This week’s note comes in the form of a guest post from author, mentor, and friend Cynthia Maddox. If you like the information presented here, be sure to read all the way to the end of the post for details on how you can see the full workshop presentation in Evansville, IN for free.
From a Paper Doll to a Person
Creating characters that are more than paper dolls is hard. I’ve had two children and believe me, childbirth is easier. Yet some writers appear able to cast a spell over ink and paper and this amazing person just steps out of their story. One would almost think they possess some kind of magic. They’re skilled certainly, some extremely so, but it isn’t magic.
So, how do you create a character that has the power to take the reader a wild journey? If you google “how to create a character” you’ll end up with a list of thousands of websites and books. No one could possibly read them all but if you read even half a dozen of these, you can see there is a pattern to creating a character with depth. It takes work but it isn’t hard and it isn’t magic. There is a plan.
You have to become involved with the character. You can’t do that by a simple physical description and a laundry list. Characters are more than their hair and clothes. They’re people and you have to approach their development with that in mind. As with any relationship, you’ll have to work to get to know the people you are creating. You do that the same way you do a real person. You watch them and you ask a lot of questions.
Every character is different and some require more work than others, so the techniques you use may vary at times. Some characters demand attention and will poke you with a stick if you don’t listen. They are three dimensional from the beginning and tell you everything about themselves. All you’re required to do is take dictation.
However, most characters require you to delve into their lives as if you were CIA, asking dozens of questions about seemingly irrelevant things. What color do you like? What was your favorite candy as a child? Do you have big feet?They sound innocuous, but they tell you something about the character that may impact their behavior and attitudes. Little things shape them into people.
If you think you aren’t equipped to handle intense interrogation, don’t worry. There are forms to help you with the process, some longer than others. They are called character interviews. Again, google it and you’ll find more than you can reasonably use. Save one or a dozen to your computer. Combine several or create a completely new one by focusing on these five elements.
- Physical Attributes
- Personal Life
- Psychological Attributes
- Personality
- Practices
A writer can develop a character by providing detailed information under each of these categories for every character. The information you learn from this will help you bring more depth to your character and may result in opening new insights to the story.
If you’d rather not have to wade through the internet collection or bother creating your own, you can check out my favorites here: Writing Helps.
Want to see the full workshop? Cynthia is presenting a free, in-depth discussion this Saturday, July 25th from 1 pm – 3 pm (CST) at Oaklyn Library in Evansville, IN. There are two days left to register through Eventbrite.
JUST FOR FUN: When was the last time you played with paper dolls? Visit the page of fashion illustrator Danielle Meder to print off her gorgeous grown-up versions and see what kind of character they inspire you to interrogate.
Cynthia Maddox is the mother of two sons and grandmother to Sarah, Alyssa, & Ethan. She began writing at age 11 and has never found a way to stop. For the last 5 years she has been the Municipal Liaison for the Evansville-Vanderburgh Region of National Novel Writing Month. It is her job to cheer and cajole over 100 people to write a 50K word novel in 30 days as she attempts the same feat. Currently, she is the coordinator of the Evansville River City Writers writing group in Evansville, Indiana. She has written for Hoosier Parents Magazine, University of S. Indiana student publications: The Shield, and Transitions Magazine. Her personal writing blog is Writing My Life Away.
