In this post, we look at how you can demonstrate shock in the characters your writing through 10 descriptive words. Scroll down to learn how to describe a shocked character.
1. Startled
Definition
To be surprised or alarmed.
Examples
“The young birthday girl was startled by the clown’s appearance, but she held her tears in and put on a brave face.”
“Henry’s blood pressure shot up as soon as the balloon popped. He was obviously startled and needed some fresh air to calm down.”
How it Adds Description
“Startled” shows that a character is shocked and slightly frightened by the situation. Characters who are more anxious are usually likely to be “startled,” as they’re typically jumpy or nervous than more confident characters. If something does leave them “startled,” they may need to leave the situation to collect their feelings and calm down.
2. Aghast
Definition
Someone who’s filled with surprise and horror.
Examples
“Emily was left aghast after the horror film. Every time she lay in bed, she saw the killer and his creepy mask in her dreams.”
“The policeman started at the crime scene aghast. Nothing in his 20 years of experience had been this severe.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show a character’s response to a particularly horrifying event, “aghast” is an apt adjective. This shows that the character is shocked in a scared and disgusted way, and they likely don’t know how to comprehend the horrible scene. Characters who are left “aghast” aren’t easily shocked; therefore, their intense reaction shows the severity of the circumstances.
3. Shaking
Definition
Someone or something that’s shaking back and forth.
Examples
“The young boy was left shaking after walking through the horror maze. Navigating jump scares was not his favorite pastime.”
“Despite her nerves and shaking legs, Anna volunteered herself as a last-minute tribute to save her friends.”
How it Adds Description
You can use the word “shaking” to show a character’s physical reaction to shock. When a character is so surprised that they’re “shaking,” they’re likely also experiencing a flood of adrenaline. This could give them extra bravery in scary events, allowing them to step up to the challenge or save the day.
4. Amazed
Definition
Someone filled with surprise and incredulity.
Examples
“The news didn’t leave Ben with a sinking feeling. He was simply amazed at the change of events.”
“Everyone ran from the loud noises, except Jamie, who was amazed by the strange sounds.”
How it Adds Description
Not all feelings of shock are negative, and some curious characters might be left “amazed” by surprising situations. Characters who feel “amazed” are likely very inquisitive about life and want to learn more about the cause of the surprise. However, if a character is “amazed” when everyone else is scared, they might be fearless or interested in strange things — this is more common in antagonists or villains.
5. Dismayed
Definition
Someone filled with alarm and apprehension.
Examples
“Eric was dismayed at the sight of the town. He’d worked so hard, and someone had ruined everything in seconds.”
“Amy was left dismayed after she fumbled her public speaking. But she wasn’t afraid to try again.”
How it Adds Description
You can use “dismayed” to show a character is surprised by events but also upset and apprehensive about them. This reaction is common for any character who cares about the situation, typically including heroes and protagonists. However, these good characters will always overcome negative feelings and continue helping others.
6. Stunned
Definition
To be extremely shocked and astounded.
Examples
“The evil mayor stumbled backward, totally stunned. He didn’t expect his plan to be foiled.”
“Alice was completely stunned when people on the street started to recognize her.”
How it Adds Description
“Stunned” shows a character who is so surprised that they don’t know what to do. This is likely to occur when the surprise or shock is very extreme or on a large scale. All types of characters can feel “stunned,” but it’s more common in characters who have very strong belief systems, as opposing events disrupt their worldview.
7. Breathless
Definition
To have trouble breathing normally due to excitement or fear.
Examples
“The young prince was left breathless with fear after the knights took him hostage.”
“Despite reassurance from her teachers, Penny was breathless after seeing her failed exam results.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show a shocked and overwhelmed character, use “breathless.” This adjective shows that the character is so surprised they’re having trouble maintaining their basic bodily functions. This will emphasize their shock to both the other characters and your reader. Characters experiencing life-altering events will likely have this strong reaction.
8. Horrified
Definition
Someone so shocked they’re frightened.
Examples
“The farmer was horrified to find his barn empty.”
“As she walked up to her house, Emily couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She was horrified when she realized that the door was unlocked.”
How it Adds Description
You can show a character is very scared and shocked simultaneously via “horrified.” Any generally uneasy characters are more likely to feel “horrified,” especially in more mundane situations. This personality is often seen in protagonists who must rise to meet the plot’s challenges.
9. Nauseous
Definition
To feel sick and like you want to vomit.
Examples
“The little girl became nauseous instantly at the sight of the dead cat.”
“Ever since the earthquake, Jack had been nauseous. His body couldn’t cope with the horrible changes.”
How it Adds Description
Another way to show your character is shocked is through “nausea.” Being “nauseous” implies that the characters are so shocked that they are feeling ill and may even be physically sick. This is a great way to highlight extreme shock.
10. Speechless
Definition
Being unable to speak due to shock.
Examples
“The pupil was speechless after the headmaster embarrassed him in front of the whole class.”
“Mary Poppins always left her clients speechless.”
How it Adds Description
“Speechless” shows your character is surprised to the point of wordlessness. If you have a very quick-witted or chatty character, them being rendered “speechless” would show the situation is extremely shocking for them. Whereas a generally quiet character’s “speechlessness” wouldn’t be as dramatic.