how to describe dread creative writing

Emotion: Dread

By The ProWritingAid Team

When you want to write the emotion dread, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid emotional tells and immerse your readers in your story.

Dread is a feeling of intense fear or apprehension about a future event or situation. It is often characterized by a sense of foreboding and a feeling of being overwhelmed by a looming threat that is beyond one's control. Dread can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as uncertainty, insecurity, or a perceived lack of control over one's circumstances. It is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on a character's thoughts, actions, and relationships.

Different Types of Dread

Situations associated with dread, physical reactions to dread, thoughts associated with dread, atmosphere of dread, verbs associated with dread, emotions before dread, emotions after dread, telling dread examples to avoid, practical examples of showing dread, exercises for showing dread.

Here are some different types of dread:

Anticipatory Dread: The feeling of anxiety and fear towards an upcoming event or situation.
Existential Dread: The feeling of unease or anxiety about the meaninglessness or purposelessness of life.
Dread of the Unknown: The feeling of fear and anxiety towards something that is unknown or unfamiliar.
Dread of the Known: The feeling of fear and anxiety towards something that is known or familiar but still causes discomfort or unease.
Dread of Consequences: The feeling of fear and anxiety towards the potential negative outcomes or consequences of a decision or action.

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of dread:

Facing an impending danger or threat
Receiving bad news or hearing about a tragic event
Being stuck in a situation with no clear way out
Realizing they have made a mistake with serious consequences
Being confronted with a past mistake or trauma
Feeling helpless or powerless in a situation
Anticipating a difficult conversation or confrontation
Experiencing a sense of foreboding or premonition
Witnessing someone else experiencing a terrifying event

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing dread might have:

An uneasy feeling in the stomach or chest
Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
Sweating or trembling
A feeling of being frozen or stuck in place
Avoidance of certain situations or people
Increased heart rate or palpitations
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Tense muscles or a feeling of stiffness
Nervous habits such as biting nails or tapping feet

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing dread might have:

I can feel my heart racing.
My palms are sweaty.
I feel like I can't breathe.
What if the worst happens?
I don't want to face this.
I wish I could just run away.
Why did I have to get myself into this situation?
I'm afraid of what might happen next.
I feel like I'm in danger.

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of dread in the atmosphere of your scene:

Create a sense of foreboding through the use of dark, shadowy settings such as abandoned buildings, dark alleys, or cemeteries.
Use weather to set the mood, such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or foggy nights.
Have characters express fear or anxiety through their dialogue or body language.
Add suspenseful music or sound effects to enhance the feeling of dread.
Use descriptive language to convey a sense of unease or impending danger, such as describing the sound of footsteps approaching or the feeling of eyes watching from the shadows.
Have characters encounter unsettling objects or symbols, such as a broken mirror or a black cat crossing their path.

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of dread:

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences dread:

Apprehension
Nervousness
Trepidation
Anticipation (of something negative)

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences dread:

Helplessness
Dread (recurring)
Resignation

Here are some examples of telling the emotion dread in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

John felt a sense of dread wash over him.
The room was filled with an overwhelming feeling of dread.
As soon as she saw the dark clouds on the horizon, dread settled in her stomach.
The sound of footsteps approaching filled him with dread.
The letter he received filled him with a sense of dread.
She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had been following her all day.
The thought of what was to come filled him with dread.
The silence in the room was suffocating, and she felt nothing but dread.
The smell of smoke filled her nostrils and dread overtook her.

Here are some examples of showing dread in a sentence:

Her heart pounded as she approached the dark, abandoned house.
Every creaking floorboard sent shivers down his spine.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.
He knew something terrible was going to happen; he just didn't know when.

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing dread:

Write a scene where the character is anticipating a terrible event or situation. Describe their physical reactions, such as trembling hands, sweating, or a racing heart.
Write a backstory for the character that includes a traumatic event that still haunts them and causes them to feel dread in certain situations.
Write a scene where the character is trapped or in a dangerous situation they cannot escape from. Describe their thoughts and emotions as they realize the gravity of the situation.
Write a scene where the character discovers a dark secret or learns that someone they trusted is not who they thought they were. Describe their feelings of betrayal and fear.
Write a scene where the character is alone in a dark or unfamiliar place. Describe their heightened senses and their imagination running wild with worst-case scenarios.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full thesaurus of emotions .

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How to Describe Fear in Writing (21 Best Tips + Examples)

The ability to evoke fear can heighten the tension in your narratives, making your characters more relatable and your stories more gripping.

But how do you do it?

Here’s how to describe fear in writing:

Describe fear in writing by understanding the type of fear, its intensity, and expressing it through body language, speech patterns, thoughts, feelings, setting, pace, and sensory description. Use metaphors, symbols, contrast, relatable fears, and personal experiences for a vivid portrayal.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to describe fear in writing.

21 Elements to Describe Fear in Writing

Cartoon image of two scared women - How to Describe Fear in Writing

Table of Contents

When writing about fear in stories or screenplays, there are 21 elements you need to consider.

