Emotion: Sorrow

When you want to write the emotion sorrow, 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 emotions and immerse your readers in your story.

Sorrow is a deep feeling of sadness or grief that is often triggered by a significant loss or disappointment. It can be experienced in response to a variety of events, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the failure to achieve a goal. Sorrow can be an overwhelming emotion that affects a person's behavior, thoughts, and physical well-being. It is a complex emotion that can be expressed in many different ways, from tears and mourning to quiet contemplation and introspection.

Different Types of Sorrow

Here are some different types of sorrow:

• Grief: deep sadness and pain caused by the loss of a loved one or a significant event
• Regret: feeling sorry about something one has done or failed to do, wishing they could undo it
• Melancholy: a prolonged and pervasive feeling of sadness and gloominess, often without a specific cause
• Loneliness: a sense of isolation and disconnection from others, leading to feelings of sadness and emptiness
• Disappointment: the feeling of sadness and frustration that arises when one's expectations are not met
• Heartbreak: intense emotional pain caused by the end of a romantic relationship or a betrayal of trust
• Despair: a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, often accompanied by a sense of defeat and resignation
• Anguish: a combination of physical and emotional pain, often associated with a traumatic event or a severe loss

Remember that these emotions can overlap and coexist in complex ways, and that each character may experience them differently depending on their personality, background, and circumstances.

Situations Associated with Sorrow

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

• The loss of a loved one, whether through death or a breakup
• Failure to achieve an important goal or dream
• Betrayal by a friend or loved one
• A traumatic experience, such as abuse or assault
• Witnessing or experiencing a tragic event, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack
• Feeling lost or alone in the world
• Realizing that one's own actions have caused harm or hurt to others
• Feeling hopeless or helpless in the face of a difficult situation
• Losing a sense of purpose or direction in life
• The end of a significant chapter in one's life, such as graduation or retirement.

It's important to note that everyone experiences sorrow differently, and there may be other situations or events that could lead a character to feel this emotion. As a writer, it's your job to understand your character's unique experiences and motivations and to write them in a way that feels authentic and true to life.

Physical Reactions to Sorrow

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

• Drooping or tense posture, slumped shoulders, bowed head, closed body language
• Slow or shallow breathing, sighing, sniffling, crying, whimpering, moaning
• Puffy or red eyes, tear-stained cheeks, runny nose, swollen lips or throat
• Trembling or shaking, restlessness, fidgeting, pacing, wringing hands
• Quiet or subdued speech, monotone or shaky voice, stuttering, mumbling, whispering
• Withdrawal or isolation, avoiding eye contact, turning away from others, seeking solitude
• Loss of appetite or interest in food, sleep disturbances, fatigue, lethargy
• Repetitive or obsessive thoughts, self-criticism, guilt, regret, hopelessness
• Lack of motivation, procrastination, indecisiveness, forgetfulness, distractibility

Of course, not all of these signs and behaviors may apply to every character experiencing Sorrow, and some may manifest differently depending on factors such as age, gender, culture, personality, and context. However, these can be useful starting points for writers looking to portray Sorrow in a believable and nuanced way.

Thoughts Associated with Sorrow

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing sorrow might have:

• I can't believe this happened.
• Why did it have to be me?
• I feel so alone in this.
• I wish things had turned out differently.
• I can't stop thinking about what I lost.
• What's the point of anything now?
• I don't know how to move on from this.
• I can't help but blame myself.
• I feel like a part of me is missing.

Atmosphere of Sorrow

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

• Choose a setting that enhances the feeling of sorrow, like a rainy day or a funeral home.
• Use sensory details to create a melancholic atmosphere, such as describing the sound of raindrops hitting the window or the smell of funeral flowers.
• Incorporate objects that symbolize sorrow, such as a black dress, a picture of a loved one who passed away, or a broken heart necklace.
• Use language that reflects the character's emotional state, like using somber or mournful words to describe their thoughts or actions.
• Set the scene during a time of day that enhances the feeling of sorrow, like twilight or midnight.
• Include music or sounds that evoke sadness, like a mournful violin or a slow, sad song.
• Create a contrast between the setting and the character's emotional state, like having a happy, lively party happening in the background while the character is grieving alone.

Verbs Associated with Sorrow

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

• Sobbing
• Weeping
• Wailing
• Mourning
• Grieving
• Lamenting
• Suffering
• Moping
• Despairing
• Longing
• Yearning
• Regretting
• Reminiscing
• Brooding
• Melancholy
• Despondent

Emotions Before Sorrow

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

• Disappointment
• Regret
• Guilt
• Loneliness
• Despair
• Heartbreak
• Anguish
• Melancholy
• Nostalgia

Emotions After Sorrow

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

• Anger
• Resentment
• Bitterness
• Numbness
• Acceptance
• Empathy
• Compassion
• Reflection
• Forgiveness

Telling Sorrow Examples to Avoid

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

• She was filled with sorrow after her husband's death.
• He felt a deep sense of sorrow as he watched his childhood home burn down.
• The entire community was overcome with sorrow upon hearing the news of the tragic accident.
• She couldn't help but feel sorrow for the wounded animal lying on the side of the road.

Practical Examples of Showing Sorrow

Here are some examples of showing sorrow in a sentence:

• She clutched the crumpled photograph of her late husband, tears streaming down her face.
• The once vibrant garden now lay barren and lifeless, mirroring the emptiness she felt inside.
• With a heavy heart, she placed a bouquet of white lilies on her son's gravestone.
• He sat alone in the dark, staring at the empty chair where his best friend used to sit.

Exercises for Showing Sorrow

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing sorrow:

• Start with a character sketch: Create a detailed profile of your character. Include their backstory, personality traits, and their relationship with the source of their sorrow.
• Use sensory details: Describe the environment and use sensory details to show the character's emotions. For example, the sound of rain or the chill in the air can reflect the character's mood.
• Use body language: Show the character's body language to reflect their sorrow. For example, they may slump their shoulders, avoid eye contact, or fidget nervously.
• Write from the character's perspective: Get into the character's head and write from their perspective. Use their thoughts and inner dialogue to show their sorrow.
• Use dialogue: Show the character's sorrow through their dialogue. They may speak in a monotone voice, use short sentences, or avoid talking altogether.
• Show the character's actions: Show how the character's sorrow affects their actions. For example, they may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or become withdrawn from their friends and family.
• Use flashbacks: Use flashbacks to show the source of the character's sorrow. This can provide context and deepen the reader's understanding of the character's emotions.
• Use symbolism: Use symbolism to reflect the character's emotions. For example, a wilted flower or a broken toy can represent the character's sense of loss or grief.

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