BETRAYED DEFINITION:A state of wounded outrage at being dehumanized and disrespected by someone of value NOTES:When a character feels betrayed, reactions will vary depending on how personal the relationship was. This state often embraces a progression of complicated emotions: shock, disbelief, and denial that eventually turn to acceptance, hurt, or outrage. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: One’s posture stiffening suddenly Flinching (especially if the betrayal is revealed through something said) A shocked, deeply pained look (the eyebrows drawing together, an inward stare, etc.) Closing the eyes while lowering one’s head Poking a tongue against a cheek while exhaling A deliberate, angry shaking of the head, with the mouth forming a round “O” Letting out a forceful breath Difficulty forming words immediately Forearm muscles that twitch and grow taut The head cocking to the side Making fists (possibly quaking and whitening from the tension) Lips that are pinched tight An intense, cold stare Rubbing at the hair on one’s crown and then grabbing a fistful Kneading at one’s chest Holding one’s head while seated and askingWhy?or sayingI can’t believe this. Quick, jerky movements Increasing personal distance (backing up, creating space between oneself and others, etc.) Shielding the body (crossing one’s arms, moving to stand behind a chair, etc.) Nostrils that flare Clumsiness that escalates one’s rage Throwing or shoving something for release A voice that grows rough or thick Speaking in short bursts or letting out a long tirade Needing to sit down but being unable to stay seated for long Swearing, name-calling, and making verbal judgments Clenching or grinding one’s teeth Rising in height, the spine going stiff as anger takes hold Pinching the bridge of one’s nose and pushing out slow, deep breaths to try and calm down Revealing secrets or sensitive information about the person to others INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Pressure or pain as one sucks in the cheeks to bite down on them in anger A sharp pain or sudden tightness in the chest Blurring vision and a sensation of heat as one tries to fend off tears Pain in the throat Growing hot as the body temperature rises Pain in the palms from fingernails digging into skin (clenched fists) MENTAL RESPONSES: A primal urge to hit or destroy something (fight) Vacillating between disbelief, hurt, and rage A desire for revenge Feeling deeply vulnerable and exposed Recalling past interactions with the betrayer and analyzing them for missed signs Wanting to be alone to process what’s happened (flight) ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Negative self-talk for not seeing this coming or for offering trust in the first place Self-loathing for a perceived inner weakness (naivety, gullibility, etc.) Fantasizing about the betrayer getting what they deserve Making plans to bring the betrayer’s actions to light so they are held accountable Seeking revenge and engaging in violence SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Going from animated and engaged to withdrawn and nonverbal Taking longer than normal to respond in a conversation Making an excuse to leave Laughing it off Showing false empathy:I’m sure he had a good reason,orShe must have been in a bad place. Acting as if this outcome was expected Being the bigger person even though it hurts deeply (responding with grace) MAY ESCALATE TO:Appalled,Rage,Vengeful MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Disillusionment,Insecurity,Wariness,Powerlessness,Bitterness ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Ache, alienate, blindside, bruise carve, clench, cripple, crush cut, daze, demoralize, destroy devastate, erode, eviscerate, falter grieve, hinder, impede, insult jeopardize, offend, rattle, ravage resent, retaliate, scathe, shake shock, strike, suffer, tarnish undermine, upset, violate, weaken wound WRITER’S TIP:All people, and therefore all characters, make associations when exploring their world. For each setting, think about any emotional attachments a character may have to it based on their past experiences. Then, use these associations to evoke mood.