain eye contact

Deflecting questions or concern

Rushing into decisions to prove decisiveness

Mimicking others who display confidence

Risk taking

Lying

Inserting oneself into conversations

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Scenes do not happen in a vacuum. Don’t forget to include setting, thoughts or verbal cues that allude to the passage of time.

IRRITATION

DEFINITION: impatience and displeasure; the sense of being bothered

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

The lips pressing together, pursing, or flattening

Face tightening

Narrowing eyes, squinting

Rubbing the back of the neck

Watching the source furtively

Frowning

Crossing one’s arms

A glance that returns to the source of irritation

Pulling or plucking at clothing as if that is the source of discomfort

Fidgety movements (scraping the hair back, curling one’s fingers)

Turning one’s attention to someone else

Adopting a challenging tone, arguing

A hard smile

Poking a tongue lightly into the cheek and inhaling a long breath

Asking pointed questions

Changing the subject

Forcing a laugh

Raising the voice

Opening the mouth to say something, then thinking better of it

Biting the inside of the cheek

Restless legs (crossing and uncrossing, unable to stand still)

Going silent, disengaging from conversation

Feigning interest in other things to buy time and regain control

Making small, jittery movements with the fingers

Breathing through the nose (audibly to others)

Curling one’s toes

Clasping the hands tightly, a whitening of the knuckles

Interrupting

Repeating a mannerism (scratching an eyebrow, adjusting glasses)

Spots of color entering the cheeks

Clenching one’s teeth

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Tightness in the chest

Tense muscles

Sensitive skin

Quickened pulse

A twitchy feeling in the extremities

Raised body temperature

Tightness in the jaw and facial muscles, causing discomfort

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Dismissing the source as unworthy

Trying to put the upsetting information out of one’s mind

A desire to talk the situation over with someone else

Wishing someone would stop or shut up

Stubbornly sticking to one’s belief even if it doesn’t make sense

Clouded judgment

Judging others and their performance or contribution

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM IRRITATION:

Openly challenging another’s logic or standpoint

Swearing

Negative language: You don’t know what you’re talking about!

Sarcasm

Name-calling

Facial tics

Rising blood pressure

MAY ESCALATE TO: FRUSTRATION, ANGER

CUES OF SUPPRESSED IRRITATION:

Avoiding the source

Two-faced behavior

Nitpicking

Passive-aggressive comments

Forcing oneself to not look at or acknowledge the source

Leaving the room or situation to clear thoughts

Seeking to discredit the source so as not to have to believe him or her

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Make body language unique to the character. Do they lift themselves up in their shoes as they wait in line? Do they run a finger along the seam line of their jeans when deep in thought? Creative emotional mannerisms help characters leap off the page.

JEALOUSY

DEFINITION: hostility toward a rival or one suspected of enjoying an advantage

NOTE: the advantage can be a person, an object, or an intangible (love, success, etc.)

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Adopting a sullen look

Making a slight growl or noise in the throat

Bitterness at watching how others respond to the rival

Quick, sharp movements (swiping tears from cheeks, shoving hair out of eyes)

Pursing or pressing lips flat

Crossing arms in front of chest

Clenching teeth

Muttering unkind things under breath

Starting rumors, acting catty

Picking on someone weaker for a sense of power and control

Sneering

Ugly laughter

Shouting insults, name-calling

Taking a step closer, fists clenched

A visible flush in cheeks

A pinched expression

Tight muscles

Body mimicking that of the rival

Trying to “one-up”

Issuing a challenge to the rival that contains an element of risk

Criticism

Spitting in the direction of the rival

Swearing

Kicking at nearby objects

Showing off

Pulling stunts or pranks to regain attention

Rudeness, saying something that is a “low blow”

Reckless behavior

Gloating when the rival falters or shows weakness

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Burning sensation in the chest or stomach

Stomach hardening

Breaths coming coarser, faster

Spots or flashes in vision

Pain in jaw from clenching teeth

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A desire to vent and voice the rival’s unworthiness to others

Rash decision-making (quitting a team, storming out of a party)

A flash of anger when the rival is mentioned

A desire to discredit, or take away the rival’s power

Wishing harm

A desire for revenge

Turmoil at having negative feelings

Focusing solely on the rival’s negative attributes

Comparing oneself to the rival in the eyes of peers

Rejecting the advantage (choosing to pursue another girl instead)

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM JEALOUSY:

Jeering, running someone down, bullying

Picking fights

Unhealthy obsession with the rival

Indulging in petty crime (keying the rival’s car, etc.)

Engaging in self-mutilation as a release

Negativity spilling into other parts of one’s life

Self-doubt, a lack of confidence

A relationship categorized by negativity, passive-aggression, and criticism

Feeling fake from wearing two faces for so long

Dishonesty with self and others

A pattern of subversively trying to undermine the rival in the eyes of others

MAY ESCALATE TO: ENVY, DETERMINATION, ANGER, HATRED

CUES OF SUPPRESSED JEALOUSY:

Acting normal to the rival’s face but talking negatively behind their back

Watching the rival furtively, privately

Striving to also excel at whatever is desired

Grouping with others who also lack whatever is desired

Kissing up to gain approval through association

Trying not to focus on the rival

Telling oneself that it doesn’t matter

Attempting to think positive thoughts about the rival

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: In each scene, think about the lighting. Full sunlight, muddy clouds washing everything in grey, the onset of sunset or even darkness…light and shadow can affect a character’s mood, amp their stress level or even work against their goals.

LONELINESS

DEFINITION: the feeling of being isolated or cut off

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A longing gaze

Disinterest in one’s appearance (bland clothing, lackluster hair)

Slumped shoulders, limp posture

A monotone voice

Looking down when walking in public

Watching people furtively

An expressionless, unsmiling face

Sullenness

Being generous to others in order to curry favor

Spying or eavesdropping on others to feel a part of something

Filling schedule with work or volunteering to avoid downtime

Using books, the internet, and TV to escape

An expression that crumples at other peoples’ affection displays

Hugging oneself

A lack of eye contact

False bravado

Tears, sadness

A heavy sigh

Talking to oneself

Feeling a sense of comfort from a full mailbox (even junk mail)

Stroking self (rubbing an arm absently for contact)

Using bright or eccentric clothing choices in an attempt to get attention

Doting on someone or something (a neighbor, a pet)

Talking to strangers to feel connected

Relishing opportunities to talk or engage (mail deliveries, etc.)

Rambling when conversing with others

Adhering to a routine (eating the same meals, visiting the same park)

Living vicariously through an alter ego or avatar (social networking, gaming)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A thickness in the throat, signaling the onset of tears

A longing so intense it manifests itself as an ache or pain

Insomnia

Fatigue

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Avoiding crowds, large events, or social situations

A desire to be included, wanted

Anger, bitterness

Daydreaming about people one would like to have relationships with

A feeling of unworthiness

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM LONELINESS:

Doubting oneself, a lack of confidence

Weight gain

Believing that one is ugly or unworthy

Uncontrollable crying bouts

Despairing of ever being able to change

High blood pressure

Workaholic tendencies

Bingeing to compensate (eating, drinking, shopping, gambling)

Hoarding pets

Suicidal thoughts

MAY ESCALATE TO: SADNESS, HURT, DEPRESSION, RESIGNATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED LONELINESS:

Committing too quickly to anyone who shows interest

Choosing negative relationships over being alone

Being too friendly and coming across as desperate

Frequently calling family or friends

Solitary activities that show a craving for contact (people watching from the porch)

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Body movements should never be random. Everything a character does should have a specific intent: to achieve an end, reveal emotion, or to characterize.

LOVE

DEFINITION: deep affection, attachment, or devotion for another

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Moving to get closer or touch

Smiling at nothing

A beaming expression, glowing cheeks

Strong eye contact, very little blinking

Focusing on the other’s best attributes

Taking large, deep, savoring breaths

A yearning look

Licking one’s lips

Unconsciously parting the lips

A light, bouncing step

Throat clearing, swallowing

A silly grin, laughing

Leaning against one another

Lying in the other’s lap

Using pet names or terms of endearment

Mooning over photos or representations of a love interest

Listening to and connecting with love songs

Adopting a silly love-struck tone when communicating

Nervous behaviors (fiddling with the hands, moistening one’s lips)

Flirtatious talk or nonstop talking

Torso and feet pointing toward the loved one

Playful shoving and grabbing

Sharing secrets and desires

Affectionate touches (arm stroking, holding hands, kissing, hugging)

Sitting together so the legs touch

Putting an arm around someone’s shoulders

Realigning hobbies or interests to match the other’s

Hooking a hand in the other person’s belt or pocket

Ignoring or neglecting other friends to be with the significant other

Writing notes or poetry to the other person

Offering gifts of time, value, or thoughtfulness

Talking to friends about the special person, asking for advice

Obsessively checking the phone to see if the love interest has called

Constant texting back and forth

Doodling hearts and names

Dieting or working out in an effort to improve one’s appearance

Watching romantic movies

Saying I love you

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A fluttering in the stomach, a feeling of emptiness

A racing pulse

The heart beating, banging, or hammering

A hyper-awareness of the body

Weak knees or legs

A tingling or electrical jolt at accidental touches

Getting tongue-tangled

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Euphoria, pleasure at touching and closeness

Appreciating the world and everything in it

Losing track of time when with the other person

Mental fuzziness, distraction

Daydreaming

Losing awareness of surroundings when love interest is present

Seeking ways to make a loved one proud

Worrying when too much time has passed without contact

A feeling of possessiveness, jealousy

Feeing safe and whole when together

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM LOVE:

Exchanging personal effects (clothing, jewelry, keys)

Embracing the love interest’s friends as one’s own

Sharing finances and possessions

Enduring hardship to be with the love interest or make them happy

Putting the other’s needs and desires first

Intimacy

Sharing hopes and dreams, becoming emotionally vulnerable

Future planning that centers around the love interest

Living together, a committed relationship, marriage

MAY ESCALATE TO: PEACEFULNESS, SATISFACTION, DESIRE, ADORATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED LOVE:

Flushed skin

A high-pitched voice

Nervous laughter or giggling

Standing close yet not touching

Darting glances

Watching from a safe distance

An increased interest in the other person’s personal life

Forcibly declaring that nothing’s going on: We’re just friends

An overall brightening when the other person enters the room

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Sentence structure is especially important when describing. Varied sentence length keeps the pace moving and livens up sensory detail, avoiding a “dry report” feel.

