Body Language Cheat Sheet For Writers 

Body Language Cheat Sheet For Writers 

╰ Facial expressions

These are your micro-signals, like the blinking neon signs of the soul. But they’re small, quick, and often lie harder than words.

Raised eyebrows — This can mean surprise or disbelief, sure. But it can also be a full-on, silent “Are you serious right now?” when someone’s being ridiculous. Or even curiosity when someone’s too emotionally repressed to askthe damn question.

Furrowed brow — That face people make when they’re doing long division in their head or trying to emotionally process a compliment. It’s thinking, yes—but also confusion, deep frustration, or quiet simmering rage.

Smiling — Can be happiness… or total fake-it-till-you-make-it energy. Some smiles are stiff. Some don’t reach the eyes. Show that.

Frowning — Sure, sadness. But also: disappointment, judgment, or the universal “I’m about to say something blunt, brace yourself.”

Lip biting — It’s not just nervousness, it’s pressure. Self-control. Anticipation. It’s the thing people do when they want to say something and decide, at the last second, not to.

╰ Eye movement

The window to the soul? Yeah. But also the window to when someone’s lying, flirting, or deeply trying not to cry in public.

Eye contact — Confidence or challenge. Eye contact can be gentle, curious, sharp like a blade. Sometimes it’s desperate: “Please understand me.”

Avoiding eye contact — Not always guilt. Sometimes it’s protectiveness. Sometimes it’s “I’m afraid if I look at you, you’ll see everything I’m trying to hide.”

Narrowed eyes — Calculating. Suspicious. The look someone gives when their brain’s saying “hmmm...” and it’s not a good hmm.

Wide eyes — Surprise, yes. But also sudden fear. The oh-God-it’s-happening look. Or when someone just found out they’re not as in control as they thought.

Eye roll — Classic. But try using it with tension, like when someone’s annoyed and trying very hard not to lose it in public.

╰ Gestures

This is where characters’ emotions go when their mouths are lying.

Crossing arms — Not just defensive. Sometimes it’s comfort. A self-hug. A barrier when the conversation is getting too personal.

Fidgeting — This is nervous energy with nowhere to go. Watch fingers tapping, rings spinning, sleeves tugged. It says: I’m not okay, but I’m trying not to show it.

Pointing — It’s a stab in the air. Aggressive, usually. But sometimes a desperate plea: Look. Understand this.

Open palms — Vulnerability. Honesty. Or a gesture that says, “I have nothing left to hide.”

Hand on chin — Not just thinking. It’s stalling. It’s delaying. It’s “I’m about to say something that might get me in trouble.”

╰ Posture and movement

These are your vibes. How someone occupies space says everything.

Slumped shoulders — Exhaustion. Defeat. Or someone trying to take up less space because they feel small.

Upright posture — Not always confidence. Sometimes it’s forced. Sometimes it’s a character trying really, really hard to look like they’re fine.

Pacing — Inner chaos externalized. Thinking so loudly it needs movement. Waiting for something. Running from your own thoughts.

Tapping foot — Tension. Irritation. Sometimes a buildup to an explosion.

Leaning in — Intimacy. Interest. Or subtle manipulation. (You matter to me. I’m listening. Let’s get closer.)

╰ Touch

This is intimacy in all its forms, comforting, protective, romantic, or invasive.

Hugging — Doesn’t always mean closeness. Could be a goodbye. Could be an apology they can’t say out loud. Could be awkward as hell.

Handshake — Stiff or crushing or slippery. How someone shakes hands says more than their words do.

Back patting — Casual warmth. Bro culture. Awkward emotional support when someone doesn’t know how to comfort but wants to try.

Clenched fists — Holding something in. Rage, tears, restraint. Fists mean tension that needs somewhere to go.

Hair tuck — Sure, flirtation or nerves. But also a subtle shield. A way to hide. A habit from childhood when someone didn’t want to be seen.

╰ Mirroring:

If two characters start syncing their body language, something is happening. Empathy. Chemistry. Shared grief. If someone shifts their body when the other does? Take notice. Other human bits that say everything without words...

Nodding — Not just yes. Could be an “I hear you,” even if they don’t agree. Could be the “keep going” nod. Could be patronizing if done too slow.

Crossed legs — Chill. Casual. Or closed-off, depending on context. Especially if their arms are crossed too.

Finger tapping — Time is ticking. Brain is pacing. Something’s coming.

Hand to chest — Sincerity, yes. But also shock. Or grounding—a subconscious attempt to stay present when everything feels like too much.

