Even if you have the most exciting, unique storyline the world has ever heard of, it will mean nothing if your characters aren't up to par.
Characters should be more than stereotypes. Everyone is different, flawed, exciting. It's your job as the writer to make sure these qualities are noticeable without slapping the readers in the face with it.
Here are a few methods on how to accomplish fleshing out your characters.
Character Background
Even if it's never said, or remotely mentioned in the story, you should know your character's entire past. This can be done by creating a character profile. This should include their name, age, height, weight, hair style and color, eye color, ethnicity, scent and style of dress, other notable physical traits such as freckles, food likes and dislikes, personality traits, mannerisms, and a brief profile.
Have a timeline for your character, a list of what happened in their lives to make them the way that they are, or any other notable events, secrets, etc.
The Art of Role-playing
Role-playing, especially for those with good memories, is one of the best ways to discover your character and may leave you with an essential scene or behaviour that you wouldn't have thought up otherwise. Some are turned off by the idea, citing that this is a practice for young children, “playing pretend.” Writers should be more open to the idea, since they role-play while writing, just in the privacy of their own minds.
Role-play with Someone Else
Bringing this role-playing up with another person may be strange at first, but there's nothing more fun than when two writers are ego-ing it up with a nice game of role-play.
When possible, and when it won't make you look crazy, role-play your characters. This works especially well when co-writing a story with an open minded friend. For example, you and a friend go to a coffee shop where you do not interact as each other for the whole duration, but instead as two of your characters. It's okay to be silly and acknowledge how crazy you both seem, but if you "own it" I promise you will start thinking like your character.
Make these scenes as carefree or as dramatic as you want (but not too dramatic if you're out in public!) Remember, scenarios don't have to be canon. Obviously, there is no right or wrong, there's only exploring.
You can throw them into different conversations and situations and see how they would react. A prior knowledge of your character is essential, but you don't have to have their entire background mapped out yet, since role-playing will work these details out by putting you in the mind of your character.
I should note that this process becomes all the more intriguing after you know your characters thoroughly. This is also a great tool for overcoming writer's block.
Role-playing Alone
Don't have a friend to bounce your acting skills off of? Role-playing alone is just as easy. When writing, start your scene off like a script at first (just fill in the blanks later) and read your script out loud. This will help develop character tones, as well as show you whether or not the dialogue, once read, sounds forced or cheesy. Tone says a lot about character and this method is well worth looking into for that reason alone.
Write With a Playlist
What style of story are you writing? This should be a consideration before starting your playlist.
Having a playlist of songs prepared can inspire scenes and atmospheres for your characters. Go through your music library and choose songs that go with your story, put you in a certain atmosphere, or in their own way inspire your creativity.
This may be time consuming, but so is writer's block.
If you don't want to create a playlist, or are sick of using it, using the shuffle option will broaden your perspective when your playlist is no longer hitting the spot. And hey, since it’s all music you downloaded anyway, you know you're gonna like what plays.
Don't be afraid to move away from music with lyrics. Try listening to sounds of nature (streams, heavy rain, thunderstorms, etc.) or some video game orchestral or piano accompaniments. You could even try listening to jazz, or music box themes.
Minot Pettinato - Minot Pettinato is a 23 year old freelance writer. She attended Niagara College for the Journalism-Print program, and has a diploma in ...
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