Did you realize that our first reaction to anything that happens is emotional?
Post-insult, the character feels intense anger (rage!). That anger is what propels him to cock his arm back and punch the offender.
Immediately after hearing that her beloved dog has died, the character becomes sad (heartbroken!). This sadness incites tears (and, quite possibly, driving aimlessly around town the rest of the night to be alone with those tears).
The emotional reaction precedes the rational one (where you finally start to think, trying to make sense of the events and what to do about them). The action inevitably follows.
In the character's world, this can take hours (or days) or happen in a matter of moments.
Why is this important?
Because when we're developing characters, emotions matter.
So when you're writing a scene that requires a real, visceral reaction, spend a few lines letting the reader know how the character is feeling (bonus points if you can show us the effects of these feelings).
After this, tell us what he or she is thinking (especially if they are entirely wrong about what's happening, because this will help us better understand their motives). Then . . . move into the physical response or action.
Game. Set. Match.
Be Brilliant!
~Katie~
