how to describe leaf in creative writing

Painted Panoramas: How to Describe Leaves in Creative Writing

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Understanding the Aesthetic Beauty of Painted Panoramas

Depicting leaves: exploring the intricacies of nature in creative writing, crafting vivid descriptions: techniques to bring leaves to life, colorful canvases: describing the palette of leaves in your writing, captivating the reader’s senses: describing the texture and sound of leaves, using metaphors and symbolism: evoking emotion through leaf descriptions, immersing readers in leafy landscapes: creating engaging and authentic settings, frequently asked questions, concluding remarks.

Painted panoramas have long captivated art enthusiasts around the world with their extraordinary ability to transport us into stunning landscapes or bustling scenes from history. These breathtaking works of art allow us to experience a different time and place, immersing ourselves in the artist’s vision. Through their intricate brushstrokes and meticulous attention to detail, painted panoramas encapsulate the essence of an entire panorama within a single frame. Their immense size and panoramic format enable us to feel as though we are standing right in the midst of the depicted scene, triggering a sense of wonder and enchantment.

The aesthetic allure of painted panoramas lies not only in their lifelike representation of the world, but also in their ability to evoke emotions and connect us to the past. These grand, sweeping landscapes transport us to distant locations, from majestic mountain ranges to serene seascapes, providing a sense of escape and tranquility. Moreover, painted panoramas often depict historical events or significant moments in time, offering a unique glimpse into the past. The meticulous brushstrokes and vibrant colors used by artists create a sense of realism and depth, making it feel as though we are witnessing these moments firsthand. Being able to step into a painted panorama is like embarking on a visual journey, feeding our curiosity and inspiring a deep appreciation for the artistry behind these masterpieces.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of creative writing as we delve into the intricate beauty of leaves. In this captivating journey, we will unlock the secrets to creating vivid descriptions that breathe life into your nature-inspired prose. From the smallest details to the grand tapestry of colors, our exploration will inspire you to observe with renewed wonder and translate your observations into compelling words on the page.

Discover the hidden poetry within each leaf as we unravel the captivating shapes, textures, and patterns that adorn them. Through interactive exercises and insightful prompts, we will guide you in developing your descriptive skills, helping you paint a symphony of words that skillfully mimic the delicate play of sunlight dancing through foliage. Learn to harness the power of vivid imagery to transport readers to lush, verdant landscapes, where they can almost smell the earthy scent and feel the gentle rustle of leaves beneath their feet.

Join us on this enchanting journey of exploration and self-expression, where you will uncover the art of depicting leaves with unparalleled imagination and precision. Whether you’re a seasoned writer seeking to deepen your connection to nature or a budding wordsmith eager to hone your craft, this adventure promises to awaken your senses and ignite new realms of creativity. Embrace the wonders of the natural world through the written word and unlock the limitless potential within your own imagination.

When it comes to writing vivid descriptions, there are several techniques that can help you bring leaves to life on the page. By utilizing these methods, you can transport your readers to a world filled with the mesmerizing beauty of nature.

1. Utilize sensory language: Engage your readers’ senses by describing the appearance, sound, smell, taste, and touch of leaves. Use adjectives to paint a picture, such as “emerald-green” or “fiery-red,” to make the imagery more vibrant and captivating.

2. Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating that leaves are “beautiful,” show their beauty through specific details. Describe how rays of sunlight dance on the surface of each leaf, or how they gently sway in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing symphony of rustling sounds.

3. Appeal to emotions: Encourage an emotional connection between your readers and the leaves by tapping into their nostalgia or fond memories. For example, describe how the scent of fallen leaves evokes a sense of autumnal nostalgia, reminding them of cherished moments spent crunching through a colorful carpet of foliage.

4. Contrast: Highlight the uniqueness of leaves by juxtaposing them against their surroundings. Describe how the vibrant red maple leaf stands out against a backdrop of fading greens, accentuating the beauty and individuality of each leaf.

When it comes to capturing the essence of autumn in your writing, nothing quite compares to the vibrant hues of fallen leaves. These natural canvases provide writers with a kaleidoscope of colors to weave into their prose, adding depth and visual imagery to their descriptions. By embracing the rich palette of leaves, you can bring your writing to life and transport your readers to a world ablaze with the beauty of nature.

Imagine the crunch of red and orange leaves beneath your feet, the gentle rustling sound that accompanies each step. Picture the sunlight filtering through the canopy, casting a warm golden glow upon the forest floor. By skillfully incorporating these sensory experiences into your writing, you can create vivid scenes that evoke a true sense of autumn. Consider the following techniques to effectively embrace the palette of leaves in your writing:

• Paint with words: Use descriptive language to convey the colors of the leaves. Instead of simply stating “the leaves were red,” try phrases like “fiery crimson leaves” or “vibrant scarlet foliage.” This allows readers to visualize the shades and enhances their connection to the scene.
• Explore the spectrum: Don’t limit yourself to the typical hues of autumn leaves. Consider the subtle variations, such as burnt sienna, amber, or even the occasional purple or pink leaf. The richness of the leaf palette goes beyond the obvious, so be adventurous with your color choices.
• Embrace metaphor: Use the changing colors of leaves as a metaphor to convey emotions or ideas. For example, you could describe a character’s mood as “falling into a sea of golden tranquility” or their heart as “burning with the passion of a scarlet leaf.” Metaphors add depth and symbolism to your writing, making it more memorable.

When it comes to the beauty of nature, the texture and sound of leaves can transport us to a world of tranquility and wonder. Each leaf, with its unique patterns and textures, has a story to tell. As you run your fingers along the surface, you might encounter velvety smoothness, like a piece of satin gently brushing against your skin. Or perhaps you’ll stumble upon a leaf with jagged edges, reminiscent of crumpled paper. The diversity of these natural textures never ceases to amaze, captivating both your sense of touch and imagination.

But leaves have more to offer than just their texture. As they rustle in the wind, a symphony of sounds unfolds before your ears. The delicate flutter of a leaf falling to the ground, like a soft whisper, creates a sense of serenity. When a gentle breeze rustles through a foliage-rich tree, you can hear the leaves dancing in harmony, their collective murmur creating a soothing melody. It’s as if the trees themselves are speaking, sharing their secrets and tales with those willing to listen.

When it comes to describing leaves, utilizing metaphors and symbolism can enhance the emotional impact of our writing. By evoking powerful imagery and tapping into universal symbols, we can create a deeper connection with our readers. These literary devices offer an opportunity to paint vivid pictures in their minds as they navigate through the text.

1. **Dancing foliage**: Imagine leaves swaying and twirling like graceful ballerinas, caressed by a gentle breeze. This metaphor not only adds movement to your descriptions but also evokes a sense of elegance and beauty. Such imagery can be great for conveying a serene, tranquil atmosphere.

2. **Golden confetti**: Use this symbolism to describe autumn leaves strewn on the ground, creating a vibrant carpet of color. The image of golden confetti conjures a festive and joyful mood, making it ideal for narrating scenes of celebration or offering a contrast to melancholic emotions. It invites readers to revel in the kaleidoscope of nature’s colors.

When it comes to writing, one of the most important aspects is creating settings that transport readers to the heart of the story. And what better way to captivate their imagination than by immersing them in lush, leafy landscapes? Whether it’s a dense, mystical forest or a serene, picturesque garden, the key lies in evoking sensory details and creating a multi-dimensional experience for your readers. Here are some tips to help you craft engaging and authentic settings that will leave your readers craving more:

• Research and Observation: To portray leafy landscapes authentically, start by immersing yourself in real-life settings. Take nature walks, visit botanical gardens, or simply spend time in lush green spaces. Observe the flora and fauna, listen to the sounds of rustling leaves, and inhale the earthy scent of the forest. By truly experiencing these environments, you’ll be able to capture their essence in your writing.
• Vivid Descriptions: As you transport your readers to these leafy landscapes, it’s crucial to engage their senses through vivid descriptions. Paint a picture with your words, allowing them to see the sunlight filtering through the canopy, feel the soft moss underfoot, and hear the melodious chorus of birdsong. By appealing to their senses, you’ll create a tangible and immersive setting that feels real to your readers.
• Character Interactions: Leafy landscapes can serve as more than just a backdrop for your story; they can also provide opportunities for meaningful character interactions. Consider how your characters would interact with the environment. Are they at peace and connected to nature, or do they find it unsettling and overwhelming? These interactions can add depth to your characters and create a sense of tension or harmony within the leafy landscape.

Creating engaging and authentic settings is a powerful tool in any writer’s arsenal. By immersing readers in leafy landscapes, you’ll transport them to a world where they can share in the beauty, mystery, and wonder that nature has to offer. So go ahead, let your imagination wander, and take your readers on a breathtaking journey they won’t soon forget!

Q: What are painted panoramas? A: Painted panoramas refer to a technique in creative writing where authors vividly describe the natural beauty of leaves.

Q: Why is it important to describe leaves in creative writing? A: Describing leaves can add depth and richness to your writing, helping readers visualize the scenery and immerse themselves in the natural world being depicted.

Q: How can I capture the essence of leaves in my writing? A: To effectively describe leaves, try to incorporate sensory details such as colors, shapes, textures, sounds, and scents. Use dynamic and evocative language to bring the reader closer to the experience of observing leaves.

Q: What are some words and phrases I can use to describe leaves? A: You can use words like verdant, vibrant, lush, vibrant, emerald, golden, fiery, delicate, fluttering, rustling, crisp, or aromatic to paint a vivid picture of leaves in your writing.

Q: How can I depict the colors of leaves creatively? A: Instead of simply saying “green” or “brown,” experiment with a variety of descriptive phrases such as “emerald green,” “honeyed amber,” or “coppery hues” to evoke a sense of visual beauty to your readers.

Q: How can I describe the shapes and textures of leaves? A: Pay attention to the shapes of leaves, whether they are heart-shaped, jagged, or elongated. Furthermore, describe their textures, such as velvety, leathery, or papery, to give a more detailed portrayal.

Q: Can you provide some examples of creative leaf descriptions? A: Certainly! Here’s an example: “The leaves, a kaleidoscope of fiery oranges and reds, cascaded from the trees, gently swirling as they found their place on the forest floor, forming a vibrant tapestry of autumn’s last dance.”

Q: Are there any particular literary devices I can use to describe leaves effectively? A: Yes, you can employ poetic devices like similes, metaphors, personification, or even onomatopoeia to accentuate the imagery of leaves. For instance, you could say, “The leaves whispered secrets to the wind,” personifying the leaves and creating a more immersive experience.

Q: How can I ensure my leaf descriptions flow seamlessly within the narrative? A: Integrate leaf descriptions into your story or prose naturally, allowing them to enhance the setting or characterization rather than feeling forced. Aim for a balanced mix of descriptive passages and other narrative elements to maintain a good flow.

Q: Any final tips to inspire creative leaf descriptions in writing? A: Engage all your senses, observe nature keenly, and let your imagination run free. Look beyond the obvious and explore the unique qualities of leaves, and always practice using descriptive language to bring your writing to life.

In conclusion, describing leaves in creative writing adds depth and vibrancy to your writing, transporting readers into a colorful and immersive world.

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A word/phrase describing the sound of leaves?

I have been describing a forest scene and there are only so many times I can use a form of the word Rustling .

Is there a word or phrase that can be used in place of this (It doesn't have to fit perfectly into place with rustles/rustling/rustled ).

