Emotion: Eagerness

When you want to write the emotion eagerness, 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 instead of telling and immerse your readers in your story.

Eagerness is a feeling of enthusiastic anticipation or interest in something that is about to happen or be experienced. It is characterized by a sense of excitement and a strong desire to participate in or learn more about a particular activity, event, or opportunity. Eagerness can manifest in various ways, such as heightened energy levels, a positive outlook, and a willingness to take on challenges. It is often associated with a sense of curiosity, motivation, and a drive to succeed.

Different Types of Eagerness

Here are some different types of eagerness:

• Anticipation
• Enthusiasm
• Excitement
• Impatience
• Keenness
• Readiness
• Zeal
• Eagerness to learn
• Eagerness to please

Situations Associated with Eagerness

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

• Starting a new project or endeavor
• Receiving an opportunity or invitation
• Discovering new information or knowledge
• Being introduced to a new person or group
• Having a long-awaited event or experience coming up
• Pursuing a passion or hobby
• Competing in a challenge or contest
• Reuniting with someone after a long time apart
• Moving to a new place or starting a new job

Physical Reactions to Eagerness

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

• Dilated pupils and bright eyes
• Quick and excited movements
• Leaning forward or standing up straight
• Smiling or grinning
• Rapid or enthusiastic speech
• Fidgeting or tapping fingers
• Clapping or jumping up and down
• Asking lots of questions
• Being easily distracted or interrupted
• Eagerness to participate or take action
• Positive attitude and outlook
• Showing enthusiasm for new ideas and experiences
• High energy and restlessness

Remember, eagerness is an emotion that is often associated with excitement and anticipation, so these physical signs and behaviors can help you convey those feelings in your writing.

Thoughts Associated with Eagerness

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing eagerness might have:

• I can't wait to get started on this project!
• I feel like I'm bursting with energy and excitement!
• I'm so eager to see how this turns out!
• I can't stop thinking about all the possibilities!
• I'm ready to dive in headfirst and give it my all!
• I'm looking forward to learning and growing from this experience!
• I feel like I'm on the verge of something great!
• I'm eager to prove myself and show what I'm capable of!
• I'm filled with anticipation and enthusiasm!

Atmosphere of Eagerness

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

• Use vivid and descriptive language to create a sense of anticipation and excitement in the setting. For example, describing the way the sun is rising in the distance, or the way the birds are chirping loudly in the trees.
• Incorporate objects or details that symbolize eagerness, such as a child's backpack waiting by the front door, or a pile of books on a desk waiting to be read.
• Use sensory details to create a feeling of eagerness. For example, describing the smell of freshly baked cookies, or the sound of a ticking clock counting down to an event.
• Create a sense of movement and urgency in the scene. For example, describing characters hurrying to finish tasks, or the sound of footsteps approaching quickly.

Verbs Associated with Eagerness

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

• Crave
• Yearn
• Hunger
• Covet
• Desire
• Long
• Itch
• Anticipate
• Enthusiast
• Impatient
• Zeal
• Avidity
• Ardor
• Fervor

Emotions Before Eagerness

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

• Anticipation
• Curiosity
• Excitement
• Enthusiasm
• Hopefulness
• Optimism
• Impatience

Emotions After Eagerness

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

• Satisfaction
• Accomplishment
• Contentment
• Gratitude
• Pride
• Joy
• Excitement
• Enthusiasm
• Confidence

Telling Eagerness Examples to Avoid

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

• John was eager to start his new job.
• Mary felt eager to go on her first date with Tom.
• The children were eager to open their Christmas presents.
• The team was eager to win the championship game.
• Sarah was eager to try the new restaurant in town.
• Jack was eager to learn how to play the guitar.
• Amy was eager to see the latest movie in the theater.
• The students were eager to start their summer vacation.
• Michael was eager to meet his favorite author at the book signing.

Practical Examples of Showing Eagerness

Here are some examples of showing eagerness in a sentence:

• She sprang out of bed, the excitement of a new day bubbling within her.
• His heart raced as he flipped through the pages of the contract, eager to sign it and start the project.
• The smell of fresh paint filled her nostrils, and she couldn't wait to start creating on her blank canvas.
• She bounced on the balls of her feet, her eyes sparkling with anticipation of what was to come.

Exercises for Showing Eagerness

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing eagerness:

• Have your character make a to-do list of everything they want to accomplish or experience in a given timeframe
• Write a scene where your character excitedly researches a new hobby or interest
• Describe your character's body language and facial expressions as they eagerly await news or an event
• Write a dialogue where your character enthusiastically convinces someone to join them in a new adventure or project
• Have your character reminisce about a past event or experience with fondness and eagerness to relive it again
• Write a scene where your character is impatiently waiting for something they've been looking forward to
• Describe your character's thought process and internal dialogue as they eagerly plan for a future event or goal
• Write a scene where your character jumps at the opportunity to try something new and exciting
• Have your character enthusiastically share their ideas and plans with others, seeking support and feedback

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