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Showing posts with label Writing Characters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing Characters. Show all posts

Thursday, October 3, 2024

The Symphony of Character Voice: Crafting Distinct Personalities in Fiction

 


The Symphony of Character Voice: Crafting Distinct Personalities in Fiction


By Olivia Salter



In the realm of fiction writing, character voice is akin to a signature melody, unique to each character and crucial for the overall harmony of the narrative. It encompasses the nuances of how a character expresses themselves, both in their inner thoughts and in their interactions with others. A well-crafted character voice can illuminate personality traits, drive the plot, and engage readers on a profound level, making the characters not just figures on a page, but relatable beings with whom readers can connect.


Understanding Character Voice


Character voice is not merely about the words a character chooses; it's an intricate tapestry woven from personality traits, background, emotional state, and even the context of the situation. This voice can be revealed through various means:


  1. Inner Monologue: The thoughts a character has reveal their motivations, fears, and desires. A character with a cynical voice may express their thoughts with sarcasm, while an optimistic character might maintain a hopeful tone, regardless of circumstances. This internal dialogue is a powerful tool for writers, allowing them to showcase the character’s perspective and emotional depth.
  2. Dialogue: How characters speak to one another reflects their relationships and social standing. A character who uses formal language might suggest a background of privilege or education, whereas slang or colloquial speech might indicate a more casual upbringing. Dialogue also includes the rhythms and cadences of speech, which can vary greatly between characters, further differentiating them in the reader's mind.
  3. Narration: The narrative style can also influence character voice. A first-person narrative allows readers to experience the world through a character's eyes, making their voice even more immediate and impactful. In contrast, a third-person narration can provide insight into multiple characters, revealing how their voices contrast or complement one another.


The Importance of Distinct Voices


Distinct character voices are essential for several reasons:


  • Reader Engagement: A vibrant character voice draws readers into the story, making them care about what happens next. When readers can hear a character's voice in their minds, they become more invested in the character's journey.
  • Character Differentiation: In stories with multiple characters, a unique voice helps readers keep track of who is who. If every character spoke in the same way, they would blend together, losing individuality. This is particularly important in ensemble casts where each character plays a vital role in the narrative.
  • Tone and Atmosphere: The way characters express themselves can set the tone of the story. A character's voice can introduce humor, tension, sadness, or excitement, influencing the overall atmosphere of the narrative. For instance, a character reflecting on tragic events with dry humor might create a juxtaposition that adds depth to the story.


Techniques for Developing Character Voice


Writers can employ several techniques to develop a character's voice effectively:


  1. Character Profiles: Create detailed profiles that include not just physical traits but also personality, background, and speech patterns. Understanding a character holistically will inform how they express themselves.
  2. Listening and Observation: Pay attention to how people speak in real life. Note differences in dialect, tone, and choice of words. This can inspire authentic dialogue and inner monologue.
  3. Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to write scenes from different characters' perspectives. This can reveal unique aspects of their voice and help refine how they express themselves.
  4. Feedback and Revision: Share your work with others and seek feedback specifically about character voice. Sometimes, what sounds distinct in your head may not come across the same way on the page.


In conclusion, in fiction writing, character voice is one of the most potent tools at a writer's disposal. It shapes how readers perceive and relate to characters, influences the story's tone, and enhances the overall reading experience. By giving careful thought to how each character expresses themselves, writers can create a symphony of voices that resonates with readers, ensuring that every character leaves a lasting impression. As you craft your stories, remember that each character has a unique voice waiting to be discovered—one that will bring your narrative to life.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Character Traits: Crafting Authentic and Memorable Characters



Character Traits: Crafting Authentic and Memorable Characters


By Olivia Salter


What Are Character Traits?

A character trait is a distinguishing quality or characteristic that defines a person. These traits shape how characters behave, interact, and evolve throughout a story. Whether they’re heroes, villains, or somewhere in between, understanding character traits is essential for creating vivid, relatable characters.

Positive and Negative Traits

Remember that no one is perfectly good or entirely evil. Every character—no matter their role—should exhibit a mix of positive and negative traits. Here are some examples:

Positive Traits:

  1. Empathy: A character who understands others’ feelings.
  2. Courage: The ability to face danger or adversity.
  3. Loyalty: Staying committed to friends, family, or a cause.
  4. Creativity: Thinking outside the box.
  5. Optimism: Seeing the silver lining even in tough situations.

Negative Traits:

  1. Deceit: Telling lies or manipulating others.
  2. Jealousy: Coveting what others have.
  3. Arrogance: An excessive sense of superiority.
  4. Impulsiveness: Acting without thinking.
  5. Cynicism: Distrust or skepticism.

Using Character Traits in Plotting

Once you’ve defined your characters’ traits, use them to enhance your plot:

  • Unreliable Character: Their unreliability could lead to unexpected twists.
  • Helpful or Scrupulous Character: Their actions might inadvertently reveal crucial information.
  • Romantic Character: An affair could ignite conflict.
  • Selfish Character: Their internal struggle could drive the story.

