Behaviour

how to describe despair in writing

Despair is a visceral and crushing emotion—one that echoes through the pages of a story, gripping readers with its raw intensity. It is more than just a feeling; it’s an abyss that characters fall into, a shadow that colours their every action and decision with hues of hopelessness and loss.

Behaviour

Neglecting personal care or obligations.

A lack of motivation or interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Withdrawing from social situations or avoiding company.

Engaging in self-destructive actions or habits.

Consistent signs of fatigue or lethargy.

Frequent emotional outbursts or mood swings.

An inability to concentrate or focus on tasks.

Indecisive, even on trivial matters.

Focusing on negative thoughts.

Displaying a loss of hope or a sense of defeat.

Interactions

Avoiding physical or eye contact with others.

Short-tempered and easily irritated.tempered

Speaking in monosyllables or giving terse responses.

A sense of indifference or apathy toward others’ concerns.

Struggling to express themselves or to articulate their feelings.

Misinterpreting others’ intentions or words negatively.

Isolating themselves despite offers of help or companionship.

Being unresponsive to attempts at humour or light-heartedness.

Blaming others or external circumstances for their despair.

Seeking out enablers or situations that validate their mindset.

Body language

Slumped shoulders or a consistently bowed head.

Averted gaze or blank stares into the distance.

Fidgeting, such as wringing hands or picking at skin.

Slow, dragging movements or a lack of coordination.

Heavy sighing or audible breaths.

Neglecting personal space or boundaries.

Minimal gestures or lifeless posture.

Clenched fists or jaw during moments of heightened emotion.

Visible trembling or shaking due to emotional strain.

A general lack of energy or life in physical presence.

Attitude

Pessimism towards the future.

Cynicism about intentions, whether their own or others’.

Resignation, believing that effort will not change their situation.

Indifference to opportunities or choices presented to them.

A sense of helplessness or powerlessness in all scenarios.

Self-deprecation and a tendency to dismiss their own value.

An overwhelming sense of guilt or responsibility for past events.

A fixation on the negative aspects of every situation.

An inability to accept comfort or positive feedback.

Believing they are a burden to others.

Positive Story Outcomes

An epiphany or realisation that sparks a desire for change.

A gesture of kindness from another character that provides a glimmer of hope.

The discovery of an inner strength or previously untapped resource.

A serendipitous event that offers a new perspective or opportunity.

The formation of a supportive relationship or friendship.

Minor victories or achievements that build self-confidence.

Learning a valuable lesson through hardship.

Developing empathy for others going through similar experiences.

Finding purpose in aiding others, easing their own despair.

An eventual embrace of vulnerability, leading to healing and growth.

Negative Story Outcomes

A surrender with long-lasting consequences.

The breakdown of important relationships.

A significant loss incurred because of inaction or apathy.

Descent into a more self-destructive or reckless lifestyle.

The solidification of a character’s role as an antagonist.

A missed opportunity for redemption or improvement.

A worsening of the character’s situation, potentially affecting others.

The development of a trait or flaw that hinders future happiness or success.

A downfall that provides a cautionary tale within the narrative.

A tragic ending that leaves a profound impact on the reader and other characters.

Helpful Vocabulary

Desolate

Forlorn

Wretched

Crestfallen

Anguished

Dolorous

Bereft

Hollow

Numb

Morose

Sullen

Bleak

Languish

Melancholy

Hopeless

Despondent

Dejected

Heartbroken

Miserable

Pained

Woeful

Eclipsed

Defeated

Overwhelmed

Grief-stricken

Tormented

Disconsolate

Listless

Oppressed

Despairing

More Posts from Cutelibrariangf and Others

1 year ago

Was on bike-gram today and the most delicious, juicest, toe curling, mouth watering, panty wetting idea:

CEO!biker!Simon Riley x Assistant reader

You're Simon Riley's new assistant and aren't used to his antics and oddities, but you do what he says nonetheless and adapt to his unusualness. He tells you to meet him outside the building in 5 with the suit you grabbed from dry-cleaning. Okay, totally normal right?

Well he pulls up, bike revving, takes off his helmet, "Hello love, glad you got my text."

