SUSPICION DEFINITION:Intuitively suspecting that something is wrong PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Narrowing the eyes; squinting The body angling away from the source A wrinkled brow Flushed skin A deliberate lowering of the head to study or stare Arms tight to the body Shooting glances at the suspect or source Avoiding direct eye contact A fake smile Sneaking or spying Eavesdropping Following the suspect Retreating or keeping at a safe distance Evaluating the subject’s manner and appearance Forced nonchalance to avoid the subject’s notice (hands in pockets, etc.) Crouching or leaning forward to get closer without being seen Lips that are pressed flat Recording the suspect’s activity and movement (taking notes, pictures, etc.) A set jaw Tilting the head while mentally weighing the evidence Being confrontational:What are you doing here?orWhat do you want? Pointing a finger while confronting someone Openly expressing distrust Crossing the arms Legs that are wide apart A raised voice Trying to convince others of the suspect’s guilt Big movements (waving the arms while talking, counting arguments on one’s fingers, etc.) Swaying from side to side Arguing with the suspect Pacing Biting the inside of the lip Asking questions one already knows the answers to Sarcasm:So, you just happened to be there when my car’s tires were slashed, huh? Questioning others as a way of gathering information Googling the suspect Avoiding a particular area or choosing a new route INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Quickened breaths An adrenaline rush A thumping heartbeat The fight-flight-or-freeze reflex kicking in A knot in the belly MENTAL RESPONSES: Listening intently to catch the suspect in their lie Mentally running through everything known about the situation Wanting to shield oneself and others from the person Second-guessing oneself, fearing others will think one’s concerns are irrational Carefully preparing an argument or plan of attack Weighing the danger level of the situation ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Obsession with the suspect or source Stalking Setting up the suspect in the hopes he will reveal his true self Attempting to openly discredit or blackball the suspect Contacting the appropriate authorities to express concern Fantasizing about the day the suspect is finally exposed Looking for changes to a location that will confirm one’s beliefs about possible danger SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: A slight nod Hmms, as opposed to overt agreement A flat tone of voice Noncommittal answers Avoiding the suspected person Agreeing too quickly, too loudly Over-the-top support:I’m with you 100%,orI absolutely agree. Nervous movements (biting fingernails, twisting a shirt button, rubbing the neck, etc.) Standing back from the suspect; not stepping into his circle of friends Spending minimum time with the suspect before finding a reason to leave MAY ESCALATE TO:Unease,Fear,Agitation,Anger,Paranoia MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Acceptance,Uncertainty,Doubt,Wariness ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Argue, bait, catch, confront creep, criticize, disprove, eavesdrop examine, follow, furrow, lurk narrow, peer, plant, pose pretend, question, scrutinize, sneak snoop, spy, squint, stalk study, trail, trap, trick undermine, watch WRITER’S TIP:While it’s tempting to let a character speak openly about their emotions in dialogue, it will raise a red flag for the reader. If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t let your character.