Comments on: The Secret of Creating Characters http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/ America's Mad Professor of Fiction Writing Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:02:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Hannah L. http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7242 Hannah L. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:40:14 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7242 That is an awesome piece of advice, and I plan to follow it at the earliest opportunity! I appreciate your work to help other writers out. Hannah L. That is an awesome piece of advice, and I plan to follow it at the earliest opportunity!

I appreciate your work to help other writers out.

Hannah L.

]]> By: Daniel Smith http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7243 Daniel Smith Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:23:25 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7243 Ditto! Great advice. Keep it coming! Ditto! Great advice. Keep it coming!

]]> By: The Secret of Creating Characters « Dragons Can Be Beaten http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7244 The Secret of Creating Characters « Dragons Can Be Beaten Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:30:38 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7244 [...] 11, 2009 by Daniel Smith Source: The Secret of Creating Characters - Advanced Fiction Writing Blog. “Every character is the hero of his/her own [...] […] 11, 2009 by Daniel Smith Source: The Secret of Creating Characters - Advanced Fiction Writing Blog. “Every character is the hero of his/her own […]

]]> By: Sean http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7250 Sean Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:52:31 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7250 I've heard this tidbit before, but this is a great illustration of it. I’ve heard this tidbit before, but this is a great illustration of it.

]]> By: Pam Halter http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7251 Pam Halter Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:07:59 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7251 Great writing, Randy! I could actually HEAR Harrison Ford's voice. :) It's true that we have to know our characters - especially the antagonist, in my opinion. The antagonist is the main person who forces the hero to action, so he/she is just as important to the story as the protagonist. My mentor puts us through a bunch of questions at the beginning of each story. We have to ask the hero a question we don't know the answer for. Then we write the answer in their voice. Then we ask the villan a question we don't know the answer for and write that answer in their voice. I found out what was going on in my villian's head. My villian was actually suffering. Amazing. But it helped me create a nice subplot I didn't known was there. I love writing. :) Great writing, Randy! I could actually HEAR Harrison Ford’s voice. :)

It’s true that we have to know our characters - especially the antagonist, in my opinion. The antagonist is the main person who forces the hero to action, so he/she is just as important to the story as the protagonist.

My mentor puts us through a bunch of questions at the beginning of each story. We have to ask the hero a question we don’t know the answer for. Then we write the answer in their voice.

Then we ask the villan a question we don’t know the answer for and write that answer in their voice.

I found out what was going on in my villian’s head. My villian was actually suffering. Amazing. But it helped me create a nice subplot I didn’t known was there.

I love writing. :)

]]> By: Lynn Rush http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7252 Lynn Rush Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:43:33 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7252 NICE advice. Thanks! I'm really impressed with all that you provide for us writers! NICE advice. Thanks! I’m really impressed with all that you provide for us writers!

]]> By: Andra M. http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7254 Andra M. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:21:03 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7254 Great advice indeed. Go Han Solo! Great advice indeed.

Go Han Solo!

]]> By: Ralene http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7255 Ralene Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:23:35 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7255 Oh good...it wasn't just me that heard Harrison Ford's voice. lol... Great advice. I've been trying to figure out how to make my "sidekick" more 3D...this just might be the key! Oh good…it wasn’t just me that heard Harrison Ford’s voice. lol… Great advice. I’ve been trying to figure out how to make my “sidekick” more 3D…this just might be the key!

]]> By: Ivye http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7256 Ivye Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:33:06 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7256 Oh, this was just great! Not only the sound writing advice, but Han's take on the whole story. Also because I'm sure that, at some time or other, we all have thought that Luke's brain was sparsely furnished at best. And that has to be because whe have been made to see Han's point. Oh, this was just great! Not only the sound writing advice, but Han’s take on the whole story. Also because I’m sure that, at some time or other, we all have thought that Luke’s brain was sparsely furnished at best. And that has to be because whe have been made to see Han’s point.

