UNEASE DEFINITION:A restlessness of the body or mind PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Shaking one’s head Crossing and uncrossing the arms or legs Shifting in one’s chair Twisting or pulling at clothing Slipping one’s hands into one’s pockets Sidelong glances while keeping the head still Tskingor making a noise in the throat Leaning away from the source Drawing back Making oneself smaller Stopping to listen intently Glancing quickly at the source of unease, then looking away Chewing on a fingernail or picking at one’s cuticles Drawing the mouth into a straight line and biting the lip Excessive swallowing A shaky voice Tugging clothes more firmly into place Flipping the hair or combing one’s fingers through it Hiding behind one’s bangs Being unnaturally quiet Throat-clearing Frowning Pushing food around on a plate Gulping food down in order to escape more quickly Trying to evade notice (slumping in a chair, withdrawing from conversation, etc.) Turning slowly, unwillingly Clutching an item tightly or holding it as a shield Reluctantly speaking or approaching someone Stilted, halting dialogue A tapping heel Checking a cell for messages or to see the time Fiddling with jewelry or props A swinging foot that suddenly goes still Scrunching oneself up on a chair or sofa Choosing a safe spot to wait Flicking through a magazine without reading it Lifting the chin in an attempt to look confident Consciously forcing one’s limbs to relax Licking the lips Hands that won’t settle Crossing and re-crossing one’s legs Tightening the hands into fists, then loosening them Rigid posture Nervous habits (picking off nail polish, humming under the breath, etc.) Rubbing sweaty hands down the front of one’s jeans Constant motion (applying lip gloss, texting people, rooting in one’s purse, etc.) INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A slight chill or shiver Hair lifting on the back of the neck A prickling of the scalp A quiver in the stomach MENTAL RESPONSES: The feeling of being watched Denial:There’s nothing wrong, orStop overreacting. Impatience Time feeling like it’s slowing down Heightened watchfulness ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Shifting from foot to foot as one struggles to remain still Pacing An unshakeable sense of something being wrong Needing to leave but not understanding why Feeling physically ill SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Trying to slow one’s breathing Attempting to loosen up by rolling the shoulders An unfocused gaze as one strives for mental calm Walking away to gain composure Wide eyes A quick, false smile Studiously not looking at the source Keeping at a distance Talking too fast Pretending to be unaware of a loud argument or uncomfortable situation MAY ESCALATE TO:Nervousness,Worry,Fear,Anxiety,Dread MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Resignation,Acceptance,Relief ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Chafe, fidget, hesitate, pace placate, quell, question, rub scratch, sense, shift, squirm stir, stutter, tap, touch twist, voice, worry, wriggle WRITER’S TIP:To create a stronger reader reaction to emotion, remember to focus on showing what triggers the feeling, rather than only showing the character’s response to it.