Key Takeaways
1. Emotion is the Core of Compelling Characters and Stories
"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."
Emotional foundation. Emotion is the driving force behind character motivations, decisions, and actions. It shapes the narrative arc and creates a connection between readers and characters. By focusing on emotion, writers can:
- Create relatable and three-dimensional characters
- Develop meaningful conflicts and tensions
- Engage readers on a deeper, more personal level
Reader engagement. Emotional storytelling allows readers to experience the journey alongside the characters, fostering empathy and investment in the story's outcome. This emotional connection is what keeps readers turning pages and recommending books to others.
2. Show, Don't Tell: The Power of Nonverbal Communication
"Readers have high expectations. They don't want to be told how a character feels; they want to experience the emotion for themselves."
Nonverbal cues. Effective emotional writing relies heavily on showing rather than telling. This involves using:
- Body language
- Facial expressions
- Physical reactions
- Internal sensations
Reader interpretation. By presenting these nonverbal cues, writers allow readers to interpret emotions for themselves, creating a more immersive and engaging reading experience. This approach respects the reader's intelligence and ability to understand subtle emotional nuances.
3. Balance Verbal and Nonverbal Cues for Authentic Emotional Expression
"Dialogue is a proven vehicle for expressing a character's thoughts, beliefs, and opinions, but it cannot deliver a full emotional experience by itself."
Multifaceted approach. To create a rich emotional landscape, writers should combine:
- Dialogue
- Internal thoughts
- Physical reactions
- Visceral sensations
Layered emotions. This balanced approach allows for the portrayal of complex emotions, including:
- Conflicting feelings
- Suppressed emotions
- Subtle emotional shifts
By integrating various elements, writers can create a more authentic and nuanced emotional experience for their characters and readers.
4. Avoid Clichés and Melodrama in Emotional Writing
"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."
Fresh expressions. To avoid clichés and melodrama:
- Observe real-life emotional reactions
- Create character-specific responses
- Use unexpected or unique descriptors
Emotional realism. Recognize that emotions vary in intensity and avoid always portraying them at their extremes. This approach helps maintain believability and prevents reader fatigue from constant high-drama situations.
5. Utilize Physical Signals, Internal Sensations, and Mental Responses
"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)."
Comprehensive emotional portrayal. To create a full emotional experience, incorporate:
-
Physical signals:
- Facial expressions
- Body language
- Actions
-
Internal sensations:
- Heart rate changes
- Stomach flutters
- Muscle tension
-
Mental responses:
- Thoughts
- Memories
- Decision-making processes
Balanced approach. Use a combination of these elements to create a well-rounded emotional portrayal. This allows readers to connect with characters on multiple levels, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
6. Tailor Emotional Responses to Character and Situation
"Because characters are unique, they will express themselves in a specific way."
Character-specific reactions. Consider:
- Personality traits
- Past experiences
- Cultural background
- Current situation
Consistency and growth. Ensure that emotional responses are:
- Consistent with the character's established personality
- Reflective of their growth and development throughout the story
By tailoring emotional responses to each character, writers can create more believable and distinct individuals within their narratives.
7. Use Emotional Progression to Drive Plot and Character Development
"Emotion should always lead to decision making, either good or bad, that will propel the story forward."
Emotional arcs. Develop character arcs and plot progression through:
- Changing emotional states
- Emotional conflicts
- Emotional revelations
Cause and effect. Show how emotions:
- Influence character decisions
- Lead to plot-altering actions
- Create consequences that drive the story forward
By linking emotions to plot development, writers can create a more organic and compelling narrative structure.
8. Integrate Setting and Sensory Details to Enhance Emotional Impact
"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."
Sensory engagement. Incorporate:
- Visual details
- Sounds
- Smells
- Textures
- Tastes
Emotional resonance. Use setting and sensory details to:
- Reflect characters' emotional states
- Create atmosphere that enhances mood
- Trigger emotional memories or associations
By weaving sensory details into emotional scenes, writers can create a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience for readers.
9. Employ Contrast and Conflict for Heightened Emotional Tension
"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."
Emotional conflict. Create tension through:
- Internal conflicts (conflicting emotions)
- External conflicts (emotional clashes between characters)
- Situational conflicts (emotions at odds with circumstances)
Contrasting emotions. Juxtapose:
- Opposing emotions within a character
- Different emotional reactions between characters
- Emotional states that contrast with the setting or situation
By introducing emotional contrast and conflict, writers can create more dynamic and engaging scenes that keep readers invested in the story.
10. Craft Unique and Character-Specific Emotional Responses
"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."
Distinctive traits. Develop:
- Unique physical tics or habits
- Character-specific thought patterns
- Individual verbal expressions
Consistency and depth. Ensure that these unique traits:
- Align with the character's personality and background
- Are used consistently throughout the story
- Evolve as the character grows and changes
By crafting unique emotional responses for each character, writers can create more memorable and vivid individuals that resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
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FAQ
What's "The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide To Character Expression" about?