]]> By: Robert Treskillard http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7257 Robert Treskillard Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:50:23 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7257 THIS IS GREAT, Randy! When I first read: "Every character is the hero of his/her own story" I thought it said: "Every character is the hero of THE story" But that subtle shift makes a lot of sense, especially when you include the villain. In my WIP, I think I did this pretty effectively with both the villain(s) and the side-kicks, but I'm not sure if I thought through it the way you did here. Great illustration. Thanks, Randy! THIS IS GREAT, Randy!

When I first read:

“Every character is the hero of his/her own story”

I thought it said:

“Every character is the hero of THE story”

But that subtle shift makes a lot of sense, especially when you include the villain.

In my WIP, I think I did this pretty effectively with both the villain(s) and the side-kicks, but I’m not sure if I thought through it the way you did here. Great illustration.

Thanks, Randy!

]]> By: Cheri Williams http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7258 Cheri Williams Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:55:18 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7258 This is why we love you Randy. You speak (er write) and we GET it! Thanks again! This is why we love you Randy. You speak (er write) and we GET it! Thanks again!

]]> By: Lois http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7259 Lois Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:12:18 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7259 Yes, thanks, Randy for solid, applicable help. I've discovered through the ongoing analysis of the STAR WARS story, that it's not only impossible, but acceptable not to include all the characters in the first brief condensations,i.e., one sentence doesn't mention names, one paragraph doesn't even mention all the characters. More recently in writing a 750 word synopsis of my WIP (finished!) novel, I realized that one very influential character with a fascinating history, isn't even mentioned in that. A later chapter-by-chapter synopsis, will eventually get to her. Is this somewhere in the right track? Is it typical in your experience? Yes, thanks, Randy for solid, applicable help.

I’ve discovered through the ongoing analysis of the STAR WARS story, that it’s not only impossible, but acceptable not to include all the characters in the first brief condensations,i.e., one sentence doesn’t mention names, one paragraph doesn’t even mention all the characters.

More recently in writing a 750 word synopsis of my WIP (finished!) novel, I realized that one very influential character with a fascinating history, isn’t even mentioned in that. A later chapter-by-chapter synopsis, will eventually get to her.

Is this somewhere in the right track? Is it typical in your experience?

]]> By: Tim http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7260 Tim Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:30:23 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7260 I agree with the whole every character is a hero in their own eyes. For the series I am working on the main villain was paper because he was evil and someone to fight. But when I started going through a second revising of outlines of each book, I started seeing the villain as a hero in his own way. Based on his past he is convinced he is the person to do something but goes about it the wrong way. I agree with the whole every character is a hero in their own eyes. For the series I am working on the main villain was paper because he was evil and someone to fight. But when I started going through a second revising of outlines of each book, I started seeing the villain as a hero in his own way. Based on his past he is convinced he is the person to do something but goes about it the wrong way.

]]> By: Marcus Goodyear http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7261 Marcus Goodyear Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:32:39 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7261 This is so obvious and fun that I'm going to smack myself now. This is so obvious and fun that I’m going to smack myself now.

]]> By: David Stearns http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7262 David Stearns Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:29:40 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7262 Randy, I've received FeedBlitz for some time now, and have always enjoyed and appreciated your gracious instruction and advice. I'm now in the midst of what I hope will be the last of several edits of my first novel, and I've been working very hard this time around to give real life to the characters in my story. This little article was a very timely assist in the regard. I thank you very much for all of your effort on behalf of aspiring writers. Randy,
I’ve received FeedBlitz for some time now, and have always enjoyed and appreciated your gracious instruction and advice. I’m now in the midst of what I hope will be the last of several edits of my first novel, and I’ve been working very hard this time around to give real life to the characters in my story. This little article was a very timely assist in the regard. I thank you very much for all of your effort on behalf of aspiring writers.

]]> By: Amy Jane (Untangling Tales) http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7263 Amy Jane (Untangling Tales) Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:32:16 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7263 My difficulty with some of this is that I have some very strong supporting characters. At least two of them could have a story of their own in which my main story would be the subplot. (Not that I have it entirely mapped out; this is the story I want to tell). ---Before anybody tells me to map it and see if it's better and tell <i>that</i> one, I want to say the current story is more adventure while the other is romance, and I don't want to go there right now (the whole point of my original effort in novel-writing was to do a fairytale that *didn't* end near the marriage.)--- Ooops, no intro. I started reading at the end of last year, when you began working the StarWars track. Finally comment and I sound like a whiner. Sorry. I mean, how do you give your main character room to grow without having him/her overshadowed by larger-than-life co-stars? What kept Han from stealing the show other than seeming-- just a bit-- like a royal jerk to everybody but himself? My difficulty with some of this is that I have some very strong supporting characters. At least two of them could have a story of their own in which my main story would be the subplot. (Not that I have it entirely mapped out; this is the story I want to tell).

