PHYSICAL FEATURE THESAURUS

STOMACH



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HELPFUL TIP:

Physical features should do more than simply describe how a character looks. Just like their occupation or area of giftedness, a character's appearance can say a great deal about them. Hinting at traits through clothing choices, alluding to an emotional state through movements, and highlighting certain details for comparison or contrast purposes can help readers form opinions on who the character really is.
DESCRIPTORS AND KEY ELEMENTS:
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COMMON ACTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE WORDS TO DENOTE THEM:
Bounce: jiggle, vibrate, quiver, tremble, shake, judder, jounce
Tighten: harden, tense, suck in, bind
Slacken: release, bulge, balloon, billow, relax, stretch

EMOTIONS AND RELATED GESTURES:
When people are self-conscious or embarrassed about their bodies, they'll often suck in the stomach to make it appear flatter or cross their arms over their mid-section to hide it. On the other hand, people with confidence in their looks have no qualms dressing so the midriff is exposed or clearly visible through revealing or tight clothing. In the midst of shock or surprise, it's common for a person's muscles to tense up, including those in the stomach. Once the moment passes, muscles are allowed to go flaccid once more.

SIMILE AND METAPHOR EXAMPLES:
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CLICHÉS TO AVOID:
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BODY DESCRIPTION NOTES:
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