Showing vulnerability is risky: it's weakness, it's fear, it's revealing one's flaws.

Showing vulnerability is a core part of driving the plot or character development, whether they're building relationships or force them to make choices they wouldn't normally do.

Exposing your character's doubts and insecurities shows the reader that your character is real and has depth.

Here are 20 ways you can create tension by showing vulnerability in your characters through actions:

Letting someone see them exhausted instead of pretending they’re fine.

Admitting they don’t know what they’re doing and not joking about it.

Whispering secrets to objects instead of people.

Holding back tears, not because they’re strong, but because they’re scared.

Accepting help and apologizing for it at the same time.

Taking a deep breath before speaking, as if bracing for impact.

Sitting closer than necessary, then freezing when noticed.

Saying “you don’t have to” when they desperately want them to stay.

Letting their voice crack.

Sharing something small first, testing the ground. Alternatively, sharing small joys to test if it's safe to share bigger ones.

Watching the other person’s reaction instead of finishing the sentence.

Fidgeting with sleeves, rings, or scars they usually hide.

Letting silence stretch instead of filling it with humour.

Admitting they were hurt without assigning blame.

Avoiding eye contact while speaking about something personal.

Trusting someone with a truth they don’t fully understand yet.

Hesitating before touching, afraid of rejection. Their hands hang in the air for a moment as if waiting for permission.

Saying “I don’t want to be alone” instead of “I’m fine.”

Letting someone touch them in a way they usually resist.