Remember, characters are like real people—complex, flawed, and multifaceted. So, go ahead and create characters that leap off the page!!!

Also see:

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Crafting Compelling Character Arcs in Fiction Writing



Crafting Compelling Character Arcs in Fiction Writing

 

By Olivia Salter

 

How to Write a Character Arc


Creating a character arc is a pivotal element in fiction writing, as it represents the transformation or inner journey of a character throughout the story. A well-crafted character arc can resonate deeply with readers, making the story memorable and impactful. Here’s how to write a character arc that captivates and engages your audience.

Understanding Character Arcs

A character arc is the path a character follows as they evolve, learn, and grow. It’s not just about the events that happen to them, but how those events change them internally. There are three main types of character arcs:

  1. Positive Arc: The character overcomes internal flaws and changes for the better.
  2. Negative Arc: The character succumbs to their flaws or the circumstances, leading to a downfall.
  3. Flat Arc: The character remains the same, but their unchanging nature affects the world or characters around them.

Developing the Arc

To develop a character arc, consider the following steps:

  1. Establish the Starting Point: Define who your character is at the beginning of the story. What are their beliefs, desires, and fears?
  2. Identify the Inciting Incident: Determine the event that disrupts the character’s world and compels them to act.
  3. Chart the Progression: Outline the key moments that challenge the character and force them to confront their internal conflicts.
  4. Reach the Climax: Build up to a pivotal moment where the character must make a significant choice or face their greatest challenge.
  5. Show the Resolution: Illustrate the outcome of the character’s journey and how they have changed or remained steadfast.

Character Arcs and Themes

The character arc should be intertwined with the story’s theme. The protagonist’s journey often reflects the writer’s message or commentary on human nature. By aligning the character’s transformation with the theme, the story gains depth and cohesion.

Examples of Effective Character Arcs

  • Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice undergoes a positive arc, learning to overcome her prejudices.
  • Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars exemplifies a negative arc, as he transitions from a hopeful Jedi to the Sith Lord, Darth Vader.
  • Sherlock Holmes often displays a flat arc, as his character remains consistent, but his actions bring about change in others.

In conclusion, a character arc is more than just a sequence of events; it’s the heartbeat of your story. By crafting a compelling character arc, you give your readers a reason to invest emotionally in your characters and your story. Remember, the most memorable characters are those who experience the most profound transformations.

By following these guidelines, you can create character arcs that not only drive your narrative forward, but also leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Also see:

Sunday, June 16, 2024

The Elements of Fiction Plot, Setting, Character, Conflict, Symbol, and Point of View


 

The Elements of Fiction

 

Plot, Setting, Character, Conflict, Symbol, and Point of View are the main elements which fiction.

 

Because literature is an art and not a science, it is impossible to specifically quantify any of these elements within any story or to guarantee that each will be present in any given story. Setting might be the most important element in one and almost nonexistent in another.
 

Just as a Crime Scene Investigator cannot approach a crime scene looking for a specific clue (e. g., shell casings), you as a reader cannot approach a story deciding to look for a specific element, such as Symbol. To assume could blind you to important elements. Both the CSI team and you must examine the entire “area” carefully to determine what is present and how it is important.
 

With that understanding, let’s examine the elements.

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Monday, June 3, 2024

Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration: provides the beginning novelist, or perhaps even the experienced novelist who has lost his way, with a discussion of the underlying structure and methods of novel writing.

 


Novelsmithing: The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration

 

Article By Olivia Salter  


Get your free copy of "Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration by David Sheppard."

 

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Novelsmithing and explore how it contributes to the craft of fiction writing.

Remember, it’s not just about creativity—it’s about the meticulous craftsmanship that turns a story into a memorable novel.

Novelsmithing by David Sheppard is a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced novelists. Published in 2009, this book provides essential insights into the underlying structure and methods of novel writing. Here are some key points:

  1. The Divine Trinity of Novel Writing:

    • Novelsmithing emphasizes the importance of three core elements: character, conflict, and theme. These elements form the organic unity necessary for creating a compelling work of literature.
    • By mastering these components, authors can weave intricate narratives that resonate with readers.
  2. Narration Techniques:

    • The book delves into the art of narration. It teaches writers how to effectively convey their story, maintain reader engagement, and build tension.
    • From point of view choices to pacing, Novelsmithing covers various aspects of narration.
  3. Craft Over Creativity:

    • Unlike creative writing guides that focus solely on inspiration, Novelsmithing emphasizes the craft of storytelling.
    • It provides practical techniques for transforming a story idea into a well-structured novel.
  4. Screenwriters’ Benefit:

    • Novelsmithing isn’t limited to novelists. Aspiring screenwriters can also find value in its content.
    • The principles discussed apply to both written fiction and screenplays.
  5. Rough Draft Blueprint:

    • Completing the first nine chapters of Novelsmithing can give an author a rough draft for their novel.
    • This structured approach helps writers organize their ideas and lay the groundwork for a cohesive story.
  6. About the Author:

Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or seeking to refine your skills, Novelsmithing provides valuable guidance. Remember, it’s not just about creativity—it’s about the meticulous craftsmanship that turns a story into a memorable novel.

