Books, Comics
Pens & Swords - Character Developer

Character Developer
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So, you've got a first sentence. You've determined point of view. Gee, what have we forgotten? Oh, right. Characters.

Characters are important because they act out your story. Without actors, a play or movie is worthless. Well, books are like movies in that respect-characters are your storytellers. You need them for the story to flow.

So, right away, I know you've already thought up some characters. I'm not here to help you create. I'm here to help you develop those characters. Let's start off with a few unusual questions.

-What would your character do if they were exiled for a crime they didn't commit? (Even if your character is modern, think about it.)

-Who would help your character when they were sick with a fever and sore throat?(Like...their love interest? Best friend? Both, in some cases?)

-What is the one thing your character notices first about a person? (Eyes, smile, way of speaking, freckles, to name a few...)




All right. Now I want you to write or just be lazy like me and imagine this same character you answered questions Iabout in several different scenarios.

1. Falling out of a tree.
Would they swear? Would they cry? Why were they up there in the first place? Did anyone see? Do they care if anyone saw? Are they hurt?


2. Leaving to a boarding-type school
Who will they miss? Who will miss them? When will they be back? Who will they write to? Will they write, or just email/text?



3. Being forced to partner up for a lab with their secret crush
Will they stutter? Will they make awkward mistakes? Will they drop a beaker or spill chemicals? Will they be confident or clumsy?



Okay, now I want to give you a brief list of no-no's and dumb mistakes tons of people make. These are important, try to at least scan them quickly. Mmkay?




1. Over description
Oh. My. Gosh. I have read a LOT of amateur writing guilty of this. Listen up. A chunk of description is a) easily forgotten, b) stupid looking and c) annoying to read. Put bits of description in various bits in your story. A snippet here, a couple sentences there.

2. Super Guy/Girl
People aren't perfect. They do not always have perfect features, perfect curves, walk in closets, amazing eyes, zit free skin or amazing hair. Nor are all girls curvy and short. Or way tall. Most of us are average. So give your characters flaws. Perfect characters make readers insecure and dissatisfied. We want them to relate to our imperfect characters. We want love stories that don't involve celebrity good looks and perfect personalities.


3. Cliches
These are easily avoided. Stay away from love triangles. And don't introduce tons of new characters. Not every guy is hot with a six pack and "amazing abs". Or incredible eyes. Keep it different. Cliches make books bring and love triangles are just stupid. Sorry.







All right! I'll see you over at Intricate Conflicts, I hope!!!



Intricate Conflict
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This page will be coming soon.
Edge of Your Seat Suspense
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This page coming soon!!!


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last update : 2013-05-29

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