—Before anybody tells me to map it and see if it’s better and tell that one, I want to say the current story is more adventure while the other is romance, and I don’t want to go there right now (the whole point of my original effort in novel-writing was to do a fairytale that *didn’t* end near the marriage.)—

Ooops, no intro.

I started reading at the end of last year, when you began working the StarWars track. Finally comment and I sound like a whiner. Sorry.

I mean, how do you give your main character room to grow without having him/her overshadowed by larger-than-life co-stars? What kept Han from stealing the show other than seeming– just a bit– like a royal jerk to everybody but himself?

]]> By: Rachel Kimberly http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7264 Rachel Kimberly Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:01:07 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7264 Wow. That was great. Why haven't I come to this blog before? I really need this. My characters really need this. I can't wait to see you do Darth Vader! :) (I'll admit that I only came here 'cause I saw STAR WARS mentioned in the ezine...*guilt*) Wow. That was great. Why haven’t I come to this blog before? I really need this. My characters really need this. I can’t wait to see you do Darth Vader! :)

(I’ll admit that I only came here ’cause I saw STAR WARS mentioned in the ezine…*guilt*)

]]> By: Rob http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7265 Rob Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:45:42 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7265 Aw, cool. I'm famous now!! :) Marcus: I think some of the best writing advice strikes us as obvious only after we've heard it. And sometimes we need to hear it over and over and over before we actually start using it. Aw, cool. I’m famous now!! :)

Marcus: I think some of the best writing advice strikes us as obvious only after we’ve heard it. And sometimes we need to hear it over and over and over before we actually start using it.

]]> By: Lois http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7266 Lois Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:52:37 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7266 Corrected phrase - 2nd line of my comment above. ...it’s not only impossible TO INCLUDE, but acceptable not to include all the characters... Sorry about that. Corrected phrase - 2nd line of my comment above.

…it’s not only impossible TO INCLUDE, but acceptable not to include all the characters…

Sorry about that.

]]> By: Destiny http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7268 Destiny Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:38:10 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7268 Randy, what about secondary characters who are basically walk on and walk out with a line or two in the story? Like in one story I'm writing, we have a heroine's best friend, who basically comes on and off but doesn't really end up having too much to do. More than anything else, she doesn't have a story: she's very happy with her conflict-less life, thank you very much. Randy, what about secondary characters who are basically walk on and walk out with a line or two in the story? Like in one story I’m writing, we have a heroine’s best friend, who basically comes on and off but doesn’t really end up having too much to do. More than anything else, she doesn’t have a story: she’s very happy with her conflict-less life, thank you very much.

]]> By: Camille Cannon Eide http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7269 Camille Cannon Eide Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:45:12 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7269 Pure dead brilliant, man. My next novel has a cast of supporting characters: kids, teens and some adult staff in a home for unwanted kids. Something like a modern day Oliver, only with cutters, death metal and bits of ocd. I can see how easy it would be to make them cliche or cardboard if I don't remember to apply this principal to each of them, to remember that each one truly believes the story revolves around them, regardless of how much audience I, the All Knowing All Powerful author, grant them. Of course, I realize I don't get much say in the story once I give the characters freedom to be 3-D. And there's a danger--when our 3 dimensional characters become so real they take over the story. You gotta know when to rein them in without squelching the potential for a fabulous subplot. What do you suggest? Pure dead brilliant, man. My next novel has a cast of supporting characters: kids, teens and some adult staff in a home for unwanted kids. Something like a modern day Oliver, only with cutters, death metal and bits of ocd. I can see how easy it would be to make them cliche or cardboard if I don’t remember to apply this principal to each of them, to remember that each one truly believes the story revolves around them, regardless of how much audience I, the All Knowing All Powerful author, grant them. Of course, I realize I don’t get much say in the story once I give the characters freedom to be 3-D.

