Ever read a story where the characters just… felt flat? You know they love, hate, hope, and fear—but you don’t really feel it. The difference between cardboard cutouts and characters that stick with you? It’s all in the emotions.

So, how do you give your characters emotional depth that jumps off the page? Here’s a quick, no-nonsense guide:

1. Dig into Their Backstory

Your character’s past is emotional fuel. Did they lose someone? Grow up rich or poor? Every experience shapes how they see the world and react to it. Before you write that angry outburst or silent tear, ask: What’s driving this feeling?

2. Pinpoint Their Desires and Fears

Characters want things, and they’re scared of losing things. Desires and fears are the heartbeat of emotion. Is your hero desperate to prove herself? Is your villain terrified of abandonment? Emotions come alive when you tap into what matters most to your characters.

3. Show, Don’t Tell

We’ve all heard this, but it’s especially true with emotions. Don’t just write, “He was anxious.” Let us see it:
He kept glancing at the door, fingers drumming a frantic rhythm on the table.

4. Use Body Language and Dialogue

People rarely say what they’re really feeling. Instead, their emotions are evident in their posture, gestures, and tone. Does your character snap at a friend when they’re petrified? Do they go quiet when they’re angry? Let actions and words do the heavy lifting.

5. Let Emotions Drive Decisions

Emotions aren’t just window dressing—they shape what your characters do. Fear might make someone run. Love might make them stay. Let feelings push the plot forward.

6. Mix and Layer

Real people feel more than one thing at a time—your characters should, too. Bittersweet joy. Angry relief. Nervous excitement. Layer emotions for complexity.

7. Keep It Consistent (But Let Them Grow)

A shy character won’t suddenly become bold overnight—but they can grow, stumble, and surprise you (and themselves). Stay true to who they are, but let their emotional range expand as the story unfolds.

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Example: Turning Telling into Showing

Instead of:
Maria was embarrassed.

Try:
Maria ducked her head, cheeks burning as the room fell silent. She fiddled with her sleeves, wishing she could melt into her chair.

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You will find the more you invest in your character’s emotional life, the more your readers will, too. Make us feel what they feel—your story will be that much stronger.

Now that you’ve gotten more creative cues, get back to those darn keys! Thank you for your continued readership and support. Until next week…Blessings and Peace!

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