Storytelling? It’s like a boss fight, man. You gotta get inside the character’s head, understand their motivations, their weaknesses – their build. When you’re fully immersed, you’re not just watching; you’re playing their role. You feel their pain, their triumphs, their rage quits. That’s empathy, and it’s the ultimate cheat code for emotional engagement. It’s not just passive absorption; it’s active participation.
Think of it like this: a simple narrative dump is a low-level enemy – easily dispatched and quickly forgotten. A well-crafted story? That’s a legendary raid boss, one that stays with you long after the credits roll. The emotional connection you forge isn’t just a fleeting buff; it’s a permanent stat increase, influencing your choices and reactions in real life. It alters your playstyle.
Here’s the breakdown of the key mechanics:
- Immersive Gameplay: The more detailed the character, their world, and their struggles, the deeper the immersion. Think high-fidelity textures and richly detailed environments.
- Emotional Resonance: Effective storytelling triggers powerful emotional responses – think epic soundtrack and cinematic cutscenes. These aren’t just visual or auditory stimuli; they’re game mechanics designed to manipulate player emotions.
- Memorable Narrative: A forgettable questline is a wasted opportunity. A truly memorable story, like a difficult but rewarding boss fight, sticks with you, influencing future playthroughs – or future life choices. This is like unlocking an achievement that changes your entire save file.
And finally, the best stories leverage all this to manipulate player behavior. They’re expertly designed to not just entertain, but to control your emotional state. They’re the ultimate mind-control techniques, shaping your world view just like a masterful GM can craft a truly immersive campaign.
Why is storytelling important in games?
Strong storytelling is absolutely crucial for creating truly memorable gaming experiences. It’s not just about a cool plot; it’s about immersion. A gripping narrative pulls you so deep into the game’s world that you lose all sense of reality – you’re not just playing, you’re *living* it. That feeling of being truly present, of connecting with the characters and their struggles, is something pure gameplay alone can’t achieve.
Think about it: what makes a game stick with you long after you’ve put down the controller? Often, it’s the story. Here’s why it’s so powerful:
- Emotional Connection: A well-crafted narrative allows you to connect emotionally with characters, their motivations, and their fates. This emotional investment increases your engagement and makes the experience much more meaningful.
- World-Building: Storytelling provides context and depth to the game world. It explains the rules, the history, the conflicts, and makes the environment feel lived-in and believable.
- Motivation and Purpose: A strong narrative provides clear objectives and motivations for the player. You’re not just completing tasks; you’re driving a compelling narrative forward.
- Increased Replayability: Games with compelling stories are often replayed not just for the gameplay, but to explore different choices and see how they affect the narrative’s outcome.
In short, storytelling elevates a game from a simple interactive experience to a truly engaging and unforgettable adventure. It’s the secret sauce that transforms pixels and polygons into something truly special. Games that master this aspect tend to be the ones we remember and talk about for years to come.
How do video games help with emotions?
How Video Games Help with Emotions: A Deeper Dive
Video games, despite being fictional, can significantly impact emotional well-being. This isn’t just about mindless fun; it’s a complex interplay of several factors.
Escapism: Games offer a powerful escape from stressful realities. Immersion in engaging narratives and fantastical worlds provides a much-needed mental break, allowing players to temporarily detach from anxieties and negative emotions. This temporary respite can be crucial for stress management and emotional regulation.
Positive Emotional Responses: Many games are designed to trigger positive emotions. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges, mastering skills, and achieving goals releases endorphins, creating feelings of accomplishment and self-efficacy. This sense of competence boosts mood and self-esteem. Cooperative gameplay further enhances this, fostering feelings of connection and belonging through teamwork and shared successes.
Emotional Exploration: Games can be a safe space to explore emotions that might be difficult to confront in real life. By experiencing simulated emotional scenarios, players can develop coping mechanisms and improve emotional intelligence. For example, navigating difficult in-game relationships or confronting virtual adversaries can help players process similar situations in their own lives in a controlled setting.
Social Connection: Multiplayer games, in particular, foster social interaction and connection. Building relationships with other players, collaborating on tasks, and participating in a shared experience can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. This aspect is especially important for individuals who might struggle with social interaction in real-world settings.
