Emotion is the lifeblood of fiction, the beating heart that gives narratives their vitality and resonance. It is the driving force that captivates readers, creates empathetic connections, and leaves a lasting impact.
As the celebrated novelist Joseph Conrad once wrote, “To make you see, to make you hear, to make you feel. That is all, and that is everything.”
In this article, we will dive deep into the world of emotions in fiction, exploring why evoking emotion is paramount and how can enrich readers’ experience.
“The fundamental aim of our art is the creation of this inner life of a human spirit, and its expression in an artistic form. You must live it by actually experiencing feelings that are analogous (similar) to it, each and every time you repeat the process of creating it.”
Constantin Stanislavski
Creating Relatable Characters: The Roots of Connection
Emotions are the roots from which relatable characters spring forth. It was Abraham Lincoln who eloquently compared character to a tree and reputation to its shadow, highlighting that the shadow is what we perceive, but the tree is the essence.
Characters in fiction come alive when readers can identify with their emotional experiences.
Love, fear, joy, sorrow – these emotions provide a window into the inner world of characters, making them more believable, relatable, and three-dimensional.
“When I described how Emma Bovary poisoned herself, I had such a strong taste of arsenic in my mouth, I was so poisoned myself that I had two attacks of indigestion, one after the other, very real attacks, for I vomited my entire dinner.” Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary
Engaging the Reader: The Power of Emotional Investment
Emotion serves as a powerful hook to draw readers into your fictional world and keep them there. Ira Glass, the celebrated author, once pointed out that, “Great stories happen to those who can tell them.”
When characters’ emotions are vividly portrayed, readers become emotionally invested in their journey. They feel the highs and lows, the struggles and triumphs.
This level of engagement keeps readers turning the pages, eager to find out how the characters’ emotional arcs will evolve.
As the British novelist Roald Dahl noted, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.”
Showcasing the Human Experience: A Mirror to Our Emotions
Fiction serves as a reflection of the human experience, and emotions are the artist’s palette used to paint the intricacies of our feelings and experiences.
Dwight Swain emphasized the importance of finding a feeling in storytelling, as it’s the first rule of successful storytelling.
Through fiction, readers can explore diverse emotional landscapes, gaining profound insights into the human condition. This exploration often leads to self-reflection and personal growth.
Creating Tension and Conflict
Emotion is a wellspring of tension and conflict in fiction. Iconic playwright William Archer described drama as “anticipation mingled with uncertainty.” Whether it’s a love triangle, a bitter rivalry, or a character’s internal struggle, emotions can drive the plot forward.
Readers become emotionally invested in the outcome, eager to see how the conflicts are resolved.
Conveying Themes and Messages: Emotion as the Messenger
Emotion serves as a vehicle for conveying the themes and messages at the heart of a story.
As the renowned storyteller Maya Angelou wisely advised, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Authors use the emotional experiences of characters to subtly or explicitly communicate deeper truths and moral lessons.
Through emotion, readers can gain a profound understanding of the story’s underlying meaning.
Evoking Empathy: Fiction’s Compassion Catalyst
Fiction has the power to evoke empathy, and emotions play a pivotal role in this process. As George R.R. Martin, the author of “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, wisely put it, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
When readers can step into the shoes of characters experiencing various emotions, they develop a deeper understanding of different perspectives and life experiences. This empathy extends beyond the pages of a book, fostering greater compassion and understanding in the real world.
Leaving a Lasting Impact: The Power of Emotional Resonance
The most memorable works of fiction are often those that stir powerful emotions in readers.
Harper Lee, in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” beautifully captured this sentiment with, “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
Emotion is the key to creating stories that leave a lasting impact.
In essence, emotion is the heart and soul of fiction. It shapes characters, engages readers, and conveys the essence of the human experience. From the relatable struggles of beloved characters to the profound themes explored within the narrative, emotion is the vehicle that allows fiction to transcend the page and connect with readers on a deeply personal level. It is through emotion that fiction finds its true power to inspire, transform, and endure.
As Tennessee Williams famously said, “My work is emotionally autobiographical. It has no relation to the actual events of my life; it reflects the emotional currents of my life.”
If you’re interested in mastering the power of emotion in your writing, check out our 10-Month First Draft Novel & Script course. In this comprehensive course, you will learn the tools to take your characters on an emotional and spiritual journey of change, creating stories that resonate with readers.
When you book directly into that course, you will receive the 4-week Unlocking Creativity course (a prerequisite) complimentary. This course will provide you with the essential tools and insights to unleash your creative potential and embark on your writing journey with confidence.
Unlocking Creativity is a stand-alone course that will kick-start your writing, and give you a practical understanding of the creative process and is a great place to start your writing journey.