Any word or phrase that can describe the sound of:

• Something moving through leaves
• Leaves interacting with each other physically
• single-word-requests
• phrase-requests

• 1 leaves crackling? or maybe fluttering leaves? –  Jony Agarwal Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 5:34
• 2 Crunchy crackling sound..?Just like the sound of paper fluttering when a strong wind blows through it. –  rohit raina Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 5:38
• This question might be helpful: ( english.stackexchange.com/questions/18488/… ) for the first point. –  Jony Agarwal Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 5:39
• @JonyAgarwal fluttering is nice, and can work. :) thanks! –  CandiedMango Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 6:01
• 5 well you could just quit talking so much about how leaves sound... –  Oldcat Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 18:06

9 Answers 9

Consider this lovely word, with its onomatopoeiac sibilance

susurrate , meaning to rustle, murmur or whisper

from the Latin susurrus for whisper.

From The Decline and Fall of the British Empire by Piers Brendon:

Especially alluring were the millions of date palms, with diamond-shaped striations on their trunks, golden clusters of fruit and an emerald whorl of fronds sussurating [sic] in the breeze.

• 1 You misspelled susurrate. –  Jasper Locke Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 5:48
• @JasperLocke Thank you. Two s 's, two r 's, and two u 's. And it seems I'm not alone. –  deadrat Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 5:53
• No problem. I've been trying find this alternative spelling with two s's. –  Jasper Locke Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 5:56
• 1 @JasperLocke The OED doesn't admit of the doubled s 's, which is supported by the etymology, but ss is all the Ngram viewer can find in print. The google tells me that Italian doubles the s . Go figure. –  deadrat Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 6:07
• 1 "onomatopoeiac sibilance" *melts* –  Lightness Races in Orbit Commented Oct 8, 2015 at 21:07

You don't have to only use synonyms for this, you can use unique metaphors or creative descriptions to get your point across. You can incite thought without directly describing it. For example, this can suggest the sound of leaves:

The [wind] brought the forest to life.

The leaves were like a whispering audience.

The leaves sang a melody of comfort for those passing through the forest.

You could come up with unlimited creative descriptions for the sounds of rustling in a forest. I'm sure your readers would actually prefer to discover the sound instead of being told so straightforwardly and blandly what it is. Of course there is the time for that but painting a picture is almost always more interesting and beautiful.

You can also find unique words that aren't necessarily synonyms of "rustling" to graft in emotions or moods, like this for a frightening scenario:

The horror of the situation was only heightened by the lonesome sound of the leaves scratching and scraping one another.

Or for a pleasant scenario:

The leaves hummed and feathered as the women shuffled through the bright forest.

We tend to hear things very differently depending on how we feel in a given situation. Describing your sounds like this can increase the drama and enhance the mood.

The word psithurism means "the sound of wind in trees or rustling leaves" (not exactly what you were looking for).

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/psithurism

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/psithurism

to crackle can be used referring to leaves, especially dry leaves:

to make slight, sudden, sharp noises, rapidly repeated.

The Free Dictionary

Ngram : leaves crackling - You Tube the sound of crackling leaves .

I hear the leaves crackling under my feet as I trudge through the yard. I hear children yelling as they jump...

Crinkle is defined in Merriam-Wester as:

to give forth a thin crackling sound : rustle

to describe the movement of the leaves ...

swirling or dancing

leaves swirling / dancing in the wind

As to their sound ...

the sound of leaves blowing

the sound of leaves crunching

The sound of leaves being crushed

Sweetly swinging maple leaves, the weightless, softly swaying leaves, whispering leaves ,…

The word is probably psithurism. Reference : https://www.wordnik.com/words/psithurism

Here's a list of sounds for many sorts of physical interactions. The only ones worth mentioning here are "rasping" and "scraping".

You could describe the sound instead; perhaps as "sibilant", as a "shushing" or "swishing" or "shuffling" sound, or with an onomatopoeia of your own invention.

And the leaves at my feet Whisper sounds so familiar Familiar, so familiar Are you there? Are you there?

Darkening Of The Light - Concrete Blonde

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged single-word-requests phrase-requests or ask your own question .

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Describing Plants in Writing: A Guide to Crafting Creative Language

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Plants are living organisms that belong to the kingdom Plantae. This includes trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. Plants are essential to life on Earth, providing food, oxygen, shelter, and many other benefits to humans and animals alike. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively describe plants in writing.

Compare and Contrast: Analyze the Similarities and Differences Between Different Plants

When describing plants in writing, it’s important to consider how they compare and contrast with one another. Different types of plants can vary greatly in terms of size, shape, color, texture, and other characteristics. For example, a rose bush and a maple tree may both be classified as plants, but they have very different appearances and functions. When comparing and contrasting plants, it’s helpful to focus on specific characteristics and explain how they differ or are similar.

Describe the Appearance: Describe the Visual Aspects of the Plant

When describing the appearance of a plant, it’s important to consider its height, shape, color, texture, and other features. For example, a tall, slender tree might be described as “towering” or “spindly”, while a short, wide shrub might be described as “stubby” or “bushy”. Colors can also be described using adjectives such as “vibrant”, “dull”, “rich”, or “muted”. Texture can be conveyed through words like “smooth”, “fuzzy”, “prickly”, or “waxy”.

Explain the Function: Explain How the Plant Functions in Its Environment

In addition to describing the visual aspects of a plant, it’s also important to explain how it functions in its environment. All plants play an important role in the food chain, as they produce energy from sunlight via photosynthesis and provide food for other organisms. Plants also help to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by filtering air and water, stabilizing soil, and providing habitat for wildlife. Furthermore, plants are beneficial to humans, as they provide us with food, medicine, fuel, building materials, and much more.

Detail Its Uses: Discuss How People Use the Plant

When describing a particular plant, it’s helpful to detail how people use it. Many plants are used as food sources, either directly or indirectly. Others are used medicinally, as they contain compounds with medicinal properties. Certain plants are also used as building materials, fuel, or even clothing. Explaining how people use the plant can help to give your readers a better understanding of its importance.

Utilize Metaphors and Similes: Use Creative Language to Convey the Beauty, Power, and Uniqueness of the Plant

Metaphors and similes are powerful tools for describing plants in writing. By using creative language, you can convey the beauty, power, and uniqueness of the plant. For example, a tall tree might be described as “reaching for the sky” or “soaring above the clouds”, while a bright flower might be described as “a burst of sunshine” or “a ray of hope”. Utilizing metaphors and similes can help bring your descriptions to life and make them more engaging for your readers.

Tell a Story: Write a Narrative About the Journey of a Particular Plant, from Seedling to Maturity

Another way to engage readers is to tell the story of a particular plant, from seedling to maturity. Describe its journey from a tiny sprout to a towering tree, or from a delicate bud to a vibrant flower. Focus on the details, such as how the roots grow deep into the soil, or how the branches reach for the sun. Crafting a narrative about the growth and development of a plant can be a great way to give your readers a deeper understanding of its importance.

Describing plants in writing can be a challenge, but with a little creativity and imagination, you can craft vivid and engaging descriptions that will captivate your readers. By comparing and contrasting different plants, describing their appearance, explaining their function, detailing their uses, utilizing metaphors and similes, and telling a story, you can create descriptions that will truly bring your subject to life.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Adjectives for Leaves: Examples & Descriptions

When it comes to describing the beauty of nature, leaves are often the unsung heroes. From vibrant hues to intricate patterns, leaves have a way of captivating our senses. In this article, I’ll be sharing a list of adjectives that can be used to describe leaves, along with some examples to help bring these descriptions to life.

From “lush” and “verdant” to “crisp” and “brittle,” these adjectives will allow you to paint a vivid picture of leaves in your writing. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of adjectives for leaves and explore the endless possibilities for describing their beauty and charm.

Table of Contents

How to Describe leaves? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to describing leaves, there are countless ways to capture their unique beauty and characteristics. Depending on the scenario or context, you can use different adjectives to paint a vivid picture for your readers. Here are some scenarios and adjectives that can help you effectively describe leaves:

1. Colorful Leaves

When the leaves are vibrant and filled with bright hues, you can use adjectives that convey their vibrant colors. Some examples include:

2. Autumn Leaves

Autumn leaves have their own distinct charm, characterized by warm tones and a sense of change. Here are some adjectives to describe autumn leaves:

3. Lush Leaves

When describing leaves that are full, abundant, and thriving, you can use adjectives that convey a sense of lushness and growth. Consider the following examples:

4. Delicate Leaves

Describing words for leaves in english.

Describing Words for Leaves in English

Vibrant Leaves:

Remember, when describing leaves, it’s important to consider their shape , texture , size , and context . These descriptors can enhance your writing or teaching materials, enabling you to convey the beauty and uniqueness of leaves in a more vivid and engaging way.

Adjectives for leaves

As an expert blogger, I have years of experience writing high-quality articles. Today, I’ll be providing you with a list of adjectives to help describe leaves in English. Whether you’re a kindergarten or preschool teacher looking to teach easy words to kids, or simply want to enhance your writing, these adjectives will come in handy.

Positive Adjectives for Leaves

When describing leaves, you’ll often want to capture their vibrant colors, patterns, and overall beauty. Here are 12 positive adjectives to help you do just that:

Negative Adjectives for Leaves

Sometimes, you may want to describe leaves in a less positive light. Maybe you want to convey a sense of decay or sadness. Here are 5 negative adjectives to help you achieve that:

Remember, when describing leaves, it’s important to consider their shape, texture, size, and context. These adjectives will help bring your writing to life and engage your readers or students.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for leaves.

When it comes to describing leaves, there are numerous adjectives that can capture their unique characteristics. Here are some synonyms that can help you paint a vivid picture:

Antonyms for leaves

On the flip side, there are also adjectives that describe the less desirable aspects of leaves. Here are some antonyms that convey a sense of decay or sadness:

In this article, I have provided you with a comprehensive list of adjectives to describe leaves in English. From positive words like “lush,” “radiant,” and “vibrant,” to negative ones like “withered,” “blighted,” and “brittle,” these adjectives capture the various aspects of leaves, including their colors, patterns, and condition.

Remember, when describing leaves, it’s important to consider their shape, texture, size, and the context in which they are found. This will help you choose the most accurate and evocative adjectives to convey the beauty or decay of the leaves.

So, whether you’re writing a poem, a nature blog, or simply want to appreciate the natural world around you, these adjectives will add depth and richness to your descriptions. Happy writing!

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Master List of Physical Description for Writers

I created this list of ways to describe people

because physical description, when done well, helps the readers see characters in their minds. But sometimes when you’re in the middle of writing, it can be hard to think of physical adjectives and distinguishing features for characters. I find that describing facial features can be especially tricky!

This long list of physical characteristics is kind of like a character description generator, and it’ll help you when you’re trying to think of how to describe a character’s appearance.

Eyes – General

 For all the words about describing facial features, I’m focusing more on physical descriptions rather than emotional expressions, though there’s a little crossover! You can also check out my long list of facial expressions.

heavy-lidded

fringed with long lashes

with sweeping eyelashes

with thick eyelashes

By the way, this post on how to describe (and not describe) the eyes of an Asian character  is really great. Check it out.

