No matter what world your story is set in, no matter what situation your character is in, it is the thoughts, feelings, and interactions with others that make the story worth investing time in. Take HP for example. Yes it would be awesome to discover we have wizard powers and can go to Hogwarts, but it's the relationships between Harry and the others that keep us reading. It's wanting to see this likable kid who's had a bad time of it come out on top.
Can we the readers identify with Harry? Of course! Are we wizards? Did we grow up in a broom cupboard under the stairs? Probably not, but we've sure been the odd man out at times. We know what it's like to be the underdog or feel inadequate or awkward, right?
When you write, you have to draw on those experiences and emotions you've experienced. Even if say, you're MC happens to be a leprechaun and is facing his worst fear - a wild unicorn, take that time you were five and the giant doberman next door got loose and ran right for you. Then just... extrapolate! That's why we're writers after all. ;D
What identifiable traits does your current MC have? Which MC have you fallen in love with and was it because you were ale to live vicariously and identify?
14 Comments on It's All About Character, last added: 10/26/2012
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This is something I do in the beginning when I write. Create a character profile.
Characters have always been more important than plot to me. No matter how amazing a story is, if the characters fall flat, then the book ultimately will, too. I'm a huge fan of giving my characters some kind of disease, disorder, or disability, since that's something I can relate to on some level as a type-1 diabetic. I also can't resist making their worst fears come true, or have something even worse happen than their worst fears. Things like that never fail to bring a character's true...well, character...to the forefront!
Yes! It's the emotion we connect to, not always the fantastical elements. :)
The extrapolation of our experiences is so much fun! I totally agree that characters are the most important part of a story! :)
So true Lisa. So important to get our characters right or even a great plot will not hook our readers.
So true. Who wants to read a story about someone they don't care about? I mean, really? Even in real life, we meet people all the time. Who are the ones we grow meaningful relationships with? Usually those we find something in common with, some kind of connection.
This is hilarious. I wrote on pretty much the same topic today. We must have been reading each others' minds. lol
I completely agree, Lisa! Every book I've ever connected with had a character I could identify with.
I commented elsewhere in the blogosphere today how I can forget plot lines about books I love, but I never forget the emotions.
Great post - I totally agree that it's the characters who drive a story, and emotions are what makes a reader remember the book.
Such excellent advice. I have tons of favorite characters, but maybe the ones I loved most were the characters from The Help. Amazing.
I was just reading Natalie's review of THE RAVEN BOYS, so I was remembering how much I loved Gansey. But you're right! (As usual) Characters are what make a story for me, and yet I often don't spend enough time putting mine on the page fast enough. :)
Great post as usual!
Best,
Martina
The characters are our partners on the journey of the story. We'd better like them or we're going to need a bigger boat.
Huh, I didn't know leprechauns were afraid of unicorns! Grin. I loved the MC, Alina from Shadow and Bone because she's reluctantly thrust into the limelight.