They’re Talking. Are You Listening?
One of the most difficult aspects of writing fiction lies in creating believable, three-dimensional characters that come to life on the page. While it’s relatively easy to create the skeleton of a character, characters, like people, have multiple layers that extend far beyond what is originally perceived.
So often are people, and consequently characters, defined by what they do rather than who they are, it seems that this same idea naturally translates when creating a character. There’s the “sympathetic bartender” or the “hardened lawyer,” the “girl-next-door” or the “bad boy with the heart of gold.” These descriptions can provide the reader with the basics necessary for setting a scene or presenting a plot; however, they are still merely the shell of a character.
To create more depth, and thus a more believable, well-rounded character, it’s important to ask “who,” rather than “what,” and finding out the “who” often requires asking “why.”
One of the best exercises I’ve found for development is the character interview. This exercise forces you, as the writer, to really listen to what the characters are saying, to figure out who they are and to get to know them just as you would someone who is originally a stranger. Even if you don’t use all of the information you gain, it will be a starting point (and who knows what inspiration might be lurking in the answers).
What is your character’s favorite vacation spot? What toy did they play with as a child? Who took care of them when they were sick? What is their favorite fruit? What is their favorite piece of clothing?
Don’t stop with one-word answers. Find out the motivation behind the responses. Ask “why.”
Why can that sympathetic bartender be found recommending wine to customers at the hotel bar? Why does the hardened lawyer look back fondly on the Easy-Bake Oven she had when she was six?
Just as there is more to every person than a name and an occupation, so is there more to your characters, with memories, experiences, and influences that can motivate their actions, place them in that setting, and sometimes even drive the plot forward.
Get to know your characters to create the depth and dimension that breathes a story to life.
Characters love to talk.
Are you listening?
Note: This is part one of a three-part post series focusing on character development. Stay tuned for this week’s Wednesday Writing Challenge, which ties into using the character interview as a source of new inspiration.
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Sometimes characters like to talk entirely too much. I often find mine start giving me smartass responses whenever I try to conduct a character interview. Perhaps that’s just the nature of the character though, or perhaps I’m just a bit unbalanced! Whichever is the case, it doesn’t change the fact that you’ve offered up some good advice!
Good advice. I REALLY want to at least get involved in short-story fiction writing (and I’m hoping that the book you are sending will serve as a little inspiration). This is an outstanding tactic. It really helps you ‘get to know’ your characters. It makes them ‘real’. Not just characters in a book, but individuals with likes, dislikes, passions, etc. Good thoughts Susan!
Pretty good post. I just came by your blog and wanted to say
that I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you write again soon!
Bret: Yes! You’re exactly right, as I discovered with a short story character — sometimes characters have a lot more to say than you originally expect…And some, you can’t quite get to shut up
But that, I think, is a positive thing — if anything, you can use those ideas to flesh out a story, give even more depth to a character, or even use some of that information for another project. Talking too much can always be good; it’s when those characters go silent for awhile that can be difficult to bear.
As an aside, on the idea of your characters giving smart comments — listen to that, too. That might be your very own voice. Or, knowing you, it might just be you
Wishing you the best, Bret! Love your new blog and can’t wait to see more from you.
Matt: Thanks for your comment! I can’t tell you how excited I am that you’re going to be giving fiction writing a try. What I love about this theory is exactly what you explain — so often, they aren’t just characters in a book — for at least a little while, through reading, they become our significant other, our friend, our family. That depth and dimension, those “likes, dislikes, passions” is what lets us relate to them, what brings them to life.
Congratulations again on the giveaway, Matt — I hope the book provides the inspiration that you’re looking for. And best of luck on the writing (and the move to Chicago!). I hope to see stories of both soon.
Katy: Thanks for stopping by and for your comment! I hope you continue to enjoy the posts.