4 Quick ideas to help you write characters

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Hey guys,

If you're like me, it can be a struggle to develop your characters and keep authenticity. I'm constantly plagued with wondering would he/she say or act in that way. I've re-written scenes and stared at blank pages because I just haven't felt right about a characters actions.

This feeling of uncertainty, doesn't completely vanish but, for me, the more time I spend with a character the more I understand them, and ultimately become more confident about their actions.

This post is going to briefly outline tips I have for writing and building characters.

1. Base your character on someone.

When I first create a character I base them on someone else - real or not. I visualise a character and make the decision that, at this stage, my character will be like this. This gives my creation focus and direction in their initial stages of life before they develop a voice of their own.

My understanding of the character that I base my character on does vary. I don't feel I have to completely understand a character to use them. It's purely my perception of this character that I am using.

I may decide to use a character's appearance or something about their personality. For instance the antagonist of my current work has been based upon Scar from Lion King. So, when I first began to write this character I would pose the question of 'what would Scar say?'

After being with this character for some time his behaviour has moved away from Scar and become his own. Having a clear point of origin meant that I wasn't sat staring at the page thinking what to write.

2. Don't be afraid to change your character.

As my stories progress and I spend more time writing my characters they change. I've re-written entire scenes because I've felt the characters actions were not authentic to them. It can be tiresome and slightly stressful, but it's always completely worth it. Everyone always talks about writing a piece that is character driven, and changing your writing to accommodate the development of your characters is a scary, but essential part of the writing process.

NOTE TO READERS: If Arthur (above) can go through drastic changes so can your precious little guys

3. Put your characters into daily situations.

When I'm on the train or at the cinema, anywhere to be honest, I try to think about how a character would react in my current situation. For instance, if you're on the train and someone is making a lot of noise, ask yourself how would your character react. Would they stand up and challenge the pesky teen? Would they cower in the corner because of the noise? These little thoughts help me internalise my characters and helps to build their identity in my mind. It also helps to zone out those annoying moments in public.

NOTE TO READERS - don't try this with spouses, as wondering how your character would respond to your partners slightly over cooked dinner may have a negative impact on your relationship.

4. Spend time writing with the character.

As a child, I remember hearing
authors refer to their characters as living beings. It would shock and surprise me, but since I've been on my own writing journey (that sounds odd) I've understood exactly what they meant. I can't express how just writing and re-writing scenes with particular characters will help you to understand them and develop them. I revisit scenes months later and find dialogue that I don't feel sounds like my character. I think, refer to number 2 and make those changes.

About Post Author

allthingsm4tt

Writer of things, meme supplier, semi-occasional six string swordist, sporadic cinema goer and smiler.