DEFIANT DEFINITION:Boldly resisting an opposing force, even in the face of defeat PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Drawing oneself up to full height (erect posture, tense muscles, etc.) A sharp chin thrust or lift Crossing the arms A gaze or stare that is challenging and full of judgment A curled lip; smirking Refusing to obey (or behaving the opposite way one is expected to) Shoulders pushing back and the chest jutting out Refusing to be the first to break eye contact Jerking one’s head sharply (“tossing” the head) Inhaling deeply, the nostrils flaring Visible tightness in the jaw and neck Flexing the fingers and drawing them into fists Stepping into the personal space of others Placing one’s hands on one’s hips Attempting to appear larger by taking up more space—e.g., widening one’s stance Using personal knowledge to attack a rival’s position or statement Forceful movements (slamming a door, pushing a chair in harder than is needed, throwing things, etc.) to vent one’s anger Purposeful actions to incite an opponent (rejecting a gift, ignoring directions, etc.) Being unable to sit or remain still Sassiness or rudeness; verbal sparring Deploying sarcasm (in one’s tone, the words uses, in one’s smile, etc.) Heated arguing, which may escalate to yelling and swearing Refusing to apologize Refusing to be dissuaded or placated Communicating one’s fixed position, belief, or view in absolutes:I’ll never back down. A straight-backed stride when walking away INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A throbbing in the chest or throat (the heart beating faster due to increased blood pressure) Ribs that tighten, creating pressure in one’s core A flush of heat in the face and neck Tension in one’s muscles Narrowed vision MENTAL RESPONSES: Thoughts being clouded by frustration and anger Reacting before thinking, thereby escalating a situation or burning a bridge Struggling with focus and concentration, or shifting mental gears to something else Being unable or unwilling to see things from another’s view Analyzing an opponent for weaknesses that can strengthen one’s position Refusing to negotiate unless one’s core demands are met Mentally justifying actions that break rules or create fallout Hanging onto anger and being unable to forgive Needing to have the last word Using anger to mask fear or uncertainty ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Speaking in a hostile tone Making threats Refusing to set disagreements aside (becoming fixated on undermining or besting an opponent, starting a feud, seeking revenge, etc.) Blatant disobedience regardless of the consequences Allowing one’s anger to escalate to violence Cutting ties with people who disagree:You’re either with me or against me. Lunging toward someone Hurling insults and gestures (giving someone the finger, mooning someone, etc.) SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Body tension (tightness in the muscles, sharp posture, etc.) Clenching the jaw Lips that are clamped tight, appearing bloodless and flat Speaking in an uneven voice, the words sounding strained or forced Quiet acts of subversion (doing small things that will damage or undermine a foe) MAY ESCALATE TO:Anger,Rage,Schadenfreude,Fearlessness MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Unappreciated,Conflicted,Confusion,Regret ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Arch, argue, bash, belittle brandish, bristle, call, challenge confront, criticize, dare, defy demand, dispute, embarrass, fight flaunt, fling, glare, hit hurl, ignore, jerk, jut lunge, mock, offend, oppose provoke, punish, push, rebel reject, resist, seethe, shout shriek, slam, snarl, spit stare, subvert, test, threaten undermine WRITER’S TIP:When drafting, if you are unsure of how to show an emotion, use a telling placeholder likeShe shivered in fear. Then, look for the named emotion when revising, remove it, and write something fresh to show. This way, you will not be pulled out of the creative flow.