Emotion: Innocence

When you want to write the emotion innocence, 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.

Innocence is a state of being inexperienced or naive, free from guilt, sin, or moral wrong. It is often associated with purity, simplicity, and a lack of corruption or cynicism. Innocence can also refer to the absence of knowledge or awareness of the darker aspects of life, such as violence, betrayal, or deceit. In literature, Innocence can be portrayed in various ways, including through the actions, thoughts, and behaviors of characters.

Different Types of Innocence

Here are some different types of innocence:

• Wide-eyed and naive innocence
• Childlike innocence
• Untainted or pure innocence
• Innocence mixed with curiosity
• Innocence mixed with ignorance
• Innocence mixed with vulnerability
• Innocence mixed with naivete and trustfulness
• Blossoming or awakening innocence
• Lost or shattered innocence

Situations Associated with Innocence

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

• A character experiencing something new and exciting for the first time, such as falling in love or traveling to a new place.
• A character who has not yet been exposed to the harsh realities of the world, such as a sheltered child who is unaware of the dangers around them.
• A character who has been shielded from the consequences of their actions and has not yet learned the full weight of their decisions.
• A character who has been betrayed or let down by someone they trusted, leading them to feel naive or foolish.
• A character who is forced to confront their own mistakes and shortcomings, and realizes they have been living in a state of ignorance or naivete.
• A character who witnesses a traumatic event or experiences a loss of innocence, such as the death of a loved one or exposure to violence or abuse.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other situations and events that can lead to a character experiencing the emotion of Innocence. It's important to consider the character's backstory, personality, and motivations in order to create a rich and believable portrayal of this emotion.

Physical Reactions to Innocence

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

• Wide-eyed and open facial expression
• Innocent smile with a slight head tilt
• Soft and gentle voice tone
• Playful and carefree body language
• Clumsiness or awkwardness due to lack of experience
• Curiosity and fascination with the world around them
• Trusting and naive behavior towards others
• Lack of cynicism or suspicion
• Willingness to learn and explore new things

Thoughts Associated with Innocence

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing innocence might have:

• I can't believe how pure and simple this moment feels.
• Everything is so new and exciting, it's like discovering the world for the first time.
• I trust everyone so easily, maybe I should be more cautious.
• I don't understand why people can be so cruel, why can't we all just get along?
• I feel like a child again, carefree and full of wonder.
• I want to protect this feeling of innocence, it's so precious to me.
• I don't want to grow up and lose this sense of purity.
• I feel vulnerable, but it's also exhilarating to experience everything with such intensity.

Atmosphere of Innocence

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

• Use bright, light colors in the description of the setting, such as white, pastels, and soft shades.
• Incorporate natural elements like flowers, birds, and sunshine to create a sense of purity and freshness.
• Choose a setting that has a childlike quality, such as a park, playground, or schoolyard.
• Avoid using harsh or dark language in the description of the setting, and instead focus on describing it in a gentle and simple way.
• Use imagery that evokes a sense of naivety or wonder, such as a child looking up at the clouds or a butterfly.
• Create an atmosphere of safety and security, where there is no danger or threat present.
• Use language that is simple and straightforward, avoiding complex or sophisticated vocabulary that might detract from the sense of innocence.

Verbs Associated with Innocence

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

• Trusts
• Believes
• Cherishes
• Loves
• Admires
• Adores
• Appreciates
• Respects
• Honors
• Values
• Embraces
• Clings to
• Protects
• Nurtures

Emotions Before Innocence

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

• Curiosity
• Wonder
• Amazement
• Awe
• Enchantment
• Delight
• Excitement
• Anticipation
• Eagerness
• Hopefulness
• Trust
• Openness

Emotions After Innocence

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

• Curiosity
• Confusion
• Fear
• Betrayal
• Anger
• Disillusionment
• Regret
• Guilt
• Shame
• Empathy
• Compassion
• Forgiveness
• Acceptance

It's important to remember that emotions are complex and can vary greatly depending on the individual and their experiences. These are just a few examples to help inspire your writing.

Telling Innocence Examples to Avoid

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

• She was innocent and naive.
• He had a childlike innocence about him.
• She had an air of innocence that was hard to ignore.
• His innocence was evident in the way he looked at the world.
• She was pure and innocent in every way.
• He had an innocence that was rare in this day and age.
• She had a certain innocence that made her seem vulnerable.
• His innocence was refreshing in a world full of cynicism and mistrust.
• She had the innocence of a child, despite her years.

Practical Examples of Showing Innocence

Here are some examples of showing innocence in a sentence:

• Sarah's eyes widened in awe as she watched the magician pull a rabbit out of his hat.
• As he took his first bite of the warm apple pie, memories of his childhood flooded back, and he couldn't help but smile.
• The young girl skipped down the cobblestone road, humming a tune as she twirled her dress around.
• When the puppy licked her face, she giggled uncontrollably, forgetting all her worries for a moment.

Exercises for Showing Innocence

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing innocence:

• Write a scene from the perspective of a child experiencing something new for the first time, such as riding a bike or trying a new food.
• Create a character who is sheltered and naive, and describe how they react to a harsh reality they have never encountered before.
• Write a monologue from the point of view of a character who is pure-hearted and sees the good in everyone, even those who have done them wrong.
• Describe a character's reaction to a situation that challenges their beliefs about the world and makes them question their innocence.
• Write a scene where a character must make a difficult decision that goes against their moral code, and explore their internal struggle between maintaining their innocence and doing what they feel is necessary.
• Create a character who has been hurt or betrayed in the past, but still manages to hold onto their innocence and trust in others.
• Write a dialogue between two characters, one who is jaded and cynical and one who is still innocent and optimistic, and explore the clash of perspectives.
• Describe a character's reaction to a kind gesture or act of selflessness, highlighting their ability to see the good in people and the world.
• Write a scene where a character must confront a harsh reality or truth about themselves, and explore the impact on their innocence and worldview.

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