Writing Tips: #2 Creating A Character

I know that you have probably begun reading this with pre-conceived characters in mind.

Forget them. 

Now, once you've done that, grab a pen and a notebook (yes, I want you to use PENS AND PAPER).

We may begin.

When an author first decides to create a character, they usually begin by thinking of said character's name and appearance.  We're not going to worry about that.  At least, not much.  Why?  Because that isn't important in the grand scheme of things.  

Instead, we're starting with a blank piece of paper and your imagination.

So, you must first know at least the general setting for your story.  Is it down town New York?  A farm in the middle of nowhere?  Are you writing fanfiction?  Is your setting Hogwarts?

Okay, so if you already have your plot in mind, take a moment to think about how this character is going to affect that plot.  If you have no plot, hopefully it will sprout from this character.

First, on your blank piece of paper, start writing--anything that comes to mind about this person that you are creating that is NOT appearance.  Is the character an extrovert?  Is he arrogant?  Is she shy?  Write out the basics. What does he/she like to do in their free time?  Do they secretly love another character?

Once you've got a good idea of basic personality traits, answer this question:  What does the character want?  Does he want to study law?  Does she want to drop out of school?  Maybe he wants to sail to a foreign land or she wants to become a mermaid.  Whatever it is, that is going to shape the rest of the character.

After goals, write about habits and quirks.  Does he tap his foot whenever he's impatient?  Does she crack her knuckles when she's bored?  Don't, however, get too hung up on these things, otherwise they will come off as over-done in your story.

Give a brief family background.  His mom is a surgeon.  Her dad is a pilot.  He has six younger brothers.  She is an only child. Etc.

Then you want your strengths and weaknesses.  These are very important, and when writing your story, STICK TO THEM.  Of course, the whole point of your story might be so-and-so overcoming their fear of public-speaking, and that's different, but for the majority, make sure that you hold true to who the character is.

Talk about their beliefs.  He's a Buddhist.  She's an animal rights activist.  Their beliefs are important, because they often determine characters' actions even more than their goals do.  Does this character fight for their beliefs?  Or are they an agnostic?

Finally, do a brief likes/dislikes list.  But don't force it.  Don't force anything.  Just close your eyes for a moment and think to yourself: Who is it that I'm writing?  Allow your character to tell you rather than you trying to mold the character.

Do you have an idea of who they are?  Okay, go back over what you've written and decide is this person realistic?

What is ideal is balance. Do their strengths and weaknesses even out?  Is her goal something that a person of her skill and background would be able to accomplish? 

Make ABSOLUTELY sure that your character is NOT good at everything.  Maybe they are excellent at art, but terrible at sports.  Things MUST be somewhat equal or the character will be flat and uninteresting.

If you are going to create a character with a certain stereotype (cheerleader, geek, drama queen, etc.) make sure that you give them their own personality.  Think Peyton Sawyer from One Tree Hill.  She looks the part of cheerleader, but she is really into art and music underneath.  Don't make them so stereotypical that they have no actual thoughts and feelings.

Let me know whether or not this did you any good.  I can always do numerous posts on characterization.  Also, let me know what other kinds of writing tips you want to see. 

This is one of the characters in the Dominique story that I'm working on.  I hope the example is helpful . (:

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Love Always,

Kayla