Internal Actions & Thoughts:
* Internal monologue: Direct access to the character's thoughts, revealing their anxieties, hopes, fears, etc. This can be done through first-person narration or through third-person limited narration where the reader is privy to only that character's thoughts.
* Subtext: Implied meaning or feeling that isn't explicitly stated. A character's actions or words might betray a feeling they're trying to hide.
* Self-reflection: The character consciously considers their own emotions and reactions.
External Actions & Behaviors:
* Body language: Facial expressions, posture, gestures, and physical movements can communicate a wide range of emotions. A slumped posture might suggest sadness, while clenched fists might indicate anger.
* Dialogue: The way a character speaks – tone of voice, word choice, pace – can reveal their emotional state. Sarcasm, hesitation, and raised voice are all indicators.
* Actions: What a character *does* is often a more powerful indicator of their feelings than what they say. A character who avoids eye contact might be shy or ashamed, while one who impulsively destroys something might be overwhelmed by rage.
* Physical reactions: Sweating, trembling, blushing, rapid heartbeat – these physiological responses can subtly but powerfully communicate emotions.
Sensory Details & Setting:
* Imagery: Using vivid descriptions to create a sense of atmosphere can mirror the character's emotional state. A dark, stormy setting might reflect inner turmoil, while bright sunshine might suggest happiness or hope.
* Metaphor and simile: Comparisons that connect the character's feelings to something concrete and relatable. "He felt as heavy as a stone" suggests sadness or depression.
Other Techniques:
* Foreshadowing: Hints about future events or feelings can create suspense and anticipation, impacting how the reader interprets the character's current emotions.
* Flashback: Showing past experiences that explain the character's present emotional state.
The most effective authors often use a combination of these techniques to create a layered and believable portrayal of their characters' feelings, allowing the reader to experience the emotions alongside the character. Simply telling the reader "He was angry" is less impactful than showing him slamming his fist on the table, his face reddening, and his voice rising in pitch.