Here is a list of those crucial elements of fear:

Type of Fear
Body Language
Speech Patterns
Use of Metaphors and Similes
Sensory Description
Relatability
Anticipation
The Unknown
Personal Experiences
Internal and External Conflict
Character Development
Word Choices
Repercussions

Next, we’ll dive deeper into each element so that you fully understand what it is and how to apply it to your story.

Tip 1: Get to Know the Type of Fear

Understanding the type of fear your character is experiencing can make a huge difference in your writing.

Fear comes in various forms such as phobias, existential fear, traumatic fear, or even something as simple as a sudden surprise.

Knowing the difference will help you convey the emotion accurately and realistically.

Example: Fear of heights (acrophobia) would involve dizziness, a feeling of being unbalanced, and terror of looking down. On the other hand, existential fear, like the dread of death, would lead to more internal thoughts, panic, and a profound sense of despair.

Tip 2: Depict the Intensity

The intensity of fear varies from person to person and situation to situation.

Your character could be slightly uncomfortable, petrified, or somewhere in between.

Describing the intensity of the fear helps set the tone and mood for your scene.

Example: A mild unease could be something like, “There was a nagging sensation in the pit of her stomach.” As for absolute terror, try something like, “His heart pounded like a wild drum, every cell in his body screaming in terror.”

Tip 3: Use Body Language

Actions often tell more than words do.

Displaying your character’s fear through their body language can help your reader visualize the situation and empathize with the character’s feelings.

Example: A scared character might tremble, perspire excessively, or even exhibit signs of hyperventilation. “She stood frozen, her whole body shaking like a leaf in the wind, her breath coming out in short, ragged gasps.”

Tip 4: Alter Speech Patterns

Fear can greatly influence a person’s speech.

A scared character might stutter, ramble, or even lose the ability to speak entirely.

This can be an effective way to demonstrate their fear without explicitly stating it.

Example: “I-I don’t know w-what y-you’re talking about,” he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper.”

Tip 5: Dive into Thoughts

A character’s thoughts provide insight into their mental state.

This can be a great tool for conveying fear, as it allows you to delve into their deepest insecurities and worries.

Example: “What if the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere? What if nobody finds me? What if this is the end?” His mind was a whirlwind of terrifying possibilities.

Tip 6: Express Feelings

Directly stating a character’s feelings can make the narrative more immediate and intense.

However, avoid overusing this method as it can become monotonous and lose impact.

Example: “A wave of fear washed over him, a fear so raw and powerful that it threatened to consume him whole.”

Tip 7: Use Metaphors and Similes

Metaphors and similes are useful tools to intensify your narrative and paint a vivid picture of fear in your reader’s mind.

Just be sure not to overuse them.

Instead, apply them strategically throughout your story when they can make the biggest impact.

Example: “His fear was a wild beast, unchecked and unfettered, tearing through the barriers of his mind.”

Tip 8: Control the Pace

When a character experiences fear, their perception of time can change.

Use pacing to mirror this altered perception.

Quick, short sentences can reflect a fast-paced scene of intense fear, while long, drawn-out sentences can portray a slow, creeping dread.

Example: “His heart raced. Sweat trickled down his brow. His hands shook. He was out of time.” Versus, “A dread, slow and cruel, crept up her spine, making every second feel like an eternity.”

Tip 9: Sensory Description

Involve the reader’s senses.

Make them hear the character’s thumping heart, feel their cold sweat, see their trembling hands.

The more sensory detail, the more immersive the experience.

Example: “The air turned frigid around him, his heart pounded in his ears, the acrid smell of fear filled his nostrils.”

Tip 10: Symbolism

Symbols can add depth to your story.

A symbol associated with fear can subconsciously create unease in your reader.

The smell of damp earth, the taste of fear-induced bile, or the touch of a cold wind can heighten your depiction of fear.

Example: A character may associate a certain perfume smell with a traumatic event, stirring fear every time they smell it.

Tip 11: Contrast

Adding a contrast between what a character expects and what actually happens can surprise both your character and reader, creating fear.

Additionally, such a contrast can throw a character off balance, making them more vulnerable.

This vulnerability can, in tandem, intensify the fear.

Example: A character walking into their home expecting a warm welcome, only to find a burglar instead.

Tip 12: Setting

A well-described setting can set the mood and increase the fear factor.

A dark alley, an abandoned house, or even a graveyard can make a scene scarier.

Consider, for instance, the prickling sensation of fear that crawls up your reader’s spine as your character walks down a gloomy, deserted alleyway.

Example: “The hallway was dimly lit, the floorboards creaked underfoot, and an eerie silence hung in the air.”

Tip 13: Timing

Timing is everything.

A sudden fright or a fear that gradually builds over time can significantly impact the level of fear.

Unexpected scares can send a jolt of fear, while prolonged dread can create a suspenseful horror.

Example: “As she turned the corner, a figure lunged at her” versus “She had the unsettling feeling of being watched for the past week.”

Tip 14: Relatability

Fear becomes more intense when it’s something your reader can relate to.

