DISAPPOINTMENT
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Definition:, physical signals and behaviors:, internal sensations:, mental responses:, cues of acute or long term disappointment:, may escalate to:, cues of suppressed disappointment:, may de-escalate to:, associated power verbs:.
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Master List of Facial Expressions
This list of facial expressions for writers is one of my all-time most popular posts. It came about because I started to list facial expressions in a spiral notebook for my own reference, and then I figured I’d share. A lot of writers keep this page bookmarked!
Writers need good facial expression descriptions in their writing to help the readers picture the characters and to convey emotions. However, it’s easy for us to rely on the same descriptions over and over again. And sometimes in the middle of writing, when we’re trying to find the words to describe an angry expression or a sad expression, we draw a blank.
The expressions are broken down by the part of the face. Note that some of them work for more than one emotion—a person might narrow their eyes out of vindictiveness or skepticism, for instance, and their face might turn red out of anger or out of embarrassment. Some of them require a little more explanation on your part. You’ll have to say what she’s glaring at, or if his face is contorting in rage, or grief, or what. And not all of these will work for every character. In many cases I’ve given several ways to describe the same thing. While I have included some longer phrases, they are not proprietary and it’s fine to use them.
Some of these aren’t exactly words to describe facial expressions, but they’re useful for dialogue tags. In fact, I started this list in a notebook for myself as a reference so I would stop using “he said” and “she said” so often…and as any editor or writing coach will tell you, just using tons of synonyms for “said” does not solve this problem; it makes it worse! By using a facial expression as a dialogue tag, you can also convey the tone of voice.
Here’s the facial expressions list. You might want to pin it for future reference!
Ways to Describe Expressions Related to the Eyes and Eyebrows
his eyes widened
their eyes went round
her eyelids drooped
his eyes narrowed
his eyes lit up
his eyes darted
he squinted
she blinked
her eyes twinkled
his eyes gleamed
her eyes sparkled
his eyes flashed
her eyes glinted
his eyes burned with…
her eyes blazed with…
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her eyes sparked with…
her eyes flickered with…
_____ glowed in his eyes
the corners of his eyes crinkled
she rolled her eyes
he looked heavenward
she glanced up to the ceiling
tears filled her eyes
his eyes welled up
her eyes swam with tears
his eyes flooded with tears
her eyes were wet
their eyes glistened
tears shimmered in her eyes
tears shone in his eyes
her eyes were glossy
he was fighting back tears
tears ran down her cheeks
his eyes closed
she squeezed her eyes shut
he shut his eyes
his lashes fluttered
she batted her lashes
her forehead creased
his forehead furrowed
her forehead puckered
a line appeared between their brows
his brows drew together
her brows snapped together
his eyebrows rose
she raised a brow
he lifted an eyebrow
his eyebrows waggled
she gave him a once-over
he sized her up
her eyes bored into him
she took in the sight of…
she glanced
she scrutinized
he observed
she surveyed
his pupils (were) dilated
her pupils were huge
his pupils flared
Ways to Describe Expressions Related to the Nose
her nose crinkled
his nose wrinkled
she sneered
his nostrils flared
she stuck her nose in the air
she sniffled
Ways to Describe Expressions Related to the Mouth
she grinned
he simpered
her mouth curved into a smile
the corners of his mouth turned up
the corner of her mouth quirked up
a corner of his mouth lifted
his mouth twitched
he gave a half-smile
she gave a lopsided grin
he plastered a smile on his face
she forced a smile
he faked a smile
their smile faded
his smile slipped
he pursed his lips
his mouth snapped shut
her mouth set in a hard line
he pressed his lips together
she bit her lip
he drew his lower lip between his teeth
she nibbled on her bottom lip
he chewed on his bottom lip
his jaw set
her jaw clenched
his jaw tightened
a muscle in her jaw twitched
he ground his jaw
he snarled/his lips drew back in a snarl
her mouth fell open
his jaw dropped
her jaw went slack
he gritted his teeth
she gnashed her teeth
her lower lip trembled
his lower lip quivered
Ways to Describe Reactions Related to the Skin
he blanched
she went white
the color drained out of his face
his face reddened
her cheeks turned pink
his face flushed
she blushed
he turned red
she turned scarlet
he turned crimson
a flush crept up her face
Ways to Describe Expressions Having to Do With the Whole Face
he screwed up his face
she scrunched up her face
they grimaced
she gave him a dirty look
she scowled
he glowered
her whole face lit up
she brightened
his face went blank
her face contorted
his face twisted
her expression closed up
his expression dulled
her expression hardened
she went poker-faced
a vein popped out in his neck
awe transformed his face
fear crossed her face
sadness clouded his features
terror overtook his face
recognition dawned on her face
It may seem a little obsessive to list facial expressions, but there’s almost nothing I like better than making lists! I have many more lists like this in my book Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, and More. I think it’s a great tool for making “show don’t tell” easier and for inspiration during every part of the writing process. Check it out!
Thank you so much for reading, and happy writing!
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Describing Sadness in Creative Writing: 33 Ways to Capture the Blues
By: Author Paul Jenkins
Posted on August 25, 2023
Categories Creative Writing , Writing
Describing sadness in creative writing can be a challenging task for any writer.
Sadness is an emotion that can be felt in different ways, and it’s important to be able to convey it in a way that is authentic and relatable to readers. Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or even a poem, the ability to describe sadness can make or break a story.
Understanding sadness in writing is essential to creating a believable character or scene. Sadness is a complex emotion that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as loss, disappointment, or loneliness. It’s important to consider the context in which the sadness is occurring, as this can influence the way it is expressed.
By exploring the emotional spectrum of characters and the physical manifestations of sadness, writers can create a more authentic portrayal of the emotion.
In this article, we will explore the different ways to describe sadness in creative writing. We will discuss the emotional spectrum of characters, the physical manifestations of sadness, and the language and dialogue used to express it. We’ll also look at expert views on emotion and provide unique examples of describing sadness.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to authentically convey sadness in your writing.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the emotional spectrum of characters is essential to creating a believable portrayal of sadness.
- Physical manifestations of sadness can be used to convey the emotion in a more authentic way.
- Authenticity in describing sadness can be achieved through language and dialogue, as well as expert views on emotion.
33 Ways to Express Sadness in Creative Writing
Let’s start with some concrete examples of sadness metaphors and similes:
Here are 33 ways to express sadness in creative writing:
- A heavy sigh escaped her lips as a tear rolled down her cheek.
- His eyes glistened with unleashed tears that he quickly blinked away.
- Her heart felt like it was being squeezed by a cold, metal fist.
- A profound emptiness opened up inside him, threatening to swallow him whole.
- An avalanche of sorrow crashed over her without warning.
- His spirit sank like a stone in water.
- A dark cloud of grief descended on her.
- Waves of sadness washed over him, pulling him under.
- She felt like she was drowning in an ocean of melancholy.
- His eyes darkened with sadness like a gathering storm.
- Grief enveloped her like a wet blanket, heavy and smothering.
- The light in his eyes dimmed to a flicker behind tears.
- Sadness seeped through her veins like icy slush.
- The corners of his mouth drooped like a wilting flower.
- Her breath came in short, ragged gasps between sobs.
- A profound melancholy oozed from his pores.
- The weight of despair crushed her like a vice.
- A haunted, hollow look glazed over his eyes.
- An invisible hand squeezed her heart, wringing out all joy.
- His soul curdled like spoiled milk.
- A silent scream lodged in her throat.
- He was consumed by a fathomless gloom.
- Sorrow pulsed through her veins with every beat of her heart.
- Grief blanketed him like new-fallen snow, numbing and icy.
- Tears stung her eyes like shards of glass.
- A cold, dark abyss of sadness swallowed him.
- Melancholy seeped from her like rain from a leaky roof.
- His spirit shriveled and sank like a deflating balloon.
- A sick, hollow ache blossomed inside her.
- Rivulets of anguish trickled down his cheeks.
- Sadness smothered her like a poisonous fog.
- Gloom settled on his shoulders like a black shroud.
- Her sorrow poured out in a river of tears.
