Having trouble getting to know one of your characters. Don't worry, it happens sometimes. Here are some tips that should work to bring your stubborn character to life.
Conduct an interview with the character. Actually write down questions that you will ask the fellow and physically write down the answers.
-What is your favorite color?
-How do you like your eggs? Your coffee?
-Did you like your first grade teacher?
-If you could choose any place in the world to live, where would it be?
-Do you like "Joe Hero" from the story you are in? Why? Why not?
-Would you get along with him if he wasn't your arch enemy?
-etc. We could all come up with a million questions.
Another way to get in touch with your character is to go on a shopping trip and buy an article of clothing that she would wear. Or a piece of costume jewelry that your heroine would love, and make it something special to her. Come up with a reason it is so special. Did her best friend give her that bracelet before she moved away when she was ten? Was the little silver-plated ring a gift from the first boy who was brave enough to kiss her on the cheek?
Or, pick out some music that your character would enjoy. Maybe he plays the flute. If so, listen to some flute music and pretend that it is your character playing the songs. Maybe try it yourself.
These ideas should get you started. Let me know if you have any other ideas to share that help you to get to know a new or troublesome character.
Happy writing!
Conduct an interview with the character. Actually write down questions that you will ask the fellow and physically write down the answers.
-What is your favorite color?
-How do you like your eggs? Your coffee?
-Did you like your first grade teacher?
-If you could choose any place in the world to live, where would it be?
-Do you like "Joe Hero" from the story you are in? Why? Why not?
-Would you get along with him if he wasn't your arch enemy?
-etc. We could all come up with a million questions.
Another way to get in touch with your character is to go on a shopping trip and buy an article of clothing that she would wear. Or a piece of costume jewelry that your heroine would love, and make it something special to her. Come up with a reason it is so special. Did her best friend give her that bracelet before she moved away when she was ten? Was the little silver-plated ring a gift from the first boy who was brave enough to kiss her on the cheek?
Or, pick out some music that your character would enjoy. Maybe he plays the flute. If so, listen to some flute music and pretend that it is your character playing the songs. Maybe try it yourself.
These ideas should get you started. Let me know if you have any other ideas to share that help you to get to know a new or troublesome character.
Happy writing!
This is what I like to do sometimes: I like to originally base my characters off characters from other books or movies (it's especially great to find an actor who looks like them) Then with that basic idea in mind, I start to write a few scenes. The more you write, the more your character magically starts to appear and he breaks off from the character you based him off of, and becomes his own man. And if you're lucky enough to find an actor or actress who looks like them/has their voice etc, watch all their movies ;)
ReplyDeleteInterviews are also a great way to get to know your character. I've found that when I have done them, the answers pop into your head automatically as if your characters were answering them ;)
This is some great advice on developing character for your characters! Some good points here that I never would have thought about.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! Thanks for the tip :)
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