Writer’s List: Facial Expressions
Facial expressions can be used, along with dialogue tags, to paint a more vivid picture of your characters and their emotional journey. As you’re writing, however, you might find yourself repeating the same phrases over and over again. Here is a list of facial expressions to help vary things up:
| Phrase | Keywords |
|---|---|
| she smiled | positive |
| she grinned | positive |
| she simpered | |
| she grimaced | negative |
| her face fell | negative |
| she frowned | negative |
| she sneered | negative, anger |
| she glared | negative, anger |
| she raised an eyebrow | surprise |
| her eyes widened | surprise |
| her eyes flickered | eyes |
| her eyes narrowed | negative, suspicious |
| she rolled his eyes | negative |
| she opened his eyes | eyes |
| she closed his eyes | eyes |
| sher eyes sparkled | positive, eyes |
| sher eyes flashed | negative, eyes |
| she squinted | eyes |
| she furrowed his brow | suspicious |
| she glanced at him | question |
| she cringed | negative, pain |
| she winced | negative, pain |
| she nodded | agreement |
| she nodded gratefully | agreement |
| she nodded in agreement | agreement |
| she smiled broadly | positive |
| she shook his head | disagreement |
| she blinked | surprise, confusion, eyes |
| she gritted her teeth | negative, anger, pain |
| she eyed them | suspicious, nervous |
| she beamed | positive |
| she scowled | negative |
| she glowered | negative |
| his mouth twitched | |
| his jaw dropped | |
| his mouth tightened | |
| he leered | |
| he pouted | |
| he bared his teeth | |
| his lips drew back | |
| he rolled his eyes | negative, eyes |
| his face was a mask of horror | negative |
| his face was unblinking | eyes |
| his face was sullen | negative |
| his face was grim | negative |
| his face was dour | negative |
| his face was gloomy | negative |
| his face was sour | negative |
| his face was petulant | negative |
| his face was pallid | negative |
| his face went blank | |
| his mouth formed an 'O' | surprise |
| tears ran down his face | |
| anger flickered in his eyes | negative, anger, eyes |
| a smile flickered across his face | positive |
Do you have more facial expressions you’d like to share? Feel free to comment below!