Understanding Sadness in Writing
Describing sadness in writing can be a challenging task.
Sadness is a complex emotion that can manifest in different ways. It can be expressed through tears, sighs, silence, or even a simple change in posture. As a writer, you need to be able to convey sadness effectively to your readers, while also avoiding cliches and melodrama.
One way to approach describing sadness is to focus on the physical sensations and reactions that accompany it. For example, you might describe the feeling of a lump in your throat, or the tightness in your chest. You could also describe the way your eyes become watery, or the way your hands tremble.
These physical descriptions can help your readers to empathize with your characters and feel the same emotions.
Another important aspect of describing sadness is the tone of your writing. You want to strike a balance between conveying the depth of the emotion and avoiding excessive sentimentality.
One way to achieve this is to use simple, direct language that conveys the emotion without resorting to flowery language or overwrought metaphors.
When describing sadness, it’s also important to consider the context in which it occurs. Sadness can be a response to many different situations, such as loss, disappointment, or rejection. It can also be accompanied by other emotions, such as anger, confusion, or melancholy.
By considering the context and accompanying emotions, you can create a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of sadness in your writing.
Finally, it can be helpful to draw on examples of how other writers have successfully described sadness. By studying the techniques and descriptions used by other writers, you can gain a better understanding of how to effectively convey sadness in your own writing.
In conclusion, describing sadness in writing requires a careful balance of physical descriptions, tone, context, and examples. By focusing on these elements, you can create a more nuanced and effective portrayal of this complex emotion.
Emotional Spectrum in Characters
In creative writing, it’s important to create characters that are multi-dimensional and have a wide range of emotions. When it comes to describing sadness, it’s essential to understand the emotional spectrum of characters and how they respond to different situations.
Characters can experience a variety of emotions, including love, happiness, surprise, anger, fear, nervousness, and more.
Each character has a unique personality that influences their emotional responses. For example, a protagonist might respond to sadness with a broken heart, dismay, or feeling desolate.
On the other hand, a character might respond with anger, contempt, or apathy.
When describing sadness, it’s important to consider the emotional response of the character. For example, a haunted character might respond to sadness with exhaustion or a sense of being drained. A crestfallen character might respond with a sense of defeat or disappointment.
It’s also important to consider how sadness affects the character’s personality. Some characters might become withdrawn or depressed, while others might become more emotional or volatile. When describing sadness, it’s important to show how it affects the character’s behavior and interactions with others.
Overall, the emotional spectrum of characters is an important aspect of creative writing. By understanding how characters respond to different emotions, you can create more realistic and relatable characters. When describing sadness, it’s important to consider the character’s emotional response, personality, and behavior.
Physical Manifestations of Sadness
When you’re feeling sad, it’s not just an emotion that you experience mentally. It can also manifest physically. Here are some physical manifestations of sadness that you can use in your creative writing to make your characters more believable.
Tears are one of the most common physical manifestations of sadness. When you’re feeling sad, your eyes may start to water, and tears may fall down your cheeks. Tears can be used to show that a character is feeling overwhelmed with emotion.
Crying is another physical manifestation of sadness. When you’re feeling sad, you may cry. Crying can be used to show that a character is feeling deeply hurt or upset.
Numbness is a physical sensation that can accompany sadness. When you’re feeling sad, you may feel emotionally numb. This can be used to show that a character is feeling disconnected from their emotions.
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions can also be used to show sadness. When you’re feeling sad, your face may droop, and your eyes may look downcast. This can be used to show that a character is feeling down or depressed.
Gestures can also be used to show sadness. When you’re feeling sad, you may slump your shoulders or hang your head. This can be used to show that a character is feeling defeated or hopeless.
Body Language
Body language can also be used to show sadness. When you’re feeling sad, you may cross your arms or hunch over. This can be used to show that a character is feeling closed off or defensive.
Cold and Heat
Sadness can also affect your body temperature. When you’re feeling sad, you may feel cold or hot. This can be used to show that a character is feeling uncomfortable or out of place.
Sobbing is another physical manifestation of sadness. When you’re feeling sad, you may sob uncontrollably. This can be used to show that a character is feeling overwhelmed with emotion.
Sweating is another physical manifestation of sadness. When you’re feeling sad, you may sweat profusely. This can be used to show that a character is feeling anxious or nervous.
By using these physical manifestations of sadness in your writing, you can make your characters more realistic and relatable. Remember to use them sparingly and only when they are relevant to the story.
Authenticity in Describing Sadness
When it comes to describing sadness in creative writing, authenticity is key. Readers can tell when an author is not being genuine, and it can make the story feel less impactful. In order to authentically describe sadness, it’s important to tap into your own emotions and experiences.
Think about a time when you felt truly sad. What did it feel like? What physical sensations did you experience? How did your thoughts and emotions change? By tapping into your own experiences, you can better convey the emotions of your characters.
It’s also important to remember that sadness can manifest in different ways for different people. Some people may cry, while others may become withdrawn or angry. By understanding the unique ways that sadness can present itself, you can create more authentic and realistic characters.
If you’re struggling to authentically describe sadness, consider talking to a loved one or best friend about their experiences. Hearing firsthand accounts can help you better understand the nuances of the emotion.
Ultimately, the key to authentically describing sadness is to approach it with empathy and understanding. By putting yourself in the shoes of your characters and readers, you can create a powerful and impactful story that resonates with your audience.
Language and Dialogue in Expressing Sadness
When writing about sadness, the language you use can make a big difference in how your readers will perceive the emotions of your characters.
Consider using metaphors and similes to create vivid images that will help your readers connect with the emotions of your characters.
For example, you might describe the sadness as a heavy weight on the character’s chest or a dark cloud hanging over their head.
In addition to using metaphors, you can also use adjectives to describe the character’s emotions. Be careful not to overuse adjectives, as this can detract from the impact of your writing. Instead, choose a few powerful adjectives that will help your readers understand the depth of the character’s sadness.
For example, you might describe the sadness as overwhelming, suffocating, or unbearable.
When it comes to dialogue, it’s important to remember that people don’t always express their emotions directly. In fact, sometimes what isn’t said is just as important as what is said.
Consider using subtext to convey the character’s sadness indirectly. For example, a character might say “I’m fine,” when in reality they are struggling with intense sadness.
Another way to use dialogue to convey sadness is through the use of behaviors. For example, a character might withdraw from social situations, stop eating or sleeping properly, or engage in self-destructive behaviors as a result of their sadness.
By showing these behaviors, you can help your readers understand the depth of the character’s emotions.
Finally, when describing sadness, it’s important to consider the overall mood of the scene. Use sensory details to create a somber atmosphere that will help your readers connect with the emotions of your characters.
For example, you might describe the rain falling heavily outside, the silence of an empty room, or the dim lighting of a funeral home.
Overall, when writing about sadness, it’s important to choose your words carefully and use a variety of techniques to convey the depth of your character’s emotions.
By using metaphors, adjectives, dialogue, behaviors, and sensory details, you can create a powerful and emotionally resonant story that will stay with your readers long after they’ve finished reading.
Expert Views on Emotion
When it comes to writing about emotions, it’s important to have a deep understanding of how they work and how they can be conveyed effectively through writing. Here are some expert views on emotion that can help you write about sadness in a more effective and engaging way.
Dr. Paul Ekman
Dr. Paul Ekman is a renowned psychologist who has spent decades studying emotions and their expressions. According to Dr. Ekman, there are six basic emotions that are universally recognized across cultures: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust.
When it comes to writing about sadness, Dr. Ekman suggests focusing on the physical sensations that accompany the emotion.
For example, you might describe the heaviness in your chest, the lump in your throat, or the tears that well up in your eyes. By focusing on these physical sensations, you can help your readers connect with the emotion on a deeper level.
While sadness is often seen as a “negative” emotion, it’s important to remember that all emotions have their place in creative writing. Disgust, for example, can be a powerful tool for conveying a character’s revulsion or aversion to something.
When writing about disgust, it’s important to be specific about what is causing the emotion. For example, you might describe the smell of rotting garbage, the sight of maggots wriggling in a pile of food, or the texture of slimy, raw meat.
