Emotion: Awe

When you want to write the emotion awe, 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.

Awe is an emotion characterized by a sense of wonder, amazement, and reverence towards something that is grand, magnificent, or beyond one's understanding. It is often experienced in the presence of natural beauty, great achievements, or profound spiritual experiences. Awe can be described as a feeling of being humbled, inspired, and uplifted, and it can have a profound impact on our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.

Different Types of Awe

Here are some different types of awe:

• Reverence for something or someone that is grand, sublime, or powerful
• Feeling overwhelmed by the beauty or magnitude of a natural wonder or a human creation
• Being inspired by someone’s talents, achievements, or virtues beyond one’s own capabilities
• Experiencing a sense of transcendence or spiritual elevation by encountering something mysterious, mystical, or divine
• Feeling humbled or insignificant in the presence of something that defies understanding or control

Situations Associated with Awe

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

• Witnessing a natural wonder or phenomenon, such as a breathtaking sunset or the Northern Lights
• Visiting a majestic landmark, like the Grand Canyon or the Eiffel Tower
• Meeting someone they deeply admire, such as a celebrity or a respected authority figure
• Experiencing an unexpected act of kindness or generosity
• Winning a prestigious award or achieving a long-held goal
• Learning something new and profound that challenges their worldview
• Being in the presence of something larger or more powerful than themselves, like a whale or a thunderstorm
• Discovering a hidden talent or skill they never knew they had

Physical Reactions to Awe

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

• Open mouth and widened eyes
• Raised eyebrows and forehead wrinkles
• Frozen or still body posture
• Slow and deep breathing
• Goosebumps or chills
• Trembling or shaking
• Mouth pressed together or lips parted
• Slow and deliberate movements
• Reduced speech or complete silence

Thoughts Associated with Awe

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing awe might have:

• I can't believe what I'm seeing
• This is beyond anything I ever imagined
• My heart is racing with excitement
• I feel so small in comparison
• I am completely captivated
• I never knew something like this was possible
• I am in absolute wonder
• This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
• I am humbled by the sheer beauty of it all

Atmosphere of Awe

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

• Describe the setting in vivid detail, highlighting the awe-inspiring aspects of it.
• Use sensory details to capture the character's feelings of wonder and amazement.
• Use metaphors and similes to compare the setting to something grand or majestic.
• Use powerful language to convey the magnificence of the surroundings.
• Build up the tension or anticipation before revealing the awe-inspiring setting.
• Contrast the character's smallness or insignificance with the vastness or grandeur of the setting.
• Incorporate a sense of mystery or spirituality into the setting, which can add to the character's sense of awe.

Verbs Associated with Awe

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

• Stunned
• Astounded
• Amazed
• Impressed
• Overwhelmed
• Mesmerized
• Speechless
• Dumbfounded
• Flabbergasted
• Enchanted
• Spellbound
• Reverent
• Admiring
• Reverential

Emotions Before Awe

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

• Curiosity
• Interest
• Surprise
• Amusement
• Delight
• Fascination

Emotions After Awe

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

• Reverence
• Admiration
• Gratitude
• Respect
• Humility
• Inspiration
• Wonder
• Enthusiasm
• Joy

Telling Awe Examples to Avoid

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

• I was in awe of the view from the mountaintop.
• The museum exhibit left me in awe.
• She felt awe at the sight of the towering skyscraper.
• He was filled with awe as he watched the fireworks display.
• The intricate details of the cathedral left me in awe.
• I was in awe of the singer's powerful voice.
• The vastness of the ocean filled me with awe.
• The stunning sunset left us all in awe.
• The beauty of the painting left me in awe.

Practical Examples of Showing Awe

Here are some examples of showing awe in a sentence:

• Her eyes widened as she gazed up at the towering skyscraper.
• He stood in silence, unable to speak, as he watched the sunset over the ocean.
• She felt a shiver run down her spine as she stepped into the grand cathedral.
• He stared in amazement at the intricate design of the ancient artifact.

Exercises for Showing Awe

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing awe:

• Describe a natural wonder that your character encounters for the first time. Write about how they feel as they take in the sight, sound, and smell of it. What details catch their attention?
• Have your character witness an act of heroism or bravery that leaves them in awe. Describe the scene from their perspective. What thoughts and feelings go through their mind as they watch?
• Imagine your character meeting someone they deeply admire, whether it's a celebrity, a historical figure, or a personal hero. Write about how they react to the encounter. What do they say or do? How do they feel?
• Put your character in a situation where they are completely out of their element, such as an unfamiliar culture or a high-pressure job. Write about how they respond to the challenge. What do they learn about themselves in the process?
• Have your character experience a moment of profound beauty, such as a sunset or a work of art. Write about how they react to it. What emotions does it stir up in them?
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a moral dilemma that challenges their beliefs or values. Describe their thought process as they struggle to make a decision. What factors influence their choice?

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