Cherry Princess

We’ve done lip biting to death... Let’s evolve.

When character is angry:

Snapped

Spat

Snarled

Hissed

Barked

...or sad:

Choked

Mumbled

Managed

Croaked

Murmured

...or if they're feeling nervous:

Stammered

Babbled

Rambled

Muttered

Squeaked

...and even when flirting:

Coaxed

Purred

Teased

Hummed

SUBTLE: giving looks, brushing hands, little comments that could be mistaken for an innocent compliment

PLAYFUL: lighthearted teasing & banter, exaggerated reaction, poking fun at behaviours, playful shoves, feigned offense, "Oh, you think you're funny, do you?"

SUGGESTIVE: straightforward, complimenting looks, casual physical touch, dirty jokes, expressing desire, "We could always sneak out somewhere quieter."

ROMANTIC: head over heals, thoughtful gestures, blushing, classically romantic gestures (holding doors, holding an umbrella, bringing coffee in the morning), "My soul knows yours from another lifetime and calls for yours in this one too."

ANXIOUS: freaking out over every text and interaction, discussing every move with their friends,

BOLD: direct, no subtly, relationships always labelled, "I've really liked being around you. Could I maybe take you on a date sometime?"

SHY: nervous, insecure, showing no interest until they are sure the other is interested, fidgeting, daydreaming about what could be if they had the courage to confess, using excuses to be close to them, "Um... you look really good today."

CARETAKING: acts of service, protectiveness, checking in, bringing snacks, offering jacket, fixing things, walking them home, "Brought you coffee; it's still warm."

CASUAL & INTENSE: platonic flirting with no further intentions, way over the top at times, effortless, fun, teasing, maybe eventually leading to more, "You look great, please break my back and reshape my inner organs."

long hugs, melting into each other

comparing hand sizes

burying face in their stomach when laying down

several kisses in quick succession

hugs from behind

huddling up on a cold day

rolling in bed until they are slotted together

tickling

nose / cheek / forehead kisses

stealing their hat and putting it on

forehead to forehead

smothering them with their own body

carrying them around their apartment

head resting on their shoulder

climbing in their lap

checking them out when they change even after years together

holding hands in a stressful moment

slapping their ass in passing

tucking their hair back

casual brushes while passing them

massages

kissing the palm on their hand and then nuzzling into it

playing with the other's fingers

lifting them and setting them on the counter to have better kiss reachability

burying face in the crook of their neck

playing with their hair

spooning

removing their make up and hair products for them after a hard day

jumping in their arms upon reunion

NCIS | “Crazy Chick” & “Hairy Butt”

Tony and ziva walking into work like two exhausted parents who were up with a newborn all night had me cracking up.

𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒆 💜

𐙚⋆.˚ The smile that doesn't reach the eyes (dead giveaway)

𐙚⋆.˚ The nostril flare of barely contained rage

𐙚⋆.˚ Pressing lips together to keep from laughing

𐙚⋆.˚ The eyebrow raise of "seriously?"

𐙚⋆.˚ Eyes widening for just a fraction of a second at bad news

𐙚⋆.˚ The jaw clench of holding back words

𐙚⋆.˚ One corner of the mouth quirking up (the smirk)

𐙚⋆.˚ The rapid blinking when processing something shocking

𐙚⋆.˚ Tongue poking the inside of cheek when annoyed

𐙚⋆.˚ The eye roll that's more of an eye drift

𐙚⋆.˚ Scrunching nose at something distasteful

𐙚⋆.˚ That face people make when they're trying not to cry (you know the one)

𐙚⋆.˚ The silent laugh where shoulders shake but no sound comes out

𐙚⋆.˚ Raising both eyebrows in surprise vs. one in skepticism

𐙚⋆.˚ The thousand-yard stare when dissociating

𐙚⋆.˚ The head shake that means "I can't believe this"