NERVOUSNESS

DEFINITION: the state of feeling unsettled and being easily agitated

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Short, jerky movements

Pacing

Rapid blinking

Rubbing the back of the neck

Unbuttoning the top button of a shirt

Scratching or rubbing skin

Biting at lips

Jumpiness

Flighty hand movements, fidgeting

Clumsiness

Rubbing hands down one’s pant legs

A lack of eye contact

Scraping a hand through the hair

Quick breaths

Crossing and uncrossing arms or legs

Eyeing the exits

Bouncing a knee (while sitting)

Repeated gestures (tie straightening, touching an ear)

Increased sweat, particularly on the hands

Tingling fingers and toes

Pupils appear dilated

Biting or picking at one’s fingernails

Shaking out the hands

Clearing the throat

Facial tics

Stuttering, stumbling over one’s words

Quick, high-pitched laughter

Restlessness (sitting, then standing)

Laughter that goes on for longer than normal

Closing the eyes and taking a calming breath

Rapid speaking, babbling

A change in the pitch, tone, or volume of the voice

Tackling a task to distract (cleaning, waxing the car)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Acute senses

Nausea

Sensitive skin

Faintness

An empty feeling in the pit of the stomach

Quivering, twitchy muscles

A rolling or fluttery feeling (butterflies) in the stomach

Loss of appetite

Dry mouth

Heart palpitations

Headache

MENTAL RESPONSES:

The desire to flee

Erratic thought processes, irrational fears

Overreacting to noise

The mind going to the worst-case scenario

Wishing time would speed up

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM NERVOUSNESS:

Vomiting

Fatigue or insomnia

Panic attacks

Withdrawal

Irritability

Ulcers and other digestive disorders

Weight loss or gain

Negative thought patterns

Indulging in alcohol, drugs, or chain smoking to take the edge off

MAY ESCALATE TO: INSECURITY, ANXIETY, FEAR, DREAD

CUES OF SUPPRESSED NERVOUSNESS:

A pasted-on smile

Flexing the fingers, curling and uncurling

Clasping one’s hands together

An unnatural stillness

Eyes that blink too much or don’t blink enough

Not meeting anyone’s gaze

Changing the topic

Avoiding conversation

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Body movement and external reactions alone will not create an emotional experience for the reader. Pairing action with a light use of internal sensations and/or thoughts creates a deeper emotional pull.

NOSTALGIA

DEFINITION: the yearning for a return to a past period or situation

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

An unfocused gaze

A slight smile

Slowly flipping through old pictures, stroking the pages

A relaxed posture

Eyes that fill with tears

Using a quiet voice

Cocking one’s head to the side

Subdued laughter

A shallow sigh

An unhurried walk

Rubbing a hand against the heart

Slouching on a sofa, watching old movies

Slow, languid movements

Growing animated when memory is triggered (an old song playing on the radio, etc.)

Eyes brightening as memories are recalled

Keeping mementos from the happy time

Telling and retelling stories about the past

Seeking out those who shared the event

Gently touching memorable items (a baby blanket, wedding invitations)

Closing one’s eyes to more clearly recall the memories

Trying to recreate a past event (burning the same scented candle, wearing the old clothes)

Seeing similarities in the present: You look just like him or This is the same color as our first car

Increased tenderness (sitting close, a quick kiss) for those who shared in the event

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Eyes prickling with tears

An excited flutter in the belly

An overall relaxation of the body

Breathing slows as a memory takes over

Dulled awareness (sitting in an uncomfortable position without feeling it)

Experiencing (to a lesser degree) the same physical sensations felt during the past event

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Losing track of the time while remembering

A desire to go back and visit the past

Mentally replaying past events

Satisfaction at having experienced the event despite any pain or loss resulting from it

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM NOSTALGIA:

Discontentment with the way things presently are

Expressing more emotion about the past than the present

Spending large periods of time in the past

Hoarding tendencies

Neglecting current duties or relationships

An inability to move on

Depression

MAY ESCALATE TO: SADNESS, DEPRESSION, HAPPINESS

CUES OF SUPPRESSED NOSTALGIA:

An austere lack of mementos from the past

Sniffing back tears

Rejecting opportunities to revisit the past (reunions, trips to the old house or hometown)

Not engaging in conversations about the past

Masking nostalgia with practicality: I kept his toys so he could give them to his kids

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When introducing and describing characters, parcel out personal details in small bits. Anything that isn’t pivotal to plot or characterization can be left to the reader’s imagination.

OVERWHELMED

DEFINITION: to be overpowered or overcome by feelings or circumstances

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Bringing a shaky hand to the forehead

Holding a palm up to stop someone from dumping on more worry

Waving people away

Shoulders that drop or curl

A chest that caves in

Clutching at one’s arms or stomach

Touching a temple while closing the eyes

A voice choked with tears

A chest that hitches

A quaking voice

Poor balance

Mumbling, muttering

Letting out an uncontrollable cry, sob, or whimper

Uncertain (almost drunken) steps

Sagging into a chair, leaning against a door frame or wall

Pulling the knees up to the chest, circling one’s knees with the arms

Falling against another person

Shaking all over

Teary eyes

Difficulty forming responses

Holing up in a corner, placing one’s back against the wall

Dropping or spilling things

Shaking the head repeatedly

A glassy stare, a glazed look

Staring down at one’s empty palms

Crumpling to the floor

Putting one’s hands over one’s ears

Rocking back and forth

Closing the eyes

Inappropriate responses (laughing, screaming)

Leaning over with the hands on the knees

Hyperventilating

Loosening belts, collars, and other confining clothing

Touching one’s fingertips to one’s lips

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Weakness in the legs, a sudden need to sit down

A wave of heat or cold

Light-headedness

Difficulty breathing

An inability to eat

Noise sensitivity

Ringing ears

Tunnel vision

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Mental numbness

Retreating inward

Becoming non-responsive to others, almost catatonic

Wishing for comfort

The desire to be alone

An inability to focus

Indecisiveness

CUES OF BEING OVERWHELMED LONG TERM:

Flight

Snapping under pressure (screaming, yelling, hitting others)

Fainting or swooning

Weeping

Hysteria

Headaches

Hypertension

Muscle fatigue and soreness

Seeking comfort in unhealthy ways

Heart attack or stroke

Chronic fatigue, insomnia

Decaying physical health, hospitalization

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

SUPPRESSED CUES OF BEING OVERWHELMED:

Verbal denial: I’m fine, really

False smiles and confidence

Agreeability or false enthusiasm

Masking weakness with excuses: Sorry, I stood up too fast

Feigning a headache or other malady rather than admit one’s limits

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When delivering emotional description, it’s easy to rely too much on facial expressions. Instead, look down and describe what the arms, hands, legs, and feet are doing.

PARANOIA

DEFINITION: excessive or illogical suspicion and/or distrust of others

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Startling easily

Clenching the jaw

Darting eye movements

Excessive safety precautions (extra locks, guard dogs, video surveillance)

Fidgety hands that won’t settle

Wide eyes

Restless sleep, tossing and turning

Insomnia

Backing away with raised hands

Flinching

Eyes that don’t seem to blink often enough

Crossing the arms tightly over the chest

Muttering under one’s breath, talking to oneself

Scratching compulsively

Sweating

Bloodshot eyes

Scouting for exits when entering a room

A heightened need for personal distance

Dependency on caffeinated beverages or drugs to stay alert

Pallid skin from lack of sunlight

A rumpled appearance

Accusing innocent people of planning or carrying out mischief

Facial tics, muscles that jump

A quick, erratic pace

Always looking over the shoulder or around the next corner

Weight loss

Plucking at clothing as if it chafes

Aligning with fringe groups and conspiracy theorists

Espousing far-out beliefs and opinions

Becoming easily offended

Jumping to the defensive

Verbally attacking any perceived opponents

Spouting inane or irrational arguments

Citing unreliable sources

Stubbornly adhering to one’s beliefs no matter how outlandish

Perfectionist tendencies

Compulsive behaviors

Refusing food or drinks prepared by others

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Heightened senses

Fatigue

Muscles that are always tense, ready to fight or run

Sensitivity to touch and sound

A racing heartbeat

Raw nerves and skin

High adrenaline level, jumpiness

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Seeing danger symbols in everything

Judging too quickly

A heightened sense of self-importance

Irrational responses, jumping to illogical conclusions

Mental fatigue from not getting enough sleep

Seeing and hearing things that aren’t there

An inability to connect with others due to a lack of trust

Always seeing the worst-case scenario

Negative thought patterns

Feeling watched or followed

The belief that everyone else is deluded

Adhering to superstitious beliefs to stay safe

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM PARANOIA:

Contacting the authorities for help against suspected assailants

An inability to maintain long-term relationships

Isolation

Living off the grid

The belief that one is no longer required to live by the laws of society

A complete break with reality

Rage

Hallucinations

Anxiety attacks, phobias, psychosis

MAY ESCALATE TO: FEAR, ANGER, RAGE, HATRED, DESPERATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED PARANOIA:

Avoidance of social situations

Attempting to engage socially, but with wary and darting eyes

Agreeing with everything in an attempt to seem “part of the group”

Watching others and mimicking them as a way of appearing normal

A smile that is frozen, manic

A high voice or odd laugh

Using medicine or seeking therapy

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: In dialogue, it’s not always what a character says that’s important, it’s how they say it. (And sometimes it’s what they are trying hard not to say!)