Tilting the head — Curiosity. Playfulness. Or someone listening so hard they forget to hide it.

Temple rub — “I can’t deal.” Could be physical pain. Could be stress. Could be emotional overload in disguise.

Chin stroking — Your classic “I’m judging you politely.” Often used in arguments between characters pretending to be calm.

Hands behind the back — Authority. Control. Or rigid fear masked as control.

Leaning body — This is the body betraying the brain. A tilt toward someone means they care—even if their words are cold.

Nail biting — Classic anxiety. But also habit. Something learned. Sometimes people bite because that’s how they self-soothe.

Squinting — Focusing. Doubting. Suspicion without confrontation.

Shifting weight — Uncomfortable. Unsure. Someone who wants to leave but doesn’t.

Covering the mouth — Guilt. Hesitation. The “should I say this?” moment before something big drops.

Body language is more honest than dialogue. If you really want to show your character’s internal world, don’t just give them lines. Give them a hand that won’t stop shaking. Give them a foot that won’t stop bouncing. Give them a mouth that smiles when their eyes don’t. And if you’re not sure what your character would do in a moment of fear, or love, or heartbreak, try acting it out yourself. Seriously. Get weird. Feel what your body does. Then write that down.

More Posts from Thediagnosedweeb and Others

9 months ago
Miau Miau Miau (translation: Meow Meow Meow)

Miau miau miau (translation: meow meow meow)

1 month ago
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb

I Saw the TV Glow(2024) dir. Jane Schoenbrun // An Apartment on Uranus by Paul B. Preciado

5 years ago
Parasite And Girl
Parasite And Girl
Parasite And Girl
Parasite And Girl
Parasite And Girl

Parasite and Girl

5 years ago
#prayforkyoani
#prayforkyoani
#prayforkyoani
#prayforkyoani
#prayforkyoani
#prayforkyoani
#prayforkyoani

#prayforkyoani

Air: Jan 7, 2005 to Mar 25, 2005. Kanon (2006): Oct 6, 2006 to Mar 16, 2007 Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu: Apr 3, 2006 to Jul 3, 2006 Lucky Star: Apr 8, 2007 to Sep 17, 2007 Clannad: Oct 5, 2007 to Mar 28, 2008 K-ON!: Apr 3, 2009 to Jun 26, 2009 Nichijou: Apr 3, 2011 to Sep 25, 2011 Hyouka: Apr 23, 2012 to Sep 17, 2012 Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!: Oct 4, 2012 to Dec 20, 2012 Tamako Market: Jan 10, 2013 to Mar 28, 2013 FREE!: Jul 4, 2013 to Sep 26, 2013 Kyoukai no Kanata: Oct 3, 2013 to Dec 19, 2013 Amagi Brilliant Park: Oct 7, 2014 to Dec 26, 2014 Hibike! Euphonium: Apr 8, 2015 to Jul 1, 2015 Musaigen no Phantom World: Jan 7, 2016 to Mar 31, 2016 Koe no Katachi: Sep 17, 2016 Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon: Jan 12, 2017 to Apr 6, 2017 Violet Evergarden: Jan 11, 2018 to Apr 5, 2018

3 months ago

In the future, children will think our ways are strange. "Why do old people always grow so much milkweed in their gardens?" they'll say. "Why do old people always write down when the first bees and butterflies show up? Why do old people hate lawn grass so much? Why do old people like to sit outside and watch bees?"

We will try to explain to them that when we were young, most people's yards were almost entirely short grass with barely any flowers at all, and it was so commonplace to spray poisons to kill insects and weeds that it was feared monarch butterflies and American bumblebees would soon go extinct. We will show them pictures of sidewalks, shops, and houses surrounded by empty grass without any flowers or vegetables and they will stare at them like we stared at pictures of grimy children working in coal mines

2 months ago

i remember learning the word melancholy at age 7 or something and thinking oh this word's gonna be huge for me

7 months ago

hey guys do you ever think about how kirk is married to his ship (a noble and logical machine that has a heart that burns as hot as a star) and spock is married to starfleet (the idea of facing the vast and unknown universe with kindness, fairness, and courage)?? I do. I think about it. I think about it a lot.