Eyes – Color

Brown is the most common eye color by far. Green is quite rare.

chocolate brown

cocoa brown

coffee brown

sienna brown

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cornflower blue

Arctic blue

glacial blue

crystal blue

electric blue

slate blue / slate gray

storm blue / storm gray

silver / silver gray

concrete gray

gunmetal gray

Skin – Color

Josh Roby made a great chart of skin tones and descriptor words, and I got a lot of these words from him. You can get that here .

The quote from N.K. Jemisin interested me: “I get really tired of seeing African-descended characters described in terms of the goods that drove, and still drive, the slave trade—coffee, chocolate, brown sugar. There’s some weird psychosocial baggage attached to that.” 

cream / creamy

rose / rosy

Skin – General

Some of these are better for the face, and some are better for other parts of the body.

translucent

luminescent

with large pores

weather-beaten

Face – Structure

heart-shaped

high forehead

broad forehead

prominent brow ridge

protruding brow bone

sharp cheekbones

high cheekbones

angular cheekbones

hollow cheeks

jutting chin

pointed chin

receding chin

double chin

dimple in chin

visible Adam’s apple

People don’t write much about noses, but they can be distinguishing features for characters!

Cupid’s bow

straight teeth

gap between teeth

gleaming white teeth

Facial Hair (or lack thereof)

clean-shaven

smooth-shaven

mutton-chop sideburns

a few days’ growth of beard

five o’ clock shadow

Hair – General

I threw a few hairstyles in here, though not many.

shoulder-length

neatly combed

slicked down / slicked back

buzzed / buzz cut

widow’s peak

Hair – Color

There are some repeats here from the eye color section!

salt and pepper

charcoal gray

brown sugar

tawny brown

toffee brown

Titian-haired

strawberry blonde

butterscotch

sandy blond

fair-haired

Body Type – General

average height

barrel-chested

heavy / heavy-set

pot-bellied

full-figured

leggy / long-legged

broad-shouldered

sloping shoulders

stubby fingers

long fingers

ragged nails

grimy fingernails

ink-stained

This list and many more are in my book Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plot Ideas, Character Traits, Names, and More . Check it out if you’re interested!

And if you don’t want to miss future writing posts, follow the blog, if you aren’t already — there’s a place to sign up on the lefthand side of the blog. Thanks for stopping by, and happy writing!

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127 thoughts on “ master list of physical description for writers ”.

Thanks, Bryn! This list has sparked a spark in my brain. I haven’t seen one of those for a while. I was getting worried I’d lost my flint!

I’m so glad you like it!

I love this, do you mind if we share on our blog WritersLife.org ?

Thanks for the positive feedback! You can’t reproduce it on your blog, but you can share an excerpt of 200 words or less plus a link to my site.

As a new novel writer all I can say is thank very much for sharing with us this wonderful list.

Ah you’re welcome! Thanks for visiting!

This is amazing! Thank you very much!

Thanks for the kind words–glad it seems helpful!

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Reblogged this on Of Fancy & Creativity .

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Aw thank you for this it helped so much! I’m 15 and I’m trying to write a novel and this was sooooo helpful so thank you a billion 🙂 Best wishes.

Ah you’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by. Good for you for working on a novel, and good luck–I bet it will go great!

Hi, Bryn Thank you for doing these lists. They helped me a lot. Can you make a list on how to describe emotions like sadness or anger.

It’s funny you should ask 🙂 There’s a list like that in my book MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS coming out this fall! I haven’t officially announced it yet, but hey 🙂

You can get a free copy when it comes out if you agree to give it an honest review. SIgn up for my newsletter if you’re interested!

Reblogged this on Kalynn Bayron and commented: Yes! This is great!

Was just looking for this type of lists.Great work.

This is so helpful.

I love your blog, btw. Your posts are informative and/or inspirational.

Are you on any social medial where I can follow you?

Oh, thank you so much! I just checked out your blog — I love the dream casting post! http://sbhadleywilson.com/blog/pull-ideal-cast-2/

I’m @BrynDonovan on Twitter, just followed you!

VERY helpful. I need to get basic descriptions of people done and out of the way to move on with plot. This quickens any details that might have taken me a long time to think through, or strain a sentence. Yuck. I know my females characters would pay attention to lots of physical details. not so with the males. Thanks!

Oh, so glad it’s helpful! That’s always what I’m trying to do with my lists — speed things up. I hate getting stuck on a detail and losing my momentum 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

godsent list! Bryn, I wish you more brains.

Reblogged this on Jessica Louis and commented: This list is beyond helpful. Who knew there were so many eye colors!?

Thanks Bryn your list was amazing. I’m an aspiring writer and it really helped me a lot. When I can I’m going to get a copy of your book. I think it would help me become a better writer. My genre of choice is erotic, but it is so hard to get out there, but I’m hopeful one day I will. It’s what I love to do and I’m going to keep trying.

Hi Beth! Thank you so much for the kind words. If you do get the book, I hope you like it! And good luck on writing erotica — I’m doing a “WIP Wednesday” this Wednesday where you can share a bit of your work in progress, if you like 🙂

That would be great. I have some short stories publish on a site called Literotica. I have some editing issues that I’m trying to work out, nothing a few classes wouldn’t help. How do I share my work.

I am so sorry! I missed this comment before. The next WIP Wednesday on the blog is Dec. 2… if you’re following the blog you’ll see the post! (The follow button is on the righthand side of this page.) Hope your writing’s going well 🙂

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Reblogged this on PRINCE CHARMING ISN'T HERE and commented: what an amazing list! I always have a hard time describing features! words sometimes fail me!

i loved this list! thank you so much for making it! 🙂

So glad it was helpful!

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Thank you! This is so helpful to have for reference. Occasionally I’ll have a particular word in mind and can’t think of it, and I can usually pop over here and find it right away!

I absolutely love your master lists. They have helped me so much in diversifying the words I use when I’m writing. 🙂

Ohhh thank you! That is so great to hear. 🙂 Hope your writing projects are going great!

Thank you, and they are. I’m just about to publish a works I’ve been working on for the past couple of months, which is so exciting. XD Hope all your writing projects are going great as well. 🙂

What a wonderful and thorough list Bryn. Thanks for sharing it! I will at some point ‘link back’ to this fabulous article (I’ll let you know when I do.) I’m new to your site, but will certainly be back for more! I’m fascinated to learn that you’re also a home-grown KC girl. =0) Although, I remarried and moved to California 9 years ago, KC still tugs my heart-strings.

Hey, so glad you like it! Yeah, Kansas City is a special place. Come visit anytime 🙂 And thanks for visiting my blog! — I LOVE your username, by the way. Made me smile.

thanks for following my blog!

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Reblogged this on A Blissful Garden and commented: I find this very important!

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Thanks for sharing this list! It is amazing and so helpful !

I’m going to save this as a favorite. You always provide great information Bryn. Continue with your success.

Oh, thank you so much, Christopher! I really appreciate the kind words. So glad you like this!

This list is so complete! I haven’t worked on fiction in a long while, but lately I’ve been wanting to get back into it. I know this is going to be a great help when i sit down to create my characters!

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This is absolutely perfect for aspiring writers so that we don’t have to use Microsoft Word synonyms that tend to nit have what we’re searching for. Your introductory paragraph about readers falling in love with characters’ personalities and not theit physical attributes was spot on. Thank you thank you, thank you!

Chunny! Thank you so very much for the kind words. I’m so glad you found it helpful!!

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This is amazing! Thank you! I hope it’s alright if I use this as a reference in a blog post for character development.

Hi Jacquelyn! So glad you like it. That’s fine, just please link to the post!

I read this over and over, thank you for creating this! Can I just ask, when thinking of clothing and how to describe it, what are some things you would put? (I’m making a book draft and have never needed clothing described to me as much as now)

Thank you! It’s so important that we don’t reuse the same words too often, so this will help a lot with that problem.

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Thanks for helping me. It really made a big difference of helping me come up with something.

Hi Joseph! Sorry for the delayed reply! I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for the kind words!

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Your book “Master Lists for Writers” has helped me incredibly. I’ve always wanted to be a romance writer but didn’t have the nerve until now. I am currently working on a short story about a college girl who is assaulted by a classmate. It was based on a dream I had a few nights ago. I haven’t developed how she gets her revenge on him. I know the story line seems dark but the dream stuck with me so much, I felt the urge to turn it into a story. Thank you again for your awesome book. What a great resource

Rhonda! Thank you so much for the kind words. I am so happy that the book is helpful, and even gladder that you’re going for it and writing! Sending you best wishes on your story!

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Great advice in this post, Bryn! Thank you.

Used this for school! It was really helpful!

Oh yay! So glad it was helpful!

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This is a great list! So comprehensive, and just what I was looking for. I struggle with physical descriptions of people and have a tendency to write the same kins of attributes. So this list is fab!

This is great!

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keep up the good work

Hey thanks 🙂

This is so helpful!!!!!

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Tiptoeing out there to publish my first book (I’ve been writing a long time). This post helped so much. Thanks!

oh my gosh, thank you! You have put a lot of effort in this list. I def appreciate it 🙂

Thank you I´m always using this when I´m creating new characters.

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Incredibly helpful! Thanks a lot :3

Thank you for sharing this!

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More extensive than my general list. My wizened goatee and elder Fu Manchu thank you for sharing your time and devotion to the craft.

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Very useful for ready reference. Thank you very much.

Thanks, Mohan! So glad you liked it!

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I’ve been writing for a while, mostly for fun, but this was the one thing I could never get down, but this list is great! all around solid, and incredibly useful, I see myself using it every time I need to make a new character, good job!

You’re a legend! This is fantastic, thank you!

Hahaha, thanks for the kind words! 🙂 Glad it’s helpful!

I am following your prompts and valuable advice for writing a fantasy teen fiction novel. I think you are amazing. You might not know it but I was able to clear hundreds of my doubts through your help. Please keep up the good work and providing your valuable support to all of us upcoming writers.

Hey, thank you so much for the kind words—you made my day! It’s wonderful to hear that you’re working on YA fantasy. I’m so glad I could help, and I wish you every success!

I honestly would not recommend this as good writing advice. The focus is too much on describing someone’s physical features using analogies for food. That is not a good thing, it becomes trite and overdone. If used sparsely it’s okay but almost every word in this list is food related.

Hi, Larissa! Thanks for taking your valuable time to share your opinion.

You have done a great job preparing this Master List. Those who think such precise words for describing someone hurt their sensibilities, move on to another URL. I appreciate every bit of your effort.

Hi, Pradeep! I am so glad you like the list. Thanks so much for commenting!

Bryn, I love your master list book and use it all the time!

Ohh, thank you so much! I’m so glad it’s helpful!

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This is a godsend. I owe you my soul.

I work 20 hours per day, (regular business and writing the memoir). Just ordered the Master List–seems like having my own research assistant. I may be able to get 5 hours sleep now. Thanks

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No jaw descriptions? ;(

You saved my day with your wonderful, descriptive words! Now I’ve found the perfect features for my handsome male character. Thank you!

That is a lot of hours for books but I guess if you keep pushing it will happen.

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Hi Bryn, thanks so much for this information! I always appreciate your lists because I like comprehensive material all in one location as a reference (then if I decide to break the rules, at least I know what the rules are “supposed to be” first!). Have you considered making comprehensive lists of creative writing genre conventions (tropes, archetypes, settings, devices, etc.)?

Hello, and thank you for the valuable and useful information. I agree with Eleanore regarding the list of genre conventions. I’m more than pleased I found you website.

