BUILDING CHARACTER: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
There are so many resources on the Internet on how to build characters. When I was outlining a novel that I hope to write one day, I found one that detailed everything from the character's physical appearance to their birthday and religion.
And, after filling out that format for nearly every character in my novel, I realized that most of the information was unnecessary. In fact, it probably did more harm than good. I spent so much energy focusing on minute characteristics that play no part in the overall story. Now I have an extensive profile, and I know so much about my character, that my knowledge of my character actually makes me hesitate before writing a scene. Is this how they would react? Am I sure?
This will probably go against what you've been taught in writing workshops or in online tutorials: You don't need to know every detail about your characters. You need enough to get you through the scene. This is the extent of what you need to have a firm grasp on about your main characters:
And, after filling out that format for nearly every character in my novel, I realized that most of the information was unnecessary. In fact, it probably did more harm than good. I spent so much energy focusing on minute characteristics that play no part in the overall story. Now I have an extensive profile, and I know so much about my character, that my knowledge of my character actually makes me hesitate before writing a scene. Is this how they would react? Am I sure?
This will probably go against what you've been taught in writing workshops or in online tutorials: You don't need to know every detail about your characters. You need enough to get you through the scene. This is the extent of what you need to have a firm grasp on about your main characters:
- Your character's name
- About how old they are (Does their age play a role in the plot? Great, you should know that. What if it doesn't? "Mid-twenties" is enough.
- A rough look at their look: You already know what they look like, because you're picturing them in your mind? You don't need to write everything down. Make sure to jot down unique characteristics, and maybe a "real" person they resemble.
- Their relationship(s) with the other characters: This will play a part in the novel. Their relationships will definitely impact how they make decisions. You should know this.
- How they react in certain situation-types: How are they under pressure? How do they handle rejection? Flattery? It's good to know these things, because your character will be put in these situations and you should know how they would respond.
LEAVE ME A COMMENT: What is one thing that makes your main character unique?
CHECKPOINT: DAY TWO
So today you're still in The Setup--your focus is introducing your main characters and getting the reader hooked into the story. After yesterday, your opening scene is pretty well written down, and maybe you've hinted at "the itch" and the other characters in Story A.
Now's the time to dive deeper into those hints: Today you're goal is to get the other Story A characters son the page, and to solidify (to your reader) what your main character's primary goal is. What is your main character's relationship with each of the other characters in Story A? What scenes do you need to write to get these relationships across?
LEAVE ME A COMMENT: What is your main character's most important relationship within the context of the story?
Now's the time to dive deeper into those hints: Today you're goal is to get the other Story A characters son the page, and to solidify (to your reader) what your main character's primary goal is. What is your main character's relationship with each of the other characters in Story A? What scenes do you need to write to get these relationships across?
LEAVE ME A COMMENT: What is your main character's most important relationship within the context of the story?
