32 Writing Prompts about Emotions

We are all emotional puddles, right?

Every feeling, good or bad, ripples around inside us, shaping who we are and what we do.

Happy moments make us bubbly, sadness weighs us down, and anger…well, let’s just say it can be messy.

Writing is like a magic flashlight for exploring these emotional depths.

Shine it inwards, see what you find!

Maybe there’s a hidden treasure of self-discovery waiting down there.

Here are some prompts to get you started, so dive in and see what amazing stuff you can dredge up!

Writing Prompts about Emotions

Childhood Emotional Scars: Every individual carries emotional baggage from their past, and childhood memories can have a lasting impact. Think back to a moment from your childhood that left an emotional scar. Narrate the incident and how it affected your choices, relationships, and self-worth over the years.
The Weight of Regret: Regret can be like a stone tied to one’s heart, dragging them down with its weight. Write about a time when you made a decision that you deeply regretted, and how you either overcame that emotion or how it continues to influence your life today.
Rediscovery of Joy: As life gets complicated, many lose touch with simple joys. Imagine a character who, after years of being buried under life’s pressures, rediscovers a childhood activity that brings them pure happiness. How does this reconnection with joy change their perspective on life?
Silent Resentment: Resentment can grow like an invisible weed, unnoticed until it’s too late. Write about a relationship where silent resentment built over time. Detail the small moments that contributed to this emotion and how it eventually erupted, demanding to be addressed.
The Fear of Vulnerability: Opening up and being vulnerable can be one of the most terrifying experiences for some. Describe a character who has built impenetrable walls around their heart to protect themselves. Dive deep into a situation where they’re forced to confront this fear of vulnerability and the outcomes of that confrontation.
Drowning in Loneliness: Loneliness can be as overwhelming as any vast, physical expanse. Imagine a character living in a bustling city, surrounded by people but feeling deeply alone. Explore their daily experiences and how they either find solace or get consumed by this emotion.
Burst of Uncontrollable Anger: Everyone has a breaking point. Describe a calm and composed individual who, after a series of seemingly insignificant events, experiences an unexpected burst of uncontrollable anger. Delve into the aftermath and the self-reflection that follows.
The Comfort in Nostalgia: Nostalgia can be a comforting escape from present-day challenges. Write about someone who frequently revisits a specific memory, finding solace in the past. Explore the reasons behind their retreat into nostalgia and the contrast between past and present feelings.
Guilt’s Unyielding Grip: Guilt has the power to consume an individual’s thoughts and dictate their actions. Dive into the life of someone burdened by a secret guilt, one that alters their daily routine, their sleep, and their interactions. Showcase the moment they finally decide whether to confront it or let it define their entire existence.
The Euphoria of Achievement: The sensation of achieving a long-sought goal can be intoxicating. Narrate the journey of an individual who, after countless setbacks and almost giving up, finally reaches their dream. Describe the overwhelming flood of emotions and how they process this newfound elation.
The Paralysis of Indecision: The fear of making the wrong choice can be paralyzing. Enter the world of a character faced with a life-changing decision, where each option carries significant emotional repercussions. Dive into their thought process, and reveal the consequences of their choice—or their inability to choose.
Whirlwind of Jealousy: Jealousy can blindside the best of us. Write about someone who has always been level-headed but finds themselves spiraling due to jealousy—whether in love, career, or personal growth. Explore the transformation of their character as this emotion takes hold.
A Wave of Unexpected Kindness: In a world where suspicion often reigns, an unexpected act of kindness can be deeply moving. Describe a character who, during their lowest point, experiences an unexpected gesture of compassion. Show how this single act reshapes their perspective and restores faith in humanity.
The Abyss of Grief: Grief is an emotion that can feel like an endless abyss. Write about someone grappling with the recent loss of a loved one. Describe the varying stages of their grief, and how they navigate the delicate balance of remembering and moving on.
Elation in the Mundane: Sometimes, the most ordinary moments can bring unexpected joy. Chronicle a day in the life of a character who finds elation in the mundane, from the chirping of birds to the warmth of a cup of tea. Detail how these small moments serve as an anchor for their emotional well-being.
The Intricacies of Shame: Shame can mutate our self-image and rewrite our personal narratives. Delve into a scenario where someone is faced with a situation that brings back memories of a past shameful act. Navigate the complexities of their internal battle and the journey of either overcoming or succumbing to this emotion.
