FanficNotes/Show don't tell.md

Source: show, don't tell – @lyralit on Tumblr

show, don't tell:

Anticipation

• Bouncing legs
• Darting eyes
• Breathing deeply
• Useless / mindless tasks
• Eyes on the clock
• Checking and re-checking

Frustration

• Grumbling
• Heavy footsteps
• Hot flush
• Narrowed eyes
• Pointing fingers
• Pacing / stomping

Sadness

• Eyes filling up with tears
• Blinking quickly
• Hiccuped breaths
• Face turned away
• Red / burning cheeks
• Short sentences with gulps

Happiness

• Smiling / cheeks hurting
• Animated
• Chest hurts from laughing
• Rapid movements
• Eye contact
• Quick speaking

Boredom

• Complaining
• Sighing
• Grumbling
• Pacing
• Leg bouncing
• Picking at nails

Fear

• Quick heartbeat
• Shaking / clammy hands
• Pinching self
• Tuck away
• Closing eyes
• Clenched hands

Disappointment

• No eye contact
• Hard swallow
• Clenched hands
• Tears, occasionally
• Mhm-hmm

Tiredness

• Spacing out
• Eyes closing
• Nodding head absently
• Long sighs
• No eye contact
• Grim smile

Confidence

• Prolonged eye contact
• Appreciates instead of apologizing
• Active listening
• Shoulders back
• Micro reactions