Emotion: Readiness

When you want to write the emotion readiness, 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.

The emotion of readiness can be defined as a state of being mentally and emotionally prepared to take action or face a particular situation. It involves a sense of anticipation, eagerness, and a willingness to engage in a specific task or experience. In writing, readiness can be a powerful tool for creating dynamic characters who are driven by a sense of purpose and motivation. By exploring the nuances of this emotion, writers can bring their characters to life in a compelling and relatable way.

Different Types of Readiness

Here are some different types of readiness:

• Anticipation
• Eagerness
• Preparedness
• Alertness
• Willingness
• Zeal
• Enthusiasm
• Expectancy
• Excitement

Situations Associated with Readiness

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

• Preparing for an important event or task, such as a job interview or a performance
• Anticipating a significant change or transition, such as moving to a new city or starting a new job
• Feeling a sense of purpose or determination to achieve a goal or dream
• Overcoming a challenge or obstacle and feeling empowered to tackle future challenges
• Being part of a team or community that shares a common goal or vision
• Feeling a sense of responsibility or duty to help others or make a positive impact in the world

Physical Reactions to Readiness

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

• Standing tall and straight, with an open posture
• Eyes focused and alert, with dilated pupils
• Breathing deeply and evenly, with a slight increase in heart rate
• Muscles tensed and ready for action
• Hands and fingers fidgeting or tapping in anticipation
• A sense of eagerness or excitement, with a readiness to act quickly
• Increased attentiveness and focus on the task at hand
• Quick decision-making and a willingness to take risks
• A sense of preparedness and confidence in one's abilities

Thoughts Associated with Readiness

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing readiness might have:

• I've been waiting for this moment for so long.
• I can't believe it's finally happening.
• I feel so confident and prepared for whatever comes my way.
• I've put in so much effort and hard work to get here.
• I know I can handle whatever challenges come up.
• I feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what's to come.
• I'm ready to take on the world.
• I'm in the right mindset to succeed.
• I feel a surge of energy and motivation.

Atmosphere of Readiness

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

• Use an environment that is in a state of anticipation, such as a school before a big exam or a town during a festival.
• Describe the character's physical surroundings as being organized and prepared, such as having a clean workspace or a well-stocked backpack.
• Use imagery that suggests movement or action, such as a character tapping their foot or pacing back and forth.
• Incorporate sounds that create a sense of energy or urgency, such as a ticking clock or bustling city noises.

Verbs Associated with Readiness

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

• Prepare
• Plan
• Equip
• Organize
• Mobilize
• Anticipate
• Gear up
• Ready
• Position
• Arrange
• Set up
• Prime
• Train
• Adapt
• Align
• Deploy
• Activate
• Embolden
• Empower

Emotions Before Readiness

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

• Indecision
• Fear
• Uncertainty
• Doubt
• Anxiety
• Hesitation
• Apprehension
• Resistance
• Discomfort

Emotions After Readiness

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

• Eagerness
• Anticipation
• Excitement
• Enthusiasm
• Confidence
• Determination
• Hopefulness
• Optimism
• Empowerment

Telling Readiness Examples to Avoid

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

• She felt ready for whatever came her way.
• He was eager and prepared for the challenge.
• The protagonist was primed and willing to take action.
• She was mentally and physically prepared for what lay ahead.
• He was in a state of readiness, anticipating the next move.
• She was poised and ready to face the unknown.
• The character was prepared for any obstacle that came her way.
• He was alert and ready to react.
• She had a sense of readiness that helped her face her fears.

Practical Examples of Showing Readiness

Here are some examples of showing readiness in a sentence:

• She paced back and forth, her backpack already packed with everything she needed for the trip.
• He checked his phone every few minutes, waiting for a message from his boss confirming the meeting time.
• She looked at herself in the mirror, taking deep breaths before stepping on stage to perform.
• He stood by the door, his hand on the handle, ready to leave as soon as his friend arrived.

Exercises for Showing Readiness

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing readiness:

• Start by defining what "Readiness" means for your character. Is it a sense of eagerness, willingness, or preparedness?
• Write a scene where your character is getting ready for an important event or task. Show their confidence and readiness through their actions and thoughts.
• Describe a moment where your character is waiting for something or someone, and they are ready for whatever may come their way. Show how their readiness helps them stay calm and collected.
• Write a dialogue between your character and someone else, where they are discussing their plans and goals. Show how your character's readiness motivates them to pursue their objectives.
• Create a backstory that explains why your character is always ready for anything. Was it a past experience that taught them to be prepared, or is it just part of their personality?
• Imagine a scenario where your character is caught off guard and has to improvise. Show how their readiness helps them adapt to unexpected situations.
• Write a scene where your character is helping someone else get ready for a challenge. Show how their readiness inspires and supports others.
• Describe a situation where your character is uncertain or anxious, but their readiness helps them overcome their fears and doubts.

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