And there’s a danger–when our 3 dimensional characters become so real they take over the story. You gotta know when to rein them in without squelching the potential for a fabulous subplot. What do you suggest?

]]> By: Cherie http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7270 Cherie Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:48:16 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7270 This reminds me of advice that they give to actors -- no matter what part you have, play it as though you were the main character. And whatever the play is about, when you describe it to other people, you should explain it as though your character is the main character. I'm glad we're talking about characterization, because I think it's one of my weaker points, particularly when I try to plan out my plots in a lot of detail beforehand. If I start out with only a loose idea of what's going to happen, my characters seem to evolve their own opinions and attitudes. But when I try to plan each scene, even if I've spent a lot of time on characterization and motivation beforehand, my characters become lifeless. Does anyone else have this problem? This reminds me of advice that they give to actors — no matter what part you have, play it as though you were the main character. And whatever the play is about, when you describe it to other people, you should explain it as though your character is the main character.

I’m glad we’re talking about characterization, because I think it’s one of my weaker points, particularly when I try to plan out my plots in a lot of detail beforehand. If I start out with only a loose idea of what’s going to happen, my characters seem to evolve their own opinions and attitudes. But when I try to plan each scene, even if I’ve spent a lot of time on characterization and motivation beforehand, my characters become lifeless. Does anyone else have this problem?

]]> By: Davalynn http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7271 Davalynn Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:24:16 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7271 Great insight. I see this skill applied in your humor column, as well. Sam thinks it's all about him. Thanks so much. Great insight. I see this skill applied in your humor column, as well. Sam thinks it’s all about him.

Thanks so much.

]]> By: Steven http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7273 Steven Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:12:43 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7273 I think one thing a person can do to help learn how to develop character is to study Freud, Jung, and Erickson (for kids), to mention just a few. These guys made it their life's work to understand human motivation. Without a great villain, there can be no great hero. I'm sure someone important said that. Homer, the ultimate master of fiction which countless generations have looked to as the ultimate role model made Achilles a great hero by making Hektor great. I think one thing a person can do to help learn how to develop character is to study Freud, Jung, and Erickson (for kids), to mention just a few. These guys made it their life’s work to understand human motivation.

Without a great villain, there can be no great hero. I’m sure someone important said that. Homer, the ultimate master of fiction which countless generations have looked to as the ultimate role model made Achilles a great hero by making Hektor great.

]]> By: Joanna Mallory http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7274 Joanna Mallory Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:24:32 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7274 Each character being the hero of his/her own story... I think I remember this from Fiction 101, but it got buried under some other stuff so thanks for bringing it to the surface again. It's so simple, but true. And thanks for illustrating it so clearly. I know it's for writing, but I think it's a good life lesson too. Each character being the hero of his/her own story… I think I remember this from Fiction 101, but it got buried under some other stuff so thanks for bringing it to the surface again. It’s so simple, but true.

And thanks for illustrating it so clearly.

I know it’s for writing, but I think it’s a good life lesson too.

]]> By: Avily Jerome http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7281 Avily Jerome Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:44:44 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7281 That's fun! I like seeing it from that point of view. Thanks, Randy! That’s fun! I like seeing it from that point of view.
Thanks, Randy!

]]> By: Julie http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7287 Julie Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:32:00 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7287 Randy, one thing I always have a problem with (and something that is giving me some serious writer's block at the moment) is how to finally "hear" the character's voice in your head. I can usually do it with all of my characters except for my main one, which, as you can imagine, is quite inconveinent. Anyway you could address this while we're looking at character? Randy, one thing I always have a problem with (and something that is giving me some serious writer’s block at the moment) is how to finally “hear” the character’s voice in your head. I can usually do it with all of my characters except for my main one, which, as you can imagine, is quite inconveinent. Anyway you could address this while we’re looking at character?