Happy writing! 

 

 Get your free copy of "Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration by David Sheppard."

Friday, May 31, 2024

Fiction Characters: How to Create People Who Live and Breathe on the Page

 

 

Fiction Characters: How to Create People Who Live and Breathe on the Page

 

 by Olivia Salter


Creating compelling characters is the cornerstone of good fiction. Characters are the heart and soul of a story, making readers care about the plot and what happens next. But how do you create fictional people who seem as real as the folks next door? Here are some tips for breathing life into your characters.

1. Understand Their Motivations Every character needs a reason for their actions. What drives them? What do they want more than anything? Understanding your character’s motivations will inform their decisions and make their actions believable.

2. Give Them Flaws Perfect characters are not only unrealistic, but they’re also unrelatable. Flaws make characters human and give them room to grow. Think about what weaknesses could hold your character back and how they might overcome them.

3. Develop a Backstory A character’s past shapes who they are. Spend time thinking about where your characters come from, what experiences they’ve had, and how these have affected them. This doesn’t all need to make it into your story, but it will help you understand your character better.

4. Use Dialogue Wisely Dialogue is a powerful tool for character development. Through conversations, you can reveal a character’s personality, background, and relationships without resorting to exposition. Pay attention to how your characters speak and what it says about them.

5. Show, Don’t Tell Instead of telling readers that a character is brave or kind, show these traits through their actions. This is more engaging and allows readers to draw their own conclusions about a character.

6. Let Them Change Characters should evolve over the course of your story. Their experiences should change them in some way, whether it’s subtle or profound. This growth makes characters feel alive and gives the story a satisfying arc.

7. Understand Their Role Every character should serve a purpose in your story. Whether they’re the protagonist, antagonist, or a side character, think about why they’re there and what role they play in the larger narrative.

8. Use Physical Descriptions Sparingly While some physical description is necessary, it’s often more effective to let readers fill in the blanks with their imagination. Focus on a few distinctive features rather than a full-blown description.

9. Consider Their Relationships Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. Their relationships with other characters can be just as telling as their individual traits. Think about how these dynamics work and what they reveal about all parties involved.

10. Test Them Put your characters in challenging situations to see how they react. This not only moves the plot forward but also deepens our understanding of who they are.

By following these tips, you can create fictional characters that are as nuanced and vibrant as real people. Remember, the goal is to make readers forget they’re reading about imaginary people and instead feel like they’re meeting someone new and interesting. Happy writing!

 

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Embracing the Sadist Within: The Art of Inflicting Turmoil on Literary Characters

Embracing the Sadist Within: The Art of Inflicting Turmoil on Literary Characters

Embracing the Sadist Within: The Art of Inflicting Turmoil on Literary Characters

 

by Olivia Salter




Renowned author Kurt Vonnegut once provocatively stated, "Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters are, make awful things happen to them." This quote encapsulates a fascinating aspect of storytelling, where writers intentionally subject their beloved protagonists to adversity and despair. It may seem counterintuitive to torment characters we grow attached to, but the truth is that by doing so, authors can create emotionally gripping narratives that resonate deeply with readers. In this article, we delve into the art of being a sadistic writer, examining the power it holds and the reasons behind its effectiveness.

1. The Appeal of Conflict:

Conflict lies at the heart of engaging storytelling. It is through trials and tribulations that characters evolve, narratives gain momentum, and themes emerge. By deliberately subjecting characters to misery, authors heighten the stakes and create a sense of urgency. A story devoid of struggle might lack the tension necessary to captivate readers. It is within the darkness that the light of triumph can truly shine.

2. Emotional Connection:

The essence of human nature lies in our ability to empathize with and relate to one another. When readers witness characters enduring hardship, it evokes authentic emotional responses within them. They experience empathy, sympathy, and even anguish alongside the protagonists. By exposing characters to adversity, authors invite readers to better understand the complexity of the human experience, forging a powerful bond between literature and its audience.

3. Realism and Authenticity:

Life is seldom smooth sailing, and stories that reflect this reality have the potential to resonate deeply. Inflicting tragedy on characters gives their journeys a sense of realism, authenticity, and relatability. Great works of literature are often remarkable because they tackle the uncomfortable truths of existence. By embracing the sadist within, authors offer readers a robust, unfiltered portrayal of life's complexities.

4. The Cathartic Effect:

While it may sound paradoxical, subjecting characters to awful circumstances can provide readers with a cathartic release. Through vicarious experiences, readers can confront their own fears, traumas, and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. Witnessing characters navigate through their own challenges can offer solace, reassurance, and a renewed sense of strength. The emotional journey becomes transformative, allowing readers to confront their own vulnerabilities and emerge with newfound resilience.

5. Literary Evolution:

By embracing the art of sadism, authors challenge societal norms and conventions surrounding storytelling. It pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or expected, encouraging readers to question, reflect, and contemplate the nature of their own existence. This creative audacity contributes to the evolution of literature by breaking free from the confines of mundane narratives.

