Show Don't Tell: Sadness
Hey there, fabulous folks! I'm thrilled to have you back for another exciting day of my 'Show Don't Tell' series! Today, we're delving into the complex emotion of sadness, and I can't wait to explore this topic with you all.
Let's start by recapping why 'Show Don't Tell' is crucial in creative writing. When we show instead of telling, we allow our readers to truly experience the story firsthand. It's like sharing a delicious slice of pizza with a friend instead of just describing how it tastes. By showing, we can immerse our readers in the story and create a more captivating experience that brings the narrative to life in their minds.
Now, what is sadness?
Sadness is a powerful emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It's a feeling of deep sorrow or unhappiness, often caused by loss, disappointment, or failure. Sadness is an essential emotion to portray in storytelling because it allows the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level. When we see characters experiencing sadness, we can empathize with them and understand their struggles.
Dialogue
Today we're starting off with dialogue! and oh boy, can I tell you a thing or two about dialogue in creative writing! See, dialogue is more than just two characters talking to each other - it's a powerful tool to reveal the inner emotions of your characters without having to explicitly state them. That's right, you can show, not tell, how your character is feeling just by the words they speak and the way they say them.
By carefully crafting dialogue, you can hint at a character's inner thoughts and feelings without spelling them out. You can use word choice, tone, pacing, and other elements to convey emotions that your readers can pick up on, even if your characters don't outright state what they're feeling.
For example, if a character is feeling nervous or anxious, they might speak in short, clipped sentences or stutter when they talk. If they're feeling angry or frustrated, they might use sarcasm or speak in a raised, forceful tone. And if they're feeling sad or defeated, they might use a subdued tone, speak slowly, or trail off mid-sentence.
By showing these emotions through dialogue, you're allowing your readers to draw their own conclusions about how your characters are feeling, rather than simply telling them outright. So, the next time you're writing dialogue, remember that it's not just about what your characters are saying, but how they're saying it.
Here are some ways to show your character's sadness through dialogue:
Speaking softly or in a subdued tone
Using a slow, hesitant delivery
Repetitively apologizing or expressing guilt
Avoiding eye contact
Using self-deprecating humor or dialogue
Asking for reassurance or validation
Using a trembling or shaking voice
Asking rhetorical questions to express confusion or hopelessness
Talking about loss or past regrets
Expressing disappointment or disillusionment
Using passive language, such as "I guess" or "I don't know"
Reflecting on negative feelings, such as shame or worthlessness
Using a quivering or choked voice
Expressing helplessness or powerlessness
Using long pauses or trailing off mid-sentence
Using a resigned or defeated tone
Expressing feelings of isolation or loneliness
Using negative self-talk or dialogue
Avoiding conflict or difficult conversations
Using a monotone or flat voice to convey sadness.
Making self-pitying statements, such as "Why does this always happen to me?"
Using expressions of regret, such as "I wish I had done things differently"
Expressing a lack of motivation or energy, such as "I just can't seem to get out of bed in the morning"
Talking about feeling overwhelmed or burdened by responsibilities
Using hesitant language, such as "I'm not sure if I can handle this"
Talking about feeling lost or directionless in life
Using indirect statements to avoid confronting difficult emotions, such as "It's just been a tough day"
Expressing a sense of hopelessness or despair, such as "What's the point anymore?"
Using figurative language to convey sadness, such as "It feels like a weight on my chest"
Talking about past traumas or painful memories
Using vague or noncommittal language, such as "I don't know how I feel right now"
Talking about feeling disconnected or disengaged from the world around them
Using self-criticism or self-blame, such as "I should have seen this coming"
Expressing a sense of longing or nostalgia for happier times
Using metaphors or similes to convey sadness, such as "I feel like a balloon slowly deflating"
Talking about feeling rejected or unloved by others
Using evasive language to avoid talking about difficult emotions directly
Expressing a sense of frustration or resignation, such as "It is what it is"
Using repetition to emphasize feelings of sadness, such as repeating "I just can't do this" multiple times.
Setting/Scenery
Let's talk about how to use the environment to create and convey sadness in creative writing. One way to use the environment to create a sad mood is through the use of imagery. Imagine a scene where the character is walking down a street on a rainy day. The sound of the rain hitting the pavement, the gray sky overhead, and the slick roads all work together to create a sense of sadness and melancholy. By describing the environment in detail, we can show the reader that the character is feeling down without ever having to tell them directly.