By being specific, you can help your readers feel the full force of the emotion and understand why your character is feeling it.
Overall, when it comes to writing about emotions, it’s important to be both specific and authentic. By drawing on your own experiences and using concrete details to describe the physical sensations and causes of emotions, you can create a more engaging and emotionally resonant piece of writing.
Unique Examples of Describing Sadness
When it comes to describing sadness in creative writing, there are many unique ways to convey this emotion to your readers. Here are some examples that can help you create a powerful and moving scene:
- The crying scene : One of the most common ways to show sadness is through tears. However, instead of just saying “she cried,” try to describe the crying scene in detail. For instance, you could describe how her tears fell like raindrops on the floor, or how her sobs shook her body like a violent storm. This will help your readers visualize the scene and feel the character’s pain.
- The socks : Another way to show sadness is through symbolism. For example, you could describe how the character is wearing mismatched socks, which represents how her life is falling apart and nothing seems to fit together anymore. This can be a subtle yet effective way to convey sadness without being too obvious.
- John : If your character is named John, you can use his name to create a sense of melancholy. For example, you could describe how the raindrops fell on John’s shoulders, weighing him down like the burdens of his life. This can be a creative way to convey sadness while also adding depth to your character.
Remember, when describing sadness in creative writing, it’s important to be specific and use vivid language. This will help your readers connect with your character on a deeper level and feel their pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some effective ways to describe a person’s sadness without using the word ‘sad’.
When describing sadness, it’s important to avoid using the word “sad” as it can come across as cliché and lackluster. Instead, try using more descriptive words that evoke a sense of sadness in the reader. For example, you could use words like “heartbroken,” “bereft,” “devastated,” “despondent,” or “forlorn.” These words help to create a more vivid and emotional description of sadness that readers can connect with.
How can you describe the physical manifestations of sadness on a person’s face?
When describing the physical manifestations of sadness on a person’s face, it’s important to pay attention to the small details. For example, you could describe the way their eyes become red and swollen from crying, or how their mouth trembles as they try to hold back tears. You could also describe the way their shoulders slump or how they withdraw into themselves. By focusing on these small but telling details, you can create a more realistic and relatable portrayal of sadness.
What are some examples of using metaphor and simile to convey sadness in creative writing?
Metaphors and similes can be powerful tools for conveying sadness in creative writing. For example, you could compare a person’s sadness to a heavy weight that they’re carrying on their shoulders, or to a storm cloud that follows them wherever they go. You could also use metaphors and similes to describe the way sadness feels, such as a “gnawing ache” in the pit of their stomach or a “cold, empty void” inside their chest.
How can you effectively convey the emotional weight of sadness through dialogue?
When writing dialogue for a character who is experiencing sadness, it’s important to focus on the emotions and feelings that they’re experiencing. Use short, simple sentences to convey the character’s sadness, and avoid using overly complex language or metaphors. You could also use pauses and silences to create a sense of emotional weight and tension in the scene.
What are some techniques for describing a character’s inner sadness in a way that is relatable to the reader?
One effective technique for describing a character’s inner sadness is to focus on their thoughts and feelings. Use introspection to delve into the character’s emotions and describe how they’re feeling in a way that is relatable to the reader. You could also use flashbacks or memories to show why the character is feeling sad, and how it’s affecting their current actions and decisions.
How can you use sensory language to create a vivid portrayal of sadness in a poem or story?
Sensory language is an effective way to create a vivid portrayal of sadness in a poem or story. Use descriptive words that evoke the senses, such as the smell of rain on a sad day or the sound of a distant train whistle. You could also use sensory language to describe the physical sensations of sadness, such as the weight of a heavy heart or the taste of tears on the tongue. By using sensory language, you can create a more immersive and emotional reading experience for your audience.
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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
Helping writers become bestselling authors
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Disappointment
March 13, 2008 by ANGELA ACKERMAN
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might show this emotion!
If you need to go deeper , we have detailed lists of body language, visceral sensations, dialogue cues, and mental responses for 130 emotions in the 2019 expanded second edition of The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression .
DISAPPOINTMENT
· Chin dipping to the chest · Lips pressing tight, eyes focusing inward · Looking up with hands raised in the ‘why me?’ position · Collapsing onto a chair or bench · Weaving slightly · Avoiding other peoples’ eyes, going stone-faced · Eyes tearing up · Eyes closing, squeezing shut for a moment · A wincing, pained expression · Looking around in confusion · Attempting to hide (assuming the fetal position, covering the head with the arms) · Clutching at oneself (gripping elbows, rubbing arms, clenching hands) · A stomach that drops, a sudden feeling of nausea · Pressing a hand to the abdomen · Anger or violence (cursing loudly, hitting something, a tense walk in a small circle)…
Win your readers’ hearts by tailoring your character’s emotional responses so they’re compelling, credible, and realistic.
If you struggle with writing emotions, you aren’t alone. The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression has helped writers all over the globe, and it can help you. To find out more about this bestselling book, please visit our bookstore .
Prefer the flexibility of instant online access and greater searchability?
The Emotion Thesaurus is also at our sister site, One Stop for Writers . Visit the Emotion Thesaurus Page to view our complete list of entries.
TIP: While you’re there, check out our hyper-intelligent Character Builder that helps you create deep, memorable characters in half the time !
Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and bestselling author who loves to travel, teach, empower writers, and pay-it-forward. She also is a founder of One Stop For Writers , a portal to powerful, innovative tools to help writers elevate their storytelling.
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Reader Interactions
September 21, 2017 at 10:37 am
9 years later, still helpful. Thanks so much!
March 22, 2008 at 6:31 am
Ooh — I should have come here when I was rewriting chapter fourteen last week? They really help!
Whenever I try to picture how characters look when feeling certain emotions, I am told that I make weird noises and contort my facial expressions. It’s probably better for me to get my writing done while the kids are out of the house…
March 14, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Great list again, Muses. Thanks!
[…] Conveying Disappointment […]
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How to Describe Facial Expressions in Writing
When writing about facial expressions, most writers are content to keep it simple. Why put more effort into describing a character’s expression when “he frowned angrily” gets the point across? Well, since you made it to this article, you probably aren’t like other writers. You know that keeping things vague and simple or including overused adverbs to simplify descriptions can impact the flow of your story as a whole. You know that a little extra effort can go a long way.
Every time you describe a character’s expression, you have an opportunity to reveal more about their personality, intentions, and complex emotions—so don’t take the easy way out! Expressions have so much potential to show a character’s true colors! However, it’s not always easy to know how to approach describing facial expressions. Understanding the characteristics of each expression is the first step towards knowing how to properly describe them in your own writing.
Describing Different Facial Expressions
Charles Darwin was the first person to theorize that some emotions are expressed universally , regardless of a person’s exposure to other cultures. The greater scientific community disagreed with this theory, including Dr. Paul Ekman. Ekman ran a social experiment in the late 20th century with the intention of proving Darwin wrong, but he accidentally ended up proving this theory to be correct.
Now, we know that there are 7 universal emotions that every single culture in the world expresses in the same way. Emotions are expressed innately, and the faces people make when experiencing different emotions are based on natural instinct.
The seven universal expressions are:
So what does this mean for you? When writing about emotions, it can be really tempting to simply say that the character is feeling angry or disgusted, because that’s easy to write. However, it feels so much more authentic to a reader if they can figure out how a character is feeling based on the descriptions you give about their facial features. Rather than being told how to feel, readers can pick up on the character’s emotions on their own.
This is based on the technique “show, don’t tell.” If you want to learn more about that, check out Show, Don’t Tell: What it is and How to Write it .
Now let’s get into the specifics of each expression.