Thank u so much ❤️ that was so helpful

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19,903 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,965 themes

leaf - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• falling leaves
• green leaves
• growing vegetables
• Maidenhair fern
• monstera plant
• photosynthesis
• the season of fall

The leaf was a chorus of greens.

Held to the light, the leaf was the road map of a million-souled city.

The leaf veins were sweet flowing rivers in the green.

Green skin in summer's light, the hue each leaf had a way of enchanting the soul.

The leaf was a green hand of splendid shiny skin, as if the perfect alien had reached out in gentle friendship. It was as supple as paper, perhaps more so, and in the strong light it was as magnificent as any stained glass.

The leaf reminds me of a church window, of the glass that glows so brightly on sunlit days. I trace the veins with one finger, following nature's architecture from stem to tip. I lift it to the light and let my eyes travel over it. So broad to catch the light, so thin to let the air flow in and out, and just like the church - built a "brick" at a time into a beautiful part of life.

To gaze at the green leaf was to pause my thoughts and feel the sense of rest nature gives.

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A new leaf: writing and observation

Early on in Creative Writing Level 1 (HE4) – in both the Writing Skills and Art of Poetry courses – there are exercises encouraging you to observe your surroundings closely, and to describe them using details from each of the five senses. Identifying the revealing details which bring a scene to life, and using the senses to work on your reader’s imagination, are essential skills, regardless of which genre you’re writing in. In this blog I’ll suggest a couple of ways to think more deeply about observing and describing. In his amazing book The Art of Description , Mark Doty gives writers the following advice: ‘description is the art of perception; what is required, in order to say what you see, is enhanced attention to that looking, and the more you look, the more information you get.’ Doty suggests that people who have studied drawing are especially good at this kind of intense attentiveness. Why not try this out for yourself? Take a leaf, then sit for 30 seconds, just looking at it. Pay attention to its shape, its gradations of colour, its irregularities. Is it torn? Has a caterpillar munched part of it? Then study its texture – soft or crispy, serrated or smooth? Now draw it. This doesn’t need to be a masterpiece, but spend some time trying to capture its appearance with pencil and paper, as thoroughly as you can. Here’s another statement from Doty’s book: ‘When we refer to leaves as green or bark as brown, we reduce language to a debasing perceptual shorthand. Every leaf is made up of a complex interaction of shades, tones that shift as light does’. With this in mind, write a paragraph describing the leaf in as much detail as you can. The only rule is you’re not allowed to use the words ‘green’, ‘red’, ‘yellow’ or ‘brown’, unless you qualify them with another term: ‘emerald green’ or ‘the golden brown of roast chicken skin’. See how precise you can be about colours. Writing about a leaf is a way of writing about nature. Many writers and literary critics are now realising that writing about nature can suffer from a problem of perspective: it’s easy to write about a leaf as if it only exists on the writer’s terms, as an object to be observed and described for a writing exercise (Vicky MacKenzie’s recent blog discusses similar issues surrounding writing about animals). But leaves have lives of their own. They’re parts of larger creatures – trees, bushes and plants. Their have their own priorities, which might be very different from the things we humans are programmed to care about. As Daniel Chamovitz shows in his book What a Plant Knows , leaves have equivalents of the senses we use. They respond to touch, to light, to temperature and other sensory stimuli. They even have something like a sense of smell. What’s more, they can communicate this information with other parts of the tree, and even with different trees in the forest (when you put a banana in a fruit bowl it ripens the other fruit – this is because it’s sending out chemical messages, which the tomatoes and avocados respond to). With this plant science in mind, let’s do something a bit weird. The final exercise I’d like you to try is to describe yourself from the point of view of the leaf. Imagine you are the leaf. How does it perceive the human looking at it? Do you block out the light it needs? Does the touch of your fingers cause it to release a scent? What are its priorities, and how does a human being fit into its life? image of leaf © Garry MacKenzie

One thought on “ A new leaf: writing and observation ”

Great advice. Writing begins with observations, not emotions.

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Setting Description Entry: Forest

August 23, 2008 by BECCA PUGLISI

green, brown, dead fall, fallen trees, logs, branches, twigs, fallen leaves, ferns, underbrush, moss, brambles, thickets, ivy, berry bushes, pine needles, pine cones, acorns, insects, rabbits, birds, squirrels, lizards, mice, foxes, spider webs, deer, sun-dappled, shady, shafts…

Sounds branches creaking, feet shuffling through detritus, squirrels chattering, leaves rustling, wind whistling around trunks/disturbing the leaves, birds singing, insects humming/ churring, rustle of animals rooting in underbrush, scrabbling of lizards on tree bark, limbs..

Smells tree smells (pine, etc), wildflowers, earthy smell, animal scents, rotting wood, fresh, stale, dry, damp, wet, scents on the wind from nearby places (water, wood smoke, ocean), wild mint/herbs, decay (bogs, stagnant pools of water, dead animals), skunks, skunk weed…

Tastes earthy air, sweet/sour berries, nuts, mushrooms, wild onions, seeds, bitter, mint, gritty, mealy, meaty, relish, savor, sample, salty, acidic, sweet, flavorful, sour, tart, flavorless, swallow, mild, nutty, relish…

Touch rough tree bark, kiss of falling leaves, branches slapping, uneven ground, knobby roots underfoot, sticky sap, underbrush that tangles/grabs, prickle of briars, slick leaves, twigs snagging at hair/scratching face, tickle of hanging moss, spider web strands on skin, soft…

Helpful hints:

–The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 1: I lifted my face, letting the light and shadow dance across my skin. Bees hummed in and out of the pennyroyal. I inhaled its minty smell and continued on, delighting in the sound of my feet sliding through the leaves.

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly.

Example 1: (Simile) The trees lashed and crashed against each other like drum sticks in the hands of a giant…

Does your setting take place at night? Check out this similar Entry: WOODS AT NIGHT

Think beyond what a character sees, and provide a sensory feast for readers

Setting is much more than just a backdrop, which is why choosing the right one and describing it well is so important. To help with this, we have expanded and integrated this thesaurus into our online library at One Stop For Writers . Each entry has been enhanced to include possible sources of conflict , people commonly found in these locales , and setting-specific notes and tips , and the collection itself has been augmented to include a whopping 230 entries—all of which have been cross-referenced with our other thesauruses for easy searchability. So if you’re interested in seeing a free sample of this powerful Setting Thesaurus, head on over and register at One Stop.

On the other hand, if you prefer your references in book form, we’ve got you covered, too, because both books are now available for purchase in digital and print copies . In addition to the entries, each book contains instructional front matter to help you maximize your settings. With advice on topics like making your setting do double duty and using figurative language to bring them to life, these books offer ample information to help you maximize your settings and write them effectively.

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

October 11, 2021 at 6:06 am

That helped me a lot!

October 7, 2021 at 2:08 pm

I love descriptive writing but can you help me to write a forest setting description?

February 26, 2021 at 10:01 am

Thank you for this great help…☺️☺️

February 23, 2021 at 4:37 am

Thanks this helped a lot!

January 19, 2021 at 1:39 am

Lovely book, It helped me a lot thanks

August 19, 2020 at 10:54 pm

Are you lovely ladies planning to put these descriptions into an ebook? I’m enjoying all seven of your thesaurus books.

August 20, 2020 at 8:13 am

Hi, Michelle! I’m so glad you’re enjoying our books. Are you asking when the setting thesaurus is going to be turned into a book? If so, you’ll be happy to know that those books are published and available. You can find ebook information on our Bookstore page. https://writershelpingwriters.net/bookstore/

If you have other questions or need to clarify anything, just let us know!

July 13, 2020 at 8:35 pm

OMG! This is powerful. God bless you richly. Please ma, can you help me to proofread my short fiction. I’m begging in the name of God. I have written a short fiction, but no one to help me to proofread it. [email protected] . Thanks in anticipation.

July 14, 2020 at 10:44 am

Sorry, we are unable to do that, but if you join a writing group or have a good critique partner, they should be able to help you. Good luck and all the best. 🙂

May 21, 2020 at 4:59 pm

amazing thankyou so much 🙂

March 11, 2020 at 3:19 pm

thanks! these will help a lot with the forested settings in my book series: the elemental masters.

June 26, 2020 at 5:42 am

Oh wow, your books are absolutely amazing. I’ve read all of them

March 9, 2020 at 1:50 am

Thank you for this, however, could you also do the same setting description based on the setting of a beach? That would be extremely helpful for me. THank yoU!

March 7, 2020 at 10:28 pm

Hi, this is extremely helpful, but could you make another setting description, the same as this one, except about a beach scene? That would be super helpful for me. Thanks!

March 8, 2020 at 1:56 pm

Hi, Stacey! We actually do have a Beach entry. You can find it here: https://writershelpingwriters.net/2008/09/setting-thesaurus-entry-beach/ . And our TOC also contains a list of the entries you can find here: https://writershelpingwriters.net/occupation-thesaurus/

But if you’re looking for settings that we don’t have, you might consider checking out our website, One Stop for Writers. All of our thesaurus collection are there, and most of them have been expanded to include additional entries. For instance, here is the complete list of setting entries you can find at One Stop: https://onestopforwriters.com/scene_settings

Best of luck to you!

March 9, 2020 at 5:47 am

Thank you so much Becca, i just really appreciate it, i love the websites you gave me and it is simply WONDERFUL!!!

March 6, 2020 at 3:12 am

This is wonderful, thank you! Very helpful!

October 24, 2019 at 6:10 am

IT FANTASTIC

January 1, 2019 at 7:15 pm

this really helped me. thank you lol 🙂

July 12, 2017 at 1:21 pm

I am helping a friend open a bar in a small town…the lifestyle here is of the following: Fishing, boating on our two rivers….Wabash and Tippecanoe and hunting deer. Cannot come up with a name to incorporate both of the passions our customers would enjoy. I have gone to your description setting entry for ideas…but just can not gel together this duo!!! Help?

July 12, 2017 at 8:00 pm

Hi, Patti. I’m sorry, but I’m not clear on what you’re after. Are you looking for help coming up with a name for a fictional town?

October 5, 2014 at 2:41 am

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL WORK. MY DAUGHTER WILL HAVE A GOOD RESOURCE OF DESCRIBING WORDS.

February 29, 2012 at 1:40 pm

Thank you so much for this! I have been struggling with my forest scenes for the longest time, stuck on the same small handful of descriptors–this is brilliant. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

May 1, 2011 at 4:48 pm

Thank you very much for these amazing words! keep the work up!

March 7, 2011 at 7:54 am

Thank you so much. These beautiful words makes picturing a scene extremely easy.

February 1, 2011 at 2:13 pm

I absaloutly loved thease words i really needed them to help me get my English paper to life

January 25, 2011 at 6:47 am

It’s a great Help for me. I was looking for such post that could give some interesting wording to describe a greenery and forest scene.

Thank you very much 🙂

April 7, 2010 at 6:13 am

I showed my teacher and she said you rocked. Thank you 🙂

March 26, 2010 at 2:52 pm

Great help for my book! Thank you!

December 13, 2009 at 12:30 pm

Thanks. Great Guide for a descriptive piece of writing A*

December 11, 2009 at 12:26 am

Creatively helpful , specially to beginning writers like me. Thanks for this web.

