SCORN DEFINITION:Extreme contempt or derision; regarding as inferior PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A biting remark Belittling comments that remind the target who has the upper hand A smirk A quick, disgusted snort Looming over the target Crossed arms and a wide stance Sarcasm A tight jaw A harsh squint A deliberate eyebrow raise and head tilt Pulling down one’s glasses and looking over the rims with a flat gaze Flapping a hand in dismissal Bullying tactics An exaggerated eye roll or upward glance Blowing out a breath that rattles the lips Insulting the target in front of others A thrust-out chest An ugly twist to the mouth Encouraging others to speak up against the target Limited verbal responses, as if the target isn’t even worth talking to Laughter at the person’s expense A wrinkled nose Flicking a hand in front of one’s nose as if to get rid of a bad smell A tight mouth, as if tasting something bad Narrowed eyes Staring the target down Applauding in a deliberately false fashion Projecting hurtful observations:I’d be embarrassed if I were you! Ridiculing the person’s beliefs Anger at being touched or addressed by the target Calling attention to the person’s weaknesses Ignoring the target Speaking slowly to emphasize hurtful words Leaving to show that the target is not worth one’s time Apologizing to others for having their time wasted by the target INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A puffed-up feeling The rush of adrenaline at taking away another’s power Elevated body temperature Increased heart rate MENTAL RESPONSES: Elation at delivering a blow to an opponent through dialogue or action Anger A desire to put the person in their place Superiority Arrogance ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Asking questions to further incriminate the target Egging the target on Picking fights Forcing the target into circumstances where they’re sure to fail Gathering other like-minded people and encouraging their scorn Seeking to hurt through a low blow comment SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: A blank, emotionless face Becoming unresponsive to questions or actions Turning away Shaking the head A slight muscle jump in the cheek A tightened jaw Clamping one’s lips tight to keep from saying anything Making an excuse to leave If pressed, stating that one’s opinions will not be popular and it’s better to stay silent MAY ESCALATE TO:Anger,Hatred,Elation MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Resentment,Pity ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Bark, belittle, bully, corner demean, dismiss, disparage, expose glare, goad, humiliate, insinuate insult, interrupt, mistreat, mock narrow, offend, pin, press ridicule, scoff, shame, smirk snap, sneer, snicker, snort squint, taunt, trap WRITER’S TIP:When describing a character’s emotional state, pay attention to their voice. Does it rise or drop in pitch? Get louder or softer? Grow rough or silky smooth? Changes in pitch and tone are great indicators for when a character is trying to hide their feelings from others.