Describe the focal face
Compare the eyes, mouth, and head angle with the caption. Notice whether expression carries the emotion on its own or depends on the text. Avoid treating a stylised face as a transparent record of feeling.
Track the relationship
Look at which character is given the viewpoint and who becomes an object of attention. Small changes in framing can alter the balance of agency in a scene.
Make a counter-reading
Write a second interpretation supported by a different detail in the image. The exercise helps prevent a familiar genre convention from becoming the only possible meaning.