Physical Attribute Entry: HIPS

Physical description of a character can be difficult to
convey—too much will slow the pace or feel 'list-like', while too
little will not allow readers to form a clear mental image. If a reader
cannot imagine what your character looks like, they may have trouble
connecting with them on a personal level, or caring about their plight. 



photo credit: Alex Dram via photopin cc



One
way to balance the showing and telling of physical description is to
showcase a few details that really help 'tell the story' about who your
character is and what they've been through up to this point. 



Think about
what makes them different and interesting. Can a unique feature,
clothing choice or way they carry themselves help to hint at their
personality? 



Also, consider how they move their body. Using movement
will naturally show a character's physical characteristics, keep the
pace flowing and help to convey their emotions.








HIPS


Descriptor s : narrow, bony, full, straight, curvy, slim, thin, rounded, thick, broad, hidden, wide, small, well-rounded, generous, slender, straight, curvaceous, ample, tapered, scant, chunky, stocky, sharp, shapely, solid


Things HIPS do:


Bump: bonk, push, shove, poke, kiss, butt, slam, smack, hit, slam, check
Brush: nudge, graze, sweep, rub, caress, glance, press, stroke, touch, slide, goose
Buck: rise, lift, climb, boost, heft, hike, hoist, heave, thrust, shift, pump, tilt



Key Emotions and Related HIP Gestures: 


Confidence: A cocked hip is often a sign of confidence or dominance. Thrusting the pelvis forward, or using one's hands to frame the hips by tucking one's thumbs into belt loops draws attention to one's virility and sense of command within the situation.
Contempt:  A single hand on the hip with the body slightly curved around it is a strong message of contempt

Impatience: A hand on the hip (one or both) with shoulders rolling forward slightly makes the body seem bigger and more menacing, and is a stiff message of impatience.

Simile and Metaphor Help:     


 Tonya was as curvy as they come, the slope of her hips winding like a switchback through the mountains.               



Tom pulled off his shirt and Deanne's breath caught. His body, hard and lean, begged to be touched, but it was the dual ridge lines jutting above low slung jeans that she anchored her hands to.


Clichés to Avoid :


hand on the hips--this very common gesture requires fresh writing to use it, and only if it must be used. Challenge yourself to see if there's another way to show the emotion you're going for. 
shoot from the hip--an idiom for thinking on one's feet or making an educated guess



HINT: When
describing any part of the body, try to use cues that show the reader
more than just a physical description. Make your descriptions do double
duty. Example: 



Grandma might be short, but when she got riled up, her hips were wild things. You learned to get outta her way when she stomped across the room, sideswiping stools and toddlers alike.




BONUS TIP: The
Colors, Textures & Shapes Thesaurus in our sidebar might help
you find a fresh take on some of the descriptors listed above!