Describing Anger
Describing an angry facial expression is fairly straightforward because it is such a strongly expressed emotion. Anger affects the entire face, so there are many options for writing about how the different features change. Here are some of the telltale signs of anger in a person’s expression:
- Their eyebrows would be lowered and pulled closer together
- Their eyelids would become squinted or raised (or their eyes may bulge if they are enraged)
- Their lips would tighten or curl inwards
- The corners of their mouth would point downwards
- Their Jaw would be tense and might jut forward slightly
- Vertical wrinkles may appear between their eyebrows
- Their nostrils may flare outwards
Anger is a powerful emotion, and it affects more than just the face. When someone gets angry, it usually triggers their body to produce adrenaline (the “fight-or-flight” hormone), which can come with a host of bodily side-effects that can give the anger away. These sides effects include things like:
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Flushed face
- Restless movements
There’s a lot more to anger than the expression. If you want more pointers for writing about anger, I have another article you might want to read: Writing a Character with Anger Issues .
Describing Happiness
A smile is a great way of showing your readers more about the character, so don’t just leave it at “she smiled.” What does her smile look like? Is it warm, authentic, humorless, mocking, or cruel? Is the character amused, nervous, or happy? A smile can mean many things, and it can even foreshadow a character’s hidden traits. A cold smile can indicate a more sinister nature without you having to work very hard at making them seem that way.
Here are some of the signs that a character is actually happy:
- Their eyes squint slightly
- Wrinkles appear at the corners of their eyes
- Their cheeks raise
- A defined wrinkle runs from the sides of their nose to the corners of their mouth, known as “smile lines”
- The corners of their mouth move up at a diagonal, widening their mouth
- Their mouth may part, exposing teeth
Now, a character doesn’t have to have all of those elements in their expression if they are feeling good. For example:
“His face relaxed, but I could still see the faint outline of wrinkles around his eyes—eyes which seemed to sparkle ever so slightly despite the dullness of the room. Even the corners of his mouth seemed to fight against his normally stoic expression, betraying how he really felt.”
However, a smile is an expression that is commonly faked. If you want to show that a character is faking a smile, make sure their eyes don’t match the rest of the expression. True happiness is expressed with the eyes, so when a person smiles without showing it in their eyes, it comes across as cold and ingenuine.
Describing Sadness
Sadness is a difficult emotion to portray because it is often complex and confusing. Even the character experiencing the sadness might not understand exactly why they feel that way. With that said, there are a few universal signs of the expression, such as:
- Their eyebrows will lower and pulled closer together
- The inner corners of their eyebrows will be angled up
- The corners of their mouth will be drawn downwards
- Their lips may be either drawn in tightly or pouting outwards
Another familiar telltale sign of sadness is crying. There are so many ways to describe crying that I couldn’t possibly cover all of them here, but I’ll give you a few pieces of advice:
- Tears first pool in the eyes before they streak down a person’s cheeks.
- Tears distort vision, so if you’re writing in the first person, don’t forget that your character’s vision will be blurry.
- Crying usually isn’t a pretty sight, so don’t be afraid to show that the character’s face is red or that their nose is running.
So, sadness is a complex emotion—but what does that really mean? Well, there are many different ways that sadness can be felt and expressed depending on the intensity of the emotion, and there many different things that can trigger a sad response in a character. When a character is truly heartbroken, their expression may change to be more numb: their mouth may hang open loosely, their eyes may remain closed, and the rest of their body may become limp and heavy.
Complexity also means that sadness is often experienced in tandem with another emotion, such as anger, happiness, or disgust. I’ll get more into how to write complex expressions later though, so read on!
Describing Fear
Fear is another difficult emotion, because there are many different degrees and types of fear a character can feel. In general, however, these are the guidelines you should follow for describing a fearful expression:
- Their eyebrows would be pulled up and together
- Their upper eyelids would be pulled up, and their lower eyelids would be tense and drawn up as well
- Their mouth would be stretched and drawn back, possibly exposing teeth
There are a few distinctions you need to remember: fear is not the same as nervousness or surprise. The expression for surprise looks different, and although nervousness is often a precursor to fear, they are not the same. If you want tips for writing about nervousness, check out my other article: How to Write a Nervous Character .
You’ve probably noticed that the expressions for fear and anger share a lot of similarities, including the “fight-or-flight” response. However, the context of the situation is usually enough to tip the readers off to which emotion the character is feeling.
Another way to distinguish the two is with the character’s body language. If a character is angry, they are going to move deliberately and with confidence. They will take up space and command attention with the way they move. An angry person is usually on the offensive, while a fearful person is going to be defensive. A fearful person may try to make themself small to avoid drawing attention, or they may instinctively shrink away from whatever is frightening them.
Describing Surprise
Surprise functions differently from the other universal emotions. Unlike all the others on the list, surprise is fleeting, and will typically be expressed in only a few seconds. That is most evident with jumpscares, like in haunted houses or video games (or if something suddenly traumatic happens in front of your character), but there are instances in which the expression can linger. Walking into a grand cathedral, being proposed to, or receiving horrible news are all situations in which a surprised expression may stay for longer than a few seconds.
Here are the unmistakable characteristics of a surprised character:
- Their eyebrows would be raised
- Horizontal wrinkles would appear on their forehead
- Their jaw would go slack
- Their mouth would hang open loosely
- Their eyes would widen
As with anger and fear, surprise triggers the “fight-or-flight” response. Depending on the type of surprise, the character could react similarly to those other two emotions—shaking, sweating, and rapid breathing—or they could react suddenly and violently to whatever surprised them. They could lash out to defend themself, run away from the perceived threat, or simply freeze in place.
If you want to learn more about surprising your characters and your readers in your writing, check out my other article: Writing Surprised Characters .
Describing Disgust
You’ve probably read “her nose wrinkled in disgust” a million times before, but you shouldn’t get comfortable with writing like everybody else. While it’s true that the wrinkled nose is a key characteristic of the expression, so much more goes into making it complete. A disgusted expression affects the entire face, like so:
- Their eyebrows would be pulled down
- Their nose would be wrinkled
- Their upper lip would be pulled up
- Their lips would be loose
- Their eyes would narrow
- Their teeth may be exposed
- Their cheeks may be raised
You’ve probably also read “she recoiled in disgust” before, since that’s another popular writing cliché. As with other emotions, body language plays a part in this, but don’t write it the same way as everyone else. Also, and this should go without saying by now, don’t tell the readers that the character is disgusted— show them . For example:
She stumbles back, her hands clutching the front of her delicate blouse.
“What is that!?” she gasps, narrowing her eyes at the drooling monster in front of her.
“It’s my pet.” I respond, making her wrinkle her nose.
Describing Contempt
Contempt is an interesting emotion, but it is one that is often overlooked. A character that is feeling contempt could assume they are being lied to, that they are right and someone else is wrong, or that someone or something is not worth their time and attention. It is associated with a sense of superiority and apathy. The signs that a character is feeling contempt are:
- Their eyes would be unengaged
- One side of their mouth is pulled up and back
- One of their eyebrows may pull upwards
- Their head may tilt back slightly, making their gaze follow down their nose
This emotion is not a passionate one, meaning the expression is typically somewhat subtle. However, the degree to which the emotion is expressed is going to depend on the character and the context.
Describing Complex Emotions
Now that you know the expressions for each of the 7 different universal emotions, it’s time to mix and match. Emotions are not always clearly divided; a person can feel several different emotions at the same time. They could be feeling happy and sad at the same time, or angry and disgusted. They could even be feeling anger, disgust, fear, and surprise all at the same time.
Emotions can conflict and overlap with each other, creating a unique expression as they are all experienced at once. Try to sort through the emotions your character is feeling in order to figure out how to describe their expression. There is usually a dominant emotion that will define the majority of the expression, but elements of other expressions would creep in.
Let’s consider an example: a character has just caught their partner cheating. They are likely to be surprised, angry, and sad all at the same time, but the dominant emotion will depend on the character. One character may get angry, and express all the normal features of an angry expression, but have tears spilling down their cheeks. Another character may have surprise as their dominant emotion, but scowl in anger. Yet another type of character could feel contempt as their dominant emotion, yet grimace in disgust at the sight.