OR

Maybe you take public transit home, but you missed your bus or train because you were working late. By "coincidence" hes there late too and offers you a ride home, makes you wear his helmet because your safety matters more, makes you hold him tight, relishes in how you squeeze him when he accelerates

Eventually buys a spare helmet and another riding jacket just for when you, in his words, "Need another ride, darlin'"

UGHH


Tags
2 months ago

Body Language

When someone is...

Sad

Body Language

Face/Body:

Avoidant/reduced eye contact

Drooping eyelids

Downcast eyes

Frowning

Raised inner ends of eyebrows

Dropped or furrowed eyebrows

Quivering lip/biting lip

Wrinkled nose

Voice:

Soft pitch

Low lone

Pauses/hesitant speech

Quiet/breathy

Slow speech

Voice cracks/breaking voice

Gestures/Posture:

Slouching/lowered head

Rigid/tense posture

Half formed/slow movement

Fidgeting or clasped hands

Sniffing or heavy swallows

Self soothing gestures (running hands over the arms, hand over heart, holding face in palms, etc)

11 months ago

Writing Description Notes: Physical Pain

Updated 6th June 2024 More description notes

It was as if his bones were made of glass, shattering into a million pieces with every movement and sending waves of sharp, shooting pain coursing through his limbs.

His muscles screamed in protest with every step, each movement sending jolts of electric pain shooting through his body.

The ache settled deep into his bones, a dull, persistent throb that seemed to resonate with every heartbeat.

Every inch of his body felt tenderized, as if he had been used as a punching bag in a brutal workout session.

The sensation of blood trickling down his skin was a grim reminder of the violence he had endured.

His ribs screamed in protest with every breath, each inhalation a sharp reminder of the blows he had taken.

The world seemed to spin around him in a dizzying blur, his vision clouded by the stars of pain that danced across his field of vision with every movement.

A sharp, stabbing sensation shot through his lower back, making him wince.

Her temples throbbed with a relentless, pounding headache.

He clutched his side, pain radiating from the bruise with every breath.

Her muscles screamed in protest, the soreness a reminder of yesterday’s workout.

A burning ache spread through his chest, each heartbeat intensifying the agony.

She bit her lip, trying to stifle the groan as pain flared in her twisted ankle.

His knuckles were raw and throbbing, evidence of the fight.

She pressed a hand to her forehead, a dull ache settling behind her eyes.

A searing pain lanced through his knee, nearly buckling his leg.

She gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white as pain shot through her arm.

Her trembling hands betrayed the unyielding agony in her joints, a relentless companion.

Doubled over, he fought against the relentless cramps that seized his stomach.

A sudden, searing pain in her wrist forced her to relinquish her grip, the cup clattering to the ground.

Every step reverberated through her aching feet, a reflection to the miles she had traversed.

Rubbing his shoulder provided little respite from the persistent agony that gnawed at the joint.

A sharp sting on her finger brought fresh irritation, the paper cut a small but sharp reminder of vulnerability.

His tooth throbbed incessantly, a deep, pulsating ache that clouded his thoughts.

Each movement of her stiff and sore neck elicited a fresh wave of discomfort, a constant reminder of strain.

A stabbing pain in his chest made each breath a struggle, a reminder of mortality's grasp.

The throbbing in his hand, where the door had slammed shut, served as a relentless reminder of his own clumsiness.

A dull ache settled deep within her lower back, rendering even sitting a feat of endurance.

His leaden legs protested with every step, each movement a symphony of agony.

His head spun, the pain behind his eyes making it hard to focus.

Sharp pangs in her side served as a reminder of the physical toll of her exertion, a stitch from pushing too hard.

His throbbing ankle, swollen and tender, made each step a test of willpower.

Gritting her teeth against the shooting pain, she cursed the strain from overuse that tormented her wrist.

Pressing a hand to his chest, he felt the pain radiate outward in relentless waves, a reminder of vulnerability.

Her burning shoulder protested each movement, the pain a constant reminder of her injury.

He winced as sharp pains flared in his elbow, each movement a reminder of his body's fragility.

A deep ache throbbed in her hip, a persistent discomfort that refused to be ignored.

His fingers tingled with pain, a result of gripping the tool too tightly for too long.

