OBSESSED DEFINITION:Being excessively concerned about or interested in someone or something NOTES:The character’s obsession could be a person or group of people (a love interest or sports team), a goal (being elected class president, escaping from a captor), a hobby (a specific exercise regime, scrapbooking), or anything else that holds their attention for an extended period of time. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Listening with rapt attention (leaning forward, eyes wide, vigorously nodding the head, etc.) The pitch of one’s voice rising An over-bright, fanatic shine in the eyes A laser-focused gaze An unkempt appearance (uncombed hair, wrinkled clothing, bags under the eyes, etc.) One’s words running together as one talks about the obsession Speaking animatedly (flapping the hands, bouncing on the heels, fingers jittering, etc.) Monopolizing conversations; talking over other people to voice one’s opinions Staring longingly at the focus of one’s obsession Quickening breaths Moving closer or rising up on one’s toes to see the person through a crowd Wearing clothing, accessories, jewelry, etc. that are associated with one’s obsession Moving to a location that makes it easier to pursue the focus of one’s interest Choosing clothing and hairstyles to emulate the person one is focused on or to specifically draw their attention Talking about the obsession with anyone who will listen Collecting the object in its many forms—buttons, bobbleheads, cards, whatever applies Joining a fan club Attending events (conferences, book signings, etc.) where the subject is being honored Seeking out others who share this same obsession Growing angry when the subject is belittled Allowing one’s conversation and focus to be distracted Stalking the subject Learning everything one can about one’s obsession Blowing off friends and family in favor of the obsession Crossing moral boundaries in one’s pursuit Pursuing the person or goal despite rejection or failure Spending excessive time, money, or energy on activities tied to the obsession Turning conversations back to the object of one’s obsession INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A rush of adrenaline when the subject appears or is mentioned A taut feeling in the midsection when one is unable to pursue the obsession The heart beating frantically when the subject appears MENTAL RESPONSES: Having a single-minded focus A compulsive need to pursue or own the object of desire The mind constantly turning back to the obsession The mind replaying the same events over and over Fantasizing about one’s obsession Believing that life is less fulfilling without the object of one’s desire Mood swings that are driven by one’s perceived success or failure ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Fatigue High blood pressure An inability to fully function when one isn’t near or pursuing the subject Muscle tics Lack of hygiene and self-care Going long stretches without engaging with others; becoming isolated Obsessive-compulsive behaviors A loss of self as the preoccupation with the obsession takes priority over other needs Losing touch with one’s emotions; becoming numb to them Becoming angry and defensive when confronted about having an unhealthy obsession SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Attempting to play it cool around others Avoiding mention of the subject in an attempt to throw others off Denying any interest at all in the object of one’s desire Inattentiveness; trying to pay attention but not always being able to do so Joining groups or going out with friends but not truly engaging Escalating worry over what people would think if they found out Trying to hide one’s displeasure if the subject is disparaged (mashing the lips together, crossing the arms, turning away, etc.) MAY ESCALATE TO:Betrayed,Despair MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Indifference,Adoration,Awe,Desire,Eagerness,Excitement ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Consume, engross, enthrall, fixate focus, grip, haunt, preoccupy pursue, stalk, strive, target torment WRITER’S TIP:When it comes to emotion, humor can have many uses. For some, it is a way to work past a situation with optimism intact. Others use it to deflect or distract. What purpose does humor serve your character’s state of mind?