AWE DEFINITION:Euphoric-like wonder at being in the presence of something vast enough to change one’s perceptions or understanding of the world NOTES:Awe can enlighten or terrify (based on whether the character can handle what they have experienced), since it often leaves a person feeling small and insignificant. For the negative emotional reaction, please see the HORROR entry. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Ceasing all movement Tension leaving one’s body The shoulders dropping One’s mouth falling open slightly (a slack jaw) The neck tipping back A deeper intake of breath Unabashed staring Slowly releasing a deep breath Being rendered speechless (or becoming less articulate) Forgetting to blink; having a fixed gaze Laying a hand against the breastbone Grabbing the sides of one’s head and then sliding one’s fingers down the cheeks Remaining still for an extended time, not wishing to interrupt the surreal moment Being overcome with a desire to get closer (taking a step, reaching out, etc.) Moving carefully (having a lighter touch, taking slower steps, etc.) Speaking softly as to not break the spell RepeatingWow,orThis is unbelievable. Fumbling a hand toward someone else to draw their attention to the source or event Sitting down to observe and absorb, casting aside other priorities Wrapping one’s arms around oneself Uncontrolled trembling Slowly sliding from a standing to a sitting position Squatting down, as if to rest one’s legs while taking in the spectacle INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Goosebumps sliding along the back of the neck The heart rate picking up Light-headedness An expanding feeling in the chest Feeling fully awake and energized in the aftermath (adrenaline rush) Swallowing to relieve dryness from one’s mouth hanging open MENTAL RESPONSES: Concerns and worries falling away Forgetting what one was in the middle of doing Feeling utterly present in the moment Heightened senses; acute awareness of sensory stimuli (colors, smells, sensations, etc.) Noticing and cataloging “the little things” as part of the experience A desire to share the moment with others; feeling a sense of connection Curiosity being awakened, resulting in mental questions and observations Ignoring discomforts and distractions easily; staying fully focused on the experience ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: A willingness to take risks if it increases one’s connection to the event or experience Legs that wobble (going weak due to overstimulation) Tears sliding down one’s face Being so present in the moment one forgets to record the experience on a cell phone A desire to travel, have new experiences, or connect with the world in a meaningful way Increased generosity and compassion Being more willing to help others One’s mind returning to the experience afterward to revisit the feeling Feeling different than before, like one is more awake or aware In the aftermath, experiencing a “reset” of what’s important in life SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Turning away, breaking eye contact (with effort), and shrugging Sneaking glances at the event or situation rather than keeping one’s focus there Speaking when there’s no need, just to “break the spell” Minimizing the importance of the current moment by relaying a past story or experience that was more awe-inducing Fidgeting on purpose to appear restless or bored (flicking open a lighter lid and closing it over and over, jangling keys, exploring one’s pockets, etc.) MAY ESCALATE TO:Euphoria,Adoration,Desire,Obsessed MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Moved,Connectedness,Admiration,Happiness,Peacefulness,Satisfaction,Humbled ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Astound, bask, calm, comfort dazzle, fascinate, floor, gape gawk, hearten, inspire, listen mesmerize, mystify, praise, revel savor, shiver, silence, spellbind strike, stun, stupefy, thrill tingle, touch, transfix, tremble whisper, wonder WRITER’S TIP:When you’re describing a character’s emotional reaction through the eyes of another character, think about the depth of their relationship. If it’s close, a simple hair tuck or half-wave could be steeped in meaning which the point of view character can then share with the reader.