Showing Character Reactions

Nine out of ten times when an author is getting “can’t connect” feedback, there aren’t enough character reactions on the page. Your MC needs to react to every stimulus, big and small, and their reactions need to show the importance of that stimulus.

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Real people have thousands of reactions a day, from “Mmmm…coffee” first thing in the morning to “Ugh, traffic,” and on really bad days, “I don’t know how to handle this.” Your MC needs to as well. In each scene, we need to see those character reactions on the page.

We need all the emotions.

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Different age categories need different amounts of reaction—MG needs the least, then adult, then YA. This is a matter of how many words you actually use to express these reactions. Because we still need to see those three kinds of reactions to each stimulus, regardless of age category.

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If you struggle with reactions or “can’t connect,” consider whether you normally skip over that in books you read. Some readers do. But you need to write for “the average reader” so you may need to adjust your natural levels accordingly.

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Have you ever thought about how much reaction you’re putting on the page?

Here are tips on how to add more:

1. The best way to show your character arc and agency is through reactions. What is a character arc but the way a character reacts based on what they believe, and how those reactions change over the course of the story?
2. There are 3 important kinds of reactions. These are thoughts, emotions, and body language/visceral response.
3. Thoughts: in deep POV, these don’t need tags or italics.
4. Emotions: Don’t be afraid to name emotions (ie. Infuriated, he…), but tie them to:
5. Body language/visceral response: these ground reactions and stimulate nonverbal communication.

If you have questions about reactions, reach out to me! I’m always happy to interact with writers on Twitter, Instagram, and through the contact form on my website.

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