Are you writing a murder scene in your novel? We want to help. We’ve included some words you can use below. Continue reading to find out how to describe a dead body in a story.
1. Decayed
Definition
Decomposed, rotten; in a state of physical breakdown.
Examples
“The decayed body had been lying in the basement for weeks before the caretaker discovered it.”
“The smell of the decayed corpse filled the room and wafted down the hallway.”
How it Adds Description
The word “decayed” creates an image that evokes a sense of repulsion in the reader. It highlights the passage of time since death and the natural process of decomposition that followed. The advanced state of decay can introduce plot points related to why the body remained undiscovered for an extended period or show that the death occurred under mysterious circumstances.
2. Mutilated
Definition
Disfigured, mangled; having suffered severe damage.
Examples
“The mutilated body of Emily’s former lover was barely recognizable.”
“Sheila screamed as she stumbled upon the mutilated corpse deep in the woods.”
How it Adds Description
The word “mutilated” suggests that the dead body has been severely damaged or disfigured. It indicates a horrible death that may create a sense of shock, horror, or revulsion in the reader. This might serve as a catalyst for the story’s plot, as it often indicates foul play or an unforeseen external force at work that must be sought out and brought to justice.
3. Desiccated
Definition
Dried up, withered; lacking any signs of moisture.
Examples
“The desiccated body was found in the scorching desert, but police had no idea how it had ended up there.”
“The desiccated corpse resembled a mummy from some late-night horror flick.”
How it Adds Description
The word “desiccated” imbues a dead body with a sense of extreme dryness and deterioration, as if it has been drained of life and moisture for a prolonged period. It can set the scene and signal the passage of time or hint at the cause of death. The discovery of a desiccated body may prompt an investigation, forcing characters to confront dark secrets or sinister powers.
4. Putrid
Definition
Foul-smelling, rancid; having a strong, offensive odor.
Examples
“The putrid stench led them to the bodies of the missing hikers.”
“Flies swarmed around the putrid corpse as it lay hidden for days among the rows of corn.”
How it Adds Description
The word “putrid” serves to underscore the vile nature of the corpse’s condition. It paints a clear picture of the nauseating smell, bloated and discolored flesh, and the presence of maggots that often accompany such a scene. This sets an ominous tone for the story, signaling that something sinister or tragic has occurred.
5. Skeletal
Definition
Bony, emaciated; resembling a skeleton due to extreme thinness or absence of flesh.
Examples
“The skeletal remains were all that was left of the man policed believed to be Keith Sanderson.”
“The body appeared skeletal as if it had been starved for weeks before succumbing to death.”
How it Adds Description
The word “skeletal” adds a vivid description of a body that has been stripped down to its very essence. It underscores the finality of death but also hints at a backstory, where the body has lain undiscovered for a long time. This might be a pivotal moment in the story, as it creates a sense of mystery and intrigue regarding how the body died and remained hidden for so long.
6. Stiff
Definition
Rigid, inflexible; lacking in free movement.
Examples
“Tom’s stiff body showed that rigor mortis had begun but it was a mystery how he died.”
“He tried to move the stiff corpse but couldn’t, so he resorted to dismemberment.”
How it Adds Description
The word “stiff” conveys the lifeless state of the corpse, emphasizing the rigidity that comes with death. This chilling detail not only sets the scene but also hints at the amount of time since the person’s demise, as rigor mortis has set in. It can aid the plot by introducing a timeline around a death that has occurred, tying it to other elements of the story that have occurred.
7. Bloated
Definition
Swollen, distended; abnormally enlarged.
Examples
“The bloated body floated in the water among the debris from the crash days before.”
“He was taken aback by the sight of the bloated corpse as it bumped against his fishing boat.”
How it Adds Description
The word “bloated” implies that the death occurred during a certain timeframe, thus prompting an investigation, or triggering a chain of events that drives the narrative. This single word not only sets the tone for the scene but also paves the way for character reactions, interactions, and subsequent developments, making it a powerful tool in storytelling.
8. Unrecognizable
Definition
Indistinguishable, distorted; impossible to identify or recognize.
Examples
“The body was so unrecognizable that they needed dental records to confirm the identity.”
“The unrecognizable corpse made it difficult to determine the cause of death.”
How it Adds Description
The word “unrecognizable” evokes a sense of horror and mystery for readers. It conveys the extent of the damage or decay inflicted upon the body, often implying a violent or gruesome end. This can further the plot, prompting characters to find out what occurred and consider whether they may also be in danger.
9. Festering
Definition
Rotting, putrefying; undergoing decay or decomposition.
Examples
“The festering body was a breeding ground for maggots and had begun to attract vultures overhead.”
“He covered his nose as he approached the festering corpse of the body that had remained undiscovered until neighbors complained of the smell.”
How it Adds Description
The word “festering” enhances the reader’s sensory experience but also effectively communicates the passage of time, suggesting that the body has been left to decay and smell. This level of detail may foreshadow a darker, more sinister turn in the narrative, as the decomposing body may symbolize a metaphorical decay or corruption that permeates the story’s setting or characters.
10. Pallid
Definition
Pale, ashen; lacking color or liveliness.
Examples
“The pallid body looked lifeless and cold against the gray concrete of the abandoned factory.”
“Her once rosy cheeks were now pallid and sunken in a mask of death.”
How it Adds Description
The word “pallid” effectively conveys the lifeless appearance of a dead body, providing readers with a vivid mental image. It emphasizes the contrast between the vibrant hues of life and the dull, colorless tones of death. This detail not only enriches the narrative but also serves to heighten the reader’s emotional response to the character’s demise.