October 2, 2009 at 10:38 am

very helpful thanxx cood u include more sentance exxampils thanx that wood be helpful! miss m

September 23, 2009 at 11:35 am

April 21, 2009 at 8:29 pm

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!! Just what I am writing about!!! THANKS!!!!!!!

August 24, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Thanks for the kind words. When Angela and I started this blog, one of our main goals was to keep it relevant to writers. Glad to know we’re doing alright on that front :).

August 24, 2008 at 12:07 pm

This is fabulous!! I love it!

August 23, 2008 at 8:02 pm

Angela and Becca, you one-hit wonders, you’ve done it again! You’re very good at relating to the reader (and making it easy on the writer).

August 23, 2008 at 5:51 pm

Great job. And I really like the drumsticks simile.

August 23, 2008 at 10:45 am

So perfect! Thanks! I love the simile and metaphor section!

[…] Forest […]

[…] is a forest entry already, but I think that at night the woods can be an entirely different setting, full of mystery […]

Creative Writing in the Natural World: A Framing

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

To promote development, detail, and focus of ideas in students' writing, it sometimes helps to start with a fun, creative writing activity that encourages what you want to see in all of their writing. In this minilesson, students practice writing detailed, sensory-rich descriptions by framing a small piece of nature and freewriting about it. From this, students can develop a variety of types of writing including poetry, short stories, science writing, reflections, and other academic genres.

Featured Resources

• Literal vs. Figurative Language Guide
• Internet access and the Flip Book Interactive

From Theory to Practice

This lesson explores figurative language comparisons formally known as simile and metaphor; however, the focus of the lesson is on students' use of their their imaginations to describe their observations in writing rather than on the official terminology for language use. In Wondrous Words: Writers and Writing in the Elementary Classroom , author Katie Wood Ray advises, "Give it [the craft element you identify in a text] a name so you can refer to it easily in the future as you study craft and as you writing your own texts"; yet the name that students use need not be the formal, "correct" name (42). The formal name of the element simply detracts from the ways that writers work. As Ray explains, "What's important is that, in seeing it and naming it for yourself, you have a new vision of what's possible when you try to write well" (42). When we do use formal names for craft elements, best practice pairs such words with students' definitions of the elements. Ray and Lisa Cleaveland say, "We are careful to use the words most writers in the world use for the important concepts of writing . . . if we embed kid-friendly explanations of what they mean...we need not shy away from the words themselves" (98). Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• A piece of loose paper, paper to take notes on, and a writing utensil (pen or pencil)

Preparation

• Scout out a good spot to take students outdoors on the school grounds, a place that preferably has grass or that feels somewhat “natural.” If such an area isn’t available, it is okay to do this activity on constructed spaces such as sidewalks, playgrounds, and even inside the classroom if absolutely necessary, but it’s best done outdoors.
• Prepare the Literal vs. Figurative Language Guide by making it into a transparency or making copies for each student.
• Test out the Flip Book Student Interactive .

Student Objectives

Students will:

• freewrite about a specific place that is framed by their piece of paper using imaginative and literal observations.
• identify nouns in their writing that they would like to focus on and develop further.
• write using specific sensory imagery and figurative language in order to accurately describe their framed “worlds.”

Session One

• Ask students to get out a loose piece of paper.
• Have them fold it in half at least once and tear or cut out the center. (Some students may want to fold it more than once in order to create an unusual shape. That’s okay.) The goal is to be left with a piece of paper with a hole in the middle of it like a frame. The frame can be of any shape or size.
• Explain that you will be taking the class outdoors and that each student will find a spot to place his or her frame. Also explain that students will pretend that what is inside the frame is the entire world, the only thing students will focus on. In their notebooks, students will freewrite about what they find in their frames. Encourage students to use their imaginations. Perhaps they’ll find a bug and write about it as a giant dinosaur or a talking creature. However they proceed, students should write as freely as possible to get as much detailed information down about their framed “worlds” as they can.
• Once students have found a place outdoors for their frames, give them ten to fifteen minutes to freewrite.
• Back inside the classroom, ask students to remind you what a noun is. Ask them why nouns are important in writing. How do they function in a sentence, for example? (One answer is that nouns help us know who or what a sentence is about. They are they focus, and they help us visualize ideas as we talk or write about them in any genre.)
• Have them read over their freewriting and underline three to five nouns that they would like to focus on.
• Collect students' freewriting to be returned in the next session.

Session Two

• Return students' freewriting from the previous session where they had finished by underlining three to five nouns to focus on.
• Ask students to list their five senses. Ask for a volunteer or two to provide one of their nouns. Use these to practice developing these nouns into fully described sensory experiences. Help students describe them using all five senses. Encourage imaginative leaps so students understand that their descriptions don’t have to be literal.
• At this point, discuss the difference between literal and figurative language, and explain that the goal is for students to describe their nouns using sensory detail and figurative language. Show students the Literal vs. Figurative Language Guide overhead or give them the handout. If the students were to write literal descriptions of their framed “worlds,” for example, they will simply write exactly what is in their frames (Grass looks green; sand feels rough; grasshoppers make a high pitched noise, etc.), but if they write figuratively, they will use their imaginations to describe their observations. This might include using similes, metaphors, hyperbole, and personification. For example, the grass looks like spiky green hair; sand is solid water; grasshoppers are fiddlers who play their legs, etc.
• Using the Flip Book Student Interactive , have students create a page for each of the three to five nouns they underlined. (Each student should complete at least three pages.) On each page, they will develop these nouns by adding sensory-rich, figurative descriptions of them in paragraph or poetry form. The goal is to describe each noun using as many of the five senses and as much figurative language as possible. Encourage students to be imaginative for this process. What might an ant sound like? How might a rock smell?
• Students may need to finish their Flip Books outside of class, or you might reserve some class time tomorrow to finish these up.
• Give students the opportunity to share their finished pieces with the class.
• Encourage students to develop their flip book pages further by illustrating them.
• Students might also use an additional page in their flip books to create a piece of writing such as a short story, poem, or reflection about the natural world. Encourage them to find connections between the nouns in their list. How might that list become one piece of writing instead of three to five separate pieces?
• Discuss ways students can use these writing techniques to improve other writing that they are doing. You might ask students to review one of their past writing assignments and underline places where they might add detail or figurative language in order to develop their ideas.

Student Assessment / Reflections

As long as students participate fully in the freewriting activity and complete at least three pages on their Flip Books, they should receive full credit for this activity. If you would like to turn the Flip Book into a graded assignment, you might require that each page include at least three sensory images and one instance of figurative language. Students might also earn credit by reading one of their pages aloud in front of the class.

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Describing Words

This tool helps you find adjectives for things that you're trying to describe. Also check out ReverseDictionary.org and RelatedWords.org . Here are some adjectives for leaves : . You can get the definitions of these leaves adjectives by clicking on them. You might also like some words related to leaves (and find more here ).

Sort By Usage Frequency

Click words for definitions.

Loading you some adjectives... Won't be much longer! :)

Words to Describe leaves

Below is a list of describing words for leaves . You can sort the descriptive words by uniqueness or commonness using the button above. Sorry if there's a few unusual suggestions! The algorithm isn't perfect, but it does a pretty good job for most common nouns. Here's the list of words that can be used to describe leaves :

• greatest holy
• cumulative loose
• broad succulent
• green, rolled-up
• withered but familiar
• single fragrant
• brilliant quaint
• veined, metal
• slightly withered but familiar
• resilient and fragrant
• white initial
• palest dead
• transverse terminal
• narrow, ribbed
• seductive narcotic
• broad, succulent
• dead, brilliant
• dead withered
• fair, imperial
• final blank
• =falsely vertical
• ugly crumpled
• usually smooth and undivided
• less jagged
• jagged and smaller
• scabrous harsh
• entire unopened
• broad dark-green
• autumnal colored
• unpublished double
• long radical
• short involucral
• longer involucral
• preliminary and last
• wearisome or pitiful
• brown, belated
• hard swollen
• furry silvery
• large heavy-duty
• lingering sparse
• bland, yellow
• _--autumnal
• jagged enormous
• your artificial
• golden and fragile
• harder, thinner
• stubborn brown
• undulating, rubbery
• transparent ruddy
• official printed
• beautiful thorny
• standardized high-grade
• green and pliant
• sufficiently decomposed
• curved olive
• petal and veined
• white and dazzlingly green
• probably introductory
• broad pipal
• green pipal
• solitary rudimentary
• vivid autobiographic
• green, robust
• fifth sweet
• senior lowest
• also purple
• dead or diseased
• ordinarily entire
• perianthial
• simple entire
• precious narcotic
• light-colored, thin
• smoky flavored
• southern long
• comparatively broad and thick
• last and bloody
• blank unnumbered
• incipient loose
• single bronzed
• young, unopened
• veined autumnal
• yellowish new
• flexible loose
• comparatively large and rigid
• dense and almost continuous
• intricately veined
• preliminary blank
• quite green and larger
• second extra
• unnatural and misshapen
• strange imperishable
• narrow, needle-like
• bright-green tiny
• generally repetitive

Popular Searches

As you've probably noticed, adjectives for " leaves " are listed above. Hopefully the above generated list of words to describe leaves suits your needs.

If you're getting strange results, it may be that your query isn't quite in the right format. The search box should be a simple word or phrase, like "tiger" or "blue eyes". A search for words to describe "people who have blue eyes" will likely return zero results. So if you're not getting ideal results, check that your search term, " leaves " isn't confusing the engine in this manner.

Note also that if there aren't many leaves adjectives, or if there are none at all, it could be that your search term has an abiguous part-of-speech. For example, the word "blue" can be an noun and an adjective. This confuses the engine and so you might not get many adjectives describing it. I may look into fixing this in the future. You might also be wondering: What type of word is leaves ?

The idea for the Describing Words engine came when I was building the engine for Related Words (it's like a thesaurus, but gives you a much broader set of related words, rather than just synonyms). While playing around with word vectors and the " HasProperty " API of conceptnet, I had a bit of fun trying to get the adjectives which commonly describe a word. Eventually I realised that there's a much better way of doing this: parse books!

Project Gutenberg was the initial corpus, but the parser got greedier and greedier and I ended up feeding it somewhere around 100 gigabytes of text files - mostly fiction, including many contemporary works. The parser simply looks through each book and pulls out the various descriptions of nouns.

Hopefully it's more than just a novelty and some people will actually find it useful for their writing and brainstorming, but one neat little thing to try is to compare two nouns which are similar, but different in some significant way - for example, gender is interesting: " woman " versus " man " and " boy " versus " girl ". On an inital quick analysis it seems that authors of fiction are at least 4x more likely to describe women (as opposed to men) with beauty-related terms (regarding their weight, features and general attractiveness). In fact, "beautiful" is possibly the most widely used adjective for women in all of the world's literature, which is quite in line with the general unidimensional representation of women in many other media forms . If anyone wants to do further research into this, let me know and I can give you a lot more data (for example, there are about 25000 different entries for "woman" - too many to show here).

The blueness of the results represents their relative frequency. You can hover over an item for a second and the frequency score should pop up. The "uniqueness" sorting is default, and thanks to my Complicated Algorithm™, it orders them by the adjectives' uniqueness to that particular noun relative to other nouns (it's actually pretty simple). As you'd expect, you can click the "Sort By Usage Frequency" button to adjectives by their usage frequency for that noun.

Special thanks to the contributors of the open-source mongodb which was used in this project.