Another way to use the environment to convey sadness is through the use of color. For example, if the scene is set in a funeral home, we might describe the walls as a dull gray or beige, the curtains as heavy and dark, and the lighting as dim and muted. These details can all work together to create a sense of heaviness and sadness.
Using the environment can also be an effective way to create contrast and highlight the sadness in a scene. For instance, describing a bright and sunny day while the character is feeling down can help to emphasize their emotional state.
I've got a fantastic list of ways to use scenery and setting to indirectly show sadness:
Describing the weather as gray, rainy, or gloomy
Using dark or muted colors in the description of the setting
Creating a sense of isolation or emptiness in the environment
Using silence or a lack of sound to create a sense of loneliness or sadness
Describing the setting as abandoned or neglected
Using a stark or barren landscape to create a feeling of despair
Using symbolism in the setting, such as wilted flowers or broken objects, to convey sadness
Setting the scene in a place that is traditionally associated with sadness, such as a graveyard or hospital
Creating a contrast between the beauty of the setting and the sadness of the character's emotions
Describing the setting as chaotic or disorganized to mirror the character's internal turmoil.
There's another way to show a character's sadness - by having them directly interact with the setting:
Tracing their fingers along the rough surface of a wall
Sitting slumped or huddled in a corner
Staring off into the distance with a blank expression
Running their hands through grass or foliage absentmindedly
Letting raindrops fall on their face without moving
Slowly dragging their feet as they walk through the environment
Clenching their fists or gripping objects tightly
Kicking or throwing objects in frustration or anger
Covering their face with their hands or hiding their eyes
Leaning their head against a window or wall with a defeated expression
Tightly hugging a pillow, stuffed animal, or other comfort item
Pulling their knees up to their chest while sitting on the ground
Tearing apart flowers or other delicate objects
Trashing their surroundings in a fit of rage or despair
Moving through the environment slowly or aimlessly with no clear destination in mind.
I've also got some awesome details that'll help you convey sadness through scenery alone:
Weather: A gloomy, overcast day with drizzling rain can create a melancholic atmosphere, reflecting the character's sadness.
Time of Day: A dreary morning or mid-afternoon slump can convey a sense of sadness and lethargy.
Location: Abandoned or empty places, such as an old churchyard or an abandoned building, can create a sense of loneliness and isolation.
Objects: Neglected, dusty, or unused objects can symbolize the character's neglect or emotional emptiness.
Colors: Dull, muted colors like gray, brown, or beige can create a sense of emptiness and sadness.
Noises: Soft, somber sounds like gentle rain or the sound of distant waves crashing can create a sense of tranquility and melancholy.
Crowds: A crowded, bustling place like a shopping mall or a subway station can highlight the character's sense of detachment and loneliness.
Architecture: Decaying, crumbling buildings or abandoned factories can symbolize the character's emotional decay and emptiness.
Nature: A desolate or barren landscape, such as a desert or a frozen tundra, can evoke a sense of desolation and despair.
Animals: Sad or pitiful animals, like a stray dog or a sickly bird, can evoke a sense of vulnerability and sadness.
Action
Now it's time to talk about how actions can convey a character's sadness in a fictional story. Instead of saying, "He was sad," show us his actions, and we'll figure it out on our own. It's like when your best friend tells you she's fine, but you can tell from the slump of her shoulders and the frown on her face that she's definitely not fine.
For example, let's say your character just lost a loved one. Instead of telling the reader outright that the character is sad, show it through their actions. Maybe they're:
Staring blankly at a picture of the person they lost.
Lying in bed all day, refusing to get up or talk to anyone.
Going through the motions of daily life but without any joy or enthusiasm.
Avoiding anything that reminds them of the person they lost.
Crying uncontrollably at unexpected moments.
Losing their appetite or neglecting personal hygiene.
Snapping at loved ones who try to comfort them.
See how much more powerful and engaging that is than simply stating, "He was sad"? It allows the reader to empathize with the character and experience their sadness alongside them.
