The Emotion Thesaurus

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:

1. Physical signals:

   • Facial expressions
   • Body language
   • Actions

2. Internal sensations:

   • Heart rate changes
   • Stomach flutters
   • Muscle tension

3. 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.

Last updated: November 3, 2024