My creative writing teacher always told us to "show the reader not tell them" our story/message. Even though that piece of advice went towards writing novels and the like, I find it very much has a place among role playing as well.
"Fred becomes sad" sounds and looks bland. Plus, there isn't a whole lot of characterization in it. As a reader, I'm just being told Fred is sad.
"Fred frowns, and bows his head low. He lets out a loud sigh" shows me how Fred is feeling. This shows a picture of what is happening while giving him more life.
Yes, the second sentence takes more time to type, but the results are vastly better from a creative standpoint. It has more meat and flavor like a soup or stew, and every reader should prefer that over a broth made from skinny bare bones. Of course, a writer can run the risk of being overly descriptive, which can be as equally as dull as "Fred becomes sad." Show a message and get to the point rather than loiter on every little detail. A soup with too much spice loses its flavor after one or two spoons after all.
On the subject of a character who doesn't display their emotions, you're right with using subtle emotes. A broody character could clench their fists, tense their muscles, sneer, etc. An introverted character could show more insecure emotes like hunching their shoulders, unconsciously play with their fingers, bite their lip, etc. Off the top of my head, the only time I think a character not expressing emotion being valid would be to purposefully convey they're eerie or otherworldly.
"Fred becomes sad" sounds and looks bland. Plus, there isn't a whole lot of characterization in it. As a reader, I'm just being told Fred is sad.
"Fred frowns, and bows his head low. He lets out a loud sigh" shows me how Fred is feeling. This shows a picture of what is happening while giving him more life.
Yes, the second sentence takes more time to type, but the results are vastly better from a creative standpoint. It has more meat and flavor like a soup or stew, and every reader should prefer that over a broth made from skinny bare bones. Of course, a writer can run the risk of being overly descriptive, which can be as equally as dull as "Fred becomes sad." Show a message and get to the point rather than loiter on every little detail. A soup with too much spice loses its flavor after one or two spoons after all.
On the subject of a character who doesn't display their emotions, you're right with using subtle emotes. A broody character could clench their fists, tense their muscles, sneer, etc. An introverted character could show more insecure emotes like hunching their shoulders, unconsciously play with their fingers, bite their lip, etc. Off the top of my head, the only time I think a character not expressing emotion being valid would be to purposefully convey they're eerie or otherworldly.
♦ Li'ur Nuhn || Alunshar Domitius ♦
