CHARACTER ARC-
External conflict is in the story arc. Internal conflict is in the character arc. The two should mirror each other. All people resist change unless forced into it. If your character doesn’t grow through the story, the writer is not using the story to its full potential.
“People are the story, and the whole story.”
-William Sloane, Holt Editor
WRITE FICTION-
There will always be a sliver of yourself and people you know in your characters. Keep it a sliver. Shuffle characteristics and be careful not to mimic people you know too closely without their permission. It is better for both you and your publisher if fiction stays fiction so there are no future complications (law suits, bad publicity, etc.)
WHO CARES-
Flaws give your character somewhere to go. Injustice make readers want to see right done. Get someone cutting him down and they feel sorry for him.
· Quirks,
· Vices,
· Weaknesses,
· Misunderstandings,
· Noble Goals and
· Imperfections make them real.
A SKETCH PAD-
Is an artist’s time wasted sketching instead of painting their masterpiece? Character development can help flesh out story. Two possible ways to do this is:
1. Interview your character- Ask him or her questions about their past, their motivations, their biggest secret, etc. Answer in the first person using the voice of the character.
2. Write down a profile of character covering the five areas of character development. These include-
· Desire or Yearning- What does your character want most? What do they want right away? What is the driving force that pushes them to make certain decisions? What do they want for themselves, their community and the world?
· Image- What do they look like? How do they style their hair? What is their favorite outfit to wear? What is their room like? What are they carrying in their pockets?
· Actions- What gestures do they do when they are nervous? How do they act when someone bumps into them? How do they walk or run? What bad habits do they possess? Are they atheletic or bumbling physically?
· Voice- What’s their favorite word or phrase? How big is their vocabulary? How would they express excitement, frustration, anger? What would they say to flirt with someone or convince them to do something they didn’t want to?
· Thoughts- Sometimes people’s thoughts do not mirror their voice. What inconsistencies are their between voice and thoughts? What does he think but would never say? What does he think about his life, his partners or friends? What does he think about his childhood and his body shape?
Let your imagination run wild. You will probably discover things you never knew about your character and although you may never include this in your story, it will make your dialogue more consistent and your story better.
2D vs. 3D-
The difference between seeing something in 2D versus 3D is stereovision, seeing something from a variety of perspectives. Stock or flat characters are usually generalizations without detail and depth. It is both the above quirks and details that give your characters depth and their ability to change. Express the process of self realization. Don’t forget to show change along the way and not a sudden jump in behavior.
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