One of the most notable obstacles for writers, especially ones specializing in fiction writing, is the creation of characters. These integral parts of the story can either make or break the success of the whole story. If you’re looking for a few techniques for creating some memorable characters, keep reading.
Technique # 1: Ask Some Questions
In order to be a great character, your creation needs to be multi-faceted, just like a genuine person. Therefore, during the creation process it is important to ask a lot of questions. Where was your character born? How many brothers or sisