HOPEFULNESS DEFINITION:A bright, promising outlook; optimism PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Holding one’s breath Raising the eyebrows and offering a questioning gaze Leaning in Clutching at the chest or belly Mutteringpleaserepeatedly under the breath Clasping the hands under the chin (in a prayer gesture) A face that seems to shine Gently biting the lip Covering the mouth with a hand, eyes wide and shining Taking deep breaths Wiggling or squirming Verbalizing the pros, not the cons Strong eye contact Smiling Stiff posture, an air of readiness Smoothing one’s clothing to appear collected or worthy Nodding along as another speaks Holding still in expectation Rapid swallowing and nodding Chattiness and babbling The lips parting slightly Asking others to reaffirm the chances of success Shifting back and forth Making promises to convince others of one’s worthiness Offering commitment, to show one’s ability to meet expectations Attentiveness to the tasks or people connected with one’s goal Restlessness Licking the lips with cautious hope Exhaling while the eyes look up A gaze that darts to a symbol of hope (a friend in the know, a table of judges, etc.) INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A flutter in the belly A lighthearted feeling Tingling limbs A jolt through the body (an adrenaline spike) A floating sensation, like all one’s burdens have been removed Breath that temporarily bottles up in the chest MENTAL RESPONSES: A willingness to believe that everything will be all right A strong awareness of one’s surroundings Thinking positive thoughts A sense of calm Focusing on improvement (studying, working extra hard, etc.) Refusing to consider, speak of, or listen to negatives Preparing for the best-case scenario ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Hands clasped in prayer, pressed to the lips, eyes closed Quivering breaths Shakiness Tears A trembling voice Whimpering SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Locking one’s hands together to force them into stillness Mentally reducing high expectations Reminding oneself of obstacles or competition Pressing the palms downward to stave off overconfidence Keeping one’s face blank Looking down or away MAY ESCALATE TO:Eagerness,Excitement,Uncertainty,Disappointment MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Powerlessness,Discouraged,Doubt,Anticipation ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Anticipate, aspire, await, babble beam, beg, build, chatter cheer, desire, dream, jabber pledge, quiver, radiate, smile sparkle, strive, tremble WRITER’S TIP:Force your characters to make choices between bad and worse. Readers will empathize with your character, remembering their own past when they faced a similar dilemma.