In conclusion, Kurt Vonnegut's provocative statement urges authors to embrace their inner sadist and subject their beloved characters to awful things. It is a call to explore the depths of the human experience and reveal the resilience that lies within us all. By inflicting pain and adversity upon our literary creations, we provide readers with an opportunity to engage on a more profound emotional level. In this eerie dance between writer, character, and reader, we find the true magic of storytelling—a transformative experience that both challenges and enriches our understanding of the world and ourselves.

👉 Kurt Vonnegut books at Amazon

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Unleashing Imagination: Exploring the 16 Personalities for Fiction Writing by Olivia Salter

Unleashing Imagination: Exploring the 16 Personalities for Fiction Writing by Olivia Salter #WritingCraft #FictionWritingCommunity #FictionWriting


Unleashing Imagination: Exploring the 16 Personalities for Fiction Writing

 

by Olivia Salter




Creating vibrant and relatable characters lies at the heart of captivating fiction writing. A multi-faceted character is not only intriguing, but also adds depth and realism to a story. To achieve this, writers often turn to the 16-personality model, a powerful tool derived from Carl Jung's theories of personality. In this article, we will explore how the 16 personalities can be utilized to construct engaging and well-rounded characters within the realm of fiction.

1. The analysts (INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP):
The analysts' personalities display an inherent knack for intellectual pursuits. Characters belonging to this category are often brilliant strategists, inventors, or masterminds. Their analytical approach makes them excel at solving complex puzzles, unraveling mysteries, or constructing intricate plans essential for the plot's progression.

2. The Diplomats (INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP):
Diplomatic characters possess profound empathy and an intuitive understanding of others. They are often portrayed as idealists, peacemakers, and visionaries. Their compassion, coupled with their ability to inspire, helps them guide and support other characters through challenges or conflicts, providing emotional depth to the story.

3. The Sentinels (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, and ESFJ):
Sentinel personalities are known for their unwavering sense of duty, loyalty, and practicality. Characters embodying these traits are often portrayed as reliable allies or authority figures, maintaining order and stability within the story. Their adherence to traditions, rules, and strong moral compasses can add conflict or tension to the narrative.

4. The Explorers (ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP):
Explorers possess a thirst for adventure, spontaneity, and a love for the present moment. Characters falling into this category are daring risk-takers who bring excitement and a sense of realism to the plot. They thrive in high-stakes situations, pushing boundaries and adding an element of thrill to the storyline.

Utilizing the 16 Personalities for Character Development:


To maximize the potential of the 16 personalities, writers need to delve deeper into their characters' individual traits, strengths, and weaknesses. Here are some helpful tips to create more authentic and nuanced characters:

1. Use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI):
Explore the various traits associated with each personality type and analyze how they manifest in your characters. Consider their preferences for introversion or extraversion, thinking or feeling, sensing or intuition, and judging or perceiving. This understanding will help give characters distinct perspectives, motivations, and ways of interacting within the story.

2. Balance Strengths and Flaws:
Avoid one-dimensional characters by giving them a mix of strengths and flaws. Real people have their own unique set of abilities as well as weaknesses, and the same should apply to fictional characters. This balance adds depth and relatability and allows characters to grow throughout the story.

3. Create dynamic relationships:
Different personalities often clash or complement each other, leading to compelling dynamics in relationships. Explore interactions between characters with contrasting personalities, sparking conflict, or fostering unlikely alliances. This can lead to engaging subplots and character development arcs.

4. Show personal growth:
Allow characters to evolve and grow throughout the narrative. Utilize the 16 personalities to guide their transformation, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. This growth can be driven by a change in their preferences or an internal realization that pushes them to reevaluate their beliefs.

In conclusion, the 16-personnel model presents a valuable framework for crafting multidimensional characters in the realm of fiction writing. By understanding the unique traits, motivations, and natural tendencies associated with each personality type, writers can create characters that resonate with readers and drive compelling storylines. Remember, a well-developed character can captivate audiences, breathe life into a story, and make fiction feel all too real. So, let your imagination soar as you explore the vast possibilities that the 16 personalities offer in your next writing endeavor.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

The Beauty of Flaws: Why Characters Should Have Imperfections by Olivia Salter

The Beauty of Flaws: Why Characters Should Have Imperfections by Olivia Salter

The Beauty of Flaws: Why Characters Should Have Imperfections


by Olivia Salter



One of the key elements that make fictional characters relatable and intriguing is their flaws. Just as no person is perfect, well-crafted characters should also possess imperfections and weaknesses. Flaws serve as a vital aspect of character development, adding depth, realism, and complexity to their stories. In this article, we will explore the reasons why characters should have flaws and the impact they have on storytelling.

1. Relatability


Characters without flaws can often become uninteresting and unrealistic, making it difficult for audiences to connect with them. Flaws humanize characters, allowing us to empathize with their struggles and challenges. By portraying their weaknesses, characters become more relatable and mirror real-life experiences, making the readers or viewers feel a greater sense of connection with them.

2. Growth and Character Development


Flaws provide the opportunity for growth and character development throughout the narrative. As characters face their flaws, they are compelled to confront their limitations, make mistakes, and learn from them. This journey of self-discovery and transformation not only adds depth to the narrative but also allows for the development of relatable and dynamic characters.

