| [ |
mood |
| |
 calm |
] |
I owed you this last week, I know! I'm sorry! But when the real world/work world/writing world calls, I must answer.
So, we're talking now about creating believable characters because, let's be honest, most stories nowadays are character-driven. What this means is that the main character will determine the actions and ultimate outcome of the story based on who he or she is.
I fall back on a familiar example of Harry Potter. At the very end of the first book, Harry obtains the philosopher's stone, and Voldemort tries to take it from him.
If Harry had been an evil child, he could have handed the stone over to Voldemort and made a bargain to be his buddy. If Harry had been a coward who cared more about his own life than protecting his loved ones, he would have done the same thing.
BUT because of who he is, because of his character (which is revealed to us/develops throughout the novel), the outcome is that Harry won't hand it over, even if death is on the line.
And we believe it.
Because we know that's who Harry is.
To be believable, your characters must have:
-Weaknesses
Nobody is perfect, and it's our quirks that make us real and relatable. Weaknesses can be physical, mental, emotional, or all of the above. If your character is terrified of fire, we're more likely to believe that he wouldn't rescue a kitten from a burning building. OR if he rescues the kitten, we appreciate his selfless act even more because we know what he had to overcome to do it.
On top of this, sometimes a weakness makes us understand why a villain does what he does.
-Strengths
Everyone is good at something, and we often use this skill to define a particular character (example: My friend is excellent with numbers; we call her The Human Calculator). Be cautious of letting those strengths make your character a stereotype. If your character is good with numbers, don't make her a lonely nerd with glasses. And of course, you mustn't overlook strengths for your antagonists as well. We need a reason to root for a character or a reason to fear them.
-Opinions
Part of the reason we are drawn to (or repelled by) someone is their personality. We share their views on something or we despise them, and based on the strength of their opinion, we can again know why they would choose to react to a stimulant in a certain way. I'm also going to group likes/dislikes under this category.
-Goals/aspirations
While some people do wander aimlessly in real life, your characters shouldn't because that makes for boring literature. BUT this doesn't mean their goals or aspirations have to be lofty or high-powered or make them insanely rich. It can be something as simple as getting that White Castle burger (I know...movie reference).
We should know within the first two chapters what your main character's goal will be for this book. Granted, that goal can change as the story develops, but as they're facing their first crossroads, they need to have a plan of action.
-Sense of self
Even if your characters are evil, they must be cognizant of themselves and their actions. Nobody operates strictly on instruction of another without a single thought about it (exception: minions, who shouldn't play a weighty role in your story to begin with). Your characters should be aware that they exist. They should know to be embarrassed when they get caught doing something stupid, they should be appalled when something happens that they don't agree with. It's difficult to explain but easy to see when you read a story.
-Change
Finally, your characters must change somehow through the course of the story. Nobody ends an adventure the same way they started out. If nothing else, your character swill be wiser about the obstacles they have had to overcome. And sadly, they won't always change for the better. They may become bitter or disheartened...but that's what makes for a great vengeance sequel!
Addtional Note:
Pam Calvert, author of Princess Peepers (I know, cute, right?), pointed out one additional thing your characters must have...a likeability factor. It'll be tough for your audience to keep reading and care how the story ends if they don't care about your character. Even if your character is a major screw-up that you PROMISE will improve over time, give them at least one redeeming quality that endears them to the audience.
Thanks, Pam!
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
jo_no_anne's journal
amused
contemplative
working
curious
2 (10.5%)
busy
creative
nerdy
thoughtful
Awww yeah!
accomplished
chipper
thankful
jubilant
productive