Note: While video games can be beneficial for emotional well-being, it’s crucial to maintain balance. Excessive gaming can lead to negative consequences, so moderation is key. It’s important to recognize games as a tool, not a replacement for addressing underlying emotional issues. If you are struggling with significant emotional challenges, seeking professional help is vital.
What are the emotional benefits of storytelling?
Yo, what’s up, storytellers! Let’s talk emotional benefits. Storytelling isn’t just entertainment; it’s seriously therapeutic. We’re talking legit reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. Think about it – processing emotions through narrative is powerful. It helps you unpack complex feelings in a safe space.
Beyond that, storytelling boosts your self-esteem. Creating and sharing your stories validates your experiences and helps you feel heard and understood. It’s a major self-worth enhancer. Seriously, crafting narratives about overcoming challenges builds resilience – essential life skills right there.
But here’s the kicker: storytelling facilitates post-traumatic growth. It’s not just about healing from trauma, it’s about finding meaning and purpose *after* the trauma. It’s about reframing your narrative, seeing the silver linings, and discovering your inner strength. That’s a game changer, people.
Think of it as emotional weightlifting – but instead of biceps, you’re strengthening your mental and emotional fortitude. It’s a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. So, keep sharing those stories – you’re helping yourselves and others.
How do games build empathy?
Look, games are immersive, right? They drop you into situations, make you *feel* things. That’s where the empathy kick comes in. You’re stepping into someone else’s shoes, experiencing their world – their struggles, their victories, even their failures. It’s like a mental simulation, forcing you to consider perspectives beyond your own. You’re not just watching a movie; you’re *actively participating*, making choices with consequences, understanding the weight of those choices on others.
But let’s be real, games don’t *teach* empathy. They’re tools, not magic bullets. A game can evoke a powerful emotional response, sure. It might make you shed a tear for a fallen comrade in a co-op raid or feel the sting of betrayal in a competitive match. But that emotional response is just the starting point. Real empathy requires reflection, understanding the root causes of those feelings, and applying that understanding to real-world situations.
Think about it: a game might present a narrative about prejudice. You might even *feel* the injustice, but that doesn’t automatically translate into fighting prejudice in real life. You need active engagement beyond the game. It’s the same with any emotional response in a game. It’s a stepping stone, not the destination. The game provides the experience, the *player* has to do the work of processing and applying it.
For example, games like “This War of Mine” or “Papers, Please” are often cited for fostering empathy. But simply playing these games doesn’t guarantee a change in behavior. It’s about the *post-game reflection*. Did the experience change how you view certain real-world issues? Did you engage in discussions or take action inspired by your gameplay? That’s the true measure of whether the game helped cultivate empathy, not just the emotional response during gameplay.
How does emotion play a part in storytelling?
Emotions are the secret sauce in storytelling, man. They’re not just window dressing; they’re the engine driving the narrative. Think about it: when a story makes you *feel*, you’re not just passively observing, you’re actively participating. That’s how you build a truly immersive experience for your viewers.
When we feel what the character feels – their joy, their fear, their heartbreak – we create this powerful empathetic bond. Their struggles become *our* struggles; their triumphs, *our* triumphs. This deep emotional connection is what makes a story memorable and impactful. It’s the difference between a story that’s just okay and one that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Pro-tip: Mastering emotion isn’t just about sad scenes. Think about the pacing, the build-up, the subtle shifts in tone. A well-crafted emotional arc can have your audience on the edge of their seats, even if the story itself isn’t conventionally “dramatic”. It’s about crafting moments that resonate, that hit home. Think about those scenes you still talk about years later – those were the emotionally resonant ones.
Another key aspect: Don’t underestimate the power of subtle emotional cues. A single tear, a fleeting expression, a change in breathing – these little details can amplify the emotional impact exponentially. These are the things that create truly authentic and relatable characters, guys.
Why is storytelling important in sports?