Please note that Describing Words uses third party scripts (such as Google Analytics and advertisements) which use cookies. To learn more, see the privacy policy .

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Tricks for Describing a Character’s Appearance (With Examples)

Introducing a new character to your story can be difficult. There’s a lot that goes into it, and to make matters worse, you only have one chance to give readers a good (and memorable) first impression of that character. One of the ways you can do this is by giving them a distinct appearance, but many writers tend to fall short of describing appearance well. 

We’ve all heard the same cookie-cutter descriptions for characters a million times before. Golden hair, a heart-shaped face, a chiseled body, piercing eyes, yadda yadda… The problem with these descriptions is that they’re bland, they’re cliché, and they don’t really help your characters stand out. 

However, if you break from clichés, you can create uniquely vivid descriptions that will give your characters life. There are endless ways you can describe characters, and I’m not going to walk you through how I would describe every single possible human feature (or humanoid, animal, alien, etc). For one thing, that would take too long, but for another thing, descriptions are based on more than just the character’s physical appearance—their personality plays a part too. 

Tips for Describing a Character’s Appearance in a Story

There are a number of things to keep in mind when describing a character’s appearance. Here are just a few general tips before we dive into some more specific techniques for describing different parts of a character’s appearance. 

Don’t Make Everyone a Supermodel

This is probably one of the most (if not the most) important things to remember when describing a character. You should never objectively describe your characters as flawless. Humans aren’t perfect, so if you describe your characters like perfect little supermodels, they just won’t feel authentic. Worse still, they won’t stand out from the protagonists of every single young adult novel out there. You need to make them distinct, and to do that, you need to give your characters flaws . And I mean real flaws, not fake flaws that are actually just endearing traits packaged like flaws. 

Don’t Dump Everything Out at Once

Describing your characters is important, but you need to be able to keep it concise. No one wants to read a 7-page summary of every detail of a character’s appearance. You can go in-depth, sure, but don’t put your readers through a word-avalanche just for them to figure out what the character looks like. 

Remember, you can reveal more about the characters over time. When you introduce a character for the first time, you should focus on the things a person would naturally notice first, such as their face, hair, clothing, voice, and general energy. You can further elaborate on their appearance later when it is relevant, and describe their gait, posture, temperament, and more. 

There is one exception here I want to highlight. If you are telling a story from the first-person perspective, and you want to illustrate a character’s obsession with another person, hyper-fixating on the details can be a good way to show this. It can make the character seem creepy , and it can foreshadow the protagonist doing something bad to the person they are obsessing over. 

Don’t Sell Them Short

Opposite to the point above, you shouldn’t make your introductions too short. To some extent, it can be good to leave some parts of the character’s appearance up to the reader’s imagination. However, you should give them something to help them visualize the characters in the beginning. Otherwise, if you later reveal that the character has dark hair, all the readers that imagined them with light hair might have a difficult time accepting that. 

Descriptions are important, and they help to include a reader in the narrative. Like a well-described setting, vivid characters can help immerse readers into the world and make them part of the story. 

Use Their Personality

A character’s personality can have a large impact on how they are perceived, and therefore should alter the words you use to describe them. Two characters might have similar features, but based on their personality, you would describe them differently. 

For example, two characters might both be tall, but one would be described as “awkward and long” while the other is “towering.” In this case, the characters’ levels of confidence impact how they are perceived. For another example, think about two characters who both have light skin. You could describe one as looking like “porcelain” and describe the other one as “pasty,” depending on their other traits. Those two descriptions create very different perceptions from each other.   

Use the Point of View

If the character in question is being described from the first-person perspective of another character, then the protagonist’s opinions should sneak into the description. Your protagonist probably isn’t going to objectively evaluate the other person—they’re likely to rely on stereotypes, biases, and things they have heard from others about the character they’re looking at. Rely on that to make the description fit into the story more organically. 

Here are some examples: 

• She had no right to have such a disarming smile.
• His expression was empty—just like his head.
• His dark, tangled hair reminded me of a swamp.
• She didn’t even wear any makeup! But even more frustratingly, she didn’t really need it.
• They looked divine… like I wasn’t even worthy to look upon them. 
• He looked like the type of person to stare at his own reflection before getting in the shower. 
• They were short and stocky, but they could still probably beat me in a fight. 

Remember, your protagonist can make speculative judgments about the character they’re looking at. You’re telling the story as they experience it, so their judgments are part of the narrative!

“…he was greeted by the barista—a young teen who had not yet matured enough to be handsome. Once his soft cheeks hollowed and his jaw squared, and the childish optimism fled his eyes, then he would have the chance to smolder. That crooked smile would win over many hearts in the blink of an eye, but not just yet.”  – excerpt from a draft

Keep the Description Balanced

A good rule of thumb when describing characters (or anything else really) is to create a balance of concrete details and flowery imagery. You should alternate between those two, as well as general and more specific details, to make the description flow more naturally, and to make it more interesting to read. 

Imagine reading a description like: 

“His hair was red and curly. His eyes were large and green. He had freckles, but they weren’t that noticeable. He was tall but very thin.” 

That’s so dry, and it’s not fun to read. Compare that to a description that varies how the information is provided:

“His hair was like a massive red bush surrounding two wide, green eyes. Freckles faintly dotted his cheeks, but they were only really visible in the sunshine. His long, lanky body and large hair made him look a bit like a big red lollipop—which was only heightened by his tendency to blush often.”

Wasn’t that a lot more fun to read? Not only does it make the character description more interesting, but it also influences a reader’s perception of what the character is like. Certain words help readers to gauge what kind of person this character is. The first example gives no indication of personality, but the second one uses words like “sunshine” and “lollipop” to associate the character with lively, happy things. Additionally, using words like “lanky” and “blush” suggests that the character is awkward or shy, saving you the time of having to spell that out for readers. 

Give them Something Special

One helpful thing that I’ve learned over the years is that you should give your main character some distinctive feature that sets them apart from the other characters around them. Diverse descriptions are great, but it never hurts to make your main character a little more unique. This could be something like a distinctive scar, a tattoo, a weird eye color, a patch of silver or white hair, a missing or extra finger, a birthmark, or something else along those lines. That can make them stand out more, and it can be a really clear indicator that they are special. 

Although your story won’t suffer if you don’t give your main character a distinct feature like this, it is usually a good bet—especially if you think your story could ever conceivably be adapted into a visual medium, like a comic, animation, or film. That character could become iconic. People may just see your character somewhere and that alone could motivate them to read or watch the whole story. As another plus, it could give you a cool opportunity for your story’s cover. 

How to Describe a Character’s Face

When describing a character’s face, the easiest way to do that is to first break the face down into its essential parts: the eyes, the mouth, the nose, and the facial structure.

So let’s start with the eyes since they are the focal point of the face. Stay away from the descriptions you’ve heard a million times, like “piercing” or “doe-eyed.” The eyes are the window to the soul, and they can tell a reader a lot about a character. Instead of “piercing,” try “icy” or “sharp,” and instead of “doe-eyed,” try “wide,” “innocent,” or “full of wonder/awe.” The goal is to describe the character in a unique way to make it more interesting to read, while still creating a vivid image of that character. 

You can describe the shape, color, and depth of a character’s eyes, but you should be careful not to rely on insensitive generalizations. For example, instead of “Asian” eyes, use “almond-shaped” or “mono-lid.” Not all Asian people have mono-lids, so simply using the word “Asian” to describe the character’s eyes doesn’t actually narrow down what they look like. 

That goes for all the other features of the face, too. Though it is true that some features are more prominent in certain races, nothing is inherent. You shouldn’t rely on the character’s race or ethnic background alone to be the basis of your description. Saying that a character is Japanese or Jamaican without giving other details doesn’t do any more for the character’s description than saying they are European or white. Doing this only encourages your readers to stereotype your characters, even if that wasn’t your intention. 

With that said, don’t get too caught up in describing every detail of a character’s face. Give the most important information, such as the eyes, face shape, scars, and other notable details or imperfections, then move on. If a character has an exaggerated feature, such as a large nose or bushy eyebrows, then that’s important to mention too.

How to Describe a Character’s Hair

There are lots of different types of hair colors, textures, thicknesses, and shines, so try not to make all your characters have the same kind of hair—unless they’re related or part of a small, isolated community, of course. Hair can be curly and blond, sleek and black, coily and auburn, and even dyed wild colors. Making your characters’ hair more distinct will make them easier for readers to visualize, especially if you introduce many characters at one time. 

Beyond the basics, you can use words to describe a character’s hair that reflects who they are as a person. For example, describing a character’s hair as springy or bouncy could indicate the character is upbeat and moves excitedly. Slick, greasy, or wispy hair could suggest an untrustworthy or sneaky character. The words you use to describe the character’s hair will be subliminally applied to the character themself. 

How to Describe a Character’s Clothes

Clothing is an important element of self-expression, and what your character decides to wear can reflect a lot about them. However, unlike with the character’s face, you should not spend a lot of time describing their outfit. For one thing, they’re probably going to change their outfit at some point in the story—likely more than once. Secondly, readers just won’t care unless you give them a good reason to. 

If you want to describe what your character is wearing, make sure to keep it short. If it’s just a simple way of helping the reader visualize the character’s style, present the information objectively and in only a paragraph or two, such as: 

“She wore short-shorts and a denim jacket, and pink thigh-high socks that she had to keep pulling up because they always slipped down to her knees. Her tennis-shoes were white and bulky, as was the belt bag she wore off to one side. This free, laidback style was completed by the two messy buns her faded purple hair was pulled up into.”

However, there are a few times in which you can use clothing to explore more complex ideas in the story. For example:

• An article of clothing might have special significance to a character. It could have been handed down from a relative, it could be a favorite shirt, or it could be meaningful in other ways. That would merit drawing more attention to it. 
• An article of clothing might have special significance to the story. This could be a type of ceremonial outfit, a piece of magical armor, or something along those lines. That would require a more thorough in-depth description of the item. 
• An article of clothing may be unfamiliar to most of your readers, such as a specific cultural outfit or an unusual costume, in which case a descriptive explanation could help illustrate what it looks like. 
• A particular outfit could draw attention to a character, such as an attractive or surprising outfit, that could merit taking more time to describe it (and explain why it garners the character extra attention). 

How to Describe a Character’s Body

Describing a character’s body is fairly straightforward. Like with many other aspects of a character’s appearance, there are a few methods you can use to approach describing their body. You could take the objective approach, which would do just fine in most cases, or you could toy with your readers’ perceptions. 

I’ll start out with a word of caution. Too many times, I’ve seen unrealistic descriptions of characters’ bodies. Whether it’s a waist that’s impossibly thin or muscles like a bodybuilder on a teenager, people tend to push the boundaries of what the human body is even capable of. You need to keep your characters within the limits of what’s actually possible, unless you have a good reason for doing otherwise (genetically modified supersoldier, not actually human at all, etc). 

Now, as with some other aspects of the character’s appearance, you can get away with a simple, objective description, like “tall and muscular” or “short and curvy.” Honestly, that’s usually all you’ll need to do. However, bodies are commonly associated with physical attractiveness, and if attraction is the point of your description, you need to take a different approach. 

