LONGING DEFINITION:Urgently wanting something that one has yet to obtain NOTES:While the object of a character’s longing is often another person, it can also be anything else, even something intangible. For instance, they might long to escape a boring job, mend something broken in society, or learn more about their culture. For detailed information on the longing associated with people, please see the DESIRE entry. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Closing one’s eyes Taking deep breaths Staring out the window Daydreaming Smiling wistfully The lips parting An inward gaze Absently toying with a necklace, ring, or other comfort item Running a finger along the edge of a shirt collar Long periods of stillness and quiet, as one’s thoughts turn inward Speaking in a soft voice about the subject of one’s longing The voice taking on a wistful tone Rubbing a palm over one’s heart Throwing oneself into hobbies or work to distract oneself Frequently losing the thread of conversations Not noticing the things in one’s environment A waning interest in passions and interests one used to enjoy Spending time alone Researching the area of longing (e.g., visiting travel sites, looking into educational courses, frequenting forums where like-minded people are discussing a topic, etc.) Talking to others about how to set a course that will lead to eventual fufillment Being in a group but not really engaging; the mind being elsewhere Insomnia Loss of appetite (or forgetting to eat) Facial features brightening when the longed-for subject is broached Making plans to acquire what one longs for Talking often about the thing one wants Looking at pictures, videos, or other mementos that represent what one longs for INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A weight in the chest Heavy limbs Heartache A dulling of the senses One’s nerves firing all at once when the object of one’s desire is within grasp MENTAL RESPONSES: Tuning out distractions in order to concentrate on one’s goals Frustration with any barriers keeping one from one’s desire Daydreaming or fantasizing about what one wants Desperation, as if one’s dreams will never come true The sense that time is passing very slowly Difficulty focusing on other things Thinking obsessively about the thing one wants Deliberately cutting off thoughts about one’s desire; trying not to think about it ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Isolation Depression Excessive weight loss or gain Making big changes, such as moving or quitting school, so one can pursue the object Obsessively pursuing the desire regardless of how futile it is Sacrificing everything in the pursuit (one’s savings, job, self-respect, etc.) Being unable to enjoy one’s blessings Bitterness and resentment One’s longing turning to contempt and disdain SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Denying one’s interest Avoiding the object of one’s desire Feigning interest in something else to throw people off Ignoring or scorning what one secretly desires Forced laughter MAY ESCALATE TO:Discouraged,Desperation,Bitterness,Anguish,Excitement,Obsessed,Elation,Satisfaction,Resignation MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Indifference,Curiosity,Admiration ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Ache, aspire, calculate, contrive covet, crave, desire, hunt need, notice, pine for, plan plot, pursue, stalk, strive for want, watch, woo, yearn WRITER’S TIP:When characters are distracted, they miss the obvious, creating perfect pathways to conflict and disaster. Think about how overlooked aspects of a setting, the behavior of others, and important bits of dialogue can lead to complications down the road.