5 months ago

Spock would be a Mitski girlie

He’s Gotta Analyze Why The Song Gives Him Such An Intense Emotional Response

He’s gotta analyze why the song gives him such an intense emotional response

1 year ago

Me

i'm like a stray dog in a lot of ways but i will not elaborate on that

1 year ago

A believer asks their God for love

I want to be consumed. To not be myself anymore and become part of something else. That’s what true love is. I want you to give me new life. Set fire to my soul. I’ve spent my whole life hurting, aching but I know love will fix me. Your love will fix me. Kiss me with those golden lips and pour your sunshine into me. It will fix me. It has to. Everything I touch, I leave with scars. Look what I've done to my body, look at my body and tell me you still love me. Touch the scar on my right knee, caress the mark on my forehead, kiss the old wounds on my achilles heel. Take them from me, I give them willingly. What is my body supposed to do without you, how should I move it without your instruction? 

My whole life I have been waiting for you. I am a believer prostrating before the altar of my god, you. Wash away my sins, make me anew. Let me be reborn in your light. Make me into something lovable, make into something worth holding. Unmake me from what I am. You are purity and divinity, all things I am not. When God made us, we were made in your image, but not me. Not me. I am a wretched thing, I am not your creation but I could be. I could be beautiful, I know you could make it so. 

I once heard someone ask “Do you love God or are you in love with God?” and yes is my answer. Is there a difference? Not to me. 

 I love you like something that can’t be loved back. I know that, I know that.


Tags
  • writercjblackwell
    writercjblackwell liked this · 1 month ago
  • clmatx
    clmatx liked this · 1 month ago
  • naughty-goddess
    naughty-goddess liked this · 1 month ago
  • moonhearting
    moonhearting liked this · 1 month ago
  • iwasforcedhazbin
    iwasforcedhazbin liked this · 1 month ago
  • allywithdrawings
    allywithdrawings liked this · 1 month ago
  • caustic-crow
    caustic-crow reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • caustic-crow
    caustic-crow liked this · 1 month ago
  • afroempresss
    afroempresss liked this · 1 month ago
  • solvisun
    solvisun liked this · 1 month ago
  • kowsarsstuff
    kowsarsstuff liked this · 1 month ago
  • chamomilechaos
    chamomilechaos reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • chamomilechaos
    chamomilechaos liked this · 1 month ago
  • coffeegirlfriend
    coffeegirlfriend reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • coffeegirlfriend
    coffeegirlfriend liked this · 1 month ago
  • too-short-to-be-a-stormtrooper
    too-short-to-be-a-stormtrooper liked this · 1 month ago
  • onewiththepun
    onewiththepun liked this · 1 month ago
  • genesisnova-09
    genesisnova-09 liked this · 1 month ago
  • plasticfreckles
    plasticfreckles reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • boredforeveryreason
    boredforeveryreason reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • lurkingforeveryreason
    lurkingforeveryreason liked this · 1 month ago
  • tia-heights
    tia-heights reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • tia-heights
    tia-heights liked this · 1 month ago
  • xypheris
    xypheris liked this · 1 month ago
  • stormborn1990
    stormborn1990 liked this · 1 month ago
  • velvet-sword
    velvet-sword liked this · 1 month ago
  • potetosaradas
    potetosaradas liked this · 1 month ago
  • monsterbaity
    monsterbaity reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • sleepyeladrin
    sleepyeladrin liked this · 1 month ago
  • ragingraven29
    ragingraven29 liked this · 1 month ago
  • evadne01
    evadne01 liked this · 1 month ago
  • homeetsworld
    homeetsworld reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • 7ivingcorpse
    7ivingcorpse liked this · 1 month ago
  • pink-vampire
    pink-vampire liked this · 1 month ago
  • autismcatboy
    autismcatboy reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • autismcatboy
    autismcatboy liked this · 1 month ago
  • littlelightvii
    littlelightvii reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • littlelightvii
    littlelightvii liked this · 1 month ago
  • newberinnings
    newberinnings liked this · 1 month ago
  • letsgofruits
    letsgofruits liked this · 1 month ago
  • themadvigilantist
    themadvigilantist liked this · 1 month ago
  • mischiefwrites
    mischiefwrites reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • jackiithedevil
    jackiithedevil reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • jackiithedevil
    jackiithedevil liked this · 1 month ago
  • courtofcrescent
    courtofcrescent liked this · 1 month ago
  • silentangstdemon
    silentangstdemon reblogged this · 1 month ago
  • silentangstdemon
    silentangstdemon liked this · 1 month ago
thediagnosedweeb - The diagnosed weeb
The diagnosed weeb

They/them. Mostly post original poetry and such

73 posts

Explore Tumblr Blog
Search Through Tumblr Tags