]]> By: Christina Berry http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7289 Christina Berry Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:07:50 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7289 Don't know if you saw the email on loop, but someone said <i>Lord of the Rings</i> reads very differently if you "know" that Samwise is really the hero. Makes me want to read it all over again. Don’t know if you saw the email on loop, but someone said Lord of the Rings reads very differently if you “know” that Samwise is really the hero. Makes me want to read it all over again.

]]> By: Patrick http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7292 Patrick Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:52:14 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7292 So, first time reading the blog, let alone responding. Reading this topic is interesting to me, mostly because it's how I work mostly anyway. I typically have considered lengthy back stories for most of the major characted in my head before ever putting pen to paper. (Or hand to keyboard.) But it's not something I focused on intentionally, so some characters occasionally fell through the cracks. Reminding myself to think like that is definitely a help. Also, this discussion reminds me of a line from the movie Fool's Gold: character 1: Well if it isn't the Ukranian side kick. character 2: Eh, I like to think of myself of the hero in my own story. So, first time reading the blog, let alone responding.

Reading this topic is interesting to me, mostly because it’s how I work mostly anyway. I typically have considered lengthy back stories for most of the major characted in my head before ever putting pen to paper. (Or hand to keyboard.) But it’s not something I focused on intentionally, so some characters occasionally fell through the cracks. Reminding myself to think like that is definitely a help.

Also, this discussion reminds me of a line from the movie Fool’s Gold:

character 1: Well if it isn’t the Ukranian side kick.
character 2: Eh, I like to think of myself of the hero in my own story.

]]> By: Penny http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7293 Penny Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:02:18 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7293 I make these diagrams of all the character's traits and personalities to have a reference for consistency. I make these diagrams of all the character’s traits and personalities to have a reference for consistency.

]]> By: AmyVR http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7294 AmyVR Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:34:31 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7294 Disney Press released a line of children's books called "My Side of the Story" that does just what you are talking about: You see the story from both the hero's and the VILLAIN'S point of view. My favorite is the Peter Pan - Captain Hook story. While I can't say I sympathize with Captain Hook after reading his side, I can certainly understand where he is coming from. I also see some of Peter's flaws and see he is not so perfect! Reading these books, like Randy's advice, has shown me how my WIP should be just as much about the villain as it is about the hero. Disney Press released a line of children’s books called “My Side of the Story” that does just what you are talking about: You see the story from both the hero’s and the VILLAIN’S point of view. My favorite is the Peter Pan - Captain Hook story. While I can’t say I sympathize with Captain Hook after reading his side, I can certainly understand where he is coming from. I also see some of Peter’s flaws and see he is not so perfect! Reading these books, like Randy’s advice, has shown me how my WIP should be just as much about the villain as it is about the hero.

]]> By: Rebecca Talley http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7302 Rebecca Talley Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:17:01 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7302 Great advice. Villains need as much thought as the hero and need to reflect their good traits as well as their bad ones. After all, many "villains" aren't completely evil, only characters who stand in the way of the hero attaining his story goal. Great advice. Villains need as much thought as the hero and need to reflect their good traits as well as their bad ones. After all, many “villains” aren’t completely evil, only characters who stand in the way of the hero attaining his story goal.

]]> By: Magic Jalepenos http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7441 Magic Jalepenos Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:00:17 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7441 wow! great advice. This is really helpful because i'm doing a Sci-fi/romance story so I was having a lot of trouble making the hero, heroing, and villian all 3-D. this will help alot. Question: how do you make each character the hero of his/her story if you are writing in first person point of view? wow! great advice. This is really helpful because i’m doing a Sci-fi/romance story so I was having a lot of trouble making the hero, heroing, and villian all 3-D. this will help alot. Question: how do you make each character the hero of his/her story if you are writing in first person point of view?

]]> By: Untangling Tales » A New Adventure http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7584 Untangling Tales » A New Adventure Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:01:01 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-secret-of-creating-characters/#comment-7584 [...] next story, Perfection Wasted, gets to be the opposite.  This story takes the premise “Every person is the main character in his/her own story,” and looks at a different story that is happening at the same time as part of Linnea’s [...] […] next story, Perfection Wasted, gets to be the opposite.  This story takes the premise “Every person is the main character in his/her own story,” and looks at a different story that is happening at the same time as part of Linnea’s […]

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