One of the reasons people get stuck at some point when they’re writing a novel is because they don’t know their characters well enough.
Character profiles and characters interviews are great tools to use to get to know your characters.
But here are some less conventional ways to become very familiar with the people who will be the star players in your story.
Character Flaws and Quirks
No one is perfect, especially characters in a story.
One of the reasons they’re memorable is that something stands out – something different in their personality or how they look.
What are some flaws that you can add to your character; do they jingle coins in their pocket, do they wear too much red lipstick, maybe, they stir their coffee with ever drinking it.
Think of ten flaws that you can put before your character, try them on for size, and see how many actually fit your character.
I would advise stopping at two or three strange quirks so your character doesn’t come across as a basket case.
Write a Letter to Your Character
Are you at the point in the writing of your story where you’re not sure where to go next or what your character should do next?
Rather than seeing things through a writer’s eyes, step back and write a letter to your character, as if you were a friend, or an objective bystander or even a reader of your story.
Ask questions of your character, why are they doing what they are doing?
How are they going to get themselves out the current situation?
What IF – Character
Are you stuck on how to start a story?
Every story needs a starting point and it usually helps if your character has a problem that needs to be fixed.
Once you have a fleshed out a character, begin a search for the problem that needs fixing, by asking the following:
“What if?” The character – Use the, “what if,” statement for each element in your characters personality, description, actions and more?
Each time a different answer will come up.
What if your character would have done A instead of B, how would that affect your story?
What if your character looked like X, instead of another way and how does that define your character?
What IF – Plot
Use the, “what if,” statement for each element of plot.
What if the car is stuck on the train tracks and your character can see the train coming.
How do they get out of the situation?
The most important thing is to have fun asking, “What if,” and give your character some heart wrenching, action filled, suspenseful reasons why they do what they do.
This is your time to be creative and the more creative the character and the plot the more you will grab your readers attention.
Favorite Dessert
This one is just plain fun. But, surprisingly, it will tell you a lot about your character.
Let your character describe his/her favorite dessert in 500 words.
As you can see, there are all sorts of ways to get to know your characters.
You’ll probably come up with some other ways once you’ve tried these.
About Rebecca Camarena
Rebecca Camarena is an author, inspiring book writing and publishing coach. As a Book Coach, she has specialized expertise helping authors with all aspects of book writing; from vision to concept to writing and publishing. She is known for helping experts, entrepreneurs, coaches and others write and publish their stories. Learn more about her and her services at RebeccaCamarena.com.
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