Using Body Language to Deepen Your Characters
We’ve all heard the phrase actions speak louder than words—and in storytelling, this couldn’t be more true. Dialogue tells us what a character says, but body language tells us what they truly mean. A clenched jaw, an averted gaze, a too-tight smile—these details reveal hidden emotions, unspoken tension, and deeper layers of personality that words alone can’t capture.
If you want to bring your characters to life and increase emotional resonance in your scenes, mastering nonverbal cues is essential. Let’s break down how you can use body language to enhance your writing and make your characters feel more real.
1. Match Body Language to Emotion (and Avoid the Obvious)
Readers can spot generic body language from a mile away—crossed arms for anger, shaking hands for fear, biting lips for nervousness. While these cues are useful, they’re also overused. Instead, look for specific, character-driven details that reveal a deeper emotional truth.
✔ Example of generic body language:
“I’m fine,” she said, arms crossed.
✔ Example of nuanced body language:
“I’m fine.” She ran a finger along the edge of her sleeve, tracing invisible patterns into the fabric.
🔹 Why this works: The second example conveys uncertainty and distraction without spelling it out. Small, personal habits like fidgeting with clothing, rubbing a ring, or smoothing hair can subtly reveal anxiety, hesitation, or discomfort.
2. Use Involuntary Reactions for Subtext
Sometimes, a character’s true feelings leak out through involuntary physical reactions—things they can’t control or don’t realize they’re doing. These are great for revealing inner conflict, tension, or attraction, especially when what a character says doesn’t match what they feel.
✔ Example:
“I can’t stand him,” she said, but her fingers twisted the chain around her neck, the way they always did when she was thinking about him.
✔ Example:
“It’s whatever.” His foot bounced under the table, his heel tapping out an anxious rhythm.
🔹 Why this works: Instead of telling the reader what the character is feeling, it shows emotion through movement. Readers pick up on body language instinctively, making the scene feel natural and immersive.
3. Make Body Language Unique to Each Character
No two people express emotions the same way, so why should your characters? Giving them distinct physical habits or “tells” makes them feel more real and consistent.
✔ Examples of character-specific body language:
A former soldier stands with their hands behind their back, even in casual settings.
A shy character always touches the edge of their glasses when nervous.
A confident, charismatic character leans in close when talking and uses their hands expressively.
A liar pauses a fraction too long before answering, then forces a grin that doesn’t reach their eyes.
🔹 Tip: Keep a body language journal for each character! What do they do when they’re anxious, happy, angry? Do they have a nervous tic, a bad habit, or a confident stance? Small details make them feel distinct.
4. Show Power Dynamics Through Physical Space
How characters occupy space tells us who has the power in a scene—and who doesn’t.
✔ Examples of dominant vs. submissive body language:
A powerful, confident character expands their space—leaning back in a chair, putting their feet up, standing tall with shoulders squared.
A nervous or uncertain character makes themselves smaller—hunching their shoulders, keeping their arms close, avoiding eye contact.
An antagonist invading someone’s space creates intimidation—a boss leaning over an employee’s desk, a villain circling their captive.
✔ Example in action:
The king didn’t rise. He didn’t need to. Instead, he flicked his fingers, dismissing the guards without a word. Across the hall, the prisoner shifted, his shoulders tight, his hands clenched in his lap. He didn’t meet the king’s gaze.
🔹 Why this works: The king’s stillness suggests absolute control, while the prisoner’s tight posture and avoidance of eye contact show powerlessness.
5. Use Touch to Add Emotional Weight
A single touch—intentional or unintentional—can change the entire mood of a scene. Whether it’s an accidental brush of fingers or a clenched handshake, physical contact heightens emotional stakes.
✔ Examples of touch in different emotions:
Affection: A thumb brushing over a knuckle, a lingering touch at the small of the back.
Anger: A crushing handshake, a hand gripping a wrist too hard.
Fear: A flinch at sudden contact, fingers trembling against fabric.
Longing: A hand hovering just inches away but never quite touching.
✔ Example in action:
She reached for the book, and his fingers brushed against hers. Just for a second. But she felt it—the heat of his skin, the way his hand hesitated before pulling away.
🔹 Why this works: Even the smallest touch carries weight when there’s tension between characters. It’s not just about physical contact—it’s about what it means in that moment.
6. Don’t Forget the Face and Eyes
Facial expressions can contradict words, making scenes richer with subtext. The key? Think beyond just smiling and frowning.
✔ Examples of nuanced facial expressions:
A fake smile that falters at the edges.
Lips pressed so tightly they turn white.
A quick flick of the eyes toward an escape route.
A blink that lasts a beat too long (processing bad news, holding back tears).
A tilted head when someone isn’t convinced.
✔ Example in action:
“I believe you,” he said. But his mouth was tight, and his gaze flicked away just before he spoke.
🔹 Why this works: A simple gaze shift or tense mouth reveals hesitation or doubt without needing to spell it out.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Movement Matter
Body language is one of the most powerful tools in your writing arsenal. It deepens character interactions, adds subtext, and makes emotions feel real. The key is to:
✔ Avoid clichés – Look for fresh, character-driven gestures instead of overused ones.
✔ Use involuntary reactions – Let emotions leak through fidgeting, posture shifts, and microexpressions.
✔ Make body language unique – Give each character their own habits and physical tells.
✔ Use space and touch intentionally – How characters move and interact tells us just as much as their words.
Next time you’re writing a scene, challenge yourself to replace at least one line of dialogue with a physical action. You’ll be amazed at how much depth and realism it adds.
