Body Language: Let Your Characters Speak Without Saying A Word

Before you read this list of body language description and gestures, I want you to think about one thing:  Context. 

When I fold my arms across my chest, I may be nervous, scared or just plain cold.  When my husband folds his arms across his chest, he’s either pissed off or considering something.  Very different meanings depending on the person and situation!

Body language will vary by gender, age, background, ethnicity, etc.  It’s important to evaluate what message your character needs to get across and how that specific character (versus a different sub-character) would use their body to tell the story.  Not all of your characters are going to lick their lips nervously or stuff their hands in their pockets when they are upset!  Try to remember that when you’re reviewing this list: 

Aggressive
Hands on Hips
Narrowed eyes
Finger pointing
Cracking knuckles
Wide stance (legs far apart)

Angry
Arms folded across chest (male)
Hands on hips (female)
Jaw tight, clenched
Hands in fists
Teeth grinding

Authoritative
Steepling fingers
Signaling with palms down
Signaling with fist
Hand chop

Bored
Legs crossed, kicking foot (female)
Head rested on hand
Fidgeting

Cold
Shivering
Goosebumps/Gooseflesh/Raised arm hair
Teeth chattering
Arms wrapped tightly around torso
Rubbing arms

Confident
Good posture
Walking briskly
Sitting, hands clasped behind head
Chin up

Defensive
Tight shoulders
Hands in fists,
Hand up, palm out

Depressed
Shoulder slumped
Head down
Hands in pockets

Disapproval
Wrinkle nose, squint eyes
Shaking head

Doubtful
Rubbing nose or eye
Eyes roll (aka eye shrug)
Scratching neck

Evaluating
Tilted head
Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed (negative)
Both palms up as if weighing something

Excited
Rubbing hands
Bouncing slightly on toes
Smiling
Wide eyes
Rocking side to side
Moving or speaking quickly

Frustrated
Running hands through hair

Flirting
Requires an entire post of its own!

Happy
Smiling
Winking
Laughing

Indecisive
Stroking chin

Insecure
Tugging on ear
Blinking rapidly
Biting nails
Fleeting eye contact
Griping own arms
Legs interlocked

Interested
Tilted head
Direct eye contact
Smile (coy), with head tilt
Biting lip (flirtatious)

Nervous
Locked ankles
Hands clasped behind back
Rocking, changing weight
Touching face
Arms folded
Shaking hands
Biting lip
Holding purse in front of body (female)
Adjusting cuff, watch, tie
Fingers interlocked (female)

Pained
Grimacing

Relaxed
Sitting, Legs Apart

Sad
Crying
Lip quiver
Face contortion

Scared
Hands/body shakes
Knees buckle

Shocked
Eyes wide, mouth open
Hand clamped over mouth

Thoughtful
Chewing pen/pencil
Pursing lips


If you have anything to add or if there is a category you’d like to see on the list, please be sure to leave a comment. I intend to update this post frequently! 

Thanks for your input!