3. Conflict and Tension


Characters with flaws bring conflict and tension to the storyline. Their weaknesses create internal struggles as well as conflicts with other characters, pushing the plot forward and creating engaging and dramatic situations. External or internal flaws often lead to obstacles and challenges driving the narrative and holding the audience's attention.

4. Realism and Authenticity


Flawless characters can appear too idealistic and perfect, resulting in a lack of belief. By introducing flaws, writers create more realistic and authentic characters. Just like real people, flaws make characters multi-dimensional, providing them with strengths and weaknesses that shape their decisions, actions, and relationships. Flaws also allow for a sense of unpredictability, keeping readers or viewers invested in the character's journey.

5. Story Arcs and Redemption


Flaws pave the way for story arcs and redemption. Characters may start with significant weaknesses, but through their journey, they can overcome their flaws or find ways to cope with them. This arc of growth and redemption offers a satisfying narrative experience. Witnessing characters triumph over their shortcomings and transform into better versions of themselves can be inspiring and have a meaningful impact on the audience.

6. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas


Flaws can raise moral and ethical dilemmas within a character's journey. Characters struggling with their weaknesses may face difficult choices that test their principles, forcing them to question their values and make decisions that have consequences. Such dilemmas add complexity to the narrative, allowing for introspection and discussions of important themes and issues.

In conclusion, flaws are crucial for creating rich, relatable, and captivating characters. By incorporating flaws into their personalities, writers can develop multi-dimensional characters who face challenges, grow, and resonate with readers or viewers on a deeper level. Flaws bring realism, conflict, growth, and redemption to the forefront of storytelling, creating narratives that are both engaging and thought-provoking. So let us celebrate the beauty of flaws and embrace the imperfections that make characters truly extraordinary.

Also see:

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

A Quick Note on Personality Types for Writers: Developing Compelling Characters for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

Personality Types for Writers: Developing Compelling Characters for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix


A Quick Note on Personality Types for Writers: Developing Compelling Characters for the Novice Writer



by Ryker J. Phoenix

 


Character development plays a crucial role in storytelling, and as a writer, understanding the intricacies of personality types can greatly enhance your ability to create compelling characters. By exploring different personality traits, you can craft multidimensional and relatable characters that captivate your readers. In this article, we will delve into a few key personality types that can serve as a valuable framework for character development.

1. The Introvert vs. the Extrovert:

Understanding the fundamental differences between introverts and extroverts is essential for creating authentic and multidimensional characters. Introverts are typically introspective and reserved and draw energy from solitude. They often prefer calm surroundings and thrive in their own company. On the other hand, extroverts are outgoing social creatures and gain energy from being around others. They are more likely to seek stimulation and enjoy being the center of attention.

By exploring the traits associated with introversion and extroversion, you can shape your characters' behaviors, preferences, and interactions. How they respond to social situations, the types of relationships they form, and their emotional reactions will all be influenced by their position on the introversion-extroversion spectrum.

2. The Thinker vs. the Feeler:

The thinkers and feelers represent another important dimension of personality. Thinkers tend to make decisions based on logic, rationality, and objective analysis. They prioritize facts and efficiency and often approach relationships from a more detached perspective. Conversely, feelers are driven by emotions, empathy, and subjective values. They place importance on personal values, harmony, and the emotional impact of their decisions.

This distinction can help you shape your characters' decision-making processes, their moral compass, and how they form connections with others. Thinkers may make decisions that prioritize logic and practicality, while feelers might make choices based on emotional considerations or empathy for others.

3. The Optimist vs. the Pessimist:

The outlook a character has on life can drastically shape their personality and actions. Optimists tend to have a positive perspective, seeing opportunities in challenges and having a hopeful view of their future. They are resilient, persistent, and often inspire others. Pessimists, on the other hand, have a more negative lens through which they view the world. They tend to anticipate failure, focus on obstacles, and struggle with self-doubt.

By exploring the traits associated with optimism and pessimism, you can add depth to your characters' personal journeys. How they navigate adversity, their motivations, and the overall tone of your story can be influenced by their perspective on life.

4. The Leader vs. the Follower:

Leadership qualities, or the lack thereof, can greatly impact your characters' roles and interactions within your story. Leaders are confident, assertive, and possess the ability to influence others. They take charge, set goals, and make tough decisions. Followers, on the other hand, may lack confidence or prefer to take a subordinate role. They are more comfortable following others' lead and may struggle with decision-making.

Understanding the dynamics between leaders and followers can create tension and conflict within your story. The interplay between characters with strong leadership qualities and those who prefer to follow can generate interesting plot developments and character arcs.

It is important to note that these personality types are not mutually exclusive, and most characters will exhibit a combination of traits from various categories. Furthermore, each individual is unique, and your characters should reflect that complexity. However, by using these personality types as a starting point, you can create characters that feel authentic, relatable, and engaging to your readers.