Storytelling in sports isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with everyone involved. Think of your favorite sports team – what makes them memorable? It’s often the underdog story, the comeback narrative, or the tale of unwavering dedication. Effective storytelling, by sports leaders, translates complex game strategies into easily digestible, inspiring narratives. This creates a shared understanding and purpose, unifying players, fostering stronger sponsor relationships, and deeply engaging fans. It’s about forging a team identity, building trust, and creating a sense of belonging. The stories shared aren’t just about the game itself; they weave in values, lessons learned, and moments of triumph and adversity. This creates a powerful emotional connection that transcends the scoreboard, fostering loyalty and passion amongst all stakeholders. Think of how effective documentaries or highlight reels expertly utilize storytelling to create an unforgettable experience – that’s the power we’re talking about. This creates a strong brand identity, enriching the overall fan experience and attracting new audiences.
Why do games need a story?
Story isn’t just window dressing; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing gameplay. Jesse Schell rightly points out that relatable characters and intriguing narratives foster emotional connection. This isn’t just about feeling empathy for protagonists; it’s about creating a deeper investment in the game world itself. A compelling story provides context for mechanics, giving players a reason to care about overcoming challenges and achieving goals. Think of it this way: a strong narrative builds a framework upon which engaging gameplay can be structured. This framework provides meaningful progression and encourages players to explore and discover, driving longer playtime and stronger player retention. Without a story, many games lack the emotional resonance needed to truly capture a player’s imagination and leave a lasting impact. A great story creates memorable experiences, turning players into active participants rather than passive observers.
Furthermore, strong narratives can significantly improve a game’s marketability. A captivating story provides a unique selling proposition, differentiating the game from its competitors and attracting a wider audience. It fuels social media engagement, generates pre-release hype, and allows for rich and varied content creation, including trailers, concept art, and even spin-off media, extending the game’s lifespan and brand recognition. Ultimately, a well-crafted story isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a crucial element in crafting a truly successful and memorable game experience.
How do video games affect people’s behavior?
Excessive gaming, sure, that’s a real thing. I’ve seen it firsthand. It’s not about the games themselves, though – it’s about balance. Addiction is a serious issue, mirroring any addictive behavior; it’s not unique to gaming. The tech addiction part is a broader issue, encompassing phones, social media – the whole digital world. But, intense gaming can absolutely disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep disorders and impacting performance in all areas, including school.
Aggressive behaviors? That’s a complex one. While some games feature violence, correlation doesn’t equal causation. Research shows a link, but it’s nuanced. More likely, poor emotional regulation, already present, might be exacerbated by excessive gaming. It’s not the games making people violent; it’s the lack of healthy coping mechanisms. This ties into poor emotional intelligence development. Spending hours gaming instead of engaging in real-world social interaction undeniably hinders development of social skills.
The impact on social relationships is undeniable; prolonged gaming sessions can easily take precedence over real-life interactions. However, the gaming community itself can offer strong social bonds – I’ve forged lifelong friendships through esports. It’s about finding the balance; healthy social interaction online and off is crucial. It’s all about moderation and recognizing the need for diverse activities beyond the screen.
Can games help you learn emotional skills?
While the claim that games can foster emotional learning is valid, it’s crucial to understand the nuances. The statement rightly points out the low-stakes environment games offer for practicing emotional regulation, perspective-taking, and empathy. However, the effectiveness hinges entirely on game design and pedagogical approach. Not all games are created equal. Poorly designed games might reinforce negative behaviors or offer shallow emotional engagement. Conversely, well-crafted games, particularly those incorporating narrative, role-playing, and collaborative elements, can provide powerful learning opportunities.
Thoughtful guidance, as mentioned, is paramount. This extends beyond simply letting children play. Adults need to facilitate post-game reflection, prompting discussions about characters’ emotions, decision-making processes, and the consequences of actions. This metacognitive process is key to transferring learned emotional skills to real-world situations. Furthermore, game selection is critical. Choosing games appropriate for the child’s developmental stage and emotional maturity is crucial for maximizing the learning potential. Ignoring this aspect can lead to frustration and a negative learning experience.
Finally, it’s a misconception that games alone will magically instill emotional intelligence. Games should be viewed as a valuable tool within a broader educational strategy that incorporates diverse approaches, including social-emotional learning curricula and real-world interactions. The effectiveness of games in developing emotional skills must be rigorously evaluated and integrated with other learning methodologies for optimal impact.
What feelings do video games increase in players?