PEACEFULNESS

DEFINITION: a state of calm that is devoid of strife, agitation, or commotion

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A relaxed posture

Smiling, grinning

Fingers loosely clasped in one’s lap

Closed eyes, the head tipped back

Softened features that imply calm

Nodding to others in greeting

Leaning back, an arm hooked over the back of a chair

Taking a deep, satisfied breath

Using a friend’s shoulder as a shelf for your elbow

An unforced laugh

Whistling or humming

Sparkling eyes, a weightless gaze

Enjoying an event (a movie, a concert in the park, a picnic)

Lying on the grass to soak up the sun

Catlike stretches

A warm voice, caring tone

Half-closed eyes, a lidded look of satisfaction

Lacing fingers behind the head

A wide stance, open demeanor

Languid movements

Rolling the neck back and forth

Looping the thumbs in the front pockets while standing

An easy walk, unhurried

A wandering gaze, taking in random things

A satisfied sigh

Unhurried speech

Contentedly taking more time to complete tasks

Expressing a greater interest in the happiness of others

Engaging in meaningful conversations

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Slow and easy breaths

Slack muscles

Loose limbs

Drowsiness

A lack of tension and stress that almost equates to a feeling of nothingness

A steady, calm pulse and heartbeat

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Being with others with no need to fill the silence

Satisfaction with the world at large

A feeling of connection to life

Having no desire to be anywhere else

Enjoying listening to others

Living in the moment, not acknowledging the past or future

Avoiding topics of conversation that will kill the mood

Delighting in even mundane, everyday tasks

A desire for everyone to experience such peace

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM PEACEFULNESS:

A lessened need for worldly goods

Choosing to spend time with positive or like-minded people

A growing interest in spiritual or religious philosophy

A desire to maintain a positive status quo

Changing one’s lifestyle to accommodate new beliefs (recycling, moving to the country)

Impatience with corporate greed and capitalism

A desire for more natural living

An increased awareness of one’s body and what goes into it

Engaging in new and satisfying hobbies and interests

MAY ESCALATE TO: HAPPINESS, SATISFACTION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED PEACEFULNESS:

Claiming that one’s calm demeanor is simply tiredness

Forcing oneself to maintain a slight stiffness in posture

Pretending to disengage because of boredom

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Choose verbs carefully. The meaning of a sentence can be altered through the words used to describe action. Readers will see a character who trudges up the stairs as being in a different emotional state than one that bounds up them, two at a time.

PRIDE

DEFINITION: proper self-respect arising from a significant achievement, possession of an item, or involvement in a relationship

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A high chin

Shoulders back

Chest thrust out

Standing tall with good posture, legs spread wide

A gleam in one’s eye

A knowing grin

Perfectionism

Watching others to see their reactions

Verbalizing the ups and downs that led to this point

Calling friends and loved ones to tell them about an accomplishment

Direct or intense eye contact

A booming laugh

Becoming talkative

Lifting the heels and rising up slightly to emphasize words

Steering or dominating the conversation

Becoming extra animated when there’s an audience

A grin that conveys secret knowledge

Thrusting oneself into the middle of an event or debate

A satisfied smile

Hooking thumbs into one’s belt loops, thrusting the pelvis forward

Pulling in a deep breath

False modesty

Ignoring or overlooking any flaws associated with the pride item

A preoccupation with one’s appearance

Standing with hands tucked in one’s armpits, thumbs visible and pointing up

Running the hands through the hair, flipping hair back

Assuming a pose that’s sexy or draws attention to one’s best attributes

Appearing unaffected by what others think

Speaking first, thinking second

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

The feeling of being taller, bigger, stronger

Lungs expanded to their fullest through deep, satisfied breaths

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Positive self thoughts

Preoccupation with one’s achievements or successes

A feeling of being able to conquer the world

Wanting to be surrounded by supportive loved ones

A desire to share achievements with others

A tendency to judge people according to one’s personal measuring stick

Over-estimating one’s capabilities

Underestimating others

A sense of entitlement

Planning and seeking advantages

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM PRIDE:

Enjoyment at proving others wrong

Bragging, obsessively talking about an achievement or material object

Praising group accomplishments as a way to remind people of one’s own involvement

Reacting with anger or jealousy if one’s reputation is impugned

Making radical statements or promises about future goals

Revisiting the source or place of accomplishment to feel empowered

MAY ESCALATE TO: SMUGNESS, CONTEMPT, CONFIDENCE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED PRIDE:

Waving off a compliment

Passing the credit to someone else

Turning attention away from oneself

Seeking others’ opinions as a form of validation

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Understand your character’s emotional range. For one character, intense situations may make them hyperventilate. For another, it might cause them to shift slightly while seated. Knowing how expressive a character is will help you find the perfect body cue to convey an emotional meaning.

RAGE

DEFINITION: violent and uncontrolled anger

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Flushed or mottled skin

Shaking extremities

Hands that clench and unclench

Wide eyes, showing the whites

Spittle building up in the corners of the mouth

Biting criticism and belittlement

Jabbing a finger in someone’s face

A corded neck

Nostrils flaring

Lips pulling back, baring the teeth

Cracking the neck from side to side for intimidation

Muscles and veins straining against skin

A guttural roar

Planting the feet wide apart

Sudden explosions over seemingly little things

Pushing and shoving

Limbering up shoulders and neck as if readying to fight

Squeezing someone’s arm to the point of bruising

Using insults to pick a fight

Cracking one’s knuckles to intimidate

Pulling out a weapon (knife)

Finding something close to hand to use as a weapon (branch, rock)

Moving slowly and deliberately toward another person to intimidate

Barreling toward someone, uttering a scream or war cry

Fighting with no thought for one’s own safety

Throwing or kicking things

Jumping to extreme anger with little provocation

Screaming

Threatening violence

Staring someone down to frighten them

Getting into someone’s personal space

Manipulation

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A pounding in the ears

Increased blood flow to the extremities

Elevated pulse

Clouded vision

A dry throat from rushed breathing

Pain that is suspended until later

Adrenaline rushing through the body

A sensation of increased strength

An edgy, twitchy feeling

Tunnel vision

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Being driven by the belief that one has been mistreated or done wrong

A desire for vengeance

Looking for a fight

Wanting to hurt someone, to see blood

A sense of release when violence is expressed

Not thinking or caring about consequences

A need to dominate or control

Difficulty focusing or concentrating

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RAGE:

Beating someone senseless

Committing assault or murder

Seeking out opportunities to react violently

Self-destructive addictions

Depression

Heart disease, stroke

Ulcers

An inability to cope with smaller problems over time

Insomnia

Fatigue

Destroying property

MAY ESCALATE TO: PARANOIA, REGRET

CUES OF SUPPRESSED RAGE:

Unnatural silence

Uncontrollable body tremors

Punching a wall or object instead of a person

Clenched, grinding teeth

Pain in the jaw from clenched teeth

A tight smile that doesn’t reach the eyes

Grabbing onto something secure (like a steering wheel) and shaking it violently

Punching or ripping apart something soft

Aggressive workouts

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: As your character reacts emotionally to circumstances within the environment, don’t underestimate the importance of sensory details. Do textures bother them because of a heightened state? What sounds do they pick up on that they might not otherwise notice?

REGRET

DEFINITION: sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one’s ability to control or repair

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Scrubbing a hand over the face

Laying a hand against the breastbone

A heavy sigh

A downturned mouth

Bent posture

Heavy arms, the shoulders pulled low

Apologizing

Trying to reason or explain

Eyebrows gathering in

A pained expression

Hands falling to the sides

Staring down at one’s feet

Covering the face with the hands

Squeezing one’s eyes shut

Lifting hands up and then letting them fall

Pinching the bridge of the nose, eyes closed

Wincing or grimacing

Rubbing the chest as if pained

Avoiding the victims (shame)

Seeking reconciliation (determination to set right)

Berating oneself for actions or choices

Losing the thread of conversations

Hiding behind one’s hair

Shaking the head

A voice that loses its power

Using broken sentences or trailing off while speaking

Making a tsking noise or murmuring regret: What a shame

Asking questions about the fallout: How did she take the news?

Scrambling to reverse what was said or done

Increasing one’s distance from others

Trying to fade into the background at social events

Putting oneself down

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A knotted belly

Insomnia

An inability to fill lungs completely

A nervous stomach

Loss of appetite

Dullness in the chest, a feeling of heaviness

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Self-loathing

The feeling that one deserves pain or judgment

Obsession with the person or event associated with the regret

Reliving past events

Thoughts that turn inward

Trying to forget the event

A desire to go unnoticed

Distractedness

Wishing it hadn’t happened

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM REGRET:

Not taking physical care of oneself

Weight loss

Withdrawing from society

Dropping out of clubs and groups

No longer finding joy in hobbies or favorite pastimes

Overcompensation in other relationships

Crying, sobbing

Self-destructive behaviors

Drug and alcohol abuse

Unsafe sexual practices

Abusive relationships

A string of broken relationships

Ulcers

A lack of intimacy with others

An inability to forgive oneself

MAY ESCALATE TO: SHAME, FRUSTRATION, DEPRESSION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED REGRET:

Desperately seeking out new relationships

Talking about one’s accomplishments as a way of winning people over

Making life-altering decisions (career change, a move, etc.) as a way to start over

Acting like the life of the party

Putting on a happy face

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Watch for possible description crutches. Is the color “green” used too much? Does a sensory sound (like wind rustling through the trees) happen in multiple scenes? Keep track of these details to avoid overuse.

