PAIN

DEFINITION: physical discomfort associated with an injury or illness

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:
Clenching or grinding the teeth
Probing, rubbing, or grabbing at the pained area
Wincing
Hobbling about; taking tentative steps
Eyes that water or cry
Flinching when touched
Leaning back and grimacing
Expelling a grunt or pained hiss at exertion
Asking for aid (to move, to get something, to call for help)
Medicating
Breaths that saw in and out
Flaring nostrils
Trying to sleep it off
Gripping people or nearby objects for support
A bent back, hunched shoulders
A stiff walk
Trembling limbs
Blotchy skin
Glassy eyes
Screaming, moaning, or groaning
Biting the lip
Rocking back and forth
Panting
Repeating the same phrase over and over
Distracting gestures (flapping a hand, tapping a foot, nodding the head)
Squeezing the eyes shut, refusing to look
Squirming in discomfort
Arching the back

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:
Shuddering breaths
Hyperventilation
Nausea
Light-headedness at the sight of blood
Starbursts behind the eyelids
Tight muscles
Dizziness
Fainting or blacking out
Cramping
Feeling cold or feverish
A dry or coppery taste in the mouth
The body shutting down or going into shock

MENTAL RESPONSES:
Panic
Attempting to calm oneself
Hallucinations
Short-temperedness
Trying to convince oneself that it isn’t as bad as it seems
Bargaining with God

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM PAIN:
Begging for the pain to end
Making final preparations
Depression
A haggard face
Drooping eyelids and mouth
Dark hollows under the eyes
A pale complexion
Excessive sleep
Passing out
Medication dependency or addiction
Personality shifts
Asking for death
Researching, planning, or attempting suicide

CUES OF SUPPRESSED PAIN:
Clenching the jaw
Whitened lips
Tension throughout one’s body
Lying down
Remaining perfectly still
Avoiding talking to others
Sweat gleaming on the face
Hands clenching
Hands bunching up a blanket or clutching at one’s clothing

WRITER’S TIP:Each person has a different pain tolerance. Your character’s personality and (in)ability to withstand pain will determine whether he would show open symptoms of pain or suppress them.