PRIDE DEFINITION:Proper self-respect arising from a significant achievement, possession of an item, or involvement in a relationship PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A high chin Shoulders held back The chest thrust out Standing tall with good posture, the legs spread wide A gleam in one’s eye A knowing grin Perfectionism Watching others to see their reactions Verbalizing the ups and downs that led to this point Calling friends and loved ones to tell them about an accomplishment Direct or intense eye contact A booming laugh A huge smile that shows a lot of teeth Becoming talkative Being generous with compliments Using one’s success to encourage others:If I can do it, so can you. Lifting the heels and rising slightly to emphasize one’s words Steering or dominating the conversation Becoming more animated when there’s an audience A grin that conveys secret knowledge Thrusting oneself into the middle of an event or debate A satisfied smile Expansive movements Hooking the thumbs into one’s belt loops and thrusting the pelvis forward Pulling in a deep breath Ignoring or overlooking any flaws associated with the pride item A preoccupation with one’s appearance Standing with the hands tucked into one’s armpits, thumbs visible and pointing up Flipping the hair back Assuming a pose that’s sexy or draws attention to one’s best attributes Appearing unaffected by what others think Speaking first and thinking second (if at all) INTERNAL SENSATIONS: The feeling of being taller, bigger, and stronger The lungs expanding to their fullest through deep, satisfied breaths MENTAL RESPONSES: Positive self-thoughts Preoccupation with one’s achievements or successes A feeling of being able to conquer the world Wanting to be surrounded by supportive loved ones A desire to share achievements with others A tendency to judge people according to one’s personal measuring stick Overestimating one’s capabilities Underestimating others A sense of entitlement Planning and seeking advantages Being terrified of failure (if one is used to succeeding) Thinking about how to exceed the expectations of others ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Enjoyment at proving others wrong Bragging; obsessively talking about an achievement or material object Praising group accomplishments to remind people of one’s involvement Reacting with anger or jealousy if one’s reputation is impugned Making radical statements or promises about future goals Revisiting the source or place of accomplishment to feel empowered SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Waving off a compliment Passing the credit to someone else Turning attention away from oneself Seeking others’ opinions as a form of validation False modesty MAY ESCALATE TO:Smugness,Contempt,Confidence MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Pleased,Uncertainty,Insecurity ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Bask, boast, brag, confide confront, defend, deliver, disdain dismiss, flaunt, laugh, preen puff up, regale, smirk, sneer strut, swagger, swell WRITER’S TIP:How comfortable is your character with the full range of emotions? Are there certain feelings they’re afraid to show? Explore this possibility to add nuance to your character’s emotional responses.