When two or more emotions are fighting for dominance, and a character cannot decide how to feel, their expression can become confused . Although confusion is not recognized as a universal emotion, here are some options for showing that a character is feeling conflicted or confused:
- Their eyebrows may be drawn together
- A vertical wrinkle may appear between their eyebrows
- Their mouth may be pulled in tightly
- The corners of their mouth may point downward
- They may glance around in different directions
- They may let their mouth hang open loosely, or open and close their mouth several times (especially before speaking)
- They may swallow excessively
- They may fidget or touch their face
Writing About MicroExpressions
Sometimes, characters will try to conceal their emotions, but there will still be signs of how they really feel in their expression. Microexpressions are tiny glimpses of the true emotion that a person feels, quickly followed by a false expression to mask that emotion. Although these usually last a fraction of a second, you can use them to tip readers off to how the character is really feeling. Microexpressions can also be a good way of indicating that a character is lying.
To write about microexpressions, all you need to do is show little hints of one or more different features of the full expression, but make sure to note that it is only on the character’s face for a brief moment in time. You can use just about any feature of the expression for the microexpression, as long as it is indicative of the emotion by itself. Here are some examples:
- A character trying to mask anger may draw their lips in tightly, then smile.
- A character trying to mask happiness may squint their eyes, then adopt a stoic expression.
- A character trying to mask sadness may bring the inside corners of their eyebrows up, then adopt a happy expression.
- A character trying to mask fear may tense up and bare their teeth, then act angry to make it seem like they were never afraid.
- A character trying to mask surprise may widen their eyes, and quickly adopt a contemptuous expression to brush off their surprise.
- A character trying to mask disgust may wrinkle their nose, then act surprised to hide their disgust.
- A character trying to mask contempt may have one eyebrow twitch upwards slightly, then adopt a pleasant smile.
Remember that the choices you make when describing a character’s expressions can also indicate personality traits, trustworthiness, and likeability. Once you understand the different elements of each universal expression, you can modify it to reveal more about the character in question. Microexpressions can help you reveal more depth to your characters, and make each individual seem more complex.
Some Tips for Describing Facial Expressions
Although you know how to describe the expressions for the 7 universal emotions, you could still benefit by observing and analysing these expressions yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to study people’s expressions. Pay attention to the actors’ faces when you are watching a movie or show, and try to take note of the little changes in their expressions. You need to be able to put the theory of expressions in practice, and observing real people is the best way to understand how to apply it.
If you are having difficulty describing a character’s expression, try acting out the scene. Imagine the setting, and read the dialogue out loud. How do you feel? What would be going through your mind? Really try to embody the character, and take note of the expression that comes naturally to you. Recreate it in a mirror, or record yourself with your cell phone, and use that as a guide.
Good luck, and keep writing!
KathySteinemann.com: Free Resources for Writers and Poets
Word lists, cheat sheets, and sometimes irreverent reviews of writing rules. kathy steinemann is the author of the writer's lexicon series..
400+ Ways to Exploit Facial Expressions in Writing
(Discover even more words in The Writer’s Body Lexicon .)
Effective Writing Agrees With Itself
In real life, scowls, smiles , and curled lips reflect underlying emotions. They should do the same in fiction or creative nonfiction.
- A protagonist in pain is unlikely to smile.
- A deceitful character probably won’t maintain eye contact with others.
This post will help you choose emotion beats that harmonize with context. In addition to facial expressions, the following list includes body language involving the face, head, and neck.
100+ Ways to Say Blush 100+ Ways to Say Cried 200+ Ways to Say Embarrassed 500+ Ways to Describe Faces 200+ Ways to Say Frown or Scowl 300+ Ways to Say Happy 99 Ways to Say Laughed or Smiled 125 Ways to Say Look or See 600+ Ways to Describe Necks Other Ways to Say Nodded 120 Ways to Say Pout 200 Ways to Say Shake the Head 300+ Ways to Say Sigh Too Many Sighs of Relief in Your Writing? 75 Alternatives
Emotion Beats and Physical Manifestations Cheat Sheet
Each category heading is followed by several ways a character could show the mentioned emotion(s).
Agony, pain, suffering – prominent lines between the eyebrows – gaze directed downward – raised lips – raised cheeks – eyes squeezed shut – wrinkled nose – bared teeth – clenched jaw – grimacing – wincing – gritting teeth – massaging between one’s eyebrows – inside corners of eyebrows slanting upward
Anger, hostility – bulging eyes – dilated nostrils – clenched jaw – red face – icy stare – curled lip – rigid cords in neck – glaring – frowning or scowling – baring one’s teeth – grinding teeth – staring somebody down – pressing one’s lips firmly together – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple
Anguish – skin bunching around the eyes – clenched jaw – pinched lips – sallow features – facial tics – visible cord(s) in neck – tensing one’s facial muscles – wincing – grinding teeth – hyperventilating and then blowing into a paper bag
Apathy, boredom, disinterest, indifference – blank stare – glazed eyes – minimal eye contact – yawning – closing or half-closing one’s eyes – propping one’s head in hands – picking one’s nose – focusing on anything or anyone except where attention should be focused (e.g., fingernails, watch, clothing, etc.)
Cautiousness, wariness – cocked head – narrowed eyes – pursed lips – lowered eyebrows – lifting one’s chin – jutting one’s jaw – chewing on one’s lip – pressing one’s lips together – frowning – gritting one’s teeth – gazing in direction of perceived hazard – glances darting about rather than focusing on anything in particular
Compassion, sympathy – sad smile – direct eye contact – wide eyes – brows pulled together – moist eyes – tears – wiping one’s nose with a tissue – nodding while listening, one’s mouth half-open – monitoring the face of the object of sympathy
Conceit, egotism, narcissism, vanity – pronounced lip-pursing – thrust-out chin – nose in the air – flawless makeup – one raised eyebrow – tweezed eyebrows – signs of plastic surgery – downturned corners of the mouth – supercilious gaze through half-lidded eyes – immaculately trimmed beard and mustache
Concentration – wide eyes – dilated pupils – slight frown – staring with half-lidded eyes – nodding – pursing one’s lips – making eye contact when listening or conversing – pressing index finger to one’s cheek and propping chin on rest of clenched fingers
Confusion – wrinkled nose – cocked head – unfocused gaze – grimacing – excessive swallowing – scratching one’s face – rubbing one’s chin – touching the base of one’s neck – pursing one’s lips – cocking one’s head – narrowing one’s eyes – tugging on an earlobe – chewing on one’s lip – rapid blinking – squinting – pulling one’s brows together in a frown or scowl
Contempt, disgust – nose in the air – wrinkled nose – downturned lips – pinched mouth – mocking smile – flushing – sneering or snarling – curling one’s upper lip – squinting – frowning – rolling one’s eyes – arching one eyebrow – sticking out one’s tongue – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple
Curiosity – cocked head – raised eyebrows – quizzical smile – focused gaze – wrinkled nose – blinking – pushing up one’s glasses – partially opening one’s lips
Deceit, deception, dishonesty – shifty eyes – avoidance of eye contact – misleading attempt to maintain eye contact – sweating – excessive blinking – reddening of the ears – biting one’s fingernails – chewing the inside of one’s mouth – rubbing one’s nose – making inappropriate facial expressions for the circumstances
Depression – tears – inappropriate laughter – lack of eye contact – infrequent blinking – red or moist eyes – vacant stare – downturned lips – slack expression – dark circles under the eyes – head tilted downward
Disappointment, frustration – crinkled eyes – lowered head – half-hearted smile – lips pressed together – pronounced sigh – lack of eye contact – moist eyes – rigid expression – shaking one’s head – grinding one’s teeth – biting one’s nails – swallowing hard – gaping – frowning or scowling – wincing – chewing on one’s lip – pressing one’s lips together – exhaling noisily through pursed lips
Distraction, preoccupation – audible exhalations – facial tics – darting glances – pale face – forced laughter – lips pressed together – grinding one’s teeth – sighing – glancing askance (sideways) – chewing on one’s lips, nails, or a personal object
Embarrassment, shame – downturned head – downward gaze – red ears – chin held close to body – minimal eye contact – tense muscles around closed mouth – blushing or flushing – trembling chin – frowning – fluttering eyes – biting one’s lip – glancing away – sweating – grimacing – coughing – wincing – gritting one’s teeth – swallowing hard – hiding one’s eyes or face behind hands, hair, hat, etc.
