Comments on: Putting Your Character Together

By: Gina

Gina — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:30:29 +0000

Randy, how do YOU get to know your characters? My characters reveal themselves over the course of my writing. No long walks or conversations, they just pop up and tell me things whenever the mood strikes.

By: Karla

Karla — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:20:12 +0000

I usually model some of my characters after people I have known or have met. I love to watch people and when I see a certain face or person that is interesting I tell myself to remember them. If I have my hand-dandy notebook with me, I jot down some notes, or I call myself on my cell phone and leave myself a message. (Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that last part — Randy might have me put away!)

Randy is right about identical twins. I have a set in my house and they are world’s apart in temperament and personality. I am constantly amazed that there are billions and billions of people and not one of them is the same as another. Fascinating.

By: Lois Hudson

Lois Hudson — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:36:43 +0000

My childhood fantasy-pretend daydreaming has birthed many characters that later have demanded habitation in my stories.

I also ask the “what if” question both in character and in plot development. That’s led to a lot of interesting resolution in both areas. I dare to go down unexpected paths—mentally (okay, fantasy-pretend daydreaming), not in the writing process. My characters will tell me if that’s where they should go, then the writing can begin.

If I still like that path, but the characters don’t,
I save the pathmarker for another story whose characters appreciate it.

By: Barb Haley

Barb Haley — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:45:10 +0000

I used to struggle creating characters. Seems like so many of them turned out to be me. It felt so forced to randomly select characteristics for them–even more so to talk about their psychology.

Then I came up with a new idea that has worked extremely well for me. Once I’ve worked out the basic plot for my story, I write a personal letter from the main character to the reader. Of course, the reader will never see this, but I guess it works things out in my head. In the letter, the character begins by telling his past and why he is the way he is today. Then he tells the story from his/her point of view.

I can’t tell you the surprises my characters have come up with on their own. I used to laugh at people who said their characters talked to them, but I’m telling you, it’s true. Since I’m writing as a Christian, I like to think the Holy Spirit has a lot to do with this. So many times, I’m amazed at how plot and characters come together with an incredible story AND message of God’s work in a normal person’s life.

So . . . when the main character is finished, I have the antagonist write a letter in rebuttal. He, too, begins by telling his past and why he is the person he is, but then tells the entire story from his point of view-thoughts, feelings, actions included.

After that, I usually do one more letter by the protagonist’s romantic partner or confidant.

This is way too fun, and I promise, the conflict practically writes itself.

Hope this helps someone.

Barb Haley

PS If anyone wants to see an example, email me separately and I’ll send you one.

By: Andra M.

Andra M. — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:05:16 +0000

Woohoo, another use for a cellphone!

I echo Gina’s question about your process, Randy.

Barb: I like the idea of characters writing letters. I imagine you not only learn about your characters more, but could spur other story ideas as well.

By: ML Eqatin

ML Eqatin — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:32:01 +0000

I just write what I know, using people I know. (Good thing I don’t do contemporary fiction, I’d get in trouble!) It helps that I have lived and worked with a lot of people over the years.

By: Tami

Tami — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:02:00 +0000

Barb,
I would love to email you for a copy of your letters, but don’t have your email address. Did I miss something? Is it posted somewhere?

My address is tameyers at frontiernet.net
Please include both protag and antag rebuttal.

Thanks so much.

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:57:57 +0000

Barb, I wouldn’t mind a copy of the protag and antag as well. If you’ll send me one, my email is becca_400 at yahoo.com. I think that’s a cool idea. I can always get some of my character down on paper but a lot of it doesn’t really come til I write. I think this might be a cool way to get the rest of it to come out before I’m too far into the story.

This is a great discussion to really make us think out all aspects of our characters. It’s definitely helping me! Thanks Randy!

By: D. E. Hale

D. E. Hale — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 03:45:11 +0000

Barb, that’s a GREAT idea. I’m going to try it. Hmmm…I wonder what they’ll tell me?

By: Jenny McLeod Carlisle

Jenny McLeod Carlisle — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:59:35 +0000

Have any of you ever seen one of your characters walking around in real life? I don’t base mine on real people, except as combinations of people I’ve met. But, once, this repairman came to fix something at my day job- and I was sneaking around corners for a better look at him. I think he was Craig from my WIP Crossroads. Okay, Randy, call the white paddy wagon. Just don’t fasten the straps on the strait jacket too tightly.
Jenny