My stories almost always begin in my mind with a tiny flash of a scene. Sometimes it will be an actual scene – I was walking through an almost deserted parking lot one very foggy evening, noticing how the street lamps played in the fog, and all of a sudden there was a man, crouching between the cars, trying to find one that was unlocked, because he was shot…yeah, that’s it…and the shooter was still after him, because he had witnessed a murder, and… Well, you know what I mean.
So I have a snippet of a scene and at least one character. Next step? Well, for me, it’s always figuring out who that character is. Before I can think about plot (and I am a plotter) I have to know my starting character; who may not even end up being my main character.
But how do I get to know this character?
I’m a pack rat. I tend to save things, anything I think will come in handy. This includes tossing interesting blogs into a Favorites folder to re-visit later. I took a look in that folder yesterday and found over a dozen blogs written about knowing your character.
Distilling them down, here are the most common methods:
Interview your character – sit down over an imaginary cup of coffee and ask them everything you want to know
Develop a detailed character history (even if little, if any, will be included in your story) - include parents, siblings, home town, childhood, education, early loves, traumatic events, dreams and plans, etc.
Write a detailed character sketch (again, go beyond what will be included in your story) – physical description, personality traits, friends, habits (including little quirks), attitudes, passions, fears, etc. I added music and sports to my list.
What I found interesting was no one suggested using faith, politics, or current social issues. I wouldn’t recommend including your character’s stand on a really divisive current social issue (unless it’s germane to your story and/or you want to alienate some potential readers) but wouldn’t it help you understand the character to know where he/she would stand and why? The same would be true of faith/religious beliefs and political leanings. Would your character have the same stands/beliefs as you? Why or why not? Answering some of these questions could really help you get inside a character.
How about you? How do you get to know your characters?
I'm currently enjoying: One Was a Soldier by Julie Spencer-Fleming
Groaner of the day: No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
14 comments:
Ref: How do you get to know your characters?
Usually while I'm pulling weeds or washing dishes.
In the beginning, they're usually ghosts, faint ideas of what they could be. As I go through my day, I think about them, slowly adding a little more to what makes them unique and important to the story.
Much like your man crouching between cars, entire little scenes start to emerge, developing the character further.
Maria - do you ever try to figure out certain things about them or just let them unfold?
I'm not an unfolding kind of writer. Nothing is random in my stories. I always think things through and create characters step by step even if it takes me a while to figure it out.
I tend to get to know characters as I write. I realized this recently since I am writing about a bird. Hey, it's a fantasy, and this bird looks at the world through a whole knew set of goggles.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.
Nancy - Can't wait to meet this bird.
Maria - I thought you were a thinker.
How are the chicks?
Groan for sure!! :)
I usually start with a flash of a scene too (often the climax scene). Then I let the characters roam around in my head for a couple of weeks. Once they've marinated I'm usually ready to write!
I have conversations with my characters as I'm cleaning my house. Seriously. It's quite glam! ;-)
I do like your idea of digging into a character's faith, politics, etc. That takes it a little deeper. It doesn't necessarily mean that those details will make it to the page but can help to create more three-dimensional characters.
Yes, yes, yes! All of this is right on.
I know the whole meet the character who may not be the MC. I've had one who didn't even end up in the piece.
The groaner cracked me up
I am not a writer but it is opening a new world for me to read the comments of those of you who write. I never took the time to think about how the stories I enjoy are created. Now I do. Thanks, Linda!
BTW--I always chuckle at the groaners!
Karin
Jemi - Very interesting. I've started with my flash scene coming at the beginning or even the middle but never at the climax.
Liz - I converse with mine while I clean as well. Sometimes out loud. I get strange looks from the family.
Mary - Hey, I've had start off characters who don't make the final cut. Always feel a little bad for them.
Glad you liked the groaner.
Hi Karin. As I talk to other writers, I'm geting a better understanding of how I write. I never really thought about it that much, just did it. Carries over into my reading too.
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