2 months ago
cutelibrariangf - StoryLust

Ever feel like your characters are holding out on you? Like there’s something lurking beneath the surface... but they’re just sitting there, being cryptic?

We’ve got some new templates to help you discover their emotional arcs, relationships, and backstories!

Character Arc Planning Template: Growth, self-destruction, spiralling into chaos at the first sign of trouble... Track how your character changes (or refuses to).

Character Relationship Template: Friends, enemies, lovers, ex-lovers-who-are-now-rivals-with-awkward-sexual-tension... Explore relationship dynamics and define how your characters connect.

Emotional Wound Template: Uncover concealed motivations, and craft character-defining backstory with depth and care.

You can find them in Ellipsus—head over to the blog to read more!

- the Ellipsus Team xo

2 years ago

"How do you have so much energy all the time ???"

I don't, I'm constantly tired but I'm also being the class clown because I have abandonment issues and adhd


Tags
1 year ago

Pirate Terms and Phrases

-> Pirate Lingo

-> A Pirate's Glossary

Batten Down The Hatches - tie everything down and put stuff away for a coming storm.

Brig - a prison on a ship.

Bring a Spring Upon 'er - turn the ship in a different direction

Broadside - the most vulnerable angle of a ship that runs the length of the boat.

Cutlass - a thick, heavy and rather short sword blade.

Dance with Jack Ketch - to hang; death at the hands of the law (Jack Ketch was a famed English executioner).

Davy Jones's Locker - a mythical place at the bottom of the ocean where drowned sailors are said to go.

Dead Men Tell No Tales - the reason given for leaving no survivors.

Flogging - severe beating of a person.

Gangplank - removable ramp between the pier and ship.

Give No Quarter - show no mercy.

Jack - flag flown at the front of the ship to show nationality.

Jolly Roger - black pirate flag with a white skull and crossbones.

Keelhaul - a punishment where someone is dragged under the ship. They are cut by the planks and barnacles on the bottom of the ship.

Landlubber - an inexperienced or clumsy person who doesn't have any sailing skills.

Letters of Marque - government-issued letters allowing privateers the right to piracy of another ship during wartime.

Man-O-War - a pirate ship that is decked out and prepared for battle.

Maroon - to leave someone stranded on a. deserted island with no supplies, typically a punishment for any crew members who disrespected the captain.

Mutiny - a situation in which the crew chooses a new captain, sometimes by forcibly removing the old one.

No Prey, No Pay - a common pirate law that meant crew members were not paid, but rather received a share of whatever loot was taken.

Old Salt - experienced pirate or sailor.

Pillage - to steal/rob a place using violence.

Powder Monkeys - men that performed the most dangerous work on the ship. They were treated harshly, rarely paid, and were expendable.

Privateer - government-appointed pirates.

Run A Shot Across the Bow - fire a warning shot at another boat's Captain.

Scurvy - a disease caused by Vitamin C Deficiency.

Sea Legs - when a sailor adjusts his balance from riding on a boat for a long time.

Strike Colors - lower a ship's flag to indicate surrender.

Weigh Anchor and Hoist the Mizzen - an order to the crew to pull up the anchor and get the ship sailing.

If you like what I do and want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! I also offer editing services and other writing advice on my Ko-fi! Become a member to receive exclusive content, early access, and prioritized writing prompt requests.

1 year ago

the narrative: *starts the third act by repeating a scene from the first act but now it has a totally different context*

me: ohoHOhohoHOHOhoHO

11 months ago

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR WRITERS

Writing With Color: Helps with writing about culture, ethnicity, and religion. Overall, it gives advice on how to write about diversity.

Name Generator: As the name says, it helps you build names for your characters. Very useful if you cannot think of names for your characters!

KathySteinemann: The 'archive.pdf' section helps you with synonyms in case you struggle to find the right word for your sentences (also to avoid using redundant words).

Spwickstrom: Similar to the previous one, this one provides grammar tips. Extremely helpful when finding phrases, verbs, conjunctions, adjectives, and so on.

Servicescape: The perfect website if you're experiencing writer's block. It provides writing prompts. It helps you spark creativity when it comes to writing.

reblog to help other writers !!

