EMOTION AMPLIFIER THESAURUS

ISOLATION



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HELPFUL TIP:

Amplifiers are conditions that enhance emotions, causing characters to become more volatile. This often leads to impaired decision-making, hasty actions, relationship friction, and, best of all, mistakes. When utilizing an amplifier to generate conflict, think carefully about setting choices and which environments will naturally escalate emotion. An amplifier can also be perfect for triggering your character’s negative traits; the resulting fallout will draw attention to how his flaws trip him up and hold him back.
DESCRIPTION:
Isolation occurs when the character is involuntarily cut off from others. It could be location-specific (e.g., happening only at work), occur within a group (say, a rift in the family), or arise from sickness, a mental health condition, or oppression. The resulting absence of emotional, mental, and physical support can result in loneliness, low self-esteem, and unmet needs.

PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS:
A downward gaze, avoiding eye contact
A lowered chin
A lax facial expression (or slight frown)
Bags or dark smudges under the eyes
Arms hanging at the sides
Hands hidden in pockets
A walk that lacks energy
Bowed shoulders and a caved-in chest
Crossing the arms and cupping the elbows (to feel held)
Absently rubbing a hand over an arm in a self-soothing gesture
Swallowing frequently
Spending a lot of time online
Limiting public outings
Avoiding people who caused the character's isolation (staying out of an abusive spouse's way, for example)
Giving short answers to questions
Speaking in a voice that lacks energy and emotion
Awkward interactions from being out of practice socially
Shopping online or in person during off-peak hours
Inappropriate social responses, such as laughing or crying at unusual times
Clearing the throat before speaking
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INTERNAL SENSATIONS:
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MENTAL RESPONSES:
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ACUTE OR LONG-TERM CUES:
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EFFORTS TO HIDE THE ISOLATION:
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ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS:
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EMOTIONS GENERATED BY THIS AMPLIFIER:
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DUTIES OR DESIRES THAT MAY BE MORE DIFFICULT TO FULFILL:
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SCENARIOS FOR BUILDING CONFLICT AND TENSION:
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WRITER’S TIP:
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