When you want to write the emotion wonder, 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 emotion tells and immerse your readers in your story.

Wonder is an emotion that describes a feeling of amazement or admiration caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. It's a sense of curiosity and surprise that brings a feeling of awe and inspiration, making us feel small and amazed in the face of something greater than ourselves. It can be triggered by experiencing something new, witnessing a breathtaking sight, or contemplating the mysteries of the universe. Wonder is a powerful emotion that can inspire creativity, fuel imagination, and lead us to new discoveries and insights.

Different Types of Wonder

Here are some different types of wonder:

• Awe-inspired wonder
• Curiosity-driven wonder
• Childlike wonder
• Mystified wonder
• Reverential wonder
• Shocked wonder
• Magical wonder
• Existential wonder
• Appreciative wonder

Situations Associated with Wonder

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

• Witnessing a natural phenomenon like a sunset, a starry night sky, or a beautiful landscape
• Encountering something new and unexpected, like a new culture or a creature they've never seen before
• Experiencing something that defies their expectations, like seeing a talented street performer or hearing a moving speech
• Learning something that challenges their worldview or expands their understanding of the world, like discovering a historical fact or a scientific theory
• Being in a situation that evokes a sense of magic or mystery, like exploring an abandoned house or encountering a supernatural being
• Being inspired by someone or something, like meeting a hero or reading a great book
• Encountering something that is both complex and beautiful, like a piece of art or a piece of music

Physical Reactions to Wonder

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

• Dilated pupils
• Mouth slightly open or dropped jaw
• Raised eyebrows
• Forward-leaning posture
• Staring or gazing intently
• Slow, deliberate movements
• Slow or halted speech
• Gasping or sighing
• Smiling or looking awestruck

Thoughts Associated with Wonder

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing wonder might have:

• I can't believe what I'm seeing!
• This is incredible!
• How is this possible?
• I feel like I'm in a dream.
• I'm amazed by the beauty of it all.
• I never knew this existed.
• I'm in awe of the world around me.
• I'm so curious to learn more.
• I feel like a child again, discovering something new.

Atmosphere of Wonder

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

• Use a setting that inspires awe and amazement, such as a breathtaking natural landscape or a grand architectural wonder.
• Create a sense of curiosity and exploration by including mysterious or unknown elements in the setting, such as hidden caves or ancient ruins.
• Describe the atmosphere with language that evokes wonder, such as using vivid sensory details and poetic language to create a sense of magic and enchantment.
• Include characters who embody wonder, such as a childlike character who sees the world with fresh eyes or a wise character who appreciates the beauty and mystery of life.

Verbs Associated with Wonder

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

• Marvel
• Stare
• Gaze
• Admire
• Explore
• Study
• Question
• Ponder
• Contemplate
• Imagine
• Daydream
• Fantasize
• Delve
• Probe
• Investigate
• Examine
• Scrutinize
• Analyze
• Synthesize

Emotions Before Wonder

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

• Curiosity
• Amazement
• Awe
• Surprise
• Intrigue
• Fascination
• Astonishment
• Confusion
• Bewilderment

Emotions After Wonder

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

• Amazement
• Awe
• Gratitude
• Inspiration
• Enchantment
• Delight
• Joy
• Hope
• Curiosity

Telling Wonder Examples to Avoid

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

• She felt amazed by what she saw.
• He wondered how she managed to do it.
• She couldn't believe her eyes.
• He was puzzled by the strange occurrence.
• She was surprised by the unexpected turn of events.
• He was astonished by the outcome.
• She felt stunned by the revelation.
• He was in awe of the breathtaking view.
• She was bewildered by the complexity of the situation.

Practical Examples of Showing Wonder

Here are some examples of showing wonder in a sentence:

• Her eyes widened as she gazed up at the stars, mesmerized by their twinkling beauty.
• He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon.
• She felt a flutter in her chest as she watched the monarch butterfly emerge from its cocoon.
• His heart raced as he approached the mysterious door, wondering what secrets lay behind it.

Exercises for Showing Wonder

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing wonder:

• Write a scene where your character is experiencing wonder in nature. Have them describe the sights, sounds, and smells around them in vivid detail.
• Have your character stumble upon a hidden room or secret passage. Write about the wonder they feel as they explore this mysterious place.
• Put your character in a situation where they witness a miraculous event, like a shooting star or a rainbow. Write about the wonder and awe they experience.
• Have your character encounter someone or something that defies their expectations. Write about the wonder they feel as their assumptions are challenged.
• Write about a moment where your character sees something for the first time, such as the ocean or a city skyline. Describe the wonder they feel as they take it all in.
• Have your character discover a new talent or skill that they didn't know they had. Write about the wonder they feel as they realize their potential.

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