PHYSICAL FEATURE THESAURUS

KNEES



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HELPFUL TIP:

Physical features should do more than simply describe how a character looks. Just like their occupation or area of giftedness, a character's appearance can say a great deal about them. Hinting at traits through clothing choices, alluding to an emotional state through movements, and highlighting certain details for comparison or contrast purposes can help readers form opinions on who the character really is.
DESCRIPTORS AND KEY ELEMENTS:
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COMMON ACTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE WORDS TO DENOTE THEM:
Hurt: ache, twinge, tear, throb, smart, pang, gripe, spasm, prick, stab
Stiffen: clench, tighten, harden, thicken, freeze up, swell, fossilize, callous
Give out: collapse, hitch, catch, fold, fail
Lock: clench, support, brace, squeeze, tense

EMOTIONS AND RELATED GESTURES:
  • In times of great fear, the knees will loosen and tremble, threatening to give way. To counteract their failing stability, a person might clench the knees or lock them. He might also sit down or lean against a support to take weight off of the unstable joints.
  • Someone experiencing unease might rub or stroke the knees in a soothing manner or grip the knees with both hands in an effort to calm down.
  • Excitement can cause the knees to stiffen, tighten, or lock.
  • Alternatively, the knee joints may weaken or give out completely during times of extreme relief.

SIMILE AND METAPHOR EXAMPLES:
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CLICHÉS TO AVOID:
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BODY DESCRIPTION NOTES:
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