Envy, jealousy – downturned mouth – jutting chin – bared teeth – flared nostrils – pouting – squinting – frequent swallowing – chewing on one’s bottom lip – flushing – glowering – pressing one’s lips together in firm line – gritting teeth – sneering – scrutinizing object of envy or jealousy
Excitement – flashing eyes – dilated pupils – broad grin – dimpled smile – trembling chin – laughing – frequent blinking – flushing – giggling – initiating and maintaining eye contact
Exhaustion, fatigue – dark circles under the eyes – red eyes – inability to keep one’s eyes open – pronounced lines in face – wan face – yawning – slapping one’s cheeks in an effort to stay awake – closing one’s eyes while standing, and almost falling over
Fear – brows raised and pulled together – eyes frozen open – pale, trembling features – facial tics – lack of eye contact – darting glances – beads of sweat on face – bulging eyes – moist eyes – shaky smile – open mouth – raised brows – rictus grin (involuntary fake smile) – rapid blinking – squinting – licking one’s lips – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple – chewing on one’s hair, a pen, or another personal object
Flirtatiousness, seductiveness – fluttering eyelashes – coy smile – lopsided grin – slightly narrowed eyes – open mouth with tip of tongue showing – moistening one’s lips with tongue – head turned away or slightly downturned while one maintains eye contact
Happiness, enthusiasm – laughter – dimpled smile – broad smile – sparkling eyes – winking – humming or singing – whistling – a smile that reaches the eyes – relaxed brow free of frown lines – crow’s feet around outer corners of eyes
Hatred, hostility – sideways glances – tight-lipped smiles – flared nostrils – clenched jaw – bared teeth – tears – beads of sweat on face – flushing – grinding teeth – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple – rigid cord(s) in neck – snarling – sneering – spitting – glowering at object of one’s hostility
Hesitation, indecision, uncertainty – lips turned down – lopsided grimace – wrinkled brow – shaky smile – repeated swallowing – chewing one’s lip – biting the inside of one’s cheek – squinting – frowning or scowling – tugging on one’s bottom lip – rubbing or stroking one’s jaw – shaking one’s head slightly – tugging at one’s earlobes or hair – scrutinizing others to determine their opinion
Insecurity – excessive makeup – tight-lipped smile – lowered eyebrows – puckered forehead – minimal eye contact – biting one’s nails – chewing on one’s lips – frowning or scowling
Insolence, rudeness, disrespect – thumbing one’s nose at someone – sticking out one’s tongue – snorting – curling one’s lip – rolling one’s eyes – openly picking one’s nose – laughing at someone – yawning while someone is talking – refusing to face the person who is speaking
Irritability, petulance, sulkiness – lips pressed together – pursed lips – fake smile – forced laughter – narrowed eyes – small flushed circles on cheeks – gritting one’s teeth – squinting – frowning or scowling – glaring at the object of irritation – biting the inside of one’s cheek
Nostalgia – unfocused gaze – touch of a smile – moist eyes – tears – cocked head – sparkling eyes – closed eyes
Pessimism – wrinkled nose – knitted brows – pursed lips – curled lip – staring – squinting – grinding one’s teeth – frowning or scowling – tilting one’s head and looking askance (sideways)
Pride [in oneself] – dimpled grin – face-wide smile – Cheshire cat grin [cliché] – gleaming eyes – half-lidded eyes – elevated chin – maintaining eye contact – thrusting one’s jaw forward – holding one’s head high or tilting it back
Pride [in someone else] – moist eyes – tilted head – dimpled grin – adoring gaze – glowing cheeks – broad smile – nods of encouragement – tears trickling down face
Relaxation – gentle smile – smooth forehead – creases beside the eyes – a smile that reaches the eyes – direct eye contact without staring but with minimal blinking
Remorse, regret – head down while one is talking – moist eyes – pale face – hollowed cheeks – runny nose – trembling chin – dark circles under the eyes – sobbing or crying – staring at one’s toes – holding one’s head in one’s hands
Resentfulness – pinched lips – narrowed eyes – lack of eye contact – twisted mouth – curled lip – bared teeth – frowning or scowling – pouting – shaking one’s head – orange-peel consistency appearing on skin of tightened chin
Sadism – curled lip – evil grin – clenched jaw – bared teeth – twisted scowl – horizontal wrinkles between eyebrows – lips stretched so tightly over teeth that they seem to disappear
Sadness, unhappiness – downturned head – red eyes – moist eyes – puffy face – runny makeup – splotchy complexion – trembling chin – empty stare – drawn-down corners of the mouth – pouting – squinting – rubbing one’s eyes – staring at floor – crying – wiping one’s nose with a tissue – wincing – covering one’s face with the hands – holding one’s head in one’s hands – staring at toes or floor
Secrecy, stealthiness – sly smile – faraway look – winking – biting one’s lip – avoiding eye contact – forcing one’s lips closed into a firm line
Shyness – minimal eye contact – closed mouth – biting one’s lip – glancing away – lowering one’s head – looking down – biting one’s nails – blushing – covering one’s mouth with a hand – playing with one’s hair or mustache
Surprise – raised and curved brows – wrinkles across the forehead – gaping jaw – wide eyes with the whites showing – blinking
Worry – tight-lipped smile – knitted brows – puckered forehead – moist eyes – minimal eye contact – dark circles under the eyes – biting one’s nails – chewing on one’s lip – rubbing an eyebrow – kneading one’s face – blinking
If you need additional beats, consult a body language dictionary . (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Avoid Boilerplate Beats
Whenever possible, create original phrases rather than rely on generic beats. For example, a slight smile could be referred to as an almost smile , the ghost of a smile , or an enigmatic quirk of the lips .
If you’re stuck for a facial expression, try a YouTube search similar to the following: facial expressions __________ , where the blank specifies the expression you’d like to see. Then, fire up your creativity to show the emotion behind that expression.
Context Is Crucial
Many emotion beats can be caused by multiple emotions. Ensure that your context provides clear direction for readers.
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23 thoughts on “ 400+ Ways to Exploit Facial Expressions in Writing ”
Thank you so much for such a list, it has really helped me edit out many things out of my work.
Thanks for reading this, Zaza, and good luck with your editing!
Thanks so much for this list! I’ve been trying to figure out how to describe the uh-oh or oh dear face that people make where their bottom lip pulls down to one side. This is usually done in an effort to communicate with someone silently. There’s also the facial gesture, often accompanied by a shrug, that communicates indifference or an inability to answer a question. I’ve been using “he/she pulled up his/her bottom lip and shrugged his/her shoulders” for that one. Can you suggest anything else for either of those. I think your lopsided grimace might do it for the uh-oh/oh dear. Now for a little pet peeve I have. You are certainly not alone with this. It seems like everyone words these actions this way. To chew one’s lip is physically impossible. We chew with our molars, in the back of the mouth. We bite with our incisors, in the front of the mouth. So it should be bit at one’s lip/bite one’s lip. Chewing one’s cheek would be more correct than biting one’s cheek. Biting your cheek refers to the chomp you accidentally give your cheek when you’re eating. Again, this is not meant as criticism. Just something I’d like to see writers correct. If in doubt about this, try googling chew one’s lip. All the results come back as bite one’s lip. Anyway, thanks again for this resource. It’s helped me soooo much!
I’ve never heard of this one, Kris: “… the uh-oh or oh dear face that people make where their bottom lip pulls down to one side. This is usually done in an effort to communicate with someone silently.” Yes, the lopsided grimace would work, although I wouldn’t interpret it as trying to communicate with someone silently.
I would communicate indifference with a simple shrug — not of the shoulders. Shrug: to raise one’s shoulders slightly and momentarily to express doubt, ignorance, or indifference. The definition already includes shoulders.
What do you call it when you put a pen or pencil in your mouth and bite on it repeatedly with your teeth? Chewing on gnawing on it. What do you call the same action with a carrot or a finger? Chewing or gnawing on it. So what do you call it when you put your lip between your teeth and repeatedly bite on it? 🙂 Google defines chewing as a repeated biting or gnawing of something.
