Writing Emotion: Fear

Writing Emotion: Fear

Everyone will feel fear every once in a while, and it’s an important part of many character’s development. Let’s take a look at some body language and speaking habits of a person who is afraid!

Body Language (External Threat)

Humans are very complex, as I’m sure you know. There are usually two ways people may react to an external threat: Fight or Flight. Make sure you know which one your character is before choosing some traits!

Keeping a bigger space between them and the “threat” (Backing away)

Heart beating faster, rapid breathing

Crossing legs/arms (protecting body)

May become aggressive or violent

“Fight Mindset” - fists clenched, locked on stare, ready to fight. 

“Flee Mindset” - eyes darting around, nervous. 

Slouching or “shrinking”

Stiff eyelids - wide open

Tense muscles - stiff, slouching posture

Unpredictable/quick movements

Events unfold in “slow-motion”

Senses are hyperactive (Better hearing, smell, etc. from adrenaline)

Sense are nonfunctioning (Worse eyesight, unable to recall events after the fact, etc. This can happen to people who are prone to panic attacks, and/or are “stuck in their heads”)

Body Language (Internal Threat)

A common part of a character’s development is their “break”, so to speak. This is when they are too overwhelmed by something they must do or come to terms with, and a common emotion felt during that time is fear. Most people will fear what they don’t know or understand. These traits can be spotted in a character battling these things long before they “break”, or even right before/during. For ease of use, I’ll start with habits you spot earlier on. 

Unhappiness - not as happy doing the things they like, not doing the things they usually do, etc.

Stress - easily angered, snappy, rubbing temples, etc.

Physical venting - exercising, (punching bag, running, etc)

Not sticking to typical schedules (Not going to a cafe they usually do, etc)

Seeming preoccupied or “in their heads”

Becomes emotional at everything

Doing irrational things (feeling like they need to prove themselves, show they are not afraid, they don’t need help, etc)

Unable to listen to the advice of others (believing they know what they need to do, or how it must be done) 

Pushing people away (thinking this is their responsibility alone, that no one can help them, etc)

Unable to stick to or form rational plans (emotion leads them instead of logic)

Twisting reality - unable to clearly see what’s happening before them because they are so overwhelmed, or not remember events of the past for the same reasons. (They may blame people who are not responsible for things that have happened to them, because they think that’s how it happened. Research about trauma to better understand how humans manipulate reality and memories to cope)

Unhinged anger - lashing out in extreme ways (like when characters with super powers suddenly get very strong when very emotional, or more realistically, when a mother’s child is in danger and adrenaline gives her a sort of super strength)

Signs of insanity - when people deal with extremely difficult things, their mental state may begin to break down. They may talk to themselves, appear perfectly fine in a situation that warrants panic, etc. (Be sure to do research before hand, and always depict mental illness as it actually is.) 

Signs of shock - very quiet, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, clammy and pale skin, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, passing out, loss of memory, screaming, crying, etc. 

Trauma - after the fact, your character may experience symptoms of a person with trauma. (If you want your character to experience this, please do your research first. Always depict mental illness as it actually is, not how you want it to be.)

Verbal Habits (External)

Again, make sure you identify which of these habits might come from a “fight” person or a “flight” person before choosing! 

sharp and angry tone (to make them seem tough)

small voice, trying to seem non confrontational

Trying to make the other party happy - “You got a problem?” “No, no, I was just looking around. I didn’t mean to disturb you…”  

Stuttering or stammering (Please use in moderation!)

“Um…” and “uh…” 

Tries to say something tough,  but since they’re actually afraid, it comes out small and weak - “Just… just leave me alone!” his voice squeaked in fear. 

No words coming out (as if their brain is frozen in fear)

Rambling - “Did you come here last night or not?!” “Me? I was at the bar with… my friends! Yeah, we were just ordering some stuff to eat because we met some nice people (who were really into karaoke) to hang out with, and-” “Answer the question!)

Verbal Habits (Internal)

Not wanting to talk about it - typically, people do not want others to know they are afraid. They may become hostile or upset if the topic is brought up. 

Speech patterns change when talking about it - stuttering, incoherent speech, not “having a point” to what they are saying.

Having an edge to their voice (from being angry) - “Just tell me what’s bothering you.” “Because that always works,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m just trying to help.” 

Bizarre topics of conversation, seeming out of the ordinary or distracted. 

Hello all! I know I’ve been away for some time, but I appreciate the love you guys have been giving this account anyway! I’m so happy to see that you find my work helpful. <3 I hope that this post helps you out in writing some good characters and emotions. Have a lovely day, and happy writing <3

-RB