Here are a few other examples:
Slumping or drooping posture
Avoiding eye contact or looking down
Crying or tearing up
Frowning or looking solemn
Loss of appetite or overeating
Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
Lack of interest in activities they normally enjoy
Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
Withdrawing from social situations
Clenching fists or tensing muscles
Moving slowly or sluggishly
Hesitating or procrastinating
Avoiding conversations or communication
Self-harm or destructive behavior
Engaging in risky behavior
Substance abuse or excessive drinking
A lack of energy or motivation
Losing track of time or being forgetful
Becoming easily frustrated or irritable
Exhibiting a lack of enthusiasm or passion for life
Remember that if a character is feeling sad and depressed, they might stop taking care of themselves, neglect their hygiene, and lose interest in their hobbies. They may also isolate themselves from others, withdrawing from social situations and avoiding conversations.
Body Language
Body language is a huge part of showing emotions in creative writing, and sadness is no exception! The way a character holds themselves, their posture, and their movements, can all tell the reader a lot about how they're feeling.
For example, imagine a character who has just received some terrible news. They might slump their shoulders, avoid eye contact, and wring their hands. These actions convey their feelings of defeat, sadness, and worry without the writer having to tell the reader directly.
Body language can also be used to create tension and conflict between characters. If one character is sad and another is trying to comfort them, the way they position themselves in relation to each other, the way they touch each other or don't touch each other, can all convey different emotions and create a deeper sense of meaning in the scene.
Here! I'll provide you with a short list of ways body language can convey sadness:
Drooping or slumping shoulders
Hunching over or curling up into a ball
Clasping or wringing hands
Biting or licking lips
Rubbing or covering eyes
Frowning or furrowing eyebrows
Tilting the head downward
Avoiding eye contact or looking down
Crossing arms or legs
Gazing into the distance or staring off into space
Sighing heavily or audibly
Slow or shuffling movements
Trembling or shaking
Fidgeting or restlessness
Wrinkling or rubbing the forehead
Holding oneself or self-soothing gestures
Stiff or tense posture
Lack of facial expression or a neutral expression
Slow or lack of movement
Deep, heavy breathing
A weak or feeble voice
Avoiding physical touch or contact
Shrinking or pulling away from others
Failing to respond or acknowledge others
Refraining from smiling or laughing
Breaking eye contact quickly
Pacing or fidgeting
Yawning excessively
Looking tired or fatigued
Crying or tearing up
Point of view
Let me tell you about the power of using point of view in creative writing to show a character's sadness indirectly. Point of view is all about the perspective from which the story is told, and it allows us to see the world through our character's eyes. By exploring our character's inner thoughts, inner dialogue, and emotional state, we can beautifully convey their feelings of sadness.
A character's sadness can be conveyed through things like:
Negative self-talk, such as self-doubt or self-criticism
Focusing on negative aspects of the environment or situation
Recalling past negative experiences or memories
Expressing a lack of motivation or interest in their surroundings
Having a pessimistic or cynical outlook on the future
Feeling disconnected or detached from others
Feeling overwhelmed or burdened by their emotions
Seeing the world in black and white, without much color or vibrancy
Struggling to find joy or pleasure in activities they used to enjoy
Having difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks
Feeling hopeless or helpless about their situation
Expressing a desire to isolate or withdraw from others
Being irritable or easily agitated with others
Struggling to communicate their feelings to others
Feeling like they are a burden to others
Expressing a sense of numbness or emptiness
Feeling like they are trapped or stuck in their situation
Being indecisive or hesitant in their actions or choices
Feeling like they don't belong or fit in with their surroundings
Expressing feelings of guilt or shame
Having difficulty sleeping or eating properly
Feeling like they are constantly on edge or anxious
Seeing themselves as an outsider or outcast
Struggling to make meaningful connections with others
Feeling like they are invisible or overlooked by others
Expressing a sense of longing or yearning for something they can't have
Feeling like they are drowning in their emotions
Struggling to find purpose or meaning in their life
Feeling like they are stuck in a rut or a cycle of negativity
Expressing a sense of regret or remorse for past actions or choices.
Sensory Detail
Sensory details can take your writing to the next level! By incorporating sensory details into your writing, you can transport your readers into the world you've created and make them feel like they're a part of the story. Whether you want to evoke sadness, joy, or fear, sensory details are an essential tool for creating an emotional response in your readers.
