Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Pen or paper and pencil (if not using a computer)
- Character sheets (optional)
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Step 1
Get to know your protagonist and antagonist. You can't write effective characters without knowing your characters extremely well.
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Step 2
Interview your characters. You can do this formally with a questionnaire or character sheets, or you can think about it as you write. Don't just focus on the physical, but dig deep into the character's psyche. What is his world view? Biggest fear? Passionate desire? Deep secret?
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Step 3
Don't make your characters too perfect. Give your protagonists a flaw that makes them human.
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Step 4
Don't make your villains one-dimensional. Give them a redeeming or empathetic quality.
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Step 5
Choose a name that reflects the character's personality. Certain names reflect certain characteristics or types. Joe and Max are considered "strong" names. Ernest and Mortimer denote an older character.
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Step 6
Give your characters individual traits that set them apart from the other characters in the story. One way to do this is by giving them a personal quirk, something only that particular character does or has.









Comments
Patri50 said
on 1/26/2008 Very helpful, thanks.