ANGER DEFINITION:Strong displeasure or wrath, usually aroused by a perceived wrong PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Flaring nostrils Noisy breathing Sweating Holding the elbows wide from the body, with one’s chest thrust out Sweeping arm gestures Handling objects or people roughly A high chin Legs that are planted wide Baring one’s teeth, glaring Repetitive, sharp gestures (shaking a fist, etc.) Cutting people off when they speak Jerky head movements Eyes that seem to bulge Flexing the fingers or arm muscles Cracking one’s knuckles Rolling up one’s sleeves or loosening a collar Eyes that are cold, hard, or flinty Entering another’s personal space to intimidate them Jeering, taunting, and deploying a cutting wit A tightness in the eyes or expression A reddening of the face Lips that flatten or curl Closed body posture (crossing the arms, etc.) Nails biting into one’s palms Pounding one’s fists against thighs, table, a wall, etc. Slamming doors, cupboards, or drawers Punching, kicking, and throwing things Stomping or stamping A vein that pulses, twitches, or becomes engorged Laughter with an edge A shaking or raised voice; yelling Deepening one’s tone Deploying sarcasm; insulting others Picking fights (verbal or physical) Snapping at people Visible sweat on one’s skin INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Grinding one’s teeth Muscles quivering Pulse speeding A pounding heartbeat The body tensing Heat flushing through the body MENTAL RESPONSES: Irritability Poor listening skills Jumping to conclusions Irrational reactions to inconsequential things Demanding immediate action Impetuosity Taking inappropriate action or risks Fantasizing violence ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Exploding over little things Ulcers and hypertension Skin problems, such as eczema and acne Damaging one’s own property to vent Longer recovery time from surgeries, accidents, and other trauma Road rage Taking anger out on innocent bystanders SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Using a carefully controlled tone Drawing in slow, steady breaths False smiles Passive-aggressive comments Avoiding eye contact Slanting the body away from the source of anger Withdrawing from the conversation Hiding one’s hands and feet so clenching and twitching can’t be seen Excusing oneself for a brief time Headaches Experiencing sore muscles and pain in the jaw MAY ESCALATE TO:Rage,Hatred,Obsessed,Vengeful MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Bitterness,Emasculated,Frustration,Irritation,Annoyance ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Blaze, consume, explode, flare inflame, provoke, quake, rage redden, restrain, rile, seethe shout, simmer, surge, tremble trigger, vent WRITER’S TIP:Pay special attention to the events leading up to an emotional response. If the plotting feels contrived, the character’s reaction will seem contrived as well.