RELIEF

DEFINITION: the alleviation or lightening of oppressive stressors

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Covering the mouth with a hand

Shaking head and closing the eyes

Gasping

Trembling hands

Reaching out to another for comfort

Slumping posture

A slow smile

Using humor to lighten the moment

Shaky laughter

Sagging against a wall or person

Pressing the palms to the eyes

Asking for the good news to be repeated

Wobbly legs

Buckling knees

Stumbling back a step

Flopping back in a chair

A gaping mouth

Struggling to speak, to find the right words

An unsteady walk

Crying or calling out in release

Asking redundant questions to assure that the moment is real

Eyes going up, looking heavenward

Letting out a huge breath

Rocking back and forth

Eyes shining, locked on the source of relief

A slight moan

Lips parting

Showing kinship with others involved (hugging, reaching for their hands)

Pressing one’s hands to the stomach

A palm pressed to the heart

A bowed head

Starting to fall then catching oneself

Closed eyes, compulsive nodding

Letting the head fall back

Uttering a soft curse or thanking God

Making the sign of the cross (if religious)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Dry mouth

Weak muscles

An unexpected release of all tension

Tears welling up behind eyelids

A sudden lightness or giddiness

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Wanting to be held

A desire to be still and let the relief sink in

Gratitude

Jumbled thoughts

An inability to formulate an appropriate verbal response

Postponement of residual loss or pain until a later time

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RELIEF:

Breaking down, tears

Exuberant responses (jumping up and down, shouting, running, hysterical crying)

Collapsing

An expanding feeling in the chest

Light-headedness

A thick throat

MAY ESCALATE TO: HAPPINESS, EXCITEMENT, GRATITUDE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED RELIEF:

A deliberately quiet exhale

Briefly closing the eyes

Drawing a deep breath through the nose

Biting the lips to keep from smiling

Swallowing and nodding

Narrowed eyes, when it’s necessary to focus on something besides the source of relief

Not thinking about it, putting it off to savor later

Inattentiveness

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When a character is hiding an emotion, the cues are not as noticeable. In this circumstance, it’s often more effective to show the emotion through change—altering a speech pattern, falling back on habits, posture shifts, etc.

RELUCTANCE

DEFINITION: unwillingness; aversion

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Stalling gestures (taking time to think, turning away)

A hard, obvious swallow

Wetting the lips

Tense arms, shoulders, or face

Hesitant steps

The head pulling back as the shoulders push forward

Responding slowly (accepting an item, offering assistance)

Pressing lips together

Glancing around uneasily

Hands that shake, nervous twitching

Hands almost curling into fists and then straightening

A grimace or pained look

Eyebrows squeezing together

Stuttering, stammering

Making excuses

Lying

Tentatively reaching out or touching

Holding a hand up, warding someone or something off

Suggesting someone else to help or act instead

Shaking the head

A hand fluttering to the lips or neck

Nervous habits (running hands through the hair, pacing, repetitive gestures)

A too-quick smile

Glancing at one’s watch

Jumpiness

Moving toward an exit

Putting distance between oneself and the requester

Biting the lip or nails

Pinching the bridge of the nose and tightly squeezing the eyes

Changing the topic or diverting attention

Closed body language (hands up, crossed arms)

Leaning or turning away from the person making the request

Asking for time to make the decision

Expressing skepticism

Asking questions for clarification

Not meeting the requester’s eyes

Not engaging in further conversation

Answering with a “maybe” response

Muttering negatives: No or I don’t want to

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Taking a deep breath before acting

A tightening chest

Slight tenseness in the muscles

A heaviness in the stomach

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A desire to get away from the person making the request

Indecision

A mind that is clearly distracted

Guilt

Searching for ways to get out of whatever is requested

An inability to focus on anything but the decision to be made

A need to justify one’s reluctance

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RELUCTANCE:

Resentment

A tight or roiling stomach

Avoidance of the source

A strained relationship

MAY ESCALATE TO: SKEPTICISM, DEFENSIVENESS, ANGER, FEAR, DISGUST, RESENTMENT, DREAD

CUES OF SUPPRESSED RELUCTANCE:

Agreeing, then not following through

Hints about being busy or overly stressed

A rising antipathy toward the person responsible for the situation

Passive-aggressive comments

Deflecting, acting as if the request is absurd

Joking comments to deflect

Revealing true feelings to a third party, hoping they’ll pass the information along

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Avoid brand dropping to characterize. Brand names come and go and can date your writing. Instead use other clues to convey your character’s personality, strengths, or shortcomings.

REMORSE

DEFINITION: distress resulting from guilt over wrongdoing; a desire to undo or fix

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Heartfelt apologies

Asking to talk

Following the aggrieved party

Repeatedly returning to the scene where past events took place

Head down as the eyes look up

Watering eyes

A hand that cups the mouth

Holding one’s head in hands

Tears that one does not try to hide or control

Silence

Offering restitution

Using the victim’s name in dialogue when they are present

Telling the unvarnished truth

Speaking without hesitation when answering

A quivering chin

Holding the stomach

Shoulders that curl over the chest

Not defending oneself against attack (verbal or physical)

Crumpled body posture

Staring down at the floor

Clasping the hands together in the lap

Shaking

Begging for forgiveness

Shoulders that quake with repressed sobs

A pleading tone

A pale or unhealthy complexion

Dark circles under the eyes

Hollowed cheeks

Reaching out to touch and then pulling back as if not worthy

Readily agreeing to a punishment or pronouncement

A voice that cracks

Verbalizing responsibility for what happened

Quiet answers to questions

Arms hanging at the sides

Still hands and feet

Obedience

Breaking into sobs

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A stomach that feels hard

Runny nose

Nausea

Gritty or dry eyes from lack of sleep

A lump in the throat

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Mentally berating oneself over an action or poor decision

Wanting to face the consequences

Obsessing over finding a way to repay the debt

Empathy for the other party and what they are going through

Being honest about one’s role in the situation

Relief for owning up to wrongdoing

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM REMORSE:

Weight loss

Headaches

Heart problems

Self-destructive behaviors out of the belief that one does not deserve happiness

Desperation to balance the scales or resolve the situation

A complete life change (taking up charity work, finding God, etc.)

MAY ESCALATE TO: SHAME, REGRET, DETERMINATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED REMORSE:

Avoiding friends who are also culpable (if a group act)

Lying about feelings

Claiming that the victim was partly responsible

Making an excuse to leave

Dropping out of activities, school, or work on false pretenses

Moving away

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Description is clearest when a writer adheres to the real order of events in a scene. Show the action (stimulus), then the reaction (response) and a reader will clearly see how A leads to B.

RESENTMENT

DEFINITION: indignation toward an act, remark, or person; feeling injured or insulted

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A pinched mouth

Arms crossed over the chest

A flat look, narrowed eyes

Scowling

Increasing one’s personal distance from others

Complaining

Rudeness

Pouting (children)

Catty behavior

Name-calling

A voice that rises in volume or intensity

Arguing

Looking past someone rather than at them

A hard expression

Arms straight, hands locked into fists

Refusing to be bought off through kindness or thoughtfulness

Shunning the source

A stiff stance

Purposely ignoring someone’s conciliatory efforts

Muttering under the breath or cursing

Twisting the mouth, a soured expression

Belittling another’s status or accomplishment

Tension in the neck and shoulders

Pointing and jabbing the air for emphasis

A curling lip, showing the teeth

A sharp, defined jaw line

A tart tone, snapping at others

Sabotaging another’s projects or actions out of a sense of being wronged

Talking behind someone’s back, gossiping

An unkind smile

Shaking the head in disapproval but not saying anything

Balling the hands into fists

Walking out of the room

Spinning away in a huff

Stomping up the stairs

Shutting a door with more force than necessary

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Tension headaches

Pain in the jaw

A tight chest

Constricting the throat

High blood pressure

Stomach troubles or ulcers

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Unkind thoughts toward the target

Frustration at unfairness or a lack of justice

Fantasizing harm or the downfall of another

Moodiness

Wanting to be alone

Fixating on a person or situation to the detriment of other relationships

A desire to bring others in and create a mob mentality of resentment

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESENTMENT:

Weight gain

Illness

Insomnia

Arriving late, calling in sick, or refusing work shifts to avoid the source of resentment

High blood pressure

Seeking revenge

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANGER, HATRED, JEALOUSY

CUES OF SUPPRESSED RESENTMENT:

Walking away

Keeping silent

Changing the topic to something safe

Putting on a smile

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When exposing the reader to a new scene, person, or object, it can be useful to have some description or opinion delivered through a secondary character’s dialogue. What they notice and how they respond provides an opportunity to characterize.

RESIGNATION

DEFINITION: the state of surrendering, often with little or no resistance

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Sighing dejectedly

Slumped shoulders

Blank features

Stooped posture

Shuffling footsteps

Small steps

Tears

A monotone voice

Becoming less verbal over time

Dull eyes

A chin that trembles

Answering with a small nod

Sagging facial features

Limp hands and arms

Unwashed hair

Wrinkled, disheveled clothes

A loss of appetite

Disinterest in former hobbies or passions

Making oneself small (hugging oneself, squatting down, fetal position)

Avoiding eye contact

Being at a loss for words

Lethargically giving comfort to others (rubbing their back, patting their shoulder)

A shake of the head

Head tipping back on the neck to look skyward

Agreeing, but without emotion

Clasping the hands together

Leaning forward, elbows on knees

Staring off at nothing

A hanging head

Loose jaw

A half-hearted shrug

A long exhale

Muttering, mumbling

Holding the head in the hands

Propping a cheek on a fist

Unresponsive or slowed reactions to stimulus

Grunting, one-word answers

Purposely closing the eyes, as if to process

Excessive sleeping

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A falling or dropping sensation

Emptiness, numbness

A lack of emotion

Weakness in the muscles

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A determination to make the best of the situation (glass half-full)

An inability to focus or concentrate

Feeling directionless

Confusion: How did this happen? or What will happen to me now?

The sense that nothing will ever be the same

Feeling powerless over the present or future

Believing that one has failed

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESIGNATION:

Depression

Retreating inward

Disconnecting from others

Doubting oneself, a decrease in confidence

Apathy

Becoming submissive, giving up control

MAY ESCALATE TO: SADNESS, DISAPPOINTMENT, DEFEAT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED RESIGNATION:

Whining, questioning, offering token weak arguments

Squaring shoulders, but without any real force or strength

Offering a small display of anger

Acting like giving in was a choice, not the only option

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Too many emotional internalizations in a scene can slow the pace considerably. If the thoughts are key, try shifting some of these to active, realistic dialogue. It will increase the pace and still reveal the character’s feelings.

