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How to create plausible character emotions
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On any given day, I can go through many different emotions. Take for example this week. My husband and I are in the process of remodeling our kitchen. I’ve gone from anger, anxiety, despair, happiness, hostility, you name it, I’ve probably been feeling it. Bringing forth plausible emotions into your character is hard work.
One of the most memorable books I’ve ever read where I still think about the character’s today was, “My Sister’s Keeper”, by Jodi Picoult. Although it’s been months since I’ve read the book, I still think about Anna and her sister, Kate.
The other day while browsing the writer’s section at Border’s, I happened upon a book called, “Creating Character Emotions”, by Ann Hood. For the next couple of month’s I will be taking excerpts from her book which will hopefully give you a clearer understanding of how to portray believable character emotions.
This week I will be focusing on the emotion: anger. Looking up ‘anger’ in my thesaurus, the words are endless: wrath, ire, madness, infuriation, enragement, soreness, exasperate, nettle, pique, vex, incense, ruffle, roll. And these are just a few.
Here is a bad example of anger taken from Ann Hood’s book, “Creating Character Emotions”.
“You’re an idiot! Joseph yelled.
“Go to hell!” Robin yelled back.
“I hate you!” Joseph yelled at Robin as he got into his car.
“I hate you!” Robin yelled.
It’s quite obvious in this scene that Joseph and Robin are angry but the writer has done a poor job of conveying that by relying on the verb ‘yell’ and the overuse of exclamation marks. The use of exclamatory dialogue flattens the emotion of anger rather than intensifying it.
Now, here’s a good example of portraying ‘anger’ written by, “E.L.Doctorow”, in his book, “The Writer in the Family”..
My mother slammed down the phone. “He can’t even die when he wants to!” she cried. “Even death comes second to Mama! What are they afraid of, the shock will kill her? Nothing can kill her. She’s indestructible! A stake though the heart could kill her!”
Instead of name calling and yelling, Doctorow is able to bring forth humor, voice, and character while at the same time conveying emotion.
Next time you sit down to express a certain emotion, try and think back to how you felt the last time you were feeling the same emotion and see if your character’s don’t take on a life of their own.
Thank you for reading and I hope you’ve found this newsletter helpful.
Footnotes:
"Creating Character Emotions" - Ann Hood
"The Writer in the Family" - E.L. Doctorow
** Image ID #1215948 Unavailable **
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Mark  says: You're JUST being funny right? "Look for superfluous words [that, just, even, very] are just a few words that add nothing to any sentence in which they're used."
Nothing like a good demonstration to solidify an idea. Seriously, as always, a wonderful job with the newsletter, thank you!
Lorien says: You read through each story twice, eh? That's dedication!
My short story reviews take quite a bit longer than reviewing articles or poetry because I view fiction as my forte, and I want to help fellow writers in light of that. I've been known to spend an hour getting a review just right, and when I do, it's a great feeling -- because I know what it's like for a writer to receive a great one, too.
billwilcox says: Kelly,
Another great newsletter. I wish I could give reviews as good as you do. You are a shining lamp here at WDC and I am proud to call you friend.
auntwheezie says: This was a very helpful newsletter for those of us who write poetry but review an assortment of articles of vary experience level. Thanks again.
edoriceball says: Amazing newsletter! Thank you for all the review tips, they really are extremely helpful.
SHERRI GIBSON  says: A must read newsletter for writers, Kelly. You said it right. Without a good dialogue, character definition, etc., a story lacks keeping a reader's interest. The setting and plot must be just as strong. This is one great newsletter!
Angelica Weatherby- Bday mom15  says: These are very good tips! Explained quite well.
Ronis brain tumor is gone! says: Ty Highwind! This will help me out more when I go to do short story reviews! I will be referring back to this newsletter! I love the stories highlighted in your newsletter too!
patrickstar says: Hi, Kelly! Thanks for featuring my short story in this week's newsletter!  You did a great job with describing what should go into a short story review -- I hope others are inspired by your article.
Thank you everyone who submitted feedback. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and comments.
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Short Stories: February 14, 2007 Issue [#1546]
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