Emotion: Passion

When you want to write the emotion passion, 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.

Passion is an intense feeling of enthusiasm, eagerness, or desire towards something or someone. It is a strong emotional state that drives a person towards pursuing their goals, interests, or desires with unwavering focus and dedication. Passion can manifest in various forms, such as love, creativity, ambition, or even anger and frustration. It is a complex emotion that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, and it often inspires people to take bold risks or pursue new paths in life.

Different Types of Passion

Here are some different types of passion:

• Romantic passion
• Creative passion
• Intellectual passion
• Career passion
• Spiritual passion
• Athletic passion
• Hobby/passion project passion

Situations Associated with Passion

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

• Discovering a new interest or hobby that ignites their enthusiasm
• Meeting someone they are deeply attracted to and falling in love
• Achieving a long-awaited goal or dream
• Engaging in creative work that brings out their talent and artistic expression
• Defending a cause they strongly believe in and advocating for it
• Overcoming a significant obstacle or challenge that tests their resolve and determination
• Experiencing a moment of intense inspiration or clarity that sparks their passion
• Feeling deeply connected to a community or group that shares their values and passions
• Exploring a new place or culture that broadens their horizons and awakens their curiosity

Physical Reactions to Passion

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

• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Flushed skin
• Sweating
• Intense eye contact
• Restlessness or fidgeting
• Increased energy and enthusiasm
• Talking quickly or excitedly
• Gesturing with hands and body
• Lack of inhibitions or self-consciousness
• Focus on the object of passion
• Desire to pursue or engage in activities related to the passion

Thoughts Associated with Passion

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing passion might have:

• I can't stop thinking about it
• My heart races when I think of it
• I feel alive when I'm doing this
• I can't imagine my life without it
• I'm willing to sacrifice anything for this
• I'm consumed by this passion
• This is my purpose in life
• Nothing else matters when I'm pursuing this
• I feel a sense of urgency to pursue this now

Atmosphere of Passion

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

• Use warm and vibrant colors in the description of the setting, such as reds, oranges, and yellows, which can convey a sense of energy and excitement.
• Incorporate sensory details like the sound of a beating heart, the rush of adrenaline, or the feeling of heat rising in the body to evoke the physical sensations associated with passion.
• Create a sense of urgency by setting the scene in a place that is time-sensitive, such as a train station or an airport.
• Use imagery that symbolizes passion, such as fire or a beating heart, to reinforce the emotion.
• Choose a setting that is visually stimulating, such as a crowded city street or a bustling marketplace, to create a sense of excitement and energy.
• Use language that is passionate and intense, with vivid descriptions that capture the intensity of the emotion.
• Incorporate movement into the scene, such as dancing or physical activity, which can evoke a sense of passion and vitality.
• Set the scene in a place that is associated with passion, such as a bedroom or a secluded spot in nature.

Remember, these are just a few ways to mirror the emotion of passion with the settings or atmosphere of a scene. The key is to be creative and use your own unique voice to bring your characters and their emotions to life on the page.

Verbs Associated with Passion

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

• Ache
• Crave
• Yearn
• Desire
• Burn
• Long
• Hunger
• Covet
• Enthusiasm
• Infatuation
• Zeal
• Devotion
• Fervor
• Obsession
• Ardor

Emotions Before Passion

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

• Curiosity
• Intrigue
• Enthusiasm
• Interest
• Excitement
• Fascination
• Inspiration
• Motivation
• Desire
• Longing

Emotions After Passion

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

• Satisfaction
• Fulfillment
• Contentment
• Accomplishment
• Gratitude
• Peace
• Joy
• Euphoria
• Excitement
• Enthusiasm
• Confidence
• Empowerment
• Inspiration

Telling Passion Examples to Avoid

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

• She was very passionate about her work.
• He spoke with a passionate voice.
• She looked at him with a passionate gaze.
• He was a passionate lover.
• She pursued her dreams with passion.
• He expressed his love for her with passion.
• She felt a passionate connection with him.
• He was known for his passionate speeches.
• She pursued her hobby with passion and dedication.

Practical Examples of Showing Passion

Here are some examples of showing passion in a sentence:

• Her fingers trembled as she turned the pages of the old book, her heart racing with excitement at the knowledge within its covers.
• He stayed up all night, fueled by his passion for music, creating melodies that flowed effortlessly from his fingers onto the keys of the piano.
• She spoke with such fervor about her cause that everyone in the room was captivated by her passion and inspired to take action.
• The artist's eyes shone with intensity as she poured her soul onto the canvas, every stroke of the brush infused with her passion.

Exercises for Showing Passion

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing passion:

• Start with a character trait: what is your character passionate about? Is it a hobby, a career, a person, or a cause?
• Write a scene where your character is pursuing their passion. Use sensory details to describe the environment and their actions.
• Consider the consequences of your character's passion. Are they willing to make sacrifices for it? Does it put them in conflict with others?
• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who opposes their passion. How do they defend their beliefs and actions?
• Explore the emotional highs and lows of your character's passion. Write a scene where they experience a setback or a success related to their passion, and show how they react.
• Use metaphor and symbolism to convey your character's passion. For example, if your character is a painter, describe the colors and brushstrokes they use to express themselves.
• Consider the backstory that led your character to become passionate about something. Write a flashback or a character monologue that explains their motivations.

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