okay so im struggling to word this, but like, eye (descriptions?) but not like color or looks, i mean like when books says "her eyes fluttered closed", "half lidded" and stuff like that. i have no idea how to use these, and no idea how they work
Illustrating Emotion with Eyes/Eye Movements
Eyes and eye movements, along with other aspects of facial expression and body language, can play a big role in indicating the emotion a character might be feeling in response to something they're thinking or experiencing.
Eye movements can be divided into three types:
- eyeballs - eyelids - eyebrows
Here are some things eye movements can indicate:
Eyes that brighten – acceptance
Eye contact – acceptance, admiration/adoration (prolonged eye contact), agitation (avoiding eye contact)
Eyes that twinkle – mischief, adoration
Eyes that harden – anger
Eyes that glaze over – boredom
Eyes that dart back and forth – anxiety, fear, disbelief
Eye that gleams – confidence
Eyes that glance furtively – desire, romantic interest
Eyes filled with tears – intense sadness or happiness
Eyes that look down/away – discomfort, guilt, uncertainty
Eyes that wander – boredom, indifference
Eye contact that’s broken – insecurity, discomfort, guilt
Eye contact that’s unsteady – vulnerable
Eyes that gaze longingly – loneliness, wistfulness, nostalgia
Eyes that seem to flicker or spark – rage
Eyes that are “doe-like” – innocence
Eyes that appear dull – stunned, exhaustion
Eyes that roll - annoyance, disbelief
Eyes that stare into the middle distance - deep in thought
Eyes that glance upward to right or left - thought
Eyelids that widen – amazement/surprise/shock
Eyelids that narrow – suspicion, scorn
Eyelids that blink rapidly – appalled, disbelief
Eyelids that don’t blink – courage, determination
Eyelids that flutter – pleasure, coy
Eyelids that close – defeat, frustration,
Eyelids that clamp shut – anger
Eyelids that are half-lidded – pleasure, lust, desire, exhaustion
Eyelids that squeeze shut – panic, intense fear
Eyelids that close gently, lightly – relief
Eyebrows that rise together – amazement/surprise/shock
Eyebrows that wiggle – teasing, suggestive
Eyebrows that draw/knit together – concern
Eyebrows that crumple/furrow – confusion
Eyebrows that rise in question – hopefulness
Eyebrow that rises alone – skepticism, satisfaction
Eyebrows that lower – wariness
Eyebrows that wrinkle or crease – worry
...
I hope that helps!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!
Visit my FAQ
See my Master List of Top Posts
Go to ko-fi.com/wqa to buy me coffee or see my commissions!