SADNESS

DEFINITION: characterized by grief or unhappiness

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Crying

Puffy face or eyes

Eyes appear red

Running makeup

Splotchy skin

Sniffing, wiping at nose

Wincing

Drooping shoulders

Voice is tearful or breaks

Staring down at one’s hands

Stooped posture

Rubbing the heel of a palm against chest

Decreased coordination and clumsiness

A distant or empty stare

A flat, monotone voice

Downturned facial features

Covering the hands with the face

Arms hang at the sides, slack

Rubbing or pressing a fist against the chest

Crossing one’s arms, holding onto one’s shoulders

Slumping rather than sitting straight

A heavy-footed walk

A slack expression, wet, dull eyes

Bending forward, laying head on arms

Movements that lack energy

A trembling chin

Digging for tissues

Touching a cross or fingering jewelry for comfort

Drawing the limbs close to the body

Staring down at one’s empty hands

A bowed spine

Clutching a token that is the focal point for the emotion

Quaking shoulders

Decreased interaction with the world at large

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

An aching chest

Hot or gummy eyelids

A scratchy throat

A runny nose

Soreness in the throat and lungs

The world spinning or seeming to slow down

Heaviness or tightness in the chest and limbs

A heart that is breaking or aching

Blurred vision

Lack of energy

Body feels cold

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Difficulty responding to questions

An inability to see where the future might go

Turning inward, withdrawing

A desire to escape the sadness (through sleep, drink, companionship)

A need to be alone

Wishing comfort from others

Avoiding the painful subject, denial

Wanting the pain to end

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SADNESS:

A pained keening

Tears pouring, dripping, or coursing

Hyperventilating, shortness of breath

Loss of appetite

Despair, hopelessness

Despondency

MAY ESCALATE TO: NOSTALGIA, DEPRESSION, LONELINESS

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SADNESS:

Turning away

Halting one’s speech to gain control

Deep breaths

Biting the lip

Blinking

Gulping air

Changing the subject

Sipping a drink or taking a bite to eat

Quivery smiles

Hands gripping each other or an object

A hand covering the mouth, rubbing the chin

Focusing on alleviating another’s pain rather than one’s own

Excusing oneself to use the restroom or get a drink to be alone

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: In dialogue, be on the lookout for where your character “thinks” instead of “responds” verbally. This leads to unnatural, one-sided conversations.

SATISFACTION

DEFINITION: the state of being content or fulfilled

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A high chin and exposed neck

A crisp nod

Arms crossed

Smoothing the front of a shirt or tugging down the sleeves

Offering a “thumbs-up”

Giving a toast or praise

Clapping someone on the back

A wide stance, fists on hips, elbows wide

Surveying the finished product with a pleased expression

A raised eyebrow and a See? look

A sleek walk that draws the eye (catlike, deliberate)

A shy, confident, radiant, or cocky smile

Apt dialogue that sums up the situation perfectly

Saying I told you so!

A puffed-out chest

Shoulders back, straight posture

A fist pump

Clapping

Fingers forming a steeple

Including others in the moment

Bragging

A hand casually anchored on the hip

Stretching the arms out wide

Leaning back, at ease and in control

A deep, gratifying sigh

Whistling or humming

A distant, unfocused smile

Taking deep breaths, savoring the moment

Unhurried, relaxed movements

A direct manner (eye contact, strength in voice)

Rewarding oneself

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A hyper-awareness of others and their reactions

A lightness in the chest

Warmth spreading through the body

A tiredness that is fulfilling rather than exhausting

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Happiness over a job well done

Euphoria, exhilaration

Contentment

Gratification

Increased confidence

Looking forward to a well-earned rest

Mentally fixating on the recent success

Not paying attention to one’s surroundings

Self-congratulations

Generosity to others as a result of feeling gratified

A desire to tell everyone about the success

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SATISFACTION:

Justified possessiveness

An expression of supreme confidence, a glow

Cockiness

MAY ESCALATE TO: HAPPINESS, SMUGNESS, PRIDE, GRATITUDE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SATISFACTION:

Twitching lips

Hiding a smile behind a hand

Bouncing lightly on the toes

Getting away at the first opportunity to tell someone the good news

Settling back in a chair in release

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Loners and their lack of social interaction present specific writing challenges. To break up long stretches of introspection, maintain some character relationships. Remember that a person can be lonely even when surrounded by people; use the dialogue, dysfunction, and drama that go along with those relationships to keep the pace moving forward.

SCORN

DEFINITION: extreme contempt or derision; regarding as inferior

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A biting remark

Belittling comments that remind the target who has the upper hand

A smirk

A quick, disgusted snort

Looming over the target

Crossed arms, a wide stance

Sarcasm

A tight jaw

A harsh squint

A deliberate eyebrow raise and head tilt

Pulling down glasses and looking over the rims with a flat gaze

Flapping a hand in dismissal

Bullying tactics

An exaggerated eye roll or upward glance

Blowing out a breath that rattles the lips

Insulting the target in front of others

A thrust-out chest

An ugly twist to the mouth

Encouraging others to speak up against the target

Limited verbal responses, as if the target isn’t even worth talking to

Laughter at another’s expense

A wrinkled nose

Flicking a hand in front of one’s nose as if to get rid of a bad smell

A tight mouth, as if tasting something bad

Narrowed eyes

Staring the target down

Applauding in a deliberately false fashion

Projecting hurtful observations: I’d be embarrassed if I were you!

Anger at being touched or addressed by the target

Calling attention to another’s weaknesses

Ignoring the target

Speaking slowly to emphasize hurtful words

Leaving to show that the target is not worth one’s time or energy

Apologizing to others for having their time wasted by the target

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A puffed-up feeling

Adrenaline rush at taking away another’s power

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Elation at delivering a blow to an opponent through dialogue or action

Anger

A desire to put the person in their place

Superiority

Arrogance

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SCORN:

Asking questions to further incriminate the target

Egging the target on

Picking fights

Forcing the target into circumstances where he is sure to fail

Gathering other like-minded people and encouraging their scorn

Seeking to hurt through a “low blow” comment

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANGER, HATRED, ELATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SCORN:

A blank, emotionless face

Becoming unresponsive to questions or action

Turning away

Shaking the head

A slight muscle jump in the cheek

Tightened jaw

Clamping one’s lips tight to keep from saying anything

Making an excuse to leave

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When describing a character’s emotional state, pay attention to their voice. Does it rise or drop in pitch? Get louder or softer? Grow rough or silky smooth? Changes in pitch and tone are great indicators for when a character is trying to hide their feelings from others.

SHAME

DEFINITION: the feeling that arises from a dishonorable or improper act; disgrace

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Cheeks that burn

Crumpling onto a chair or sofa

Pulling arms and legs in toward the core

Muttering What have I done? or How could I let this happen?

Using the hair to hide the face

Pulling a ball cap low

Pressing hands against one’s cheeks

Dropping the chin to the chest

Wet eyes

A blank look

An inability to meet another’s eyes

Crumpling under scrutiny

Shaking, trembling, shivering

Hunched shoulders

A perpetual slouch

Tears

A closed-off stance (crossing the arms, making oneself small, averting the head)

Pressing a palm over the lips to hold back a cry

Shaking the head

Letting out an uncontrolled moan

Punching fists against thighs to release frustration

Lashing out at others to transfer anger or blame

Arms hanging at the sides

Hitching breaths

A trembling chin

Shielding the body, angling away from those bearing witness to shame

Pulling and tugging at one’s clothes as if they can make one less visible

Vandalism of one’s own things

Loss of interest in one’s personal appearance

Seeking out second chances (fawning, begging, following others) to regain self worth

Lying or doing whatever it takes to keep a shameful secret

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Hypersensitivity to noise, crowds, activity

Flu-like symptoms (nausea, sweats, tingling in chest)

Weak knees

Thickness in throat

Heat and tingling in face

Body tremors

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Flight reaction

Pulling away from friends and loved ones

Avoiding familiar places and activities

Self-loathing, berating oneself, anger, disgust

Risk-taking behaviors, hoping something will happen to balance the scale

Denial

An utter lack of self-confidence

A desire to fade into the background and avoid notice

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SHAME:

Self-violence (scratching, cutting, pulling hair)

Depression

Substance abuse

Eating disorders

Increased sexual activity

Panic attacks

Anxiety disorders

Perfectionist tendencies to balance the source of shame

Seeking power as a means of self-validation

Denial, diversion of blame to others

Suicide

Abusive relationships

Attempting to change one’s appearance

The belief that one deserves pain

Rejecting help out of a desire to do penance

MAY ESCALATE TO: DEPRESSION, HUMILIATION, REMORSE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SHAME:

Shame is, by and large, private. People are always trying to suppress this emotion so all cues for shame are naturally suppressed.

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: There are dozens of physical, internal, and mental responses to use when conveying a given emotion. Filter possible cues through what you know about your character. “Would my character react this way?” is a great question to ask to stay on the right track.

