EMOTION AMPLIFIER THESAURUS

LETHARGY



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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 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:
A character suffering from lethargy can be described as drowsy, listless, and/or apathetic. This state has a variety of causes (both physical and mental) including illness and disease, specific mental health conditions, ongoing stress, insomnia, poor diet, and side effects from medication. For a related amplifier, see EXHAUSTION.

PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS:
Slow, deep breaths
Half-closed eyes
An unfocused or lifeless gaze
Staring at nothing
Poor body posture (slouching, slumping, shoulders curling forward, etc.)
Lying prone or sagging in a seat
The body conforming to whatever surface it rests on
Ponderous movements; steps that drag
Propping the head up with a hand
Limp limbs and an overall lack of body tension
Hands and feet that are still
Signs the character is letting themselves go (unwashed hair, wrinkled clothes, etc.)
Using the least amount of physical exertion possible, such as taking the elevator instead of the stairs or eating pizza from the box rather than getting a plate
Drinking caffeinated beverages or energy drinks to stay energized
Sitting or lying for long periods of time without moving
Yawning and stretching
Moving only to shift position
Going without instead of getting up to get something, such as a drink or snack
Asking others to do things that require effort
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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 LETHARGY:
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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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