Writing about attraction is tough (which is why I go more in-depth about how to write about attraction in my other article, Romance 101: How to Write Characters Falling in Love ). You’ll want to highlight the positives of the character’s body—the elements of them that have caught your protagonist’s attention. Whether it’s biceps, legs, or a large chest, you’ll want to describe it in detail, as well as highlight what it is about them that has the protagonist so interested. Here’s an example:

“He was tall and sturdy, and even in this relaxed environment, his pose held power. The way his shirt stretched taut around his shoulders when he shifted snagged and held my attention—I couldn’t help but stare. Did he pick that shirt on purpose? He had to know the thin fabric clung close to his body, showing off every rippling muscle underneath…” 

How to Describe a Character’s Posture and Body Language

Body language is an often overlooked element of describing a character, but you should give it some thought even if you don’t intend to draw a lot of attention to it in the story. How does your character stand? How do they emote? Do they gesture when they speak? Do they fidget? Try to envision what they look like when they are waiting, actively engaged in a passionate conversation, and when they are uncomfortable. 

People move in different ways, even if they aren’t thinking about it. Come up with a list of movements and behaviors that are typical for the character, and utilize those movements to make dull scenes and conversations more interesting. Instead of just dialogue, you can give readers more to imagine as your character shifts their weight, runs their hand through their hair, or twists the hem of their shirt. This can also help to establish the tone of the conversation.  

A person’s body, personality, and mood will all influence how they move. If you establish a baseline for how the character stands and behaves when they are in a neutral mindset, this will help you keep them consistent over time by casually mentioning their body language throughout the story. As a bonus, it can also help you tip readers off if you want them to notice that something is bothering the character. If you have established that a character is pretty relaxed in most situations, readers will instantly notice if they exhibit anxious body language even if you don’t draw a lot of attention to it. 

For more tips and tricks on writing about body language, be sure to check out Writing Body Language: Bringing Your Characters to Life next!

How to Describe an Attractive Character

Describing an attractive character isn’t all that different from describing any other character. You still shouldn’t make them flawless, but you can put off mentioning their more negative qualities until later—especially if another character is looking at them through rose-colored glasses . 

One recommendation that I have for describing a character who is supposed to be extremely attractive is to keep their description vague. Beauty is subjective, so each reader is going to have a different idea of what “attractive” means. By all means, describe the basics of their appearance, such as hair color, eye color, skin tone, and whatnot, but don’t dive deep into the shape of their features. This will leave a little bit up to the reader’s imagination, and they will fill in the gaps in the character’s description with the traits that they find most attractive. 

Another helpful tip is to utilize the reactions of background characters to establish that the character is, in fact, attractive. Other people staring at the character or nudging and whispering to each other about them would help your reader understand that the character is good-looking, and alter their mental image of them accordingly. 

The Importance of Creating Vivid Visual Descriptions for your Characters

Creating vivid visual descriptions for your characters is incredibly important for a number of reasons. For one thing, being able to imagine the characters will help draw your readers into the story and immerse them in the world. Additionally, by giving your characters more distinct appearances, they will stand out more from each other, and from characters in other stories. The more complex and interesting the character, the more likely they are to stick in a reader’s mind for years after they finish reading the story. 

Good luck with writing your descriptions! I know you’ll write something great.

Genres of Writing: Definition, Examples, and 12 Types

What is the definition of Genre? 

Genre is a label that tells audience members what to expect from our stories.

It is a clear framework to catalog all stories and helps writers give audience members what they are hoping for—and more. The genres of writing choices are the most important ones we need to make.

When people use the term genre, they often refer to different story elements at different times. They might mean the content of the story, the medium through which the story is presented, or even its sales category.

Without clear definitions, these labels don’t help us deliver what readers want when they choose to read, watch, or listen to a particular story .

In the Story Grid Universe, we break genre into five clear categories to help us identify, meet, and innovate story requirements. Understanding genre helps us delight audiences by meeting their expectations in unexpected ways.

Download Our In-depth Guide to Genre

This 99-page book written by Story Grid founder Shawn Coyne, walks you step-by-step through each of the twelve genres and what you need in your story to make it work.

Genre Categories: Introducing the Story Grid Genre 5-Leaf Clover

The Story Grid Genre 5-Leaf Clover is the tool we use to define the genres of writing in our stories. Each of the five leaves helps us determine a different element of a story’s experience. It helps to think of the five categories visually, so we present them as a five-leaf clover. 

The goal of the Genre Five-Leaf Clover is to help us think about how each element or leaf comes together to form the global story. We can check our stories to make sure we are using the best combination possible to deliver a satisfying story experience.

By defining the specific genres and their conventions, we can start to look for each element within masterworks and study to understand ways of meeting these expectations within our own stories.

1. What is the Time Genre?

The TIME GENRE indicates how the reader experiences the time it takes to go from the beginning to the end of our stories. It answers how long the story will take to consume.

There are three categories of the Time Genre our stories can fall into: Short, Medium, and Long form.

Read more about the Time Genre .

2. What is the Structure Genre?

The STRUCTURE GENRE indicates to our reader who or what the change of the story will affect. It addresses whether the change will occur for a single AVATAR or throughout the whole system or context.

There are three categories of the Structure Genre our stories can fall into: Archplot, Miniplot, and Antiplot.

Read more about the Structure Genre .

3. What is the Style Genre?

The STYLE GENRE sets the tone for what the audience will experience during the story. It puts constraints on what we include in the story to keep a consistent feel so the audience does not get confused.

This genre leaf is divided into two broad categories and several mediums. The broad categories are Drama and Comedy. The mediums include Documentary, Musical, Dance, Literary, Theatrical, Cinematic, Epistolary, and Animation.

Read more about the Style Genre .

4. What is the Reality Genre?

The REALITY GENRE constrains the way the ALTERNATE WORLD of our story operates by establishing codes, laws, and norms. It dictates how much readers must suspend disbelief when building the worlds of our stories in their minds.

There are four categories of the Reality Genre our stories can fall into: Absurdism, Factualism, Realism, and Fantasy.

Read more about the Reality Genre .

5. What is the Content Genre?

The CONTENT GENRE defines what is contained in a story and specifically determines the need and VALUE at stake. It sets expectations for the reader using the FOUR CORE FRAMEWORK , CONVENTIONS , and OBLIGATORY MOMENTS . The Content Genre is divided into two sections: external and internal. 

The external content genres of writing are: 

Action Genre

An external story in the Action genre focuses on the protagonist’s sacrifice for positive movement along the death / life   VALUE spectrum while generating feelings of excitement in the reader. 

In Action stories, readers see the lengths the protagonist will go to protect themselves and/or other potential victims.

Read our in-depth article on the Action Genre .

An external story in the War genre focuses on the self-actualization of the protagonist through the expression of the gifts of love and self-sacrifice. Each AVATAR can act heroically by defending fellow warriors honorably in the face of horrific pain and loss.

Read our in-depth article on the War Genre .

Horror Genre

An external story in the Horror genre focuses on the ability of a protagonist to self-actualize through the expression of the gift of courage and selflessness in the face of fear. The Horror genre pits a single victim (even though there may be multiple AVATARS) against impossible odds and a supernatural, scientifically explainable or ambiguous monster possessed by evil and intent on annihilation.

Read our in-depth article on the Horror Genre.

Crime Genre

An external story in the Crime genre focuses on the Justice / Injustice spectrum while generating feelings in the reader of intrigue (solving the puzzle) and security or personal safety when the perpetrator is exposed.

Read our in-depth article on the Crime Genre .

Thriller Genre

An external story in the Thriller genre focuses on the protagonist’s need for safety. This leads the reader to identify with the protagonist, who seeks to defeat an antagonist that personifies evil. 

Thriller stories blend elements of three other genres as the powerful individual protagonist from the  ACTION  genre faces the embodiment of evil (the monster) from the  HORROR  genre in a story about unmasking an antagonist who has committed a crime against society, as in the  CRIME  genre. The protagonist ends up as a victim and faces damnation if they fail to identify and defeat the villain.

Read our in-depth article on the Thriller Genre .

Western/Eastern Genre

An external story in the Western or Eastern genres focuses on the conflict between the individual and society. It turns on the  subjugation / freedom  spectrum while generating feelings of intrigue in the reader.

Read our in-depth article on the Western/Eastern Genre .

An external story in the Love genre focuses on the need for connection in a variety of forms, including desire, commitment, and intimacy, allowing readers to identify with the lovers as protagonists and respond to the fulfillment of the couple’s fate on the hate-love spectrum with a feeling of romance.

Read our in-depth article on the Love Genre .

Performance Genre

An external story in the Performance genre focuses on the outward expression of the protagonist’s internal gifts and need for approval. It turns on the  shame / respect spectrum while generating feelings of triumph in the reader.

Read our in-depth article on the Performance Genre .

Society Genre

An external story in the Society genre focuses the protagonist’s need for recognition in a disenfranchised group. It turns on the impotence / power spectrum while generating feelings of triumph or righteous indignation depending on whether the Revolution succeeds or fails.

Read our in-depth article on the Society Genre .

The internal content genres of writing are:

An internal story in the Status genre focuses on the protagonist’s need for respect. These stories turn on the failure / success spectrum while generating feelings of admiration or pity in the reader, depending on the outcome.

Read our in-depth article on the Status Genre .

An internal story in the Morality genre focuses on the choice to act on behalf of ourselves or others and the consequences of that choice. It turns on the  selfishness / altruism  spectrum while providing feelings in the reader of satisfaction or contempt.

Read our in-depth article on the Morality Genre .

An internal story, Worldview genres focus on the lens through which we view the world and the consequences of those lens choices. It turns on the  naivete/sophistication  spectrum, while providing readers with feelings of relief at the protagonist’s emerging whole from a threat to their internal status quo, or pity for a less fortunate avatar.

Read our in-depth article on the Worldview Genre .

Additional Resources for Genres of Writing:

• Story Grid 101: The First Five Principles of the Story Grid Methodology by Shawn Coyne
• The Four Core Framework: Needs, Life Values, Emotions and Events in Storytelling by Shawn Coyne

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How do I show dust/ ashes being blown away by the wind in a story?

I don't want to straight up say that the dust/ ash was blown away, I want it to have a creepy vibe to it so it's more interesting.

So is there any way to show ( not tell ) ashes being blown away by the wind besides "the ashes were blown away"?

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• Welcome to Writing.SE Rat ! If you have a moment please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site. Have fun! –  Secespitus Commented Feb 1, 2018 at 8:43

5 Answers 5

Describe how they were blown away, how much there is, the strength of the breeze etc. Was it a gust or a gale? Did it billow out in a gently cloud or did it blanket everything nearby in choking ash and dust? What senses can be impacted (sight, taste, sound, touch etc)

This is where the show don't tell doctrine becomes particularly pernicious. It is all telling. All you have is words. All words can do is tell.

To apply show don't tell to prose, you have to show A by telling B. So, if you want to show that Joe is nervous you replace telling us he is nervous:

Joe was nervous.

With telling something that shows he is nervous:

Joe chewed his fingernails and looked at his boots.

This is still telling. It is simply telling us a couple of facts that lead us to conclude another fact rather than telling us that fact directly.

If you appreciate this basic fact, then the show don't tell doctrine loses much of its power to confuse and dismay.

Of course, telling the reader A and B in order that they should conclude C is a very common technique in all of fiction, and, indeed, all of communication. It is powerful because when the reader reaches C by themselves, they own the conclusion far more than if you simply told the C.