In conclusion, understanding personality types is a valuable tool for writers to develop compelling characters. By exploring traits such as introversion vs. extroversion thinking, optimism vs. pessimism, and leadership vs. follower tendencies, you can bring depth and authenticity to your characters' personalities. These traits shape their behaviors, motivations, and interactions, allowing your readers to connect with them on a more profound level. So next time you embark on character development, consider the influence of different personality types to create vibrant and captivating individuals within your story.

Also see:

 

More Quick Notes for the Novice Writer

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

A Quick Note on Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love and Follow from Beginning to End, for the Novice Writer

A Quick Note on Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love and Follow from Beginning to End: Writing for the Novice Writer


A Quick Note on Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love and Follow from Beginning to End, for the Novice Writer



by Ryker J. Phoenix

 
 
Who are the characters that make up your story, and how have they developed and grown throughout the narrative? Without their depth, emotions, and motivations, a story can feel lifeless and unfulfilling.

First, strong and well-developed characters allow readers to connect with the story on a deeper level. A reader invests time and energy in caring about characters and their journeys. They want to see them grow, succeed, and overcome their obstacles. For instance, Harry Potter would not have become one of the most beloved book series of all time without distinctly unique and well-developed characters such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Severus Snape. Readers were fully invested in their lives, and because of the individual complexity and depth of each character, the story became more relatable and engaging.

Furthermore, audience engagement is what sets apart good stories from great ones. Characters are what drive the plot and enable the action to occur. Without the unique perspectives and motivations of each character, every event and interaction would take on a generic and uninteresting tone. For example, in the epic Game of Thrones, the nuanced and flawed characters give depth and meaning to the conflicts and political schemes of the fictional world of Westeros. The characters' complex moral and ethical codes reveal the human nature of each one, giving readers a deep understanding of the challenges the characters face.

In addition, the character arc, which leads to their evolution and growth throughout the story, is a significant factor in the audience's engagement. Characters who experience growth and change are more memorable and relatable as they overcome the trials they face. A character who always remains static may become dull and predictable, and the audience may quickly lose interest. For example, the character of Walter White in Breaking Bad goes from a mundane chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin, showcasing his gradual transformation throughout the series. Walter White's evolution increases viewer engagement and keeps readers hooked until the end of the story.

In conclusion, strong, compelling, and well-developed characters are essential to a captivating plot. Without this element, a story can fall flat and leave readers unsatisfied. The depth and complexity of characters their motivations and their growth contribute to their relatability and evoke the audience's emotions. Ultimately, the characters leave lasting impressions in the minds of the readers, making them the heart of any great story.

More Quick Notes for the Novice Writer

Friday, April 7, 2023

Your Character Bible by Randy Ingermanson | Advanced Fiction Writing

Advanced Fiction Writing by Randy Ingermanson

 

Your Character Bible

 

by Randy Ingermanson 

 

Advanced Fiction Writing

 

Most novels contain several major characters. And maybe a dozen minor characters. And maybe twice that number of walk-on characters. Or more.

If you’re writing a series, you know that each book seems to accumulate new characters.

After awhile, it gets hard to remember all the details about all your characters. And how they’re related to each other. When did they get married? When did they get divorced? When did they die? When did they have kids?

Any of your characters can potentially have some sort of relationship with any of your other characters. If you have 10 characters, that’s 45 possible relationships to keep track of. If you have 50 characters, that balloons up to 1225 possible relationships!

And every character has a history. And a physical description.

The details grow exponentially until it’s impossible to remember it all. Sure, you can search through your manuscript using your word processor. But if Joe is on every page, your search function may not help a whole lot. Or if you have three characters named Mary, that’s a lot of wrong Marys to sort through. (Who would be dumb enough to write a novel with three Marys? Somebody writing a historical novel that has three actual historical persons named Mary. It happens.)

And it gets even more complicated when you’ve written a lot of books, and your list of characters expands up into the hundreds.

That’s why many authors create a “character bible” that has all the details on every character. Because if it’s 3 AM on the night before final edits are due on your book, you don’t want to be frantically trying to track down what year Harry met Sally so you can figure out how old she was on that magic day.

Speaking from personal experience, on the last night before a book is due, I prefer to be sleeping at 3 AM. But usually I’m doing final fact-checks and checking off my punch-list of last-chance detail-questions on the story.

How to Make a Character Bible

Making a character bible is not that complicated.

A character bible needs to be on a computer, because this is the 21st century, and we don’t have to do things the slow way anymore.

One way to do it is to just make a Word document or a Scrivener document. Start with the names of all your characters. Under each character, leave some space.

Then start filling in information. The kind of information you need depends on what kind of book you’re writing, but for most books, the date and year a character was born is a good place to start. Then work out their age when the story takes place. You probably also want some basic info like height, weight, physical description, color of eyes and hair.

After that, you have a lot of different things you could add. What does the character want in life? What is their goal in the story? What are their personal values that control how they make decisions? Where do they live? Where were they raised? What events in their past have put scars on them in the present? What do they do for a living? Who else in the story are they related to?

You can easily think of hundreds of questions you could potentially ask. Most of these are irrelevant to your story. Leave those out and put in the ones that are relevant.