𐙚⋆.˚ Squinting when suspicious

𐙚⋆.˚ The fake smile for customer service/politeness

𐙚⋆.˚ Eyes darting to the side when lying or uncomfortable

𐙚⋆.˚ The visible gulp when nervous

𐙚⋆.˚ Wrinkling forehead in concern

𐙚⋆.˚ That specific look of dawning realization

𐙚⋆.˚ The mouth twitch when fighting a smile

1. Character vs Self (Internal Conflict)

The character battles their own fears, guilt, desires, beliefs, or trauma. This drives emotional arcs and character growth. Examples: self-doubt, guilt, addiction, moral dilemmas.

2. Character vs Character

One character directly opposes another’s goals or values. This fuels rivalry, tension, and personal stakes. Examples: hero vs villain, rivals, toxic relationships, ex-friends.

3. Character vs Society

The character challenges social norms, laws, systems, or cultural expectations. Examples: corrupt governments, oppressive traditions, class systems.

4. Character vs Nature

Survival against the natural world or uncontrollable forces. Examples: storms, wilderness, illness, disasters, extreme environments.

5. Character vs Fate (or Destiny)

The character struggles against prophecy, destiny, or inevitable outcomes. Examples: foretold deaths, curses, unavoidable futures.

6. Character vs Supernatural

Conflict with forces beyond the natural world. Examples: gods, ghosts, monsters, magic systems, curses.

7. Character vs Technology

The character is threatened or controlled by machines or innovation. Examples: AI, surveillance, dystopian tech, weaponized science.

8. Character vs Time

The pressure of time itself creates conflict. Examples: ticking clocks, aging, deadlines, limited lifespans.

9. Character vs Environment

Similar to nature, but broader—includes man-made settings and hostile worlds. Examples: dystopian cities, war zones, prisons, alien planets.

10. Character vs Truth

The struggle to uncover, accept, or confront the truth. Examples: secrets, lies, unreliable memories, hidden identities.

11. Character vs Love

Emotional conflict driven by relationships and desire. Examples: forbidden love, unrequited feelings, loyalty vs love.

12. Character vs Power

The character seeks, resists, or is corrupted by power. Examples: political control, magical power, leadership struggles.

13. Character vs Belief (Faith or Ideology)

A clash of values, religion, morals, or worldview. Examples: faith crises, ideological wars, moral oppositions.

14. Character vs Past

The past refuses to stay buried. Examples: trauma, old crimes, former relationships, past mistakes.

15. Character vs Survival

Pure life-or-death stakes. Examples: war, assassins, hunger, escape scenarios.

Shame can be shown in many different ways. It can manifest through different emotions such as fear or remorse. But the real way to drive shame home is through psychological and physiological behaviours in addition to body language.

Here are 20 ways you can show your readers the emotional turmoil your characters are going through.

Avoiding eye contact or looking at the floor.

Flinching when someone compliments them.

Over-apologising for small things.

Shrinking physically: hunching shoulders, curling inwards, retracting hands into sleeves.

Whispering or stuttering instead of speaking normally.

Fidgeting with their clothes or hands.

Covering scars, marks, or flaws they normally hide.

Laughing nervously when caught off guard.

Blaming themselves, even when it’s not their fault.

Being unable to eat/drink, or feeling like they don't deserve it.

Hiding or deleting messages, letters, or emails. Destroying the evidence; destroying the memory.

Avoiding mirrors or reflective surfaces just so they don't have to see themselves.

Shifting topics when personal subjects come up.

Walking quickly, very quickly, past that certain someone instead of stopping.

Hesitating before entering a room where they were embarrassed. Or avoiding the place completely.

Touching their face or hair in a protective gesture.

Replaying moments in their head, cringing at their own actions.

Over-explaining or justifying themselves unnecessarily.

Trying to change so much about themselves all at once: voice, gait, appearance, personality. Everything.

Leaving early or avoiding social situations to escape attention.