Creating a Character

How do you create a good character with excellent quality? A lot of times we have the perfect form of the character in our mind, but don't know how to put that creation into words, proper description and a good shell without holes. Even though we know what we want, it can sometimes be hard to keep in mind when you're actually doing the writing. Forming a analyzed character chart is a good was to help, but even without that there are some things that can help you keep focus with that particular character.

 

1. Get The Basic Traits Down.As beginners and even as long-term writers we often find ourselves trapped in the idea of what our character will look like. While yes, this will play a role in the tale you weave, do not get caught up on the particulars before creating an entire picture. In the end, hair color, eye color, features and clothing can all be added to the mixture you create. For now you have to focus on the actual personality of your character. This can actually be quite easy.

 

Think on the character you want to put together. Are they funny, rough, kind, enthusiastic, sarcastic, bitter or cynical? All these words will be your first step to keep a good hold on exactly who your character is and it will give you the ability to shape and change your character as you delve deeper into your story. How? Well first get down those words and then we'll put them to good use.

 

2. Who They Are.

 

 

Now that you have the basic words of description for your character, you can move on to form who they are and how the act or react to the people around them. Sounds a bit tough, but it's actually quite simple. A lot of authors actually tell us to use this way to make good characters easily, so just hold on and don't get overwhelmed. This is easy.

Right, so you've got the basic words down for your character, now you need to take one and describe you character using that one word. As example: bitter. I'm going to show you how to make a bitter personality without straining for every single detail. Instead, I'm just going to get down the basics for that character.

This character...

• Does not smile often.
• Is difficult for other characters to be around.
• Hold grudges.
• Focuses mostly on his/her own interests.
• Only relaxes about those he knows.
• Is determined.

All these things are parts of your character's mindset and you can base it around any past experiences or trauma you want.  No, it doesn't look like much does it? But you'll be surprised how helpful this can be on hand. Remember, your characters will all have different mindsets, thoughts, opinions and behaviors and you don't want to accidently pull them out of their own qualities.

You can do this list with as many points as needed and it's your choice if you want to do every word you listed and break them apart to make your character's personality even more complex for the reader, but easy for you to understand.

How They Interact.

Now that you've got the basic personality down, you need to remember that your characters will best have a good effect on the reader if they are each unique in their own ways. So, without complex descriptions or worried scenarios, I'm going to show you the modeling shell that has helped many authors who have trouble completely forming their characters. This will be how your other characters see them and how they will be known to your readers as.

 

So this bitter character....

• Only speaks to a few characters and only says what he believes is necessary.
• For those few friends he has, he can give the deepest advice with the blunt of approaches.
• Can enhance annoyance, irritation, uneasiness, fear and insecurity in others.
• Is dutiful to those he respects. (King, Lord, Master, ect)
• Shows tolerance to the common folk and other acquaintances.
• Enhances self-confidence and self satisfaction.

So basically you build off of what you already have. Remember, a person is built off of more then one trait though, so the way they act will depend on the situation and the people involved. Like this bitter character may not like those he does not know and it completely cold to them, but will open up with the more steady relationships. If a character had only one quality, then it would be difficult bending them into the story. No person created it *completely* happy or sad, each one of us is a mixture of emotions based off of our life. However, each person does have dominant qualities that will mold all others in their personality and therefore make them unique.

 

Be Your Character For A Day!

 

Now this step is mostly for fun if you ask me and isn't 100% needed. Although a writer does have to get into their character's heads, actually trying to become that character is what brings acting and writing together. Tactile learners will probably best profit from 'being' their character, since hands on work is the best way to get their mind rolling. Still, anyone can do it, but it can be challenging.

 

All you have to do is take the basic personality you've formed for that character and insert it into your own head, hereby making you your own creation. While you'll probably gets some confused stares from your family and friends when you reply to them the way your character would, try to actually see through your characters eyes. How does the world look? What opinions would they form on this or that? Just remember that you are not your character.

 

And that's the basics to creating a good (or bad) character! Mind you, not everyone needs this when they're writing and not everyone uses this method, but it's good to keep in mind.

 

Happy Writing!