Character Development Tip

Character Development Tip

 

After finishing the last novel I read, I had an epiphany on character development, that has probably been said a million times before in different medias, but is new to me so I thought I'd share.

 When picking a characters traits, think of something that would both hindering and helpful in life.

Sounds simple right? Well it probably is, and probably would have helped in my own character development in the past had I thought of it.

Here's a very obvious example, though there could be a million (just look at your friends and family):

Completely obsessed with appearance: 

The Bad: Critiques everyone's fashion sense or personal commitment to looks. 

The Good: Murder mystery? This is the character that would notice that it was Jane's diamond earring found at the scene, because she would have noticed that kind of thing.

Chick-lit? This is the character who would have the best makeup selection in a pinch. Who else would you call on to tell you if the outfit you chose for that important is right for the venue?

Just happened to be watching a show with this character type in it, so thought I'd use it for the example. Next time you catch a movie or a show pick the characters apart - where have their negative traits worked for a positive outcome, where have their positive traits not worked out so well?

It's not always as obvious with Main Characters as they tend to be focus on the good side only, but watch the side characters.  The nosy neighbor who winds up nosing his way into calling 911 when abusive sounds erupt from the household. The unfriendly neighbor who doesn't pay attention when the MC drags a body out of the house. The friend who fills you in on all of the town's gossip, but sadly loosens her lips about you to everyone else.  There are so many catches and hitches that could develop from these tactics.

 

This is a great writing prompt if you're feeling stuck.  Pick a character and write a scene with both the positive and negative effects that trait could unravel.

 

Write On!

 

 

 

 

 

Writing Prompt-and-Share #11

Time to get your rage on! Today's Prompt-and-Share On the theme of yesterday’s get-to-know-you post, have you or one of your characters vent, rant and rave about a pet peeve. Or describe a specific event involving your pet peeve. Either in your first person voice or in your character’s first person voice please. No more than 200 words for this piece please. (If you want a prompt with more leeway word-wise, check yesterday’s prompt)

My Submission: - It was a bright and sunny day as my good friend Ryan sat on my couch chatting to me as I stared out the window. We were discussing some random topic, exhausting the subject ad nauseum, when I noticed a man walking down the sidewalk.
I watched as he turned the corner, looked side to side and tossed a coke can on the green space lining a building. Anger welled up inside of me and escaped through a voice I did not recognize. “Pick that up” raged from my throat like a bear’s roar and carried out my window to the man’s ears. He looked around, he looked up. He walked back to his litter, probably 15 steps or so and picked up his can. He stopped and looked around again,and then carried on his way with his trash in his hand.
Did he think it was the voice of God speaking? Some random voice inside his head? Big Bother (or in this case, sister) watching? Regardless, I felt powerful, strong and just a little narcissistic. Maybe there is something to this assertive attitude everyone keeps talking about.

Character Sketching

Let's look at Character Sketches to start. Now I'm at the point in writing my novel where I need to do my Character Sketches in order to keep my brainstorming going. I've read a LOT about Character Sketching on different websites. Most author's websites that have suggestions for new novelists focus loads of attention on the characters. Apparently, according to most, the character development is the most important process of writing a good novel. If the reader isn't interested in who the person is, they won't care what the person does and that pretty much leaves your novel discarded.

What everyone seems to agree on is the more effort and background you put into your character sketches, the better. It's all about the detail. Even if the reader never finds out that when the hero of the story was a little boy, he threw worms at his sister and because of that she never truly trusted him, or worms for that matter, as long as YOU know it, you'll be able to build up the character accordingly. Here are a few websites with Character Sketch Sheets or ideas, if you can fill in all the blanks, you may have yourself a full bodied, 3-dimensional character that your readers will love to follow. ( http://www.angelfire.com/freak2/writersblock/sketch.html http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/FDmap.html http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/char_sk.html)