February 15, 2008
Soul Slices?
When I encounter people for the very first time, I must admit that their eyes are one of the first things I notice. Whether they’re truly “windows to the soul” I can’t say, but they do make a vivid impression on me.
The eyes are also very important to me as a writer when it comes to describing/defining my characters. I make frequent references to them, sometimes unconsciously, especially when it comes to my heroes.
Do the eyes of your heroes (or the heroes you read about) make an impact on you?
I’m pasting little “slices of souls”—cropped photos of a few interesting specimens below. You may or may not recognize them, but that’s not really important.
Do any of these make a special impression on you?
Sexy? Suave? Sweet? Sneaky? Cold? Untrustworthy? Droolworthy?
And if possible, can you explain exactly what it is about the eyes that affects you in a certain way? The brow? Lashes? Color, if shown? Playfulness? Sincerity? Intensity? It might come in handy for some struggling writer somewhere (snort!) trying to nail a description. 
1) 
2) 
3) 
4) 
5) 
6) 
7) 
8) 
9) 
You’re asking me to think first thing in the morning! Not. Fair.
I like number three, not just because they’re pretty (heh) but because it feels like you have his undivided attention. He’s taking you serious, but there’s also a hint of ‘awareness’ or ‘attraction’ there too. I like the smiling eyes of 2 and 4 simple because they’re smiling.
#7 …. I completely agree w/ your post! I will say when I see someone in a mask, and can only see their eyes, it totally creeps me out! Don’t know why…
I notice eyes too.
It’s the expression mostly, more than the color.
I like #3
Sincere, intense, flirty, direct and fun are all things I see. I think eyes are important in description becasue they DO tell a lot about a person. Will has cold eyes–almost dead but not quite–maybe emotionless is a better word. Sabrina has warm hazel green eyes….very direct too.
Is 9 Robbie Benson?
I’m with Jaye, #3 is a very direct guy - interested in what you are doing, interested in YOU. I like the laughing eyes of #9 too - you can tell he laughs a lot just by the tiny lines around his eyes.
Eyes are important - I remember when I first fell for George Clooney - it was in the film “One Fine Day”. I had never watched ER, so I wasn’t aware of how sexy his eyes were, how deep, dark chocolate. And sincere, laughing eyes.
Is #1 Mel Gibson? Yum…
I like #3, too.
I make a point of focusing on my hero’s eyes. The color. How they’re set. The intensity. Eyes are one of my favorite features.
I like number three, not just because they’re pretty (heh) but because it feels like you have his undivided attention. He’s taking you serious, but there’s also a hint of ‘awareness’ or ‘attraction’ there too.
Good instinct, Vanessa. I agree.
I like the smiling eyes of 2 and 4 simple because they’re smiling.
Even MORE interesting, VJ, because number 4 actually was NOT smiling in the complete photo (but yes, number 2 was grinning his buns off, lol).
Dennie, I find masks FASCINATING (especially what people choose to wear).
And number 7’s eyes are almost pretty, aren’t they?
Bernita, I agree about the expression.
And I LOVE #3.
Is 9 Robbie Benson?
NO!!! lol!
Thank you, Bailey–good observations.
And yes, Clooney…
Is #1 Mel Gibson? Yum…
In his better days—yes, Lynn. Good eye.
I like #3, too.
That gentleman is one of my all-time dreamy-eyed guys…sigh…
Eyes are one of my favorite features.
Agree, Tanya. I think I almost obsess over them. One day an editor will red-ink me to death about it.
(Just for the curious, a run-down of the gentlemen behind the eyes…)
1) Mel Gibson
2) Tyson Beckford
3) Jeffrey Hunter
4) Blair Underwood
5)Sendhil Ramamurthy
6) Lawrence Fishburne
7) Adrian Grenier
8) Orson Welles
9) Jason Momoa