Ambivalence and Attachment: Attachment isn’t always about adoration; sometimes it’s about shared experiences, even painful ones. Write about a person who feels an intense ambivalence towards someone they’ve known for years, torn between the urge to distance themselves and the undeniable bond they share. Unravel the roots of their conflicted feelings and their ultimate resolution.
The Mirage of Contentment: On the surface, everything appears perfect, but below lurks a storm of discontent. Dive into the life of a character who seemingly has everything one could wish for, yet grapples with a deep-rooted dissatisfaction. Explore the reasons behind this emotion and the realization that true contentment may lie elsewhere.
Captive to Curiosity: Curiosity, while a source of inspiration, can sometimes become an obsession. Narrate the story of an individual whose insatiable curiosity about a mysterious neighbor or event starts to take over their life. Delve into the emotional rollercoaster of their pursuit for answers and the unexpected truths they uncover.
The Sting of Betrayal: Betrayal, especially from a trusted ally, can leave an indelible mark on the soul. Chronicle the journey of a character who experiences a deep-seated betrayal from someone they held dear. Highlight the raw emotions, the healing process, and the difficult choices of forgiveness or retribution.
In the Shadow of Admiration: Living in the shadow of someone constantly admired can be a unique emotional challenge. Write about a character who is always compared to a successful sibling or friend. Explore the battles of inadequacy, self-identity, and the journey to find their own light amidst overshadowing comparisons.
The Unpredictability of Hope: When everything seems bleak, the tiniest glimmer of hope can change everything. Describe a situation where a character, having given up on an important aspect of their life, suddenly encounters an unexpected sign of hope. Detail the resurgence of emotions and the new paths this spark of optimism opens for them.
Navigating the Tumult of Envy: Envy can often lead individuals down paths they never intended to tread. Imagine someone who, although content, suddenly becomes deeply envious of a colleague’s success. Detail the internal and external struggles, the choices made out of envy, and the eventual realization of the true value of self-worth.
An Unfamiliar Reservoir of Strength: Often, during the most trying times, individuals discover strengths they never knew they possessed. Narrate a story where a character facing overwhelming odds suddenly taps into an unfamiliar reservoir of emotional and physical strength. Showcase the transformation and the realization of the hidden depths within them.
Yearning for Authenticity: In a world dominated by superficial interactions and online personas, the craving for genuine connections intensifies. Describe a character overwhelmed by societal facades, embarking on a journey to find authentic relationships. Through their quest, unravel the significance of true connection amidst pretense.
Eclipsed by Pride: Pride, while a source of confidence, can sometimes blind individuals to their own flaws. Dive into the life of someone whose immense pride prevents them from acknowledging a crucial mistake. Depict their eventual confrontation with humility and the internal battle between acknowledgment and arrogance.
Chasing Fleeting Serenity: The pursuit of momentary peace in a chaotic world can be both a refuge and an obsession. Write about a character who discovers a unique, short-lived moment of serenity in their daily routine, and becomes fixated on reliving it. Showcase the emotional tug-of-war between chasing this fleeting feeling and accepting life’s inherent chaos.
The Labyrinth of Disappointment: Coping with continuous disappointments can feel like navigating a complex labyrinth. Chronicle the journey of someone who faces back-to-back letdowns in various aspects of life. Highlight their perseverance, the lessons learned, and the ultimate search for a silver lining amidst despair.
Embracing Vulnerable Passion: Passion, in its rawest form, exposes the soul’s deepest desires and vulnerabilities. Describe a character who, after years of suppressing their true passion, finally decides to embrace it openly. Through their story, explore the whirlwind of emotions, from fear of judgment to the exhilaration of unveiled passion.
Tug of Inherited Resentment: Emotions passed down through generations can influence personal narratives. Write about someone who inherits a deep-seated resentment or bias from their family, only to question its validity in their own life. Depict their journey of introspection and the decision to either uphold or break away from this ancestral emotional legacy.
Dancing on the Edge of Melancholy: Melancholy, often mistaken for mere sadness, is a profound emotional state that encompasses both sorrow and a touch of joy. Illustrate a day in the life of a character who finds beauty in their melancholic state, discovering poetic nuances in their emotions and the world around them.
Grasping the Mirage of Control: The illusion of having complete control over one’s life can lead to an intense emotional journey. Detail the experiences of a character who believes they can micromanage every aspect of their existence, only to be confronted with unexpected twists of fate. Dive deep into their struggle with relinquishing control and embracing the uncertainties of life.