Emotion: Resignation

When you want to write the emotion resignation, 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 emotional tells and immerse your readers in your story.

Resignation is an emotion that arises when a person accepts an unpleasant or difficult situation that they cannot change. It involves a sense of giving up, letting go of control, and a feeling of powerlessness. Resignation can stem from a variety of circumstances, such as a loss, a failure, or a lack of options. It is often accompanied by feelings of sadness, disappointment, and sometimes relief. It is important to note that resignation is not the same as giving up entirely, but rather, it is a recognition of the limitations of the situation and a willingness to move forward despite the obstacles.

Different Types of Resignation

Here are some different types of resignation:

• Acceptance of an undesirable situation
• Feeling of defeat or giving up
• Surrendering to circumstances beyond one's control
• Letting go of something that was once important
• Feeling powerless or helpless
• Lack of motivation or enthusiasm
• Disappointment or disillusionment

Situations Associated with Resignation

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

• When a character has repeatedly failed to achieve their goals despite their best efforts
• When a character has experienced a major setback or loss that they feel is insurmountable
• When a character has been betrayed by someone they trusted
• When a character is stuck in a situation that they feel they cannot escape from
• When a character has been fighting against something for a long time and feels like they can no longer continue
• When a character feels like they are not making a difference or their efforts are not appreciated
• When a character is faced with a difficult decision that they don't want to make, but feel like they have no other choice

Physical Reactions to Resignation

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

• Slumped shoulders and a slouched posture
• A lack of eye contact and a downward gaze
• Slow and lethargic movements
• A monotone voice or a lack of verbal response
• A lack of interest in personal appearance or grooming
• A decrease in energy and motivation
• Passive behavior and a tendency to avoid confrontation or conflict

Thoughts Associated with Resignation

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing resignation might have:

• What's the point of even trying anymore?
• I guess this is just how things are meant to be.
• It doesn't matter what I do, the outcome will always be the same.
• Maybe I'm just not cut out for this.
• Why bother putting in the effort if it won't make a difference?
• I'll just have to accept that this is my reality now.
• It's not worth getting my hopes up anymore.
• I feel like giving up, but I know I can't.
• I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going like this.

Atmosphere of Resignation

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

• Use a gray or muted color palette to convey a sense of dullness or lack of vitality.
• Describe the setting in a way that emphasizes its lack of change or progress, such as a stagnant pond or a rusted-over factory.
• Use weather to reflect the character's mood, such as a steady rain or a heavy fog that obscures the surroundings.
• Include details that suggest a lack of hope or possibility, such as faded or peeling wallpaper or a clock that has stopped ticking.
• Show characters engaging in mundane or repetitive activities, such as staring out a window or flipping through TV channels.
• Use dialogue that conveys a sense of defeat or acceptance, such as characters saying things like "It is what it is" or "What's the point?"

Verbs Associated with Resignation

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

• Accept
• Surrender
• Yield
• Concede
• Relent
• Give in
• Submit
• Bow down
• Capitulate
• Succumb
• Acquiesce
• Comply
• Abide
• Endure
• Tolerate
• Embrace
• Resign
• Admit defeat

Emotions Before Resignation

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

• Disappointment
• Frustration
• Sadness
• Anger
• Despair
• Hopelessness
• Confusion
• Shock
• Betrayal

Emotions After Resignation

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

• Despair
• Hopelessness
• Bitterness
• Defeat
• Regret
• Disappointment
• Disillusionment
• Anger
• Indifference

Telling Resignation Examples to Avoid

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

• She felt resigned to her fate, knowing that there was nothing else she could do.
• He spoke with a resigned tone, as if he had already accepted defeat.
• Despite her initial protests, she eventually gave in with a resigned sigh.
• The resignation in his eyes was palpable, as he realized that he had lost everything.
• She wrote a resignation letter, accepting that she had to leave the job she loved.
• He nodded his head in resignation, knowing that there was no other way out of the situation.
• She felt a sense of resignation wash over her, as she realized that she had no control over what was happening.
• The resignation in his voice was evident, as he told her that he was leaving for good.
• She looked at him with resignation, knowing that their relationship was over.

Practical Examples of Showing Resignation

Here are some examples of showing resignation in a sentence:

• She dragged herself out of bed, knowing that her efforts would be futile.
• He let out a deep sigh, accepting that his dreams were nothing but a fantasy.
• She stared blankly at the wall, lost in thoughts of all the opportunities she had missed.
• He trudged through the rain, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Exercises for Showing Resignation

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing resignation:

• Describe how your character's thoughts and feelings change as they come to terms with the fact that they can't change a situation.

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