- Purpose of the book: "The Emotion Thesaurus" by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi is a resource designed to help writers convey character emotions effectively through nonverbal cues.
- Content structure: It provides a comprehensive list of emotions, each with physical signals, internal sensations, and mental responses to help writers show rather than tell emotions.
- Target audience: The book is aimed at writers of all levels who want to enhance their descriptive writing skills, particularly in character development and emotional expression.
Why should I read "The Emotion Thesaurus"?
- Enhance writing skills: It offers practical tools for writers to improve their ability to depict emotions in a nuanced and engaging way.
- Avoid clichés: The book helps writers avoid overused expressions and clichés by providing fresh ideas for emotional expression.
- Comprehensive resource: With 75 emotions covered, it serves as a valuable reference for writers looking to deepen their characters' emotional depth.
What are the key takeaways of "The Emotion Thesaurus"?
- Importance of emotion: Emotion is central to character development and storytelling, driving decisions and actions.
- Nonverbal communication: The book emphasizes the power of nonverbal cues, such as body language and internal sensations, in conveying emotions.
- Balancing act: Writers must balance showing too little and too much emotion, ensuring descriptions are fresh and engaging.
How does "The Emotion Thesaurus" help with writing nonverbal emotion?
- Physical signals: It provides a list of physical signals for each emotion, helping writers depict how characters might outwardly express their feelings.
- Internal sensations: The book includes internal sensations that characters might experience, adding depth to emotional portrayal.
- Mental responses: It also covers mental responses, offering insight into a character's thought process during emotional experiences.
What are some common problems in writing nonverbal emotion, according to "The Emotion Thesaurus"?
- Telling vs. showing: The book highlights the importance of showing emotions through actions and reactions rather than simply telling the reader.
- Clichéd emotions: It warns against using clichéd expressions and encourages writers to find unique ways to convey emotions.
- Melodrama: Writers are advised to avoid melodrama by ensuring emotional arcs are realistic and appropriately scaled.
How can "The Emotion Thesaurus" be used effectively?
- Identify root emotion: Writers should identify the root emotion driving a scene to accurately depict the character's experience.
- Utilize setting: The book suggests using the setting to influence and reflect a character's emotional state.
- Less is more: It advises using strong, concrete imagery sparingly to maintain pace and impact.
What is the structure of an emotion entry in "The Emotion Thesaurus"?
- Definition: Each entry begins with a definition of the emotion.
- Physical signals: A list of physical signals follows, detailing how the emotion might manifest outwardly.
- Internal sensations and mental responses: These sections describe the internal and mental experiences associated with the emotion.
What are some examples of emotions covered in "The Emotion Thesaurus"?
- Adoration: Includes signals like lips parting and a slack expression, with internal sensations like quickening heartbeat.
- Anger: Features signals such as flaring nostrils and a high chin, with mental responses like irritability and poor listening skills.
- Fear: Describes signals like trembling lips and rapid blinking, with internal sensations like a racing heartbeat.
How does "The Emotion Thesaurus" address the issue of clichéd emotions?
- Encourages originality: The book encourages writers to think beyond common expressions and find new ways to depict emotions.
- Provides alternatives: It offers a variety of cues for each emotion, allowing writers to choose less conventional options.
- Focus on individuality: Writers are urged to consider their characters' unique traits and backgrounds when expressing emotions.
What advice does "The Emotion Thesaurus" give for balancing emotional description?
- Avoid overuse: Writers should avoid overloading scenes with too many emotional cues, which can slow the pace.
- Focus on root emotion: Identifying and focusing on the root emotion helps maintain clarity and impact.
- Use strong imagery: The book advises using strong, concrete imagery to create immediate and lasting impressions.
What are some recommended readings mentioned in "The Emotion Thesaurus"?
- "The Definitive Book of Body Language" by Allan & Barbara Pease: A resource for understanding body language.
- "Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint" by Nancy Kress: Offers insights into character development and emotional expression.
- "Creating Character Emotion" by Ann Hood: Focuses on crafting authentic emotional experiences in writing.
What are the best quotes from "The Emotion Thesaurus" and what do they mean?
- "Emotion lies at the core of every character’s decision, action, and word." This quote emphasizes the fundamental role of emotion in driving a story and character development.
- "Readers don’t want to be told how a character feels; they want to experience the emotion for themselves." It highlights the importance of showing rather than telling emotions to engage readers.
- "Each scene must achieve a balance between showing too little feeling and showing too much." This quote advises writers to find the right balance in emotional description to maintain reader interest and authenticity.
Review Summary
The Emotion Thesaurus is highly praised as an invaluable resource for writers seeking to improve their portrayal of character emotions. Readers appreciate its comprehensive lists of physical signals, internal sensations, and mental responses for various emotions. Many find it helpful for avoiding clichés and enhancing their "show, don't tell" technique. The book's format is user-friendly, with cross-references and writing tips for each entry. Writers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned authors, recommend it as an essential tool for crafting more authentic and engaging characters.
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