MOVED DEFINITION:Being deeply stirred emotionally PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: One’s hand covering the heart Eyes glistening Smiling broadly Moving slowly Covering one’s eyes One’s chin dropping to the chest Turning away or stepping outside to get oneself together Closing the eyes and pulling in an expansive breath The bottom lip pressing into the upper one and the chin quivering slightly Pressing one’s fingers to the lips Laying a hand against the breastbone Speaking in a trembling voice A voice that cracks with emotion Letting out an involuntary moan or cry Expressing gratitude (via a letter, with a gift of appreciation, verbally, etc.) Swiping at tears on one’s cheeks Sweeping someone into a hug Sharing a nod and meaningful eye contact with the person causing the feeling A brief loosening of the posture as muscles give out and then “catch” Grabbing onto someone for support Collapsing into a chair Shaking the head in disbelief Steepling the fingers in front of one’s mouth Sniffling Wiping one’s nose or eyes with a tissue Difficulty speaking Hands that tremble slightly Pressing the lips together, as if trying to contain one’s emotion Rising shakily to one’s feet The skin reddening or turning blotchy Reaching out to touch someone who is part of the experience Becoming verbose while expressing gratitude INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A prickle in the nose or behind the eyes A thickness in the throat A lightening sensation; feeling as if a load has been lifted The extremities going numb Warmth expanding through one’s chest Feeling “jumbled” in the midsection MENTAL RESPONSES: An overwhelming sense of relief Scattered thoughts or an overall foggy mental state Tunnel vision; not noticing the peripheral things Being hyper-focused on the person or circumstance responsible for one’s emotion Not caring what other people think about one’s emotional response Experiencing a mixture of emotions (joy, relief, gratitude, surprise, etc.) and not knowing how to express them ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Passing out Hyperventilating Getting hiccups from prolonged crying Being so energized that one can’t sleep Being so determined to show appreciation that one neglects one’s basic needs Becoming clingy or needy; smothering the recipient of one’s gratitude SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: The body going very still The eyes furiously blinking Turning away Biting on the lips Expressing thanks in a gruff tone of voice Clearing the throat Speaking as few words as possible to avoid revealing one’s true feelings Putting space between oneself and the person responsible Giving a curt nod One’s expression growing stony and hard to read MAY ESCALATE TO:Happiness,Gratitude,Overwhelmed,Elation,Euphoria MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Disbelief,Stunned,Relief,Pleased ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Bawl, clasp, collapse, cry drop, fall, gasp, give out grasp, hold, hug, ignite nod, press, quiver, reach shake, sob, stir, touch tremble, weep WRITER’S TIP:Is your character more introverted or extroverted? Knowing where they are on the spectrum can help indicate how expressive they will be, especially when they’re with other characters.