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->''"The eyes are the window to the soul."''
-->-- '''Lorenzo di Medici'''


It's well known that the eyes are the "windows to the soul" -- in fact, it's mentioned in perhaps half of the EyeTropes we have. What does that actually mean? The suggestion is that if you stare into someone's eyes deep enough, you can glimpse their true nature.

Looking into one's eyes can give one insight into what the person is thinking. At the very least, it can betray some level of emotion, and some even believe one can [[EyesNeverLie tell truth from lies]], and determine the true nature of one's personality, simply by employing this method. On occasion, the things that we're told can be seen in someone's eyes can get really subtle or really abstract - from [[DullEyesOfUnhappiness sadness]] or [[DeathGlare murderous fury]] all the way to humanity or the lack thereof or [[TimeAbyss immense age]].

In the world of fiction, matters go beyond merely distinguishing lies and feelings. Some tales, especially fantasy, associate special traits to the eyes which tell other characters and, more importantly, the reader more about the character who bears them. Most EyeTropes, ranging from TechnicolorEyes to the likes of EyesOutOfSight, serve in this capacity, if primarily on a metaphorical level.

This sentiment also underlies many glasses tropes- characters with something to hide may employ OpaqueLenses, ScaryShinyGlasses, and SinisterShades to hide (or hint at) their true nature.

This broad concept covers many tropes, but the commonality is that eyes signify a character's true nature or self, whatever that may be.

!!Subtropes include:
[[index]]
[floatboxright:
Categories:
+ UhOhEyes
]
* ColorCodedEyes: Color symbolism in the eyes used for characterization.
* DrearyHalfLiddedEyes: The trademark half-closed eyes of the tired or sarcastic character.
* EyeColourChange: Eyes change color in response to a significant change.
* EyeContactAsProof: Demand that someone look you in the eyes and state with no equivocation that they feel a certain way about an issue.
* EyeDentityGiveaway: Eyes that tell other characters or the audience who an imposter or shapeshifter really is.
* EyesAreMental: A shapeshifter who can't change their eyes.
* EyesNeverLie: The truth is told by looking into someone's eyes.
* FamilyEyeResemblance: When an entire family has a distinctive eye color or eye shape.
* InPlaceOfAnEye: Instead of an eye, there's an unusual object.
* GoodEyesEvilEyes: CharacterAlignment depends on how your eyes dilate.
* QuiveringEyes: A character's eyes, or just the reflected highlights in them, shaking perceptibly during times of emotional duress.
* TaremeEyes: Eyes that droop or sag at the corners, which symbolize soft emotions such as sympathy, kindness, or docility.
* TsurimeEyes: Eyes that slant upwards, which symbolize strong emotions such as arrogance, pride, or sarcasm.
* WingdingEyes: A character's eyes become symbols representing their current state of mind.
[[/index]]





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