When writing a novel, full-bodied
characters will do more to add believability to your story than anything. Through
them, you will bring your story to life. You can do several things to create characters
who will jump off the pages. They are:
1. Write a resume
for each character. In it include information similar to what you would put
in your own resume when preparing to apply for a job. It should be a detailed description
of the person's educational and work history and accomplishments. If detailed,
it will provide the structure for a character sketch of that character. At the
end of the resume, write the details of a few incidents from the characters
life that might apply to your story.
2. Physical description. We don’t
always describe characters in detail to readers. Sometimes we just leave it to
their imaginations. But for you to know your characters, it is important to be
able to visualize each of them in vivid detail. Include in the physical
description of each character: height, weight, body type, hair versus no hair,
hair color, eye color, etc. Those are the basics. It's important to write them
down and keep them straight. You don't want say someone can change a light bulb
without a ladder if he isn’t tall enough.
Beyond this basic physical description,
you'll want to get a clear picture of physical characteristics that set your
character apart, such as walking with poor posture, long painted fingernails,
the fact your character always wears a sun hat to keep the sun away from
sensitive skin, a special piece of jewelry your character wears always, etc.
3. Quirks. We started
addressing quirks a bit in the previous section. The more detail you have in
mind about quirks of your characters, the more real and distinctive they will
become. But don't go overboard -- too many quirks and your characters will turn
into caricatures.
4. Likes/dislikes. Make a list
of your character's likes and dislikes. What makes your character happy and
what makes him sad or angry or embarrassed, etc. This list will help you know
instinctively how your character will react to circumstances that arise in your
novel. Also, list any allergies, chronic conditions, etc., your character might
have.
5. Hobbies/talents. Make a list
of the talents your characters bring to the table. If your reader knows that
your character works out or was a runner in high school, the reader will expect
him/her to do well in a chase on foot. If your character is a good cook, it may
add to your story that people drop in on her just to get a taste of her latest
cookies. This may not add an integral point to your story, but it'll help to
round out your character.
6. Shortcomings. What are
your characters weaknesses? Often the weaknesses will make the story more
interesting. You don't want characters who don't have any faults. That's too
boring.
Put all these characteristics together
when you write your novel and the readers will find them intriguing and
believable.
For more posts about writing and
publishing, please visit my blog devoted to that. It's http://www.BeforeYouWrite.com
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