SKEPTICISM

DEFINITION: having a disposition of doubt or incredulity

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Pursing the lips in thought

Tilting the head and pausing

Shaking the head

Pressing the lips into a fine line

Raising the eyebrows

Clearing the throat

Fiddling with jewelry or other items

Shrugging

Nodding, but with a tight expression to show one is not fully committed

A confrontational stance

A smirk or eye roll

A hand flap that dismisses the person or their idea

Demanding proof or evidence to support

Listing the possible consequences

Polite verbal opposition

A condescending smile

Muttering negatives: I don’t think so or No way that would work

Restlessness (pacing, tapping fingers, clock-watching)

A tightness in the face

Rigid body posture

Rubbing the back of the neck without making eye contact

Narrowed eyes

Biting or chewing on one’s lip

Gossiping with others, running a person down for their choices or ideas

Sniping remarks

Licking one’s lips

Hemming and hawing

Referencing similar events from the past that did not pan out

Bringing up everything that could go wrong

A purposeful shiver or shudder

Biting the fingernails

A heavy sigh

Walking away

Tapping a finger against the tabletop in an effort to drive a point home

Asking Are you sure? or What if? questions

A jutting chin

A silent look

Wrinkling the nose like there’s a bad smell

A quick exhale through the nose, a snort

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Tightness in the chest

Increased heartbeat and pulse

Tense muscles

A flare of adrenaline, firing the brain to act

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Negative thoughts

Uncertainty

Honing in on flaws, either of logic or of a physical nature

A desire to change the speaker’s mind or standpoint

Wanting to be around people with the same opinions

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SKEPTICISM:

Anger

Frustration

Passive skepticism becoming more overt

Looking for ways to discredit the speaker

A desire to shut the speaker up

The mind racing through possible arguments

Disbelief, that others can’t see the truth

Actively seeking to bring people over to one’s way of thinking

Becoming argumentative

MAY ESCALATE TO: UNCERTAINTY, SUSPICION, RESIGNATION, SCORN

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SKEPTICISM:

Attempting to keep a neutral facial expression

Footsteps that drag

A quick widening of the eyes before schooling one’s expression

Apologizing for not showing immediate support

Sitting still, hands clasped, mimicking interest and attention

Acting noncommittal: Interesting idea, or That’s something to think about

Asking for a person to review the pros and cons again for clarity

Suggesting a trial basis as a solution

Requesting more time to reflect

A suggestion that perhaps more thought or study is needed

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Don’t make it easy for your heroes. Pile on the difficulties. Overwhelm them. Make it seemingly impossible for them to succeed so that when they do overcome, the reader will be properly impressed.

SMUGNESS

DEFINITION: supreme confidence in and satisfaction with oneself

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

A jutting chin

Crossed arms

A thrust-out chest

Deliberately raised eyebrows

Cocking or tilting the head

A smirk or sneer

Direct, probing eye contact

Squinting and a hard smile

A dismissive nod or glance

Rolling the eyes

Aggressive teasing intended to put another in their place

A sigh conveying annoyance (a huff)

Waving a hand in dismissal

Leaning in aggressively as if to challenge

Rocking back on heels

Mean-spirited talk behind another’s back

Projecting the voice, reinforcing who has the upper hand

Sarcasm: Whatever, or Sure you are, or If you say so!

A look that radiates superiority

Perfect posture, shoulders back, exposed neck

A determined walk, strut, or swagger

A loud voice, bragging, full of bluster

Using boisterous movements to draw attention to oneself

A wide stance

Criticism and belittlement

Talking over people, controlling conversations

Looking down one’s nose at others

Dominant behavior (invading another’s personal space, standing while others sit)

Lavishing praise on favored ones (children, friends, people in power)

An arrogant laugh

Preening (fussing with clothing, checking oneself in the mirror)

Flashy or dramatic clothing

Tossing one’s hair back, a shake of the head

Adopting a pondering pose (hand clasping the chin as if struck by deep thoughts)

Settling back in a chair with exaggerated casualness

Movements that draw attention (waving a cigar, gesturing with a glass of wine)

A deliberate crossing of the legs or clasping of the hands

Fidgeting with jewelry in order to draw attention to it

Clapping someone on the back, overplaying closeness or friendship

Name-dropping

Rubbing it in with an I-told-you-so

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Warmth radiating throughout the body

A puffed-up feeling

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A firm belief in one’s own rightness and superiority

Disdain for those who are unworthy

Over-confidence

A desire to belittle the unworthy and exalt one’s own accomplishments

Gratitude at having risen above the rest

The belief that those who have not succeeded are to blame for their failure

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SMUGNESS:

Extreme pride in appearance and possessions

Careful consideration of friendships, purchases, places where one is seen

Reminding someone of a past mistake to rub it in

Choosing to spend time in environments that are a reminder of success

Generosity that displays power (hosting charity functions, etc.)

Acting as if rules do not apply or one is above the law

MAY ESCALATE TO: CONTEMPT, SCORN

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SMUGNESS:

Making token acknowledgements to those who played a part in an outcome

Citing that luck was involved, but not meaning it

Preachy advice: Do what I did and you’ll succeed too.

Return to the Table of Contents

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 and challenge yourself on its use.

SOMBERNESS

DEFINITION: having a dark or gloomy manner

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

An unmoving stance

A voice devoid of emotion, deadpan

A grave expression

A sad or serious demeanor

Hands folded in one’s lap

Sitting quietly

Flaccid yet unwelcoming (closed) body language

A tendency to look down

A thoughtful expression

Hesitation before speaking, as if weighing words

Dark or heavy observations

A bleak mood that affects others, lessens energy, brings people down

An inward gaze or unfocused stare

Loose posture

Speaking at the air rather than make eye contact with others

Hands clasped loosely behind the back and gaze down

A slow walk

Features are smooth, expressionless

Keeping arms and legs in close to the body

Movements are functional and precise

Unsmiling, humorless

Words are chosen deliberately

Not reacting to stimuli (laughter, excitement, activities)

Drab, colorless clothing choices

A grim twist to the mouth

Sedate mannerisms, minimal or economical movement

Eyes that look dark or serious

An unnatural stillness

A pensive expression

Food and drink lacks taste or does not bring enjoyment

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Fatigue, lacking energy

Heaviness in the limbs or muscles

A weighed-down feeling

Breathing is slow and even

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Subdued personality

A negative outlook

A desire to be alone

Difficulty engaging in conversation

Searching internally for answers rather than asking others

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SOMBERNESS:

Accepting a negative outcome or realization

Uninterested in hobbies or entertainments

Melancholy, gloomy

Shunning other people who are not of like mind

Inability to focus on the needs of others (children, family)

Apathetic toward goals, desires or upcoming events

MAY ESCALATE TO: DEPRESSION, RESIGNATION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SOMBERNESS:

Forced laughter

A too-frequent smile

Smiles that quickly fade

Agreeing to attend happy social events, then not showing

Smiles that don’t reach the eyes

Light words delivered in a serious tone

Adding an adornment (a pin, fancy hat, a bright scarf) solely for appearances

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: If your scene includes a small dip into the past to retrieve information that has direct bearing on the current action, make sure there is an emotional component. Emotions are triggers to memory and help tie the present to the past.

SURPRISE/SHOCK

DEFINITION: unexpectedly struck with a feeling of wonder, joy, or fear

NOTE: can be negative or positive

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

The mouth falling open

A hand flying to the chest

Fingers touching parted lips

A gasp

An incredulous stare or dazed look

Jerking the head back

Slapping hands against the cheeks

A playful swat at a friend for causing the surprise

Shuffling back a step or two

A yelp, gasp or squeal

A sudden stiffening posture, rigid muscles

Stopping mid-stride or stumbling

Hugging friends close by

Giddiness

Widening or bulging eyes, a double take

Shaking the head, voicing denial

Stuttering, stammering

A rise in vocal pitch

Grabbing onto a friend’s arm

Hiding the face

Squeezing the eyes shut

Gripping the sides of the head as if to cover the ears

Spreading the fingers out in a fan against the breastbone

Touching the throat

Turning away (negative surprise)

Pulling books or packages tightly against one’s chest

Raising a hand to ward off others from approaching or speaking

A shaky, soft, halting, or disbelieving voice

Asking simple questions for clarification: Who? When? Why?

A tentative smile that builds as surprise sinks in

A bark of laughter

Breaths that catch or hitch

Tipping or turning the head to the side

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Tingling skin

A heavy feeling in the stomach

Racing heartbeat

Breathlessness

A sudden coldness that hits at the core (if surprise is negative)

Disorientation, dizziness, or euphoria

A fluttery feeling in the belly

A flush of adrenaline tingling through the body

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Wanting to hide

Fuzzy thoughts, an inability to think

Embarrassment

CUES OF ACUTE SURPRISE (SHOCK):

Ducking, covering one’s head with the arms

Collapsing from a perceived fright

Breathlessness

Tears or shakiness

Ducking the chin to hide the neck

Jerkiness in the legs, leaping back

Hands rushing toward the mouth to cover

Gasping or letting out a sharp scream

Clutching at one’s chest on reflex

Muscles tightening, head drawing back stiffly

Flight reaction (running away, hiding)

Fight reaction (shoving the initiator, delivering a punch to release anxiety)

Arms drawing back to the body core in a protective flinch

Stuttering or speechlessness

Swearing or shouting

MAY ESCALATE TO: AMAZEMENT, HAPPINESS, FEAR, ANGER, RELIEF, DISAPPOINTMENT

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SURPRISE:

One’s smile going stiff in an effort not to lose it (negative)

Rapid blinking

Widening eyes

Lifting the eyebrows

A closed-lipped smile

Nodding the head, as if one is not surprised at all

A quick tensing of the body

A split second where breathing is suspended

Tightening the grip on whatever is being held

Shaking out the hands in an effort to relax the body once the initial shock has passed

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: With emotion, never be afraid to try something new. Individual expressions should be genuine but unique.

SUSPICION

DEFINITION: suspecting, with little or no proof, that something is wrong

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Narrowing the eyes, squinting

Body angling away from suspect

A wrinkled brow

Flushed skin

A deliberate lowering of the head to study or stare

Arms tight to the body

Shooting glances at the suspect

Avoiding direct eye contact

A fake smile

Sneaking or spying

Eavesdropping

Following the suspected person

Keeping at a safe distance

Evaluating the subject’s manner and appearance

Forced nonchalance to avoid the subject’s notice (hands in pockets)

Crouching or leaning forward to get closer without being seen

Lips pressed flat

Recording the suspect’s activity and movement (notes, pictures, etc.)

A set jaw

Head tilted while mentally weighing evidence

Being confrontational: What are you doing here? or What do you want?