Yeah, so games, right? They don’t just pump you full of happy juice. While the dopamine hits are real, and the satisfaction of a clutch play is undeniable, it’s a whole emotional rollercoaster. You’ll experience the highs, but also the lows – the gut-wrenching frustration of a last-second loss, the rage quit moments we’ve all been there, the gnawing anxiety of a high-stakes raid, even the surprisingly poignant sadness from a compelling narrative. It’s that complex emotional spectrum that makes gaming so engaging. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the journey, the challenges, and the entire emotional spectrum in-between. Understanding this emotional complexity is key to managing your gaming experience. Recognizing these feelings, whether positive or negative, helps you approach games more strategically and healthily. It’s about knowing when to take a break and avoiding burnout, not letting the negative feelings dominate the experience.
Think about it: the satisfaction of mastering a difficult mechanic after hours of practice, that’s pure joy. But then there’s the crushing disappointment of failing at a boss fight repeatedly. That’s where self-awareness comes in. Knowing these feelings are a normal part of the process is crucial. It’s about learning to balance the exhilarating moments with the frustrating ones, and ultimately enjoying the ride regardless.
What are the 3 reasons why storytelling is an important tradition?
Storytelling in games: A powerful tool for immersive experiences.
Empathy and Understanding: Games leverage narrative to place players in diverse shoes, fostering empathy by letting them experience the world from unique perspectives. This transcends cultural boundaries, allowing players to understand the motivations and struggles of characters unlike themselves, promoting tolerance and acceptance.
Cultural Exploration: Games can transport players to different times and places, introducing them to unfamiliar traditions and values through engaging gameplay and compelling narratives. This creates a powerful learning experience that’s both fun and educational, exposing players to a breadth of cultures otherwise inaccessible.
Universal Themes and Shared Experiences: Effective game narratives explore universal themes such as love, loss, betrayal, and redemption. These resonate across cultures, connecting players through shared human experiences, regardless of background. This creates a strong sense of community and shared understanding.
Innovation and Critical Thinking: Interactive storytelling in games encourages players to think critically and solve problems within the narrative framework. This active engagement fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, enriching the learning experience beyond simple passive consumption.
Global Perspective and Cultural Exchange: Games often feature diverse characters and settings, prompting players to consider cultural differences and similarities. This broadens their worldview, building a deeper understanding of the global community and promoting cross-cultural appreciation. Furthermore, successful games often translate across multiple languages, fostering a truly global cultural exchange.
Why is storytelling so impactful?
Storytelling’s impact in games stems from its ability to foster player connection and emotional investment. It transcends simple exposition, leveraging narrative techniques to cultivate empathy and understanding. This is achieved through several key mechanisms:
- Character Development: Well-developed characters, with relatable flaws and motivations, enable players to project themselves into their experiences. This vicarious experience creates a powerful emotional bond, making their triumphs and struggles deeply meaningful.
- Emotional Resonance: Stories in games evoke feelings through carefully crafted scenes, dialogue, and music. These elements synergistically amplify the emotional impact, making the narrative more memorable and impactful. Think of the emotional resonance created by a well-placed soundtrack cue during a pivotal moment.
- Moral Ambiguity: Games that present nuanced narratives with morally gray characters or situations encourage players to engage in critical thinking and reflection. This process fosters deeper understanding and empathy, even for antagonists.
- Player Agency: Giving players choices that impact the narrative creates a personal stake in the outcome. The feeling of ownership intensifies emotional engagement and makes the consequences of the story more impactful.
Effective storytelling isn’t just about conveying information; it’s about crafting a resonant experience. The ability to connect with characters on an emotional level, understand their perspectives, and feel invested in their journeys is crucial for player engagement and lasting impact. Consider the difference between a game that simply tells you about a character’s hardship and one that allows you to experience it firsthand, making difficult choices that shape their fate. The latter inherently facilitates a far greater emotional response and lasting memory.
- Narrative Structure: The structure of the narrative itself, including pacing, plot twists, and character arcs, dictates how effectively the story resonates with the player. A well-paced narrative keeps players engaged and invested, while poorly paced narratives can lead to disinterest.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of explicitly stating character traits, effective game storytelling *shows* them through actions, dialogue, and environmental storytelling. This allows players to draw their own conclusions, fostering a deeper understanding of the characters.
