Emotion: Devotion

When you want to write the emotion devotion, 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 not telling and immerse your readers in your story.

Devotion is a strong feeling of love, loyalty, or commitment towards a person, cause, or activity. It involves a deep attachment and dedication to something or someone, often leading to acts of selflessness and sacrifice. Devotion is a powerful emotion that can inspire individuals to pursue their goals relentlessly and overcome obstacles, or to support and care for others with unwavering loyalty and affection.

Different Types of Devotion

Here are some different types of devotion:

• Romantic devotion: intense and unwavering love for another person
• Religious devotion: a strong commitment to a particular faith or spiritual practice
• Familial devotion: the deep love and loyalty between family members
• Patriotic devotion: a strong attachment to one's country or nation
• Personal devotion: a strong dedication to personal goals or values
• Professional devotion: a strong commitment to a particular career or profession

Situations Associated with Devotion

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

• A character may feel devotion towards a loved one, such as a spouse, child, or family member.
• A character may feel devoted to a particular cause or belief, such as a political movement or religious faith.
• A character may feel devoted to a mentor or teacher who has had a significant impact on their life.
• A character may feel devoted to a friend who has supported them through difficult times.
• A character may feel devoted to a particular hobby or passion, such as music or art.
• A character may feel devoted to a job or career, especially if it aligns with their personal values or goals.

Physical Reactions to Devotion

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

• Dilated pupils and a soft, affectionate gaze
• Leaning towards the subject of devotion
• A willingness to listen and pay attention to the subject of devotion
• A tendency to prioritize the needs and wants of the subject of devotion above one's own needs and wants
• Displaying acts of service and generosity towards the subject of devotion
• Physical touch such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing
• Sacrificing personal time and resources for the benefit of the subject of devotion
• A willingness to forgive and overlook flaws or mistakes of the subject of devotion
• Protectiveness towards the subject of devotion

Thoughts Associated with Devotion

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing devotion might have:

• I'll do anything for them
• Their happiness is my top priority
• I can't imagine my life without them
• I feel a deep sense of loyalty towards them
• Their successes feel like my own
• I want to protect and support them no matter what
• I feel a sense of fulfillment in being there for them
• I am willing to make sacrifices for their sake
• Their flaws and mistakes don't change my commitment to them

Atmosphere of Devotion

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

• Use warm and inviting colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows in the setting.
• Incorporate soft lighting or candlelight to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
• Have the character perform actions that show their devotion, such as cooking a meal for a loved one or tending to a garden.
• Use sensory details such as the smell of freshly baked bread or the sound of a crackling fire to create a comforting and welcoming environment.
• Incorporate symbols of devotion, such as a religious icon or a wedding ring, into the scene.
• Have the character express their devotion through dialogue or inner thoughts.
• Use descriptive language to convey the character's emotions, such as describing their heart racing or their palms sweating out of love and devotion.

Verbs Associated with Devotion

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

• Adore
• Cherish
• Love
• Worship
• Treasure
• Respect
• Honor
• Serve
• Follow
• Support
• Dedicate
• Commit
• Give
• Sacrifice

Emotions Before Devotion

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

• Attraction
• Admiration
• Respect
• Trust
• Affection
• Gratitude
• Loyalty

Emotions After Devotion

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

• Admiration
• Loyalty
• Affection
• Commitment
• Devotion's intensity may lead to obsession or possessiveness
• Selflessness
• Trust
• Respect
• Gratitude
• Empathy
• Sacrifice
• Hopefulness
• Joyfulness
• Contentment

Telling Devotion Examples to Avoid

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

• He was devoted to his wife, always telling her how much he loved her.
• She felt a deep devotion to her country and was willing to do anything for it.
• His devotion to his job was unparalleled, working long hours and sacrificing his personal life for it.
• She had a strong devotion to her religion, attending church every Sunday and praying daily.
• His devotion to his family was evident in the way he always put their needs before his own.
• She had a deep devotion to her art, spending countless hours perfecting each piece.
• His devotion to his mentor was unwavering, always seeking his guidance and advice.
• She had a fierce devotion to her friends, standing up for them no matter what.
• His devotion to his favorite sports team was evident in the way he cheered loudly and proudly.

Practical Examples of Showing Devotion

Here are some examples of showing devotion in a sentence:

• She woke up every morning at 5 am to prepare breakfast for her husband, out of devotion.
• He spent all his free time volunteering at the animal shelter, showing his devotion to furry creatures.
• Despite the long distance, she never missed a day without talking to her best friend, demonstrating her devotion to their friendship.
• When her mother got sick, she took a leave from work to take care of her, proving her unwavering devotion to family.

Exercises for Showing Devotion

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing devotion:

• Start by defining what "devotion" means to you. Is it a feeling of loyalty? Dedication? Admiration? Once you have a clear understanding of the emotion you want to convey, you can better channel it into your characters.
• Think about a time when you felt devoted to someone or something. What were the circumstances? How did it make you feel? How did you behave differently because of this feeling?
• Create a character who is devoted to someone or something. What motivates this devotion? Is it a deep love, a sense of duty, or something else? How does this devotion impact the character's actions and decisions?
• Write a scene in which your character expresses their devotion. This could be through their thoughts, words, or actions. Be sure to show how the character's devotion affects the people or things they are devoted to.
• Explore the consequences of devotion. Sometimes, being devoted to someone or something can have negative consequences. What happens when your character's devotion is tested? How do they react when their devotion is not reciprocated?

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