Specifically, when it comes to showing a character's sadness, sensory details can be particularly effective. By describing their environment using muted colors and soft sounds, for example, you can create a somber atmosphere that resonates with the character's emotions. Additionally, describing physical sensations like a heavy chest or lump in the throat can help the reader understand just how deeply the character is feeling their sadness.
Remember, sensory detail isn't limited to external sensations - sensory detail can also include how the inner turmoil of the character interacts with the outside world, such as associating certain smells with sad memories.
I'll give you guys a few techniques for using sensory detail to show sadness:
Describing the weight of a character's heart or chest
Mentioning the salty taste of tears on the character's lips
Describing the sound of the character's labored breathing or sobs
Noticing the way the character's eyes water or become red
Describing the feel of tears streaming down the character's face
Mentioning the chill or shivers that accompany sadness
Describing the dull ache or pain in the character's body
Noticing the way the character's voice cracks or shakes
Describing the character's inability to eat or taste food
Mentioning the heaviness or stiffness in the character's limbs
Describing the character's difficulty in sleeping or restlessness
Noticing the way the character's hands tremble or shake
Describing the character's detachment or numbness
Mentioning the lack of appetite or desire to eat
Describing the character's exhaustion or fatigue
Noticing the way the character's posture slumps or droops
Describing the character's sensitivity to light or sound
Mentioning the character's lack of interest or enthusiasm
Describing the character's reluctance to leave their bed or room
Noticing the way the character's movements become slower or more deliberate
Describing the way the character's world becomes smaller or more constricted
Mentioning the character's lack of motivation or energy
Describing the way the character's skin becomes pale or sallow
Noticing the character's tendency to withdraw from others or isolate themselves
Describing the character's lack of focus or concentration
Mentioning the character's difficulty in making decisions or taking action
Describing the character's hypersensitivity to smells or tastes
Noticing the character's tendency to cry easily or frequently
Describing the way the character's thoughts become more negative or self-critical
Mentioning the character's lack of interest or pleasure in their usual activities.
Metaphors and Analogies
Metaphors and analogies in creative writing! These tools are like superpowers that allow us to express complex emotions in fun and unique ways. When we use them effectively, we can paint a picture in our reader's mind, making them feel and understand the emotions we're expressing. It's like adding a sprinkle of magic to our writing!
Here's how to use metaphors and analogies to show sadness in our writing! It's like playing a game of compare and contrast, where we compare the emotion to something that's relatable and tangible. For instance, we can describe sadness as a heavy weight on the character's chest, or a dark cloud that hangs over their head. By using these comparisons, we can help our readers to visualize the emotion in a more concrete way, making it easier for them to connect with the character and empathize with their experience.
Let's keep the creative juices flowing and talk about another way to use metaphors and analogies to show sadness in our writing! Instead of just describing the emotion itself, we can also use them to describe the character's actions or behavior. It's like giving our readers a visual representation of how the character is struggling with sadness. For example, we can compare a character who's dealing with sadness to a ship lost in a stormy sea, or a bird with a broken wing. These comparisons not only help the reader to understand the character's emotional state, but also create a sense of sympathy and compassion for their struggle.
Here are some examples for you to look at:
"Her heart was a shattered vase, the pieces impossible to put back together."
"He was a lone tree in the midst of a barren desert, with no hope of ever finding water."
"She felt as if a heavy weight was crushing her chest, suffocating her with grief."
"The sadness she felt was an ocean, deep and vast, with waves crashing over her constantly."
"His sadness was a thick fog, enveloping him in a cloud of melancholy."
"She felt like a bird with broken wings, unable to fly and trapped on the ground."
"His sadness was a never-ending tunnel, with no light at the end and no way out."
"The emptiness inside her was a black hole, devouring everything in its path."
"He was a ship lost at sea, with no sense of direction and no hope of rescue."
"Her sadness was a wildfire, spreading quickly and consuming everything in its path."
It's time to wrap up this post, but don't fret, I'll be back with more writing tips and tricks soon! There are plenty of these post on my tumblr so check them out too! or you can find a more organized version of them all here!
