by Judith Enderle
Birthing characters can be challenging.Iin a book, each one must have a reason to be there and each character—whether protagonist or antagonist—must be unique. So how do you do that?
(Right at this point I’m tempted to say: “If you find out, let me know.) But I know how. It’s the doing that is the challenge.
Here are a few details that help me get to know my characters (please expand these lists as you birth your book characters):
Traits: like temperament, intelligence and knowledge, determination
Appearance: height, weight, coloring, health
Family: number of siblings, is your character oldest, youngest, or in the middle? Living situation. Parents and relatives. Economic status.
Personal: secrets, brags, embarrassing moments
Friends: longest, newest, best, many or few?
What matters most to your character? What is your character worried about?
Sometimes interviewing the characters helps you find the details you need.
You’ll need the most information about the protagonist and the antagonist, but get to know the secondary players so their actions and reactions make sense as the story unfolds.
Last, but not least: don’t forget the little things: good and bad habits, tics, favorite words and phrases, great smiles, evil eyes, favorite piece of clothing, nicknames . . . This can be the longest list of all.
Guaranteed, your writing will be easier if you know your characters so well you’d recognize them if they moved next door.
Happy Spring!
Loved this column! Printed it, too. You look beautiful and “springy-happy” in photo. But, you always look springy-happy. Always a smile. Thanks. XO!
Getting to know my characters with your help:)
There is nothing Mad about the Mad Hatter. Thanks for the comment.
Great reminder. Off to re-interview Kate and Michael.
Great to hear from you, Susan. Hope your writing is going well.
Thanks for the feedback, Edie. Sunshine always makes me happy, so does my garden, and there is super happiness in hearing from fellow-writers. I’m smiling!
Thanks for the good advice about characters. Love the idea of interviewing my characters! Thrilled to have discovered this blog. Cheers
Happy New Year, Linda. Please check out the post from Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton for more writing tips.