Ultimately, the power of storytelling in games lies in its ability to transform players from passive observers into active participants in a meaningful emotional journey.
Why is storytelling method useful?
Storytelling isn’t just some fluffy teaching method; it’s a powerhouse. It taps into primal engagement, boosting motivation and participation far beyond lectures or rote learning. Kids aren’t passively absorbing information; they’re actively building narratives in their minds, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills. This collaborative aspect, especially when used in group storytelling exercises, fosters teamwork and communication. But it goes deeper than engagement; stories provide a framework for understanding complex concepts. Think about it: we remember stories far better than lists of facts. That’s because stories create emotional connections, linking abstract ideas to relatable experiences, ultimately leading to deeper comprehension and longer retention. You see a significant jump in attention spans too – a game changer in today’s distracted world. Think beyond simple fairy tales; crafting narratives around historical events, scientific principles, or even coding concepts makes learning fun and memorable. It’s about weaving the information into an engaging narrative, complete with characters, conflicts, and a satisfying resolution. The key is to understand your audience and tailor the story to their age and interests. Think of it as leveling up your teaching – a skill that pays dividends far beyond the immediate lesson.
How do games tell stories?
Games tell stories through diverse and often interwoven methods, far exceeding the linear approach of film. Cutscenes, while prevalent, are just one piece of the puzzle. Environmental storytelling, a staple in games like Bioshock, leverages level design, item descriptions, and character interactions within the game world itself to paint a compelling narrative. Think about the decaying grandeur of Rapture revealing its tragic history without a single line of dialogue. This immersive approach allows for player agency, shaping the story through choices and actions.
Beyond this, gameplay mechanics themselves can become powerful narrative tools. Consider the slow, deliberate pacing of Journey, directly reflecting the emotional arc of its narrative. Conversely, the fast-paced, frenetic action of Doom Eternal reinforces its themes of relentless combat and survival. The way you interact with the game world directly contributes to and shapes your understanding of the story.
Furthermore, the narrative can unfold through dialogue choices, branching paths, and the consequences of your decisions, creating uniquely personal experiences. Games like The Witcher 3 expertly utilize this, presenting a dynamic narrative affected by player actions, making each playthrough different. It’s not just about “watching” a story unfold; it’s about actively participating in its creation.
Ultimately, the most effective games masterfully blend all these approaches. The best storytelling utilizes cutscenes sparingly, instead weaving a rich tapestry of environmental details, gameplay mechanics, and player choices to create a truly memorable and impactful experience that transcends the limitations of traditional storytelling.
What is the meaning of storyline in games?
In games, the storyline, or narrative, isn’t just a series of connected events; it’s the backbone of the player experience. It’s the engine driving player motivation, shaping their choices and impacting their emotional response. A strong storyline weaves together compelling characters, engaging conflicts, and satisfying resolutions, creating a sense of immersion and purpose. Weak storylines, conversely, often result in a feeling of detachment, hindering player enjoyment. Consider the difference between a linear narrative, where the player follows a predetermined path, and a branching narrative offering multiple paths and choices, each impacting the story’s outcome. The best game storylines often cleverly integrate gameplay mechanics into the narrative, ensuring they are not simply disconnected elements but integral parts of the overarching story. This symbiotic relationship between gameplay and narrative is key to a truly memorable gaming experience. Moreover, a game’s storyline can be explored through various mediums, including cutscenes, in-game dialogue, environmental storytelling, and even the very mechanics of the game itself. The effectiveness of a storyline hinges on its ability to create a believable world, relatable characters, and a compelling narrative arc that keeps players engaged and invested from beginning to end.
How does playing games make you feel?
Let’s be clear, the “feel good” part is just the dopamine rush. It’s a basic reward system hack. Your brain gets a hit, you crave more. That’s why you keep grinding. The dopamine isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about reinforcing behavior – the win, the kill, the clutch play. It’s pure addiction, engineered to keep you engaged.
The problem is the crash. The dopamine dip when you’re not playing? That’s the withdrawal. Your baseline is lowered. You need more playtime to achieve the same high, leading to longer sessions and potential burnout. It’s a cycle: dopamine spike, dopamine crash, increased playtime, deeper crash. Experienced players know this intimately.