2 years ago

Okay, idea. Well, question.

Humans are known for repetitive behavior. Throughout history we see themes that persist to modern day. But my question has to do with objects that look like they glow, like.

A light hits something and it looks like it glows and we think "Oh this is a quest object" or "This guys gonna send me on a quest to get exactly 342 radishes" and shi like that but, like, what did people think in the olden days?

Were they walking around thinking "Yeah thats how lighteth w'rks" or were they like "Ah yes, this guys gonna sendeth me on a quest to collecteth exactly 342 radishes! ha! what excit'ment!" and they chortle along their way.

How did video game logic work without video games?


Tags
  • fall-06
    fall-06 liked this · 3 weeks ago
  • 1l0v3r3ad1ng
    1l0v3r3ad1ng liked this · 3 weeks ago
  • fifiliphaser
    fifiliphaser reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • made-ofmemories
    made-ofmemories liked this · 1 month ago
  • damnikindaship
    damnikindaship reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • cardicartresources
    cardicartresources reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • filkovaariik
    filkovaariik liked this · 1 month ago
  • freyaishere-just
    freyaishere-just liked this · 2 months ago
  • wynters-writings
    wynters-writings liked this · 3 months ago
  • bimana159
    bimana159 liked this · 3 months ago
  • instantpuppyfury-blog1
    instantpuppyfury-blog1 liked this · 3 months ago
  • suirai
    suirai liked this · 3 months ago
  • melpomenismask
    melpomenismask liked this · 4 months ago
  • studying--beau
    studying--beau liked this · 4 months ago
  • sapphosbaby
    sapphosbaby liked this · 5 months ago
  • rosewritingfridge
    rosewritingfridge reblogged this · 5 months ago
  • therebeared
    therebeared liked this · 5 months ago
  • insomniaccherry
    insomniaccherry reblogged this · 5 months ago
  • hoonette
    hoonette liked this · 5 months ago
  • minecraftcreepercat
    minecraftcreepercat liked this · 5 months ago
  • pessimistic-jellyfish
    pessimistic-jellyfish reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • randomchaotix
    randomchaotix liked this · 6 months ago
  • browniesarethebest
    browniesarethebest liked this · 6 months ago
  • mattsuckz
    mattsuckz liked this · 6 months ago
  • spiritofthewriter
    spiritofthewriter reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • go-capt-puppen
    go-capt-puppen liked this · 6 months ago
  • go-capt-puppen
    go-capt-puppen reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • aceyanaheim
    aceyanaheim liked this · 6 months ago
  • stripedstocking
    stripedstocking liked this · 7 months ago
  • badojandpancakes
    badojandpancakes liked this · 7 months ago
  • ohdamagery
    ohdamagery liked this · 7 months ago
  • cc-writes-stuff
    cc-writes-stuff liked this · 7 months ago
  • shadowyrunawaybasement
    shadowyrunawaybasement liked this · 8 months ago
  • lookshewrites
    lookshewrites reblogged this · 8 months ago
  • random-blog-for-writing-tips
    random-blog-for-writing-tips reblogged this · 8 months ago
  • deonysus
    deonysus liked this · 8 months ago
  • cyberpilate
    cyberpilate reblogged this · 8 months ago
  • egiirls
    egiirls liked this · 8 months ago
  • inkshine
    inkshine liked this · 9 months ago
  • yakshaz
    yakshaz liked this · 9 months ago
  • cophoenixgirl
    cophoenixgirl liked this · 9 months ago
  • juniperize
    juniperize liked this · 9 months ago
  • exquisitetragicthing
    exquisitetragicthing liked this · 9 months ago
  • alwri-tes
    alwri-tes reblogged this · 9 months ago
  • leanfrizzgee
    leanfrizzgee reblogged this · 10 months ago
  • leanfrizzgee
    leanfrizzgee liked this · 10 months ago
  • prism-empurress
    prism-empurress reblogged this · 10 months ago
cutelibrariangf - StoryLust
StoryLust

Storylust: noun Characterized by a need to read or create stories || 20 || They/She || Probably Autistic || Wrote so many essays in school idk what else to write anymore

42 posts

Explore Tumblr Blog
Search Through Tumblr Tags