Emotion: Contemplation

When you want to write the emotion contemplation, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid showing not telling and immerse your readers in your story.

Contemplation is a deep and thoughtful consideration of an idea, concept, or situation. It involves focusing one's attention and reflecting on various aspects of a subject matter, such as its meaning, implications, and possible outcomes. Contemplation often leads to insights, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us. It can be a powerful tool for character development, as it allows writers to explore their characters' inner thoughts, motivations, and beliefs.

Different Types of Contemplation

Here are some different types of contemplation:

• Reflective Contemplation
• Analytical Contemplation
• Introspective Contemplation
• Thoughtful Contemplation
• Philosophical Contemplation
• Meditative Contemplation
• Pensive Contemplation
• Speculative Contemplation
• Deliberative Contemplation

Situations Associated with Contemplation

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of contemplation:

• A major life change, such as a job loss or the end of a relationship
• Being faced with a difficult decision or moral dilemma
• A moment of introspection or self-reflection
• A significant accomplishment or failure that prompts reflection on one's goals and motivations
• A change in perspective or worldview, such as through exposure to a new culture or belief system
• The loss of a loved one or a traumatic event
• Being confronted with a mystery or puzzle that requires deep thought and consideration
• A desire for personal growth or understanding of oneself and the world around them.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other situations that may lead a character to experience contemplation. It's important to consider the individual characteristics and motivations of your character to determine what might prompt them to engage in introspection and deep thought.

Physical Reactions to Contemplation

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing contemplation might have:

• A furrowed brow and a pensive expression on the face
• A slight tilt of the head and a distant gaze
• A tendency to be quiet and introspective
• Slow and deliberate movements, with a lack of energy or enthusiasm
• A preference for solitude and introspection, rather than social interaction
• A tendency to engage in deep thinking and analysis
• A slower pace of speech and a tendency to speak in a measured, thoughtful way
• A tendency to ask questions and seek answers
• A preference for quiet and peaceful surroundings, rather than noisy or chaotic environments

Thoughts Associated with Contemplation

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing contemplation might have:

• What if I made a different choice?
• Is this really what I want?
• I need more information before I can decide.
• What are the potential consequences of each option?
• I can't stop thinking about this.
• I'm weighing the pros and cons.
• I need to consider all angles before making a decision.
• Maybe there's a better solution out there.
• I'm questioning my beliefs and values.

Atmosphere of Contemplation

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of contemplation in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Choose a quiet and peaceful setting, such as a park, a library or a deserted street, to give the character space for introspection.
• Use natural elements like trees, flowers, or water to create a calming atmosphere that can help the character focus their thoughts.
• Use lighting to create a contemplative mood, such as soft, dim light, or the warm glow of a candle.
• Add ambient sounds like soft music, birds chirping, or the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind to create a peaceful environment that can help the character relax and focus.
• Include details that encourage introspection, such as a journal, a photo album, or a quiet bench for sitting and thinking.
• Use metaphors or similes that evoke the feeling of contemplation, such as "her thoughts swirled like leaves caught in a gentle breeze."
• Use descriptive language to convey the character's thoughts and emotions, such as "her mind wandered as she gazed at the tranquil waters of the lake."

Verbs Associated with Contemplation

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of contemplation:

• Ponder
• Reflect
• Meditate
• Consider
• Mull over
• Ruminate
• Contemplate
• Evaluate
• Analyze
• Assess
• Examine
• Scrutinize
• Introspect
• Deliberate
• Speculate
• Muse
• Brood
• Daydream
• Imagine

Emotions Before Contemplation

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences contemplation:

• Confusion
• Uncertainty
• Indecisiveness
• Curiosity
• Puzzlement
• Apprehension
• Doubt
• Ambivalence
• Melancholy

Emotions After Contemplation

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences contemplation:

• Clarity
• Confusion
• Determination
• Doubt
• Empathy
• Enlightenment
• Frustration
• Guilt
• Inspiration
• Introspection
• Peace
• Regret
• Resolution
• Satisfaction
• Uncertainty

It's important to note that different characters may react differently to the same situation, so it's always a good idea to consider the individual personalities of your characters when exploring their emotional responses to contemplation.

Telling Contemplation Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion contemplation in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She was lost in thought.
• He was considering his options.
• She was reflecting on the past.
• He was lost in contemplation.
• She was pondering her next move.
• He was deep in thought.
• She was mulling over her decision.
• He was lost in reverie.
• She was lost in contemplative silence.

Practical Examples of Showing Contemplation

Here are some examples of showing contemplation in a sentence:

• She stared out the window, lost in thought.
• His brow furrowed as he pondered his next move.
• She absently twirled her hair as she considered her options.
• He sat in silence, his mind churning with possibilities.

Exercises for Showing Contemplation

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing contemplation:

• Start with a scene where the character is alone and quiet, perhaps in a peaceful or secluded setting. Describe their surroundings in detail, and then focus on their thoughts and internal dialogue as they reflect on their life, their choices, or a specific situation they are facing.
• Write a scene where the character is engaged in a mundane activity, such as washing dishes or taking a walk. As they go about their task, have them observe their surroundings and let their mind wander to deeper thoughts and questions.
• Create a character who is a philosopher, a writer, or an artist, and have them engage in a conversation with someone who challenges their beliefs or worldview. Show how the character listens carefully to the other person's arguments and responds thoughtfully, considering different perspectives and ideas.
• Write a scene where the character is faced with a difficult decision, such as whether to stay in a relationship, take a job offer, or confront a friend. Show how the character weighs the pros and cons, considers their values and priorities, and ultimately decides what to do.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full emotions list.