Using Your Character Bible in Story Development

Many writers build their character bible while developing the story. That is, they grow the plot and their characters out in stages, working a bit on one and a bit on the other until they have a clear understanding of the story. My Snowflake Method uses this approach.

Of course you don’t have to use a character bible to develop your story. A lot of writers just write the story and let things happen. Characters appear and reveal who they are. If you’re writing your story this way, it’s still a useful thing to keep a character bible. As each new character comes on stage, you can easily update your character bible with the basic info on that character. As your story moves along, you’ll learn more and more about your character. As you do, it’s a smart idea to keep adding to your character bible.

Should You Create a Character Bible?

Making a character bible is a lot of work, so it’s worth asking whether you really have to do it.

No, you don’t have to do it. You don’t have to do anything. You can write your novel however you like.

Keep in mind the reason anyone creates a character bible. It’s to help them keep their characters consistent.

The classic example is the novel where John has blue eyes when we meet him on page 10, green eyes on page 154, and brown eyes on page 302. There are readers who will find this an insult to their intelligence and will let you know about it. If this matters to you, your character bible will give you the definitive answer on the color of John’s eyes. And then when you’re doing final panicked edits at 3 AM, you know where to look.

If the color of eyes seems like a trivial detail, I can’t argue with you. Lately, I’ve been writing novels set in a place where all the characters have brown eyes, so I don’t really care about eye color. But the motivations of your characters is something slightly more important. And your character bible is a fine place to keep track of that. Along with a whole lot of other important stuff.

Homework:

  • Does your novel need a character bible? (There’s no wrong answer here, but for every book, you get to decide, and your choices are “yes” or “no.”)
  • If you need a character bible, what’s your best option for creating it?
  • If you don’t know your best option, then that’s a research question that you need to tackle first.
  • Once you figure out what tool you’re going to use, start by creating a separate entry for every character you care about. You won’t fill in the same level of detail for all characters, but every character worth caring about has a name, so start there. Then just add info as you have time and energy.
  • Someday at 3 AM, you may thank me for this. You’re welcome.

About The Author

Randy Ingermanson
Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.
 
 

Monday, April 3, 2023

How to Enrage Your Character by Randy Ingermanson | Advanced Fiction Writing

Advanced Fiction Writing by Randy Ingermanson

 

How to Enrage Your Character

 

by Randy Ingermanson 

 

Advanced Fiction Writing

 

 

How to Enrage Your Character

As I’ve said many times, writing fiction is about giving your reader a powerful emotional experience. And you do that by giving your characters a powerful emotional experience.

The question is how to do that realistically. How do you set up a situation in which the character would naturally feel strong emotions?

That’s a large subject, too big for one column, but I can tackle one piece of it today.

Let’s talk about rage. That’s a powerful emotion for you, and it’s one that some of your characters will feel. 

Sometimes rage is justified. Think about the #MeToo hashtag, and you can come up with millions of examples of justified rage. I think we can all understand justified rage.

Unjustified Rage

But sometimes rage is unjustified. That’s a little harder to understand. Why would somebody go into an unjustified rage? Are they bad people, or is there some other explanation?

This is important. If we can’t understand it, we can’t write it. 

Let’s do a little thinking on unjustified rage. How do we make sense of it? Or is rage so irrational that we can’t make sense of it?

Think about the last time somebody was enraged at you. Has that happened to you, ever?  

If you can’t remember, let me toss out some short phrases that may jog your memory. I got these phrases by going to four popular web sites and scrolling down, looking for controversial topics, and typing them out in the exact order I saw them. It’s kind of a long list, even after I removed the duplicates:

  • Guns
  • National anthem
  • Election districting
  • Fundamentalism
  • UFOs
  • Federal corruption
  • Russian investigation
  • Climate change
  • Environment/conservation
  • Trump
  • Obama
  • Election fraud
  • Putin
  • Mega pastors
  • Immigration
  • LGBT
  • Economic inequality
  • Crime
  • Fake news
  • Taxes
  • Bitcoin
  • Euthanasia
  • Creationism

 

What Makes People Angry?

Have you ever had a discussion on one of these topics and gotten angry at somebody? Maybe even enraged? 

Were you justifiably enraged, or unjustifiably? That’s actually a bad question. No doubt your rage was justified. 

But let’s turn it around. Has anyone ever been unjustifiably enraged at you over one of these topics? I’m guessing they have.

Now let’s ask the hard question—what caused them to be unjustifiably enraged?

That’s tough to answer, because you can’t go inside someone’s head to know what they’re thinking. All you can do is guess.

Here’s my guess, and I know it’s just a partial answer. People get unjustifiably enraged when they have a strong false belief about a current danger that is being ignored by “those other people.”

The rage comes from the strong belief that this terrible danger is being ignored.

If they actually had some expertise on the subject, their rage would probably be justified, because there are real dangers in the world. Ignoring those dangers is wrong. If a danger is high enough, people should be enraged that it’s being ignored. 

If you’re on the Titanic and you know there’s an iceberg ahead, you should be enraged when the captain says, “Full speed ahead.”