To “bite one’s lip” or to “bite one’s tongue” are idioms that mean to prevent oneself from saying something inappropriate for the situation.
I’m glad you stopped by, Kris. Good luck with your writing!
I really thank you & appreciate your kindness & generosity in sharing these facial expressions..I am just beginning to write…just retired, being a senior citizen..
Thanks again, Ester.
It’s help me a lot,thank you
I’m glad this helps you, Ashley.
Thank you very much. I am novice script writer and this helps tremendously.
My pleasure, Cudda. I’m glad this post helps you.
THANK YOU!! I am so tired of talking about brows furrowing, corners of mouths turning up, and eyes glistening with emotion 🙂
I’m glad I could help, Robin.
Thanks for all the adjectives and phrases! Will check out your books. Have some other such books that unfortunately have been redundant and unimaginative. I like your approach and method. Thanks!
Thanks, KC.
Good luck with your writing, and stay safe!
I’m leaving this comment for an upcoming blog post on the wrong way to share links. I need a URL, and I don’t want to focus on a comment left by someone else. I’ll edit this to include the link for the post once it’s online.
Thanks for your patience, folks! Exclamation point intended. 🙂
Edit to comment: You can read the blog post that references this comment here: https://kathysteinemann.com/Musings/link-share-mistake/
Thanks, Fran.
thanks helpful *flashing eyes* haha
You’re welcome.
This is so helpful. I’ve often thought, ‘how do I show that in writing.’ Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for dropping by, Tricia!
Hi Kathy, These lists must be very helpful for writers with little imagination – for some do write in a mundane way….The really ‘clever clogs’ (to be applauded) can, sometimes, also overwrite and tend to really milk their prose. It’s hard going to slog your way through 6/800 pages – however good they are when you’re a busy writer yourself.(As I did reading ‘The Goldfinch’ – an intelligent, worthy writer: brilliant but she doesn’t know when to stop…(I should be so lucky!) Thanks, Kathy.
Thanks for stopping by so often, Joy.
Yes, overmilked prose does make for a sluggish read. I’ve read popular authors who go on … and on … until I lose track of the storyline. But I’m amazed at the detail writers like Colleen McCullough include without making their books seem tedious.
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Cheat Sheets For Writing Body Language
What is body language and how do you use it when you write? Use these cheat sheets to help you with your body language descriptions.
What Is Body Language?
People react to situations with micro-expressions, hand gestures, and posture. Most of us are not even aware of them. However, what we do with our body language has a huge impact on other people and how they interpret and perceive us.
‘Even when they don’t express their thoughts verbally, most people constantly throw off clues to what they’re thinking and feeling. Non-verbal messages communicated through the sender’s body movements, facial expressions, vocal tone and volume, and other clues are collectively known as body language.’ ( Psychology Today )
Body language happens when we are doing something. We could be sitting, standing, or walking. We could be talking or thinking . Body language is often an involuntary reaction to something perceived by one of the five senses .
How To Use It In Writing
Using body language is one of the best ways to show and not tell when we write.
This is why we are always told to use body language in our writing. Sometimes, it’s easier said than written. So, I created these cheat sheets to help you show a character’s state of mind through their body language.
When you are completing your character biographies , be sure to include how your main characters move and talk. This is especially important for your protagonist , antagonist , confidant , and love interest . They are the characters that hold the story together and they should be as well-rounded and believable as possible.
The Top Five Tips For Using Body Language
- Use body language to add depth to dialogue .
- Use it because more than 50% of human communication is non-verbal.
- Use it to show how your character’s emotions affect their actions.
- Use it to help you show rather than tell your reader everything.
- Use it in moderation. If overused, it can slow your story down.
TIP: Use our Character Creation Kit to create great characters for your stories.
Use this list to help you with your body language descriptions. It will help you to translate emotions and thoughts into written body language.
Obviously, a character may exhibit a number of these behaviours. For example, they may be shocked and angry, or shocked and happy.
Use these combinations as needed.
Use our Character Creation Kit to create great characters for your stories.
If you enjoyed this, read:
- The 17 Most Popular Genres In Fiction – And Why They Matter
- How To Write A One-Page Synopsis
- 123 Ideas For Character Flaws – A Writer’s Resource
- The 7 Critical Elements Of A Great Book
- All About Parts Of Speech
- Punctuation For Beginners
- 5 Incredibly Simple Ways to Help Writers Show and Not Tell
- 5 Instances When You Need To Tell (And Not Show)
- The 4 Main Characters As Literary Devices
- 106 Ways To Describe Sounds
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Top Tip : Find out more about our workbooks and online courses in our shop .
- Body Language , Creating Characters , Show Don't Tell , Writing Tips from Amanda Patterson
53 thoughts on “Cheat Sheets For Writing Body Language”
Wow….that’s probably one of the most useful lists I’ve ever seen…thanks!
Very useful…simply superb. Will be handy for me when I sit down to write next time.
A mullion trillion thanks for this incredibly useful page of “show” instead of telling. Thank you xx
I would have liked to pin this on pint rest 🙁
This is the best of the “show” lists I have either made or found. Superb.
Love, love, love these! Thanks for compiling them. I’m going to share them and put them in a file to resource. Michelle Random Writing Rants
This is very useful.
Its really helpful….
great post really!!! thanks for sharing
This is one of the most helpful writer’s guide posts I have ever seen. It is so hard not to write “He looked at her in awe”, but think about the specific body language in that situation. It also helps think about the traits a character can have… Every person is different so one can even put individuality into the writing by giving certain characters characteristic emotional expressions.
Thank you so much for sharing this!!
Thank you, Kimberley.
I know I’ll be referring back to this list often. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Melissa.
Perhaps this is the best way to hone up the writing skills of one’s own and I should be very thankful to you for helping the writers through this .
This is dangerous if astute advice. Anything that aids progress writing is useful, but anything that aids progress stops you thinking – and it is only by thinking that he universe opens a portal and pours out something original.
Great information not only for writing but observation of these behaviors in action. As a school counselor I am interested in non-verbal cues from others.
Great work! high degree of observation! really impressed.
This is great. There is one word that comes up SO OFTEN that it is distracting to me as a reader and that is “gaze.” People are gazing at things, at each other, they’re gazing all over the place. One time I counted the number of times “gaze” was used in a book and found an instance of 5 times in 4 consecutive pages. But another book used “gaze” 5 times in 4 consecutive PARAGRAPHS. Why the editors don’t catch this is beyond me. My favorite “gaze” quote from a book is, “Her brown gaze settled upon the distant mountains.” That didn’t make me think of her brown eyes. My first thought was that she was seeing smog! Is it strange to say a color with “gaze”? I’ve also seen something like, “His blue gaze swung up.” (the man was driving at the time) It sounds strange to me, but maybe that’s just me. The book with the distant mountains sentence used “gaze” heavily from the second page all the way to the second to the last paragraph! It was painful to read. I got rid of the book.
Very helpful to have this all in one place! Thanks!!!
Thank you! This is great! 🙂
Thank you for this post. It’s very helpful.
This is a good list. But I believe we can always be a little more creative in mixing them up to denote various degrees and subtleties in an emotion.
Yes, Ayan. As it says in the post: ‘Obviously, a character may exhibit a number of these behaviours. For example, he may be shocked and angry, or shocked and happy. Use these combinations as needed.’
These cheat sheets are worth their weight in gold! Thank you for taking the time to put them together.
AWESOME! I was just speaking with a friend who mentioned I needed to do this a little more. Thank you so much.
such an amazingly helpful post! Thank you!
Thank you. We’re glad you find this useful.
Melody, Would have ditched that book too. That’s just bad writing.
Please send me any further articles you put out. This one is very helpful. It makes us aware of the use of each movement as a symbol of inner thought. Thanks
This is the most helpful article I have read about telling vs. Showing. Thank you.
Thank you, Wendy.
Thanks for this really usefull I find that I use the same emotions over and over.
Thank you! This is an excellent reference for a desirable result.
“Excellent list,” she said, rubbing her hands together and grinning. ; ) Thank you!
Thank you, Melissa! I love it!!
Excellent!!
I read this very useful and generous article on stumbleupon.com Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me!
