SIGHTS
Metal doors, poster ads or special event notices behind glass, an occupancy notice, the latest inspection report, bright overhead lights with plastic panel covers, smudges and fingerprints on the walls, small bits of debris on the floor (crumpled gum wrappers, dirt, pea gravel), a sanitizer dispenser right outside the entrance, an operation panel with buttons that light up when pushed, a red emergency stop button, a slot for a key, a handrail, speakers in the ceiling or side walls, an emergency intercom button, a false grate or metal slot roof, an emergency escape panel, passengers pretending to ignore one another (checking watches or cell phones, staring up at the digital readout, moving toward the front as the elevator gets close to their floor), mothers with baby strollers or travelers with suitcases that take up most of the space, a sign that states the maximum weight load
SOUNDS
Metal rubbing against metal, squeals and squeaks, hydraulics pressing the doors shut, the crackle of the intercom, music from speakers, squeaky brakes squeezing the elevator’s wires, the car shuddering and jerking as it slows, a metallic hum of machinery, people coughing, rustling clothing and jackets, people requesting that a certain floor number be pushed, small talk, a bing sound as the floor is reached, people apologizing as they make their way out of the elevator, the shriek of an alarm as the emergency button is pushed, feet shuffling as people step back to make room for more passengers
SMELLS
Wet or dirty mats on the floor, a collage of hygiene products (perfume, body spray, hairspray, aftershave) trapped in a tiny room, stale cigarette smoke clinging to a smoker’s clothing, dirty diaper smells from babies in strollers, cough drops or mints, bad breath or beer breath, the astringent scent of hand sanitizer as someone rubs some on their hands, sweat or body odor, cleaning products, savory or greasy smells coming from takeout food containers being delivered, coffee in someone’s to-go cup
TASTES
Gum, candies, cough drops, pop, coffee, iced drinks, juice or water brought into the elevator, snacks being munched
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
Smooth buttons, leaning into the wall to make room for others, holding one’s breath or pressing one’s arms close to the sides in order to take up less space on a crowded elevator, a metal handrail, shying away from the grimy walls, tipping one’s head back to watch the floor numbers change, being jolted off-balance by a shuddering elevator, being hyper-aware of the distance between oneself and others, someone’s breath stirring one’s hair or landing on the back of one’s neck, arms that grow tired from holding one’s items during a long elevator ride, rolling a stroller back and forth to soothe a fussy baby, the rubber bumpers gently closing on one’s hand as someone tries to stop them from closing
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
A power outage that stops the elevator between floors
An elevator malfunction
A fire in the building
Being in the elevator with someone who makes one feel unsafe (by ranting, growing violent, staring or getting too close, asking inappropriate questions, arguing with himself)
People making out in the elevator
A screaming child
Kids being rowdy
Other passengers being disrespectful of one’s personal space
Entering an elevator and coming face-to-face with someone one has been avoiding
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
Building security, business men and women, cleaning staff, customers, delivery people, people who live or are staying in the building
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Boardroom, hospital room, office cubicle, run-down apartment
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Some elevators may be monitored by camera, especially in high-profile or security-enforced buildings. Some of these cameras may be actually recording, while others are just for show. Elevators may also have glass walls and can differ in size depending on how they are being used. Some are larger and have a bigger weight allowance, while others may be small and only permit a few people on at a time. Consider size when it comes to your character’s comfort level, since many people can feel claustrophobic in elevators. The condition of the elevator can also heighten anxiety if that’s the mood you’re trying to build.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
Emma clutched at the sticky metal handrail as the elevator lurched to a stop. The door opened and a smiling woman pushed a stroller in. As the lift continued its jerky, shuddering descent toward the lobby, Emma shook her head. How could this woman coo and laugh with her baby, so at ease at being placed in a filthy, airless coffin that was probably maintained by a drunk repairman? Didn’t she see this death trap for what it was?
Techniques and Devices Used: Contrast, metaphor
Resulting Effects: Reinforcing emotion, tension and conflict