Colors, Textures and Shapes Entry: Red

Real World Comparisons:

Light:

Rhubarb
Cayenne pepper
Strawberries
Watermelon
Radishes
Ladybugs…

Medium:

Red bell pepper
Oscar red carpet
Stop signs, yield signs, no entry signs
Cranberries
Canadian Red Cross symbol
Poppies…

Dark:

Apples
Kidney beans
Grapes
Cherries
Raw meat
Pomegranate seeds…

Shades of Red: Carmine, Crimson, Scarlet, Vermilion, Ruddy, Ruby…

Make every detail count

Colors are powerful descriptors, not fillers. Make sure that if you use a comparison or contrast to highlight a color, you choose the right one. Look at the setting and atmosphere you are working to create, then draw from the viewpoint character or narrator’s history, education and past experiences to find the right fit.

Colors not only paint a picture for readers; when used well, they can also create emotional and symbolic harmonies.

Looking to add vivid imagery to your character’s world? This thesaurus has been expanded and integrated into our online library at One Stop For Writers. There, entries have been enhanced to include symbolism opportunities, a wealth of real-world comparisons that can be woven into your writing, and examples of how to describe colors and patterns in ways that engage the reader’s imagination. This collection is also cross-referenced for easy searchability so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Interested in seeing a sampling of the updated Color and Pattern Thesaurus and our other collections? Head on over and register for free at One Stop!