Creating Characters

One of the main tasks of a writer is to create characters worth reading about. Many different factors work into the equation of producing these types of characters. They need to be interesting and motivated. Not all characters are lovable, but it helps to have a likable quality of some sort. But, most of all they should be three-dimensional.

To accomplish this, a writer should know the character almost as well as he knows himself. Character creation may start with a name and physical characteristics, but it doesn’t stop there. Think about some of your favorite characters in books, movies, and television shows. How much do you know about them?

You, as the writer, need to know a little bit more than the reader. Everything may not be included into the actual story, but each new bit of information will lead to another, producing the needed variety to create characters worth reading about.

Whether you start a story knowing your main character, or get to know your character as you go, at some point you should step back and see who you’ve created. As you get to know him outside of the story, you may discover new points worth weaving into your story.

There are many methods used for this process. Here are a few:

• Long Character Bio Sheets
• Index Card Bios
• Biography by Author
• Biography by Character
• Vision Boards

Really, the methods are endless. What matters is what works for you.

I’ve tried many methods, but the one which works for me is the biography by the Author. I’ll sit down and just start writing, first introducing the character – name, age, physical traits and such, and then start as far back as I feel necessary, depending upon the story.

Personality is one of the keys to your creation. Everything can be wrapped around this one small aspect, because everything makes him who he is (personality). His parents, the way he looks, childhood events, social upbringing, the list goes on and on, but it all leads in one direction – who he is and why he does what he does.

Take a moment and discover who you’re writing about.

How do you create your characters? Do you have a preferred method, or does it change with each story? Do you keep it all in your head, or fill page after page of character information?

Author - Harlan Coben

Winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award – the first author to win all three – international bestselling author Harlan Coben’s critically-acclaimed novels have been called “ingenious” (New York Times), “poignant and insightful” (Los Angeles Times), “consistently entertaining” (Houston Chronicle), “superb” (Chicago Tribune) and “must reading” (Philadelphia Inquirer). 

Impressive, wouldn’t you say?

I picked up my first book by this author near the end of last year. I was extremely impressed by his writing and story-telling.

Caught, my first read, gripped my attention and snatched me through, page after page. With each new twist, I found myself enthralled and desperate to read more.

Reporter Wendy Tynes is making a name for herself, bringing down sexual offenders on nationally-televised sting operations. But when social worker Dan Mercer walks into her trap, and is tied to the disappearance of a seventeen-year-old New Jersey girl, the shocking consequences will have Wendy doubting her instincts about the motives of the people around her.



Darkest Fear, my second exposure, proved to have the same effect. At first, I wasn’t pulled in, but it only took a few pages to grab me, carrying me off into a plot of twists and turns.

It all begins when Myron Bolitar's ex tells him he's a father ... of a dying thirteen-year-old boy.

Myron never saw it coming.

Both books took me on journeys I couldn’t resist, surprising me with each new twist and turn. Just when you think you have it figured out, something changes and new circumstances are set into play.

I’m currently reading Play Dead, his first published novel. With that said, it may not be his best, but I’m enjoying the journey.

For me, the 'main' intriguing question is WHY is David Baskin playing dead? I have a few guesses, but I’m suspecting that I’m wrong.

Any Coben fans out there? What should I read next?

Who/What are you reading?

eTreasures Publishing Giveaway - The Sacrifice

eTreasures Publishing is hosting a two week giveaway of 'The Sacrifice', starting midnight - January 22, on Facebook. Stop by for your chance to win an e-book copy.

Reader Comment: I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this story! This was wonderfully delightful! It is reminiscent of an old fashioned French fairy tale or the Grimm's Brothers stories. I loved it!!!

Blurb and Excerpt Available in 'The Library.'

SUPERNATURAL

Two brothers follow their father's footsteps as "hunters" fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.

Obviously, I’m a little bit behind on my entertainment. SUPERNATURAL aired in 2005. I began watching the first season late last year.

Netflix is wonderful. I’m discovering all the good shows I missed. I don’t watch much television, but on most days, I usually absorb about an hour. For now, that hour is spent enjoying the adventures of Sam and Dean as they destroy evil.

Evil comes in many forms. SUPERNATURAL does a nice job of addressing each paranormal situation. From Bloody Mary to a Killer Clown, you’re never quite sure what the boys are going up against in each episode.

But, it’s not all about hunting. The characters’ backstory is intriguing and aspects of their lives continue to unravel. I just finished up Season Two. I look forward to seeing where the hunters go within their own lives and what evil they stand up against throughout the show.

I’m especially impressed by the scare factor, the moment when you jump just a little because you weren’t expecting what happens next. You never see it coming. It takes a lot for a show to make me jump in surprise, but SUPERNATURAL manages to do it over and over again.

I recommend this television show to anyone who enjoys stories of the supernatural. You’ll be hooked from the beginning, and entertained with each new ride.