Things You'll Need:
- Fictional characters (either done or in the works)
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Step 1
The first step in creating a realistic fictional character is to get an overall feel as an author on what they're like--not just physical appearance but personality and background.
When you start brainstorming the traits of your character, you want to look more at how those traits impact your character than the really the traits themselves. Too many times I've seen writers give a detailed list of traits when they begin to describe a fictional character--this can make the character seem flat if you're not careful.
The advice of many writing books of "show, don't tell" is very important in characterization as well as plot. If your fictional character is intelligent, show them doing something intelligent. Don't just have the trait listed. -
Step 2
You need to have some background information on your fictional characters that is specifically for you as the writer.
It doesn't have to be something that the reader even knows directly. This can be information about the characters personality, general reactions when they have a certain emotion, etc. You can keep this stored in notebooks or even in a computer database if you're more technically oriented. -
Step 3
It's helpful sometimes to mentally put your fictional characters in situations that aren't related to your plot. Playing with ideas may help you create a more solid character, even when the ideas themselves don't make it into your book or short story. The exercise in itself will get your brain working on making the character more realistic.
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Step 4
Do your homework on specific details about your characters that you may not know off the top of your head. If your main character is a pilot, you may possibly have readers who are pilots. If little details are off, your drama may suddenly become a comedy to them. You don't have to go overboard, but either do enough research or have a friend who's an authority review it for you.
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Step 5
Be observant of people in general. This is especially helpful in studying mannerisms, such as people running their hands through their hair if they're frustrated or nervous. Sometimes this is also helpful for coming up with conflict ideas as well. Just don't creep people out by following them around with a notebook in public.
Comments
cygnetbrown said
on 10/8/2009 Great advice. I know that the better I know my characters, the better my story flows. One of the reasons people get writer's block (in fiction)is because they don't know their characters well enough.
cygnetbrown said
on 10/8/2009 Great advice. I know that the better I know my characters, the better my story flows. One of the reasons people get writer's block (in fiction)is because they don't know their characters well enough.
paperpen said
on 5/13/2009 Brillian advice. Thank you.
Siri187 said
on 4/8/2009 A good, solid article on the basic foundation of developing characters.
MidniteWriter said
on 1/18/2008 Good advice. The personality type tip isn't one I thought of although I wonder if people would even believe some of the types I have dealt with :)