PHYSICAL FEATURE THESAURUS

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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:
Move: run, walk, jog, stride, sprint, pump, piston, leap, jump, dash, dart, lope, trot, race, flee, hurry, skip
Dance: boogie, cavort, careen, hop, jive, frolic, prance, caper, jitter, romp
Support: uphold, stand, bear weight, prop up

EMOTIONS AND RELATED GESTURES:
Nervousness can cause the legs to tremble or grow weak, making a person want to sit down. A nervous person might cross and uncross her legs or use them to switch back and forth between sitting and standing. Pacing is also a common response to this emotion.
During times of terror, the legs can respond to the fight-or-flight scenario in a number of ways. They might suddenly weaken or seize up, causing the person to collapse. Alternatively, they may twitch or jerk as the subject prepares to bolt.
In times of excitement, the legs often exhibit quick, almost involuntary motions. They might quiver or tremble as adrenaline rushes through them. The subject might find herself bouncing, jumping, or twitching in response.

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