Pointing a finger while confronting

Openly expressing distrust

Crossing the arms

Legs wide apart

A raised voice

Trying to convince others of the suspect’s guilt

Big movements (waving arms while talking, counting out arguments on fingers)

Swaying from side to side

Arguing with the suspect

Pacing

Biting the inside of the lip

Sarcasm: So you just happened to be near when my car’s tires were slashed, huh?

Questioning others as a way of gathering information

Googling the suspect

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Quickened breaths

Adrenaline rush

Thumping heartbeat

Fight-or-flight reflex kicking in

A knot in the belly

A sense of release when confronting the suspect

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Intent listening, so as to catch the suspect in their lie

Mentally running through everything known about the situation

Wanting to shield oneself and others from the person

Second guessing, fearing others will think one’s concerns are irrational

Carefully preparing an argument or plan of attack

Weighing the danger level of the situation

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SUSPICION:

Obsession with the suspect

Stalking

Setting up the suspect in the hopes he will reveal his true self

Attempting to openly discredit or blackball the suspect

Contacting the appropriate authorities to express concern

Fantasizing about the day the suspect is finally exposed

MAY ESCALATE TO: FEAR, AGITATION, ANGER, PARANOIA

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SUSPICION:

A slight head nod

Hmms, as opposed to overt agreement

A flat tone of voice

Noncommittal answers

Avoiding the suspected person

Agreeing too quickly, too loudly

Over-the-top support: I’m with you 100%, I absolutely agree

Nervous movements (biting nails, twisting a shirt button, rubbing the neck)

Standing back from the suspect, not stepping into his circle of friends

Spending minimum time with the suspect before finding a reason to leave

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: While it’s tempting to let a character speak openly about their emotions in dialogue, it will raise a red flag for the reader. If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t let your character.

SYMPATHY

DEFINITION: sensitivity to and sharing in another’s emotions

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Kind words, a soothing tone

Telling someone that they aren’t alone, how things will work out

Rubbing someone’s back

Squeezing a shoulder or hand

Lightly stroking a forearm

A sad smile

Offering a deep sigh and thoughtful expression

A parting hug lasting longer than normal

An understanding nod

Eyes narrowing, eyebrows pulling down in concentration

Crying with the person

Offering the bright side: At least now we know, or It could have been worse

Hugging, holding

Pulling someone against your shoulder

Stroking or smoothing someone’s hair

Clumsy attempts to comfort (a weak smile, an awkward hug)

Fumbling for words

Patting a leg in comfort

Leaning in, scooting closer

A gentle tone, using words the other person wants to hear

Phrasing questions in a positive way to make the other person feel better

Sitting with knees touching the other person’s

Bringing a box of tissue or a cup of tea, unasked

Floundering hand movements

Pulling someone into a side hug

Handling distractions (answering the phone) so the other person won’t have to

Apologizing, not out of accountability, but to voice the unfairness of the situation

Offering the advice of a relative or well-known person: As my uncle used to say…

Fussing over the person’s appearance while speaking in encouraging tones

Listening intently while ignoring discomforts (cold, rain, heat)

Making sacrifices to offer comfort (cancelling plans, being late for an appointment )

*SPECIAL: Sympathetic physical signals between males

Saying That sucks, or Yeah, I hear you, or I feel you, man

A soft tap to the arm, a pat on the back

Lightly touching a shoulder

Listening, arms crossed over one’s chest

Leaning in awkwardly with hands in the pockets, asking if things are okay

A heavy nod

Speaking in a quiet voice

A single shoulder shrug that breaks quickly

Listening while participating in another activity

Looking elsewhere while listening, so as not to make the other male uncomfortable

Offering to take him somewhere—a walk, a car ride, to hang out

Agreeing, even if he’s being irrational

Letting him blow off steam or talk trash about others

Offering to avenge the offended party

Attempting to distract him (going to the movies, a party, drinking)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Feeling emotionally drained

An overall weighted feeling

A slower heartbeat

Ache in the throat

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A desire to be near or to make physical contact

Wishing one could alleviate the pain

Uncertainty about what to say

Listening without judgment

Worry that this event could happen to anyone, particularly to oneself or loved ones

Appreciation for the little things

The mind turning often to the person

Offering up prayers on their behalf

A narrowed focus, allowing for sole concentration on the other person

Relief

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM SYMPATHY:

Obsessive thoughts on how to fix the situation

Employing clichés: This too will pass, keep your chin up, etc.

Giving comfort through gifts, plying a person with food or attention

Involving oneself in the situation, internalizing the other person’s pain

MAY ESCALATE TO: SADNESS, ADORATION, LOVE, GRATITUDE, NOSTALGIA, WORRY

CUES OF SUPPRESSED SYMPATHY:

A hand that lifts towards someone, then lowers

Speaking often of the person or situation

Privately praying for the person

Smiling or winking at the person but not offering verbal support

Watching at a distance, hoping for change

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Emotions usually don’t jump from mild to extreme in a short period of time. To gain the reader’s trust, lay the proper foundation and show how stressors lead to a greater intensity.

TERROR

DEFINITION: a state of extreme fear

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Rasping breaths

Bulging eyes, an inability to blink

Full body tremors

Bolting out of hiding, rushing away from the threat

Screaming, crying, blubbering

Speechlessness or incoherence

Holding oneself tightly (clutching the arms or wrapping arms around the belly)

Squeezing eyes shut

Moaning, whimpering

Trembling chin and lips

Running away with no destination in mind

Shaking one’s head as if in denial

Clapping the hands over the ears

Pressing fists to the sides of the head

Crumpling, sinking to the ground

Retreating into the fetal position or curling up on the knees

Covering the face

Cringing, flinching, jumping at sounds

Tense muscles, rigid posture

A primal scream

Flaring nostrils

Grabbing onto another person, refusing to let go or leave them

Clumsiness (bumping into things, knocking things over)

Clutching the throat or chest

Gasping for air

Clammy skin

A harried, wild appearance

Clawing at the cheeks, dragging the fingers down

Tremors in the hands and fingers

Copious sweating

Risking lesser danger in order to escape

Causing self-harm and not noticing (cuts, bruises, etc., while trying to escape)

Spinning around, trying to spot any and all danger

Backing away in quick, jerky steps from something or someone

Fight response (a rush attack, using anything at hand to hit or destroy)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Hyperventilation

A racing pulse

Sound of heartbeat thrashing in the ears

A clenched jaw

High pain tolerance, not feeling or noticing injuries

Increased strength or stamina

Claustrophobia (even in one who is not usually claustrophobic)

Pain in the chest, lungs, or throat

Weak legs

Increased sensitivity to every sound, touch, or change in the environment

Dizziness, seeing black spots

MENTAL RESPONSES:

A compulsion to look back (when fleeing)

Impaired decision making

A single-minded focus: to save oneself or someone else

Risk taking

Surrender if breaking point is reached

Hyper-vigilance

Thoughts that keep coming back to the worst possible outcome

Sensitivity to noise and movement

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM TERROR:

Passing out from a stress overload, lack of oxygen, or both

A mental break (humming, rocking, hands over ears or eyes)

Heart attack

Shutting down mentally, retreating inward

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Insomnia

Hallucinations

Anxiety attacks

Weight loss

Nightmares

Depression

Substance abuse

Difficulties relating to others

Isolation

Phobias

MAY ESCALATE TO: PARANOIA, RAGE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED TERROR:

Terror by nature is almost impossible to suppress or hide. Any attempt to hide terror would simply display itself as FEAR

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When conveying high emotion, keep the metaphors to a minimum. No matter how flowery or creative a character might be, in the midst of strong emotion, most people don’t think in those terms. Keep it simple to maintain believability.

UNCERTAINTY

DEFINITION: the state of being unsure; unable to commit to a course of action

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Biting the lip or inside of the cheek

Frowning

Glancing at others to see what they think

Looking down

Asking others for advice or opinions

Hands that fidget (twisting together, rubbing down the front of one’s pants)

A downcast expression

Forehead wrinkling

Squinting, looking inward

Pinching or tugging on the bottom lip

Tilting the head from side to side, weighing choices

Rubbing the jaw or back of the neck

Pushing the hair out of the face

An impatient huff

Shuffling feet

Hesitating mid-action (while reaching for something or pulling out a wallet)

Starting a sentence with the word, Well…

Pulling back slightly

A grimace and a slight shake of the head

Asking questions to elicit more information

Making a Hmmm noise or throat clearing

Swallowing

Cracking the knuckles, or other ‘stalling’ gestures

Doodling on paper

Swaying or rocking on one’s feet

Rubbing the lips or chin

Biting the inside of the cheek or bottom lip

Sighing

Rolling the neck

Tapping a pencil against a notepad or table

Jotting notes as a way to delay answering

Rounded shoulders, a slumped posture

Staring at nothing for an overlong moment

Talking through the options aloud

Asking for reassurance

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Breaths that catch in the chest

Tenseness in one’s stomach

Increased thirst

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Feeling trapped

Indecision

Unease at one’s options or choices

The mind racing through possibilities

Avoiding the person or issue

A desperate need to find answers

Feeling flustered by a less-than-ideal situation

Making decisions, then second-guessing oneself

Shutting down, refusing to make a decision

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM UNCERTAINTY:

Self-doubt

Uncertainty that bleeds into other decisions and situations

Anger and frustration

Dismissing the situation without making a decision

Inability to make any decision on one’s own

Researching (searching the web, speaking with professionals) to find answers

Going for a walk or leaving the situation in hopes of gaining a clear head

Repeatedly postponing or rescheduling events

An increased sense of desperation as time goes by and the situation is unresolved

MAY ESCALATE TO: CONFUSION, DENIAL, FRUSTRATION, UNEASE

CUES OF SUPPRESSED UNCERTAINTY:

A delayed response

A noncommittal answer: Maybe or We’ll see

Changing the topic to avoid hurt feelings or an argument

Diversion rather than open support

A hesitant nod

Stalling for time (pouring a glass of water and drinking)

Refusing to answer, letting the silence do the talking

Opening one’s mouth to argue, then stopping

Offering something noncommittal: Let’s put that in our back pocket for now, okay?

