FRUSTRATION DEFINITION:Vexation caused by unresolved problems or unmet needs; the feeling of being hindered PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Pinching the lips together Placing the arms behind the back, gripping one wrist with the other hand Rushed speech Tapping one’s fingers to release energy Pointing with an index finger Scratching or rubbing the back of the neck Shaking the head Jerky movements (talking with the hands, changing direction mid-stride, etc.) Signs of restlessness, such as pacing in short spans Stiff posture and rigid muscles Clenching the jaw Speaking through the teeth with forced restraint An impatient snort or sneer Cursing under the breath Drawing breath and releasing it before speaking Stretching the hands out wide, then relaxing them Baring one’s teeth Throwing the hands up in anI give upgesture Stalking away from someone; leaving in a huff Lashing out; attempting to hurt someone through name-calling and personal jabs Speaking without thought in a way that could lead to regret Slamming a door Grabbing one’s hair in clumps and looking up at the sky A heavy sigh Laying one’s head down on the table Stilted speaking Tension in one’s voice Running the hands through the hair Fists tight, fingernails biting into the palms A pinched, tension-filled expression Pounding a fist against the tabletop Scrunching up the face and then relaxing it, trying to regain calm Holding one’s head in one’s hands A high chin (exposing one’s neck without fear) Arms crossing in front of the chest Clumsiness due to rushing (slopping coffee, knocking something over, etc.) Theatrical groaning INTERNAL SENSATIONS: The throat closing up A hardening of the stomach Tightness in the chest Signs of high blood pressure (a headache or pounding in one’s ears) Jaw pain from clenching the teeth MENTAL RESPONSES: Extreme focus on problem solving Replaying a scene or event over and over in one’s mind, obsessing over it Self-talking to calm down and think straight A need to ask questions and rehash information Forcibly trying to rein in one’s emotions before it damages relationships ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Shouting, yelling, ranting, screaming, or criticizing Pleading or bargaining:Please stop! Storming out of a room An inability to sleep or relax Profuse sweating Using more force than is necessary (a stomping type of walk, throwing an item instead of handing it off, etc.) A display of violence (kicking, grabbing, shaking, or destroying something in release) Engaging in tantrums—screaming, flinging the body to the floor, crying, etc. (if one is immature) SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Swiping at tears, trying to hide them Silence or minimal responses Briefly closing one’s eyes and taking a deep breath Scraping a hand over the face as if to wash away emotion Excusing oneself and leaving Trying to shake or roll tension from the shoulders MAY ESCALATE TO:Contempt,Anger,Impatience MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Annoyance,Conflicted,Regret,Indifference ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Bottle, burst, crush, grip grit, growl, incite, infuriate inhibit, mutter, pace, push shake, simmer, steam, stew stifle, torment, twitch, unleash vent WRITER’S TIP:Use a character’s intuition to draw the reader more fully into the scene. If you show what has primed it clearly, the reader’s own gut will respond, and they will pay extra close attention. Remember that the flash of intuition must pay off in some way to complete the circle.