Here’s the breakdown of how it affects your gameplay:
- Improved Focus & Reaction Time (Short-Term): The initial dopamine surge enhances focus and reflexes. You’re sharper, quicker to react in those crucial moments.
- Tunnel Vision (Long-Term): That intense focus can narrow your perspective, blinding you to strategic options outside your immediate objective. This is a real problem in PvP.
- Increased Aggression/Risk Taking: Dopamine can override rational decision-making. You’ll take more risks, which can be good (aggressive plays) or bad (reckless charges).
- Addiction & Burnout: The cycle of dopamine release and withdrawal leads to compulsive gaming and ultimately, burnout. Your performance suffers, the fun fades, and you’re left feeling empty.
Mastering PvP isn’t just about skill; it’s about managing your mental state. Understanding the biochemical underpinnings of your gameplay is crucial for sustained success and preventing burnout. It’s about self-awareness and discipline—managing your dopamine, not letting it manage you.
- Set Limits: Don’t let the game control you. Schedule your playtime and stick to it.
- Recognize the Crash: Learn to identify the signs of dopamine withdrawal and take breaks to avoid negative consequences.
- Diversify: Engage in other activities to prevent dependence on gaming for dopamine.
How do you evoke emotions in storytelling?
To evoke emotions in esports storytelling, you need to go beyond the simple “GG EZ.” Sensory details are crucial. Instead of just saying a player was nervous, describe the clammy sweat on their hands, the racing pulse in their ears, the taste of dry mouth, the blur of the screen, the roar of the crowd – a full sensory immersion. This makes the audience *feel* the pressure, the adrenaline, the victory or defeat, rather than just reading about it.
Think of it like this: describing a clutch play shouldn’t just be about the mechanics. Show the tension building in the seconds leading up to it – the ticking clock, the desperate calls from teammates, the strategic thinking displayed on the player’s face, even the slight tremor in their hand as they execute the final move. This elevates the storytelling from a simple recap to a gripping narrative. Immersive details create emotional resonance; you’re not just telling the story, you’re making the audience *live* it.
Furthermore, focus on the human element. Show the player’s personality, their dedication, their struggles, their triumphs. What motivates them? What are their fears? A well-crafted narrative emphasizes these elements to create a profound connection with the audience. A successful esports story isn’t just about wins and losses, it’s about the journey, the sacrifices, and the human drama unfolding amidst the competition.
How do you show emotions in a play?
Alright viewers, so you wanna know how to *really* sell those emotions on stage? Think of it like a really difficult boss fight. You can’t just button-mash your way through it; you need strategy.
First, know your own emotional inventory. This isn’t some RPG character sheet; it’s about understanding your own emotional triggers. What memories make you cry? What situations make your heart race? Knowing these “cheat codes” to your own emotional landscape is key. It’s like finding that hidden shortcut in a level – it saves you a lot of time and frustration.
Second, level up your experience. Don’t just rely on what’s written; use your own life experiences. Every role is like a new game plus; your previous experience informs your performance. If you’ve faced heartbreak, you can tap into that well of sadness for a scene. It’s all about drawing on your own “save files,” if you will.
Third, study the game manual. Research your character and the play itself. The more you understand their backstory, motivations, and relationships, the easier it will be to act realistically. This is like carefully reading the game walkthrough before starting; you’ll know the pitfalls to avoid.
Fourth, become one with the character. This is the true “immersive mode.” Don’t just play the character; embody them. Feel their pain, their joy, their anxieties. This is the “hard mode” – the most challenging, but the most rewarding.
Fifth, use action verbs. Instead of thinking “I’m sad,” think “I’m collapsing under the weight of this loss.” Active verbs add power and nuance; it’s like upgrading your weapons. Instead of a basic sword, you wield a legendary weapon.
Sixth, be present. This is crucial. Forget the audience; forget your anxieties. Focus on the moment; it’s like staying in the game’s flow state. The most amazing performances come from total immersion.
Seventh, practice, practice, practice. This is the grind. It’s the countless hours of replaying levels to master your skills. Rehearsals are your training ground. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. And like any great gamer knows, practice makes perfect.
- Bonus Tip: Watch other actors; study their techniques, learn from their successes and failures. Learn from their “speed runs” – how do they manage to convey so much emotion effectively?