Thank you for the positive feedback. I’m pleased that this helps.
Thank you for this :))
Thanks for the helpful post! Great resource for the scripts I’m co-writing.
Simply superb compilation ! No more adjectives.
Thank you! We’re glad that you find these lists helpful.
Very useful! Thank you so much!
What a succinct and useful list!
“Unfortunately,” (pause, lips pursed indicating deliberation and thought) “these are almost” (stress on final word, downward tilt of the head with slight inclination to the left as the speaker maintains gaze on listener indicating mock-serious intent) “entirely” (extra stress on this word, head lifts and turns full-on indicating intent) “cliché” (jaw firms, slight downward shift of the brow, eyes narrow indicating mild annoyance.) “Sorry” (head lifts, jaw pushes out, eyebrows raised indicating belligerence and complete lack of genuine apology).
quite informative, and precise. thanks.
i’m highly grateful to you, thanks a lot n million, may god bless you a long and happy life
This is so useful! Thank you, thank you very much!
OMG! I impressed to read it. Really, you are doing good job.
Very informative thanks!
I need something different for pleading. and it’s not on the list. Why is the emotion I want not almost never on the lists? xP (Arg)
Comments are closed.
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Failure - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing
- Disappointment
- frustration
- minimal loss
- past errors
- paying for it
When we fail it can be the false lure into doubt that harms, yet we have the choice to be elevated instead, to make that failure work for us and propel us ever higher.
Success is reaching the a mountain top with battered soles and then figuring out how to make the right shoes to protect those whom follow. For a master is one transmits their well earned wisdom to others for the least possible emotional and physical cost, yet in a way that renders the learning solid. For only then will the peaks of followers be higher still, creating new masters, and the rise of mankind be a good and noble path.
The rungs of the ladder to success are the failures you learn from.
Failure is the reset, a do-over, a chance to fix what needs fixing and set sail once more.
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9. Writing on Disappointment
Behaviour, Feelings and Expressions of Disappointment: Avoiding eye contact Biting one’s nails Biting or chewing on one’s moustache Chewing on one’s lip Covering one’s face with hands Crinkled eyes Exhaling noisily through one’s pursed lips Frowning or scowling Gaping Grinding one’s teeth Gripping one’s upper arms (self-hugging) Holding hands behind back, one hand gripping opposite wrist or arm Hunched posture Kicking at someone or something [furniture, pet, rock, wall] Lowering one’s head Lowering one’s voice Moist eyes Monotone voice Moustache that droops above downturned lips Pale, saggy face Placing one’s arms behind back, and clasping hands Pressing one’s lips together Pronounced sigh(s) Puffy face (from crying) Rigid expression Rubbing one’s face with a hand Rubbing one’s neck Self-hugging, with a firm grip on one’s elbows Shaking one’s head Shuffling one’s feet Slumped shoulders and upper back Smiling half heartedly Swallowing hard Tightening in one’s stomach Tightness in one’s chest Trembling chin Tucking elbows in while clasping one’s wrist Twitching nose Wincing
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Adjectives are used to avoid wordiness of description. However, it steals the feel and sight of a vivid description. It may be actually worthwhile detailing gesture, posture, phenomena, and looks to d
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Disappointment might be demonstrated in many ways, including: avoiding eye contact. biting one's nails. biting or chewing on one's mustache. chewing on one's lip. covering one's face with hands. crinkled eyes. exhaling noisily through one's pursed lips. frowning or scowling.
Describing Disappointment. By marymcshane11 February 18, 2022 No Comments. Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Psalm 119:116. I felt a sickly lurch of disappointment. I felt a stab of disappointment. I felt a wave of disappointment. A flush of disappointment. A flood of disappointment.
Disappointment - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing. Disappointment. - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing. You can disappoint me a million times, or try to, but my appointment as the one to love and care for you comes from a higher power. So, no matter what stunts you pull, no matter what tantrums you have, I ...
The inner landscape of your characters (especially your protagonist) is the lifeblood that runs through your story. Emotions, and how they're expressed, are tied deeply to a character's personality and which positive traits and negative traits will manifest. To bring your readers in deeper through shared experience, consider filtering the setting descriptions through your character's ...
However, it's easy for us to rely on the same descriptions over and over again. And sometimes in the middle of writing, when we're trying to find the words to describe an angry expression or a sad expression, we draw a blank. The expressions are broken down by the part of the face.
Instead, try using more descriptive words that evoke a sense of sadness in the reader. For example, you could use words like "heartbroken," "bereft," "devastated," "despondent," or "forlorn.". These words help to create a more vivid and emotional description of sadness that readers can connect with.
If you need to go deeper, we have detailed lists of body language, visceral sensations, dialogue cues, and mental responses for 130 emotions in the 2019 expanded second edition of The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression.. DISAPPOINTMENT · Chin dipping to the chest · Lips pressing tight, eyes focusing inward · Looking up with hands raised in the 'why me?' position
Use Subtle Language: Tip: Instead of specifying disappointment, opt for subtler language that implies the emotion. Example: Instead of saying, "I'm really disappointed," try, "I was hoping ...
Welcome to Writers.SE :) We're a little unusual for a writing site, in that we're all about Q&A - the site takes a little bit of getting used to. I wanted to comment because you've given a fine example of how the original poster's scene might be rewritten -- but there's a larger question in the original post that Bruno's asking about.
Similes and Metaphors. Whenever you include frown or its surrogates in phrases such as the following, bear in mind that your narrators or characters might not express themselves the same way you do.. Teenagers, university professors, construction workers, and royalty (especially monarchs in period-fiction novels) should communicate with unique voices.
Understanding the characteristics of each expression is the first step towards knowing how to properly describe them in your own writing. Contents hide. 1 Describing Different Facial Expressions. 1.1 Describing Anger. 1.2 Describing Happiness. 1.3 Describing Sadness. 1.4 Describing Fear. 1.5 Describing Surprise.
Apathy, boredom, disinterest, indifference. - blank stare. - glazed eyes. - minimal eye contact. - yawning. - closing or half-closing one's eyes. - propping one's head in hands. - picking one's nose. - focusing on anything or anyone except where attention should be focused (e.g., fingernails, watch, clothing, etc.)
(9 ingredients of character development.) In an excerpt from Write Great Fiction: Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint, by Nancy Kress, the author shows different ways a character might act when frustrated in a certain situation. Using these examples, and the exercises below, you can create frustrated characters that advance your story at a steady pace while also drawing the reader into a realistic ...
Cheat Sheets For Writing Body Language. Use this list to help you with your body language descriptions. It will help you to translate emotions and thoughts into written body language. Obviously, a character may exhibit a number of these behaviours. For example, they may be shocked and angry, or shocked and happy. Use these combinations as needed.
love nexus. "When we make daily choices that are emotionally indifferent, the sort that the money-nexus makes faux-virtues of, we build our capacity for emotional indifference at the direct expense of our capacity for empathy, and thus the conflict between money and love is laid bare." Creative writing ideas by abraham.
Descriptionari has thousands of original creative story ideas from new authors and amazing quotes to boost your creativity. Kick writer's block to the curb and write that story! Descriptionari is a place where students, educators and professional writers discover and share inspirational writing and amazing descriptions
Creative Writing. In creative writing, authors may choose to use "disapoint" instead of "disappoint" for stylistic reasons. For example, a character might use "disapoint" to convey a certain tone or attitude. While this usage may not be technically correct, it can be effective in creating a specific mood or voice. 3.
Behaviour, Feelings and Expressions of Disappointment: Avoiding eye contact Biting one's nails Biting or chewing on one's moustache Chewing on one's lip Covering one's face with hands Crinkled eyes Exhaling noisily through one's pursed lips Frowning or scowling Gaping Grinding one's teeth Gripping one's upper arms (self-hugging) Holding hands behind back, one hand gripping ...
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Pay your hard-earned money only for educational writers. To describe something in great detail to the readers, the writers will do my essay to appeal to the senses of the readers and try their best to give them a live experience of the given subject. Wow, that's great. Level: College, High School, University, Master's, Undergraduate, PHD.