Do you need to write a scene in your novel where one character needs to tell another something that may anger the recipient? Use the following 10 words to describe a difficult conversation.
1. Tense
Definition
Fraught with stress, unease, or strain.
Examples
“The conversation with my boss became tense as we discussed my reasons for leaving the company.”
“The atmosphere was tense as John and Heather debated buying their son a new car.”
How It Adds Description
The word “tense” communicates the emotional intensity and unease of the characters. It implies that the individuals are experiencing high levels of anxiety, stress, or apprehension. This can make the dialogue more charged and dynamic. The tension can create a sense of conflict or urgency, as the characters may have opposing goals, beliefs, or interests that require resolution.
2. Awkward
Definition
Uncomfortable, embarrassing; difficult to navigate.
Examples
“It was awkward telling my friend that I couldn’t lend him money because I didn’t trust him to pay me back.”
“The conversation with my ex-girlfriend was so awkward that I couldn’t wait for it to be over.”
How It Adds Description
The word “awkward” emphasizes the embarrassment or uneasiness of a conversation. It highlights the vulnerability and insecurity that the characters feel, as well as the potential for rejection or misunderstanding. This can help create a more immersive and relatable reading experience, as the readers can empathize with the characters’ struggles and emotions.
3. Emotional
Definition
Evoking strong feelings such as anger, sadness, or fear.
Examples
“Speaking with my mother about my grandmother’s rapidly declining health was very emotional.”
“When my best friend told me that she was moving away, I felt so overwhelmed and emotional that I couldn’t stop crying.”
How It Adds Description
The word “emotional” adds depth and intensity. It implies that strong emotions like anger, fear, sadness, joy, or love are involved. An emotional conversation can reveal the characters’ vulnerabilities, conflicts, and aspirations, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. It can also create tension, suspense, or catharsis, depending on the outcome of the conversation.
4. Delicate
Definition
Requiring sensitivity, tact, and careful handling.
Examples
“The conversation with Holly about her poor performance was delicate, as I didn’t want to hurt her feelings or damage our working relationship.”
“When I confronted Sarah about her gossiping, I had to be delicate in my approach so that she wouldn’t become defensive or angry.”
How It Adds Description
The word “delicate” adds a layer of complexity and sensitivity to a difficult conversation in a novel. It suggests that the conversation involves a topic that requires careful handling and consideration, and that any misstep or mishap could have serious consequences.
5. Uncomfortable
Definition
Feelings of uneasiness. nervousness, or anxiety.
Examples
“It was uncomfortable to tell my roommate that his constant loud music was disturbing my sleep and productivity.”
“An awkward silence fell over us as the uncomfortable conversation came to a close.”
How It Adds Description
The word “uncomfortable” communicates the emotional and psychological impact on the characters. It suggests that they are grappling with sensitive, taboo, or personal issues. This may elicit feelings of shame, guilt, or vulnerability which can highlight the characters’ emotional and psychological responses as well as the interpersonal dynamics and power struggles at play.
6. Confrontational
Definition
Challenging or opposing someone’s beliefs, actions, or decisions.
Examples
“The discussion with my partner about their infidelity was confrontational, as we had to address the betrayal and its consequences.”
“The accusation that I had stolen my coworker’s idea led to a confrontational exchange between us.”
How It Adds Description
The word “confrontational” implies that the characters are actively challenging or opposing each other, often in an aggressive manner. This can add tension, conflict, and drama to a scene, as the characters’ emotions and motivations clash and escalate. It may suggest a sense of power and bravery, as the character is standing up for their beliefs or challenging the status quo.
7. Complicated
Definition
Involving complex or intricate issues; difficult to resolve.
Examples
“The conversation with my landlord about the lease renewal was complicated, as we had to negotiate the rent increase, repairs, and other terms.”
“My parent’s questions about my career path involved a complicated discussion about my aspirations, education, and financial goals.”
How It Adds Description
The word “complicated” suggests there are multiple layers, perspectives, or emotions involved that make reaching a resolution challenging or difficult to understand. It may convey that the character is experiencing internal conflict and struggling to communicate their intentions clearly and honestly, which could lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
8. Sensitive
Definition
Involving delicate or personal topics that require discretion and empathy.
Examples
“The conversation with my friend about their mental health struggles was sensitive, as I had to be supportive and non-judgmental while offering advice.”
“I knew it would be a sensitive chat, but someone had to intervene before it was too late.”
How It Adds Description
The word “sensitive” implies that the participants are dealing with sensitive topics, feelings, or experiences that require tact, empathy, or respect. It may involve a character revealing a traumatic event, sharing a personal secret, or expressing a deeply held belief that conflicts with another character’s values.
9. Intense
Definition
Emotionally charged, passionate; involving high stakes or deep-seated issues.
Examples
“The conversation with my partner about our future plans grew intense as we found ourselves conflicted over certain goals and values.”
“There was little doubt that the talk I would be forced to have with Jonas would be an intense one as we held completely opposing beliefs.”
How It Adds Description
The word “intense” communicates the depth and complexity of the emotions, thoughts, and actions involved in a conversation. It suggests that the discussion is not just challenging or uncomfortable, but also highly charged and significant, often with profound consequences for the characters and the plot.
10. Defensive
Definition
Protecting oneself from criticism; taking a hostile or adversarial tone.
Examples
My colleague’s half of the discussion was defensive as she denied responsibility and tried to blame others.”
“When I asked my partner about their suspicious behavior, they became evasive and defensive.”
How It Adds Description
The word “defensive” implies that a character feels attacked or threatened in some way. They may resort to denial, blame-shifting, or aggression as a defense mechanism to protect their self-esteem, identity, or reputation. This can create tension, conflict, and drama in the scene, as the other characters may try to persuade, empathize, or confront the defensive character.