EMOTION AMPLIFIER THESAURUS

SENSORY OVERLOAD



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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:
Sensory overload happens when a person is exposed to more information than their brain can process. This overload can be caused by excessive visual inputs, too many sounds or loud noises, strong smells, textural triggers, and even tastes. Some characters, due to their physical and mental makeup, will be naturally sensitive in this area while others may only become overwhelmed in certain environments and situations.

PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS:
The body going still and tense
Eyes going wide and darting about, trying to take everything in
Voicing discomfort about things that aren't bothering other people
Shielding the part of the body that's being affected (the eyes, ears, nose, etc.)
Shrinking away from the stimulus; making the body small and tight
Wincing and closing the eyes
Flinching or micro twitches
Taking a step back
Turning away from the source of discomfort
Sweating profusely
Breaths coming fast and short
The character's chest rising and falling rapidly
Difficulty following and contributing to conversations
Not responding to questions
The character's eyes not focusing on the person who's speaking to them
Self-soothing gestures (humming quietly, wringing the hands, cracking knuckles, etc.)
Clenching and unclenching the hands
Staggering and stumbling as they walk
Being easily startled
Agitated movements; moving clumsily
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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 SENSORY OVERLOAD:
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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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