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

But what if the danger isn’t real? What if the person is misinformed? What if there is no iceberg?

That happens a lot. In that case, the rage is unjustified.

I’ve seen a fair number of cases where it looked to me like the rage-provider was much less informed on the subject than the rage-receiver. I bet you have too.

There’s some rather weird psychology that comes into play here, the “Dunning-Kruger effect.” It has two sides:

  • Incompetent people often think they are much more competent than they actually are.
  • Very competent people often assume that other people are much more competent than they actually are.

The key point here is that incompetents tend to rate themselves too high. Competents tend to rate other people too high. 

Competent people tend to rate themselves fairly accurately. They know what they know and what they don’t know. They have a good understanding of the level of uncertainty in ideas. They know which statements are real facts and can be known with high certainty. They also know which statements are less certain and could be right or could be wrong.  

But competent people tend to assume that “if it’s easy for me to understand, it’s easy for other people,” which is why they overrate other people’s level of knowledge. Note that they are overrating “other people” taken all together as a group. Of course, a competent person can easily tell that a particular person is incompetent by talking to them one-on-one. 

Incompetent people, on the other hand, tend to lack the knowledge to even recognize what competence is. They don’t realize how much there is to know. So they think they know more than they actually do. As your grandmother told you, “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” You might say that incompetent people are logjammed by their own incompetence.

The way to break that logam is for incompetent people to study the subject more. A lot more. Once you get past the beginner stage, you realize how much you don’t know and you stop overrating yourself. Then as you start getting some actual expertise, you begin to rate yourself higher and higher, but now your self-rating is justified.

One advantage of education is that you learn how much you don’t know. When I was 13, I knew pretty much everything. By the time I was 26, I knew pretty much nothing, except on a very few subjects where I had some level of expertise. I like learning, and I know a lot more now than I did at 26. But I’ll never again be as smart as when I was 13.

One disadvantage of education is that there is an endless supply of people who know very little, but think they know more than you.

I’ve found that I can learn something from just about anyone, if only I can find out what subject they’re an expert on. The trick is figuring out if they’re a real expert, or if they just think they are. You can do that by asking questions about how they know that they know what they say they know. Real experts will answer differently than non-experts.

Authentic Unjustifiable Rage

So getting back to the subject of unjustifiable rage, here are my thoughts. Over the years, I’ve had some massive rage directed at me in discussions on certain controversial subjects where I actually have some expertise. Things I’ve spent years studying.

And the rage has come most often from people who didn’t appear to have much knowledge at all on the subject. But they thought they did. And they thought my opinion was not only wrong, it was dangerous. Hence, the rage.

The Dunning-Kruger effect explains this. They have a little knowledge. They see a danger that isn’t real. They get angry because I don’t see the danger.

They’re not necessarily bad people. But they’re still angry and the rage is still toxic. Knowing that can make it easier to deal with toxic people. (Although I wouldn’t advise ever telling anybody, “You’re toxic because you’re ignorant.” There are probably better ways to respond than that!)

And if you want to write fiction with three-dimensional characters, that’s the key thing you’re looking for. You can have nice people go into a terrible, toxic rage attack. The secret is to make them ignorant on the thing they’re angry about. It’s no sin to be ignorant. Everybody is ignorant on something. 

Homework

Think about the novel you’re writing right now. Is there any scene where a character goes into a rage? Is that character a bad person? Or just a regular, flawed human? How are you playing that character? What’s the motivation you’re showing for the rage? Is it possible you’ve got a Dunning-Kruger situation? How would you show that to make your character more three-dimensional? 

About The Author

Randy Ingermanson
Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.
 
 

Monday, March 20, 2023

A Quick Note On Character Types for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

A Quick Note On Character Types for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 A Quick Note On Character Types for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

There are a number of character types that can be found in writing fiction. The three most commonly used are the protagonist, the antagonist, and the foil.

  • The protagonist is the main character of the story. They are usually the one who drives the plot forward, and the reader is typically meant to sympathize with them. 
  • The antagonist is the character who stands in opposition to the protagonist, and they are usually the one responsible for creating the most conflict in the story. 
  • The foil is a character who is used to highlight the protagonist's traits, and they are typically not as developed as the other characters in the story.


 
 

Saturday, December 31, 2022

Digging Deep: Strong Characters (Writing Tip Of The Day)

 

Digging Deep: Strong Characters (Writing Tip)

 Digging Deep: Strong Characters 

 

(Writing Tip Of The Day)

 

Digging Deep: Strong characters are key elements in any well-constructed story. You may have clearly illustrated their history, occupation, likes, and dislikes, but to make them truly compelling you must have a basic understanding of these characters' psyches. Choose a story you've written and make a list of the characters you don't really know yet. Next to each name, jot down notes about what that character's aspirations and motivations are. How do these characters see the world? Who are the people they look up to, want to impress, or model themselves after? Where do these characters want to be in the next five years—or in the next fifty? Will they reach their dreams, or are they destined to get sidetracked? Let this information serve as a reference when you are deciding how a character should react in a situation, or how the plot should progress.

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