A fear of failure, of losing loved ones, or of public speaking can be quite effective.

Common fears such as public speaking, rejection, or loss can elicit a stronger emotional response.

Example: “The prospect of speaking in front of the crowd filled him with a fear so intense, it felt as though he was drowning.”

Tip 15: Anticipation

The fear of the unknown or the anticipation of something bad happening can be more terrifying than the event itself.

Plus, it creates suspense and holds the reader’s attention as they await the inevitable.

Example: “She waited for the results, her heart pounding in her chest. The fear of bad news was almost too much to bear.”

Tip 16: The Unknown

Fear of the unknown is a fundamental aspect of human nature.

Utilize this by keeping the source of fear hidden or unclear. In addition, this uncertainty can mirror the character’s feelings, drawing readers into their experience.

Example: “There was something in the room with him. He could hear it moving, but he couldn’t see it.”

Tip 17: Personal Experiences

Incorporating personal experiences into your narrative can make the fear feel more authentic.

It can also make writing the scene easier for you.

In fact, a scene drawn from your own fears can imbue your writing with raw, genuine emotion.

Example: “Just like when I was a child, the sight of the towering wave sent a ripple of terror through me.”

Tip 18: Internal and External Conflict

Fear can be used to create both internal (fear of failure, rejection) and external conflict (fear of a villain or natural disaster).

Importantly, fear can create a dilemma for your character, adding depth to their personality and complexity to your story.

“ Example: “His fear of disappointing his parents clashed with his fear of failing in his own ambitions.”

Tip 19: Character Development

Fear is a powerful motivator and can be a significant factor in character development.

It can cause a character to grow, reveal their true self, or even hold them back.

Moreover, how a character responds to fear can reveal their true nature or trigger growth, making them more nuanced and relatable.

Example: “Faced with his worst fear, he had two choices — to run and hide, or to fight. It was this moment that shaped him into the brave leader he would become.”

Tip 20: Word Choices

Choosing the right words can drastically alter the atmosphere of a scene.

Descriptive and emotive words can create a more palpable sense of fear. Descriptive and emotive words can help create a vivid, terrifying scene that lingers in your reader’s mind.

Example: “The eerie silence was shattered by a gut-wrenching scream.”

Tip 21: Repercussions

Fear often leads to consequences.

Showing the aftermath of fear — a character’s regret, relief, or trauma — can deepen your story’s impact.

Also, it allows for an exploration of the character’s coping mechanisms and resilience, adding another layer to their personality.

Example: “After the incident, every shadow made her jump, every noise made her heart race. Fear had left a lasting mark on her.”

Here is a video on how to describe fear in writing:

30 Words to Describe Fear

If you want to know how to describe fear in writing, you’ll need the right words:

Here is a list of good words to write about fear:

Apprehensive
Intimidated
Creeped-out
Trepidatious

30 Phrases to Describe Fear

Here are phrases to help you describe, fear, terror, and more in your writing:

Paralyzed with fear
Fear gripped her
Heart pounding in terror
Overcome with fright
Sweating bullets
Shaking like a leaf
Frozen in fear
Sick with dread
A sinking feeling of fear
Stomach tied in knots
Hands trembling with fear
Fear crawled up her spine
Fear etched in his eyes
Terror washed over her
A cold sweat broke out
Goosebumps of fear
Fear stole his breath away
Chilled to the bone
The shadow of fear
Consumed by fear
Fear clenched at her heart
Felt a wave of panic
Heart raced with anxiety
Fear prickled at the back of her neck
Jumping at shadows
Staring fear in the face
Scream stuck in her throat
Cornered by fear
Sweat of fear
A gust of terror

3 Full Fear Examples (3 Paragraphs)

Now, let’s look at three full examples of describing fear.

In the pit of her stomach, a sinking feeling of dread formed, icy tendrils of fear slithering into her veins.

Her heart pounded against her ribcage like a desperate prisoner, her breath hitched in her throat.

The alley was darker than she remembered, every shadow a potential threat.

The deafening silence, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl and her own shaky breaths, seemed to press against her eardrums. She was consumed by fear, every instinct screaming at her to run.

He stood petrified at the edge of the forest, the ominous blackness seeming to swallow up the faint moonlight.

Fear gripped him, a visceral entity that stole his breath and froze his blood.

The whispering wind through the trees sounded like ghostly warnings, making his skin prickle. He was acutely aware of his thundering heartbeat, the shaky dampness of his palms, the dryness in his mouth.

An unsettling shiver ran down his spine, and he knew without a shadow of doubt that stepping into the forest meant facing his worst nightmares.

Her hands shook as she held the envelope, her name written in a familiar scrawl.

An overwhelming sense of dread filled her as she slowly slid her finger under the seal, breaking it open.

The silence in the room was oppressive, the ticking of the clock deafening in its persistence.

She unfolded the letter, her eyes scanning the words written in haste. As she read, her fear gave way to a cold realization. Fear had been replaced by an emotion even worse – utter despair.