Expressing fear in writing can be a complex task. This lies in the fact that fear is tied to various emotional, physiological, and behavioral reactions. To create a believable sense of terror or anxiety in your narrative, it’s essential to address all these aspects along with the personal history of your characters.
Acknowledge the types of fear: Rational and Irrational
Fear can be rational (legitimate fears linked to life-threatening circumstances) or irrational (unjustified fears also known as phobias). While rational fears elevate tension, irrational fears add layers to characters, revealing much about their past experiences or personality traits.
- Rational Fears: Fear of death, harm, getting lost, etc.
- Irrational Fears (Phobias): Fear of clowns, spiders, heights, etc.
Physiological Reactions: Addressing the “Fight or Flight” Response
Fear triggers a plethora of physiological reactions in our bodies. This ‘fight or flight’ response, more scientifically known as the “acute stress response,” tends to manifest in a number of ways.
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating
- Flushed face
- Trembling
- Shallow, rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Chills
- Rapid heart rate
Behavioral Reactions: Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn
Behavioral responses to fear can differ significantly depending on various factors such as personality, environment, and the specific trigger of fear.
- Fight: The character becomes aggressive or defensive.
- Flight: The character attempts to escape or hide.
- Freeze: The character freezes up, becoming incapable of moving or making a decision.
- Fawn: The character tries to appease the source of fear to prevent potential harm.
‘Show, Don’t Tell’: Using Descriptive Language and Body Language
Just stating that a character is scared often won’t cut it. To create a more immersive experience for the reader, use descriptive language to show their fear. Consider portraying their physical reactions or internal monologue.
Also take into account the character’s body language – such actions can subtly hint at their underlying fear.
Using Fear to Reveal Character Traits
Lastly, remember that fear, especially phobias, can reveal a lot about a character’s past and personality. A well-placed fear that causes a character to act against their usual behavior could lead to interesting plot twists and deeper character development.
Conclusions
Writing fear involves more than just saying a character is scared. It’s about delving into the physical and emotional reaction of the character, understanding their personal fears, and using fear as a tool for deeper characterization. With these tips, your horror scenes will be truly spine-chilling and your tense moments will keep readers on the edge of their seats.