On the other hand, it can be perilous. Two things can happen:

The reader may get tired of you forcing them to do all the work and want you to get to the point faster. You don't need them to reach every conclusion for themselves, and they don't want to either. And where does it stop? Why not decide to tell them D and E and hope they arrive at A by themselves. But if you do, why not tell them F and G and let them get to D by themselves. This has to stop somewhere, and it always stops with telling.

The reader may accept A and B and conclude Q rather than C. This happens all the time. It is why nervous authors often hedge their bets by showing and then telling:

Joe chewed his fingernails nervously and stared anxiously at his boots.

On of the reasons to be wary of adverbs is that they are often used by nervous writers to tell the reader what conclusion they are supposed to come based on what they have been told.

Which brings us to why you might not want to just tell the reader that the ash/dust was blown away. We know now what the procedure must be. If the ash and dust being blown away is C, what are statement A and B that will lead the reader to conclude that the dust is being blown away?

There are obviously a lot of things you could choose for A and B. But the real question is, what is the point. Show don't tell is most often invoked to show the character's emotional state by telling the reader what they are doing rather than what they are feeling. But that is not the issue here. The dust being blown away is already a physical action. What is gained by forcing the reader to work this out based on other physical actions that you tell them about?

The two words "dust" and "ashes" next to each other lead me to think of funeral remains.

If there's a particular significance to these dust and ashes, there could be a metaphor based on their absence or on fading memory (perhaps with the wind as the passing of time) that might do what you're hoping.

Alternatively, if the wind isn't significant or apparent, you could achieve "creepy" by having them appear to move away under their own power.

You could use the word "flurry":

flur·ry /ˈflərē/ noun: flurry; plural noun: flurries a small swirling mass of something, especially snow or leaves, moved by sudden gusts of wind. "a flurry of snow" synonyms: swirl, whirl, eddy, billow, shower, gust, "snow flurries" verb verb: flurry; 3rd person present: flurries; past tense: flurried; past participle: flurried; gerund or present participle: flurrying (especially of snow or leaves) be moved in small swirling masses by sudden gusts of wind. "gusts of snow flurried through the door"

It's a word that, to me at least, projects innocence and nostalgia, so when used to describe ashes, might evoke the discomfort and creepiness you seek.

You can place the experience (almost) entirely inside the PoV character. On the fly example of what I mean:

The flecks blew past, impaling her, like the attack of 1000 rabid dogs, pulling her into their raving insanity. She fell into it - into the place she'd ...

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20+ Best Words to Describe Leaf, Adjectives for Leaf

In the realm of nature’s splendor, the humble leaf takes center stage as a vital component of the plant kingdom. A leaf can be defined as a flat, green structure found on stems, branches, and twigs of plants, facilitating the process of photosynthesis.

As we delve into the exquisite world of botany, we uncover a plethora of words to describe these marvels. From “verdant” to “graceful,” and “dainty” to “resilient,” each term encapsulates a unique facet of the leaf’s beauty and significance in the circle of life.

Adjectives for Leaf

Here are the 20 Most Popular adjectives for leaf:

• Chlorophyll-filled

Adjectives for Leaf Pile:

Adjectives for fall leaves:.

• Picturesque

Words to Describe Leaf with Meanings

• Green : The color of chlorophyll, symbolizing life.
• Veined : Marked with delicate vascular patterns.
• Delicate : Easily damaged or crushed.
• Broad : Wide and expansive in size.
• Narrow : Thin and slender in width.
• Waxy : Possessing a glossy, wax-like coating.
• Serrated : Jagged or notched edges.
• Deciduous : Shedding leaves annually.
• Evergreen : Retaining leaves throughout the year.
• Dainty : Delicately small and pretty.
• Lush : Rich and abundant in growth.
• Fragile : Easily breakable or delicate.
• Variegated : Displaying varied colors or patterns.
• Curled : Bent or twisted in shape.
• Wholesome : Reflecting health and vitality.
• Crisp : Firm and fresh texture.
• Chlorophyll-filled : Abundant in green pigment for photosynthesis.
• Vibrant : Bright and full of life.
• Papery : Thin and resembling paper material.
• Sun-kissed : Touched or colored by sunlight.

Example Sentences for Leaf Adjectives

• The green leaves shimmered in the sunlight.
• The veined leaf showcased intricate patterns.
• Handle the delicate leaves with care.
• The forest floor was covered in broad leaves.
• The narrow leaves rustled in the breeze.
• The waxy surface repelled water droplets.
• The caterpillar ate the serrated leaf edges.
• Deciduous trees shed leaves in autumn.
• Evergreen trees stay lush year-round.
• The garden displayed dainty flowers and leaves.
• The rainforest was teeming with lush foliage.
• Be gentle; the leaf is fragile .
• The plant had variegated leaves of red and green.
• The leaf was curled into a tight spiral.
• The fruits were surrounded by wholesome leaves.
• Crisp autumn leaves covered the ground.
• Chlorophyll-filled leaves perform photosynthesis.
• The artist used vibrant leaves in the artwork.
• The note was written on papery leaves.
• The sun-kissed leaves glowed golden at dusk.

Explore More Words:

Adjectives for Green

Adjectives for Trees

Adjectives for Need

How to describe leaf writing?

Describing leaf writing involves using vivid adjectives to portray the leaf’s color, texture, and shape, capturing its natural beauty in words.

What do leaves feel like?

Leaves often feel smooth and supple to the touch, but some may have rough or textured surfaces, depending on the plant species.

Is leaf hard or soft?

Leaves can vary in texture, with some being soft and pliable, while others, like those of evergreen trees, can be tougher and more rigid.

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About the author.

Hi, I'm USMI, engdic.org's Author & Lifestyle Linguist. My decade-long journey in language and lifestyle curation fuels my passion for weaving words into everyday life. Join me in exploring the dynamic interplay between English and our diverse lifestyles. Dive into my latest insights, where language enriches every aspect of living.

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Free Printable Leaf Template Bundle for Fall

Get ready for autumn!

Once the first leaf drops in autumn, it’s time to study all things fall and leaves. From how they turn from green to red and yellow to symmetry and using leaves in fall activities, like classroom bingo and collages, leaves are a fall classroom must. In our bundle, you’ll find a leaf template for everything from indoor recess crafts to writing and science activities. 

Grab all the free printable leaf pages by filling out the form on this page. Plus check out the fun ideas for using each printable below.

Large Leaf Template

Leaf collage

Pick leaves around your school or on a nature walk. Create a leaf collage using the leaves you find. Cover a large leaf outline with fallen leaves. 

Leaf printing

Collect leaves and dip them into paint. Press each leaf onto a leaf outline to create a leaf collage. 

Stained-glass leaves

Cut out the inside of a leaf printable so you have the cut-out shape of a leaf. Then, use tissue paper (red, yellow, and orange of course!) to fill in the leaf shape. Hang these on your windows for a stained-glass effect. 

Painted leaves

Put fall-colored paint in the art center and let students get creative with how they decorate their leaves. 

Patterned leaves

Use the sections of each leaf to create patterns and designs. This is a great art activity for older students who are learning about different and more complex ways to show patterns. 

Large Leaf Template With Lines for Writing

Don’t “leaf” me hanging

Write a question on the back of each leaf. Then have students research and write the answer to each question on the side that has writing lines. You can do this activity with questions about students (What is your favorite food?), or use this activity as a KWL-style task with students recording questions they have about what you’re going to learn about. 

Research a type of leaf

Students choose one leaf printable and research that type of leaf. What kind of tree does it come from? Why is it this particular shape? What colors does it turn in fall and why? Then, use the leaf printables to record and present research findings.

Medium Leaf Template With Lines for Writing

Color changing

Learn how leaves change color and write the process on these leaf printables. Students can complete this on their own or work together to write one step on each leaf.  ADVERTISEMENT

Use these printables to write a story about what would happen if a leaf didn’t want to fall. Each leaf can be one scene in the story. 

Fall retell

Add the words “First, Next, Then, Last” on four leaves to retell a fall read-aloud.

Small Leaf Printable

Print, cut, and laminate these small leaves. Then, have students create multiplication grids with them. 

Shape patterns

Have students create patterns using leaf shapes. Bonus: Their patterns can become your bulletin board border.

Print, cut, and laminate these leaves and use them as bingo chips in class games.  

Leaves in Different Shapes and Sizes

Leaf characters

Challenge students to create a character out of leaves. After they’ve created their character, have them describe it. What is its name? Where does it live? Does it have any superpowers? 

Fall graphing

Collect leaves outside and graph how many of each type you find. For older students, have each leaf shape represent a number of leaves you found (1 leaf template = 5 or 10 actual leaves). 

Leaf symmetry book

Show symmetry in nature, starting with leaves. Have students demonstrate symmetry using these leaf printables, then show it in real life by finding as many symmetrical leaves as they can. 

Leaves in Different Colors

Fall Into a Good Book bulletin board

Write book titles or print pictures of covers to add to your leaves. Then create a bulletin board with a tree trunk and falling book “leaves.” 

Leaf scavenger hunt

Print and cut out these leaves, then write sight words or math facts on them. Have students search the room to find and collect the leaves, and read each word or solve each problem as they go. 

Tree Trunk Printable

Leaf me a compliment

For this interactive activity, print a tree trunk for each student and enough leaves for each peer to write a compliment or kind word. Put the trees and leaves on a bulletin board and leave it up for a week. Students must write each of their peers a compliment or kind word (monitor the board to make sure each student has compliments). At the end, each student can take their tree full of compliments home. 

Count down (or up)

Use the tree trunk and small leaves to either count up to an event (field trip, Halloween) or count down, depending on whether you add or take away leaves each day. 

Get your free Leaf Template Bundle!

Get all the printable leaf templates featured above by clicking the button and filling out the form on this page.

Plus check out these Leaf Projects for Your Classroom . 

For more free printables, subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted, you might also like.

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Basic Botany: Describing Leaves

Shape of the leaf.

• Cordate : Heart shaped, with a sharp tip at the apex and the petiole coming out between the rounded parts of the heart at the leaf base.
• Elliptical : Longer than wide, but tapers at both ends.
• Lanceolate : Longer than wide, but tapers smaller at the apex.
• Linear : narrow and the same width at both ends
• Ovate : Egg shaped and widest at the base
• Acuminate : an apex that tapers to a long, thin point.
• Sagittate : a base that looks like the base of an arrowhead.
• Truncate : a square base

The Edges of the Leaf

• Cleft : rounded shapes with notches more than halfway to the midrib
• Crenate : small, rounded teeth
• Dentate : sharp “teeth” that point outward
• Entire : a smooth margin with no teeth, notches or other textures along the edge of the leaf.
• Incised : margin cut with irregular teeth that may have deep notches toward the midrib
• Lobed : rounded shape with notches less than halfway to the midrib
• Serrate : teeth that point toward the apex
• Sinuate : A wavy edge, larger than crenate and not as pronounced as lobed or cleft.

How Leaves Attach to the Stem

• Alternate : A single leaf at each node. A leaf on the left with nothing across from it, then a leaf on the right a little above or below.
• Opposite : two leaves at each node, one on the left and one on the right and directly across from each other.
• Rosulate : A cluster of leaves at the base of the plant that form a rosette pattern. Usually, these have very short nodes and petioles.
• Whorled : leaves that form a circle at regular points along the stem.

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Agatha Noveille

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