Suggesting a vote of majority

Offering weak agreement or half-hearted support

Requesting more time to consider in order to delay

Passive-aggressiveness

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Maintain an overall perspective of emotional range as the story progresses from scene to scene. A strong manuscript will always expose the reader to contrasting emotional experiences that fit within the context of the POV character’s growth.

UNEASE

DEFINITION: a restlessness of the body or mind

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Shaking one’s head

Crossing and uncrossing the arms or legs

Shifting in one’s chair

Twisting or pulling at clothing

Slipping hands into pockets

Sidelong glances while keeping the head still

Tsking or making a noise in the throat

Leaning away from the source

Drawing back, making oneself smaller

Stopping to listen intently

A quick glance at the source, then away (a person, a clock, a door)

Chewing on a fingernail, picking at cuticles

Drawing the mouth into a straight line and biting the lip

Excessive swallowing

A shaky voice

Tugging clothes more firmly into place, closing an open jacket

Flipping hair or combing fingers through it

Hiding behind one’s bangs

Being unnaturally quiet

Throat clearing

Frowning

Pushing food around on a plate

Gulping food down in order to escape more quickly

Trying to evade notice (slumping in a chair, withdrawing from conversation)

Turning slowly, unwillingly

Clutching an item tightly or holding it as a shield

Reluctantly speaking or approaching someone

Stilted, halting dialogue

A tapping heel

Checking a cell for messages or to see the time

Fiddling with jewelry or props

A swinging foot that suddenly goes still

Scrunching oneself up in a chair or sofa

Choosing a safe spot to wait

Flicking through a magazine without reading it

Lifting the chin in an attempt to look confident

Consciously forcing one’s limbs to relax

Licking the lips

Tightening the hands into fists, then loosening them

Rigid posture

Nervous habits (picking off nail polish, humming under the breath)

Warm, sweaty hands

Constant motion (applying lip gloss, texting people, rooting in purse)

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A slight chill or shiver

Hair lifting on the back of the neck

A prickling of the scalp

A quiver in the stomach

MENTAL RESPONSES:

The feeling of being watched

Denial: There’s nothing wrong, or You’re overreacting.

Heightened emotions, a feeling of being on edge

Impatience

Time feels like it’s slowing down

Heightened watchfulness

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM UNEASE:

Increased fidgeting, an inability to remain still

Pacing

An unshakeable sense of something being wrong

A need to leave, but not understanding why

Shifting from foot to foot

Feeling physically ill

Pretending to be unaware of a loud argument or uncomfortable situation

MAY ESCALATE TO: NERVOUSNESS, WORRY, FEAR

CUES OF SUPPRESSED UNEASE:

Trying to slow one’s breathing

Attempting to loosen up by rolling the shoulders

An unfocused gaze as one strives for mental calm

Walking away to gain composure

Wide eyes

A quick, false smile

Studiously not looking at the source

Keeping at a distance

Talking too fast

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: To create a stronger reader reaction to emotion, remember to focus on showing what triggers the feeling, rather than only showing the character’s response to it.

WARINESS

DEFINITION: mistrust marked by caution and watchfulness; being alert to possible danger

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Head cocked to the side

Eyes narrowed, as if in confusion

Pursing the lips

Lowering the brows

Cutting the eyes toward the source

Hands up in a defensive stance

Speaking in a soothing, placating voice

Backing away

Posture “perks up” as awareness increases

Sidestepping, but keeping one’s gaze on the source

Actively listening for something

Lifting the chin

Keeping one’s hands free

Taking note of possible exits

Being aware of what lies behind

Asking questions to discern the root issue before things turn bad

Circling, approaching someone or something in a roundabout fashion

Slow, cautious movements

Speaking rapidly, with the intent of maintaining the status quo

Standing back and observing before jumping in

Stiffening and going still

A strained or tense voice

Flinching when touched

Hesitation

Lip biting or pressing the lips together

A probing gaze

Careful words

A furrowed brow

Rubbing at the forehead or temples

Gritting the teeth

A stern or serious expression

A jutting jaw

Alert to sudden movements

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Increased adrenaline

Rapid heartbeat and pulse

Tense muscles

Breath that catches or stops briefly

An intuitive feeling that something isn’t right (hairs standing up, prickling of skin)

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Mind tries to discern possible danger

Trusting one’s gut feelings

Heightened senses

Defensiveness

Racing thoughts while trying to make sense of the situation

Confusion

Difficulty committing fully to any action

A finely-tuned sense of observation

Trying to see and hear everything at once

An inability to relax or smile

Thinking ahead to what might happen

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM WARINESS:

Increasing one’s personal space

Positioning oneself to create a barrier (moving behind a table, etc.)

Arguing without aggression, only to provide insight

Scanning for potential weapons

Asking questions one knows the answers to in an effort to discern another’s intent

MAY ESCALATE TO: ANXIETY, FEAR, UNEASE, SUSPICION

CUES OF SUPPRESSED WARINESS:

Standoffishness

Looking from lowered lids

Attempting to lighten the mood with a joke

A posture that suggests discomfort (standing by oneself, clamping the hands around the waist)

Leaning away

Hesitation

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: When writing emotion, pull from your own past. Even if you haven’t experienced what the POV character is going through, chances are you’ve felt the same emotion about something else. Draw on your personal experience and bring life to the story.

WORRY

DEFINITION: mental distress that arises from disturbing thoughts, usually regarding some anticipated event

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:

Wrinkling the brow

Biting one’s lip

Pinching the skin at the throat

Feet that bounce or tap

Pulling or twisting at one’s hair

Pacing

Drinking too much coffee, smoking too much

Circles under the eyes

Eyebrows drawing together

Tossing and turning in bed, an inability to sleep

Asking too many questions

Stroking or rubbing an eyebrow

Rumpled, unwashed clothes

Rubbing one’s hands on pant legs

Lank or unwashed hair

Poor communication with others

Repeatedly rubbing the face

A gaze that flits around the room, never settling on a person or object for long

Clinging to loved ones

Taking deep breaths in an effort to calm oneself

Pointless activity as a way to stay busy

Calling in sick

Stooped posture

Clutching at a sweater, purse, or necklace for comfort

Biting the nails, chewing on a knuckle

Running a jerky hand through the hair

Smoothing and re-smoothing clothing

Clasping one’s hands together

A stiff neck, strained muscles

A pained or watery gaze

Throat clearing

Blinking less (as if worried one might miss something)

Fidgeting, having a hard time sitting still

Sitting, then standing, then sitting again

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

A loss of appetite

A sensitive stomach

Heartburn or other digestive issues

Dry mouth

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Uncertainty over choices made

An unwillingness to leave a certain place (phone, house, car)

An inability to focus

A need to control

Regret for a past action

Distancing oneself from others

Reading into things, over-analyzing

Assuming the worst-case scenario

Over-protectiveness

Irritability

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM WORRY:

Weight loss

Premature gray

New wrinkles

Slipping grades at school, poor performance at work

Ulcers

Anxiety attacks

Panic disorders

High blood pressure

Heart disease

Increased sickness due to compromised immune system

Insomnia and fatigue

Hypochondria

MAY ESCALATE TO: WARINESS, FEAR, ANXIETY, PARANOIA, DREAD

CUES OF SUPPRESSED WORRY:

Furtively watching the clock or door

Jumpiness

A strained or faked smile

Adopting new hobbies to distract oneself

Putting up a false front as if everything is okay

A shortened attention span

Difficulty focusing

Humming that feels forced, or fades quickly after it starts

Going about one’s daily activities with the mind somewhere else

Return to the Table of Contents

WRITER’S TIP: Weather details can add texture and meaning to a scene. Consider how a character’s mood can shift because of the weather. It can also stand in the way of their goals, providing tension.

RECOMMENDED READING

The Definitive Book of Body Language (Allan & Barbara Pease)

Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint (Nancy Kress)

Creating Character Emotion (Ann Hood)

Telling Lies: Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage (Paul Ekman)

Dear Reader,

If you found The Emotion Thesaurus a useful companion to your creative process, we’d love to hear about your experience. Honest reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble are always appreciated. And if you would like to explore some of the other Descriptive Thesaurus Collections we have created for writers, please visit us at The Bookshelf Muse.

Happy writing!

Angela & Becca

Table of Contents

TITLE PAGE

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

WRITING NONVERBAL EMOTION: AVOIDING COMMON PROBLEMS

USING THE EMOTION THESAURUS

THE EMOTION THESAURUS

ADORATION

AGITATION

AMAZEMENT

AMUSEMENT

ANGER

ANGUISH

ANNOYANCE

ANTICIPATION

ANXIETY

CONFIDENCE

CONFLICTED

CONFUSION

CONTEMPT

CURIOSITY

DEFEAT

DEFENSIVENESS

DENIAL

DEPRESSION

DESIRE

DESPERATION

DETERMINATION

DISAPPOINTMENT

DISBELIEF

DISGUST

DOUBT

DREAD

EAGERNESS

ELATION

EMBARRASSMENT

ENVY

EXCITEMENT

FEAR

FRUSTRATION

GRATITUDE

GUILT

HAPPINESS

HATRED

HOPEFULNESS

HUMILIATION

HURT

IMPATIENCE

INDIFFERENCE

INSECURITY

IRRITATION

JEALOUSY

LONELINESS

LOVE

NERVOUSNESS

NOSTALGIA

OVERWHELMED

PARANOIA

PEACEFULNESS

PRIDE

RAGE

REGRET

RELIEF

RELUCTANCE

REMORSE

RESENTMENT

RESIGNATION

SADNESS

SATISFACTION

SCORN

SHAME

SKEPTICISM

SMUGNESS

SOMBERNESS

SURPRISE/SHOCK

SUSPICION

SYMPATHY

TERROR

UNCERTAINTY

UNEASE

WARINESS

WORRY

RECOMMENDED READING