When writing or reading emotions, it’s much more evocative to be able to name where in the body emotions are felt and how, and for this, I use this chart by Lauri Nummenmaa (source)!!!! The differences between some emotions (e.g. fear and anxiety) may be small, but it’s those key differences that can change the tide and tone of a scene!
I hope this helps!!! Happy writing!!!!!
Tag: Emotions
Resources For Describing Emotion
Emotions
- Without Making Your Character Feel Too Self Aware
- Showing Emotion Without Telling About It
- Emotions Associated With Body Language
- Telling Readers What The Character Doesn’t Want To Show
- Hiding Emotions
- Expressing Cardinal Emotions: Masculine vs. Feminine
- Writing Extreme Emotion Without Melodrama
Specific Emotions
- Conveying Shock
- Conveying Embarrassment
- Conveying Disappointment
- Conveying Love/Attraction
- Conveying Annoyance
- Conveying Relief
- Conveying Uncertainty
- Conveying Impatience
- Conveying Shame
- Conveying Resentment
- Conveying Panic
- Conveying Guilt
- Conveying Desperation
- Conveying Sarcasm & Verbal Disrespect
- Conveying Confusion
- Conveying Stubbornness
- Conveying Frustration
- Conveying Indifference
- Conveying Indignation
- Conveying Confidence & Pride
- Conveying Smugness
- Conveying Enthusiasm
- Conveying Curiosity
- Conveying Hopefulness
- Conveying Unease
- Conveying Reluctance
- Conveying Worry
- Conveying Humility & Meekness
- Conveying Happiness & Joy
- Conveying Amusement
- Conveying Disgust
- Conveying Resignation
- Conveying Jealousy
- Conveying Anticipation
- Conveying Contentment
- Conveying Defeat
- Conveying Excitement
- Conveying Fear
- Conveying Hatred
- Conveying Hurt
- Conveying Being Overwhelmed
- Conveying Sadness & Grief
- Conveying Satisfaction
- Conveying Somberness
- Conveying Sympathy & Empathy
- Conveying Wariness
- Conveying Defensiveness
- Conveying Desire
- Conveying Doubt
- Conveying Energy
- Conveying Exhaustion
- Conveying Hunger
- Conveying Loneliness
- Conveying Physical Pain
Emotional Wounds
- A Role Model Who Disappoints
- A Sibling’s Betrayal
- A Speech Impediment
- Becoming a Caregiver at an Early Age
- Being Bullied
- Being Fired or Laid Off
- Being Held Captive
- Being Mugged
- Being Publicly Humiliated
- Being Raised by Neglectful Parents
- Being Raised by Overprotective Parents
- Being So Beautiful It’s All People See
- Being the Victim of a Vicious Rumor
- Being Stalked
- Being Trapped in a Collapsed Building
- Being Unfairly Blamed For The Death of Another
- Childhood Sexual Abuse (by a family member or known person)
- Discovering One’s Parent is a Monster
- Discovering One’s Sibling was Abused
- Experiencing a Miscarriage or Stillbirth
- Failing At School
- Failing To Do The Right Thing
- Financial Ruin Due To A Spouse’s Irresponsibility
- Finding Out One’s Child Was Abused
- Finding Out One Was Adopted
- Getting Lost In a Natural Environment
- Growing Up In A Cult
- Growing Up in a Dangerous Neighborhood
- Growing Up In Foster Care
- Growing Up In The Public Eye
- Growing Up In The Shadow of a Successful Sibling
- Growing Up with a Sibling Who Has a Chronic Disability or Illness
- Having Parents Who Favored One Child Over Another
- Having To Kill Another Person To Survive
- Infertility
- Infidelity (emotional or physical)
- Losing a Limb
- Losing a Loved One To A Random Act of Violence
- Making a Very Public Mistake
- Overly Critical or Strict Parents
- Physical Disfigurement
- Rejection By One’s Peers
- Telling The Truth But Not Being Believed
- The Death of a Child On One’s Watch
- Victimization via Identity Theft
- Watching A Loved One Die
- Wrongful Imprisonment
- Spending Time In Jail
- Suffering From a Learning Disability
Motivation
- Achieving Spiritual Enlightenment
- Avoiding Certain Death
- Avoiding Financial Ruin
- Beating a Diagnosis or Condition
- Being Acknowledged and Appreciated by Family
- Being a Leader of Others
- Being the Best At Something
- Caring for an Aging Parent
- Carrying on a Legacy
- Catching The Bad Guy or Girl
- Coming To Grips With Mental Illness
- Discovering One’s True Self
- Escaping a Dangerous Life one Doesn’t Want
- Escaping a Killer
- Escaping a Widespread Disaster
- Escaping Confinement
- Escaping Homelessness
- Escaping Invaders
- Finding Friendship or Companionship
- Finding a Lifelong Partner
- Having a Child
- Helping a Loved One See They Are Hurting Themselves and Others
- Obtaining Shelter From The Elements
- Overcoming Abuse and Learning To Trust
- Overcoming Addiction
- Protecting One’s Home or Property
- Pursuing Justice For Oneself or Others
- Realizing a Dream
- Reconciling with an Estranged Family Member
- Rescuing a Loved One From a Captor
- Restoring A Name or Reputation
- Righting a Deep Wrong
- Seeking Out One’s Biological Roots
- Stopping an Event From Happening
- Trying Again When One Has Previously Failed
Support Wordsnstuff!
- Request A Writing Help Post/Themed Playlist/Writing Tips!
- Send Me Poetry To Feature On Our Instagram!
- Receive Updates & Participate In Polls On Our Twitter!
- Like us and share on Facebook!
- Read More On Our Masterlist & See our Frequently Asked Questions!
- Tag What You Want Me To See With #wordsnstuff!
- Participate in monthly writing challenges!
oMG THIS IS AMAZING
sharing for all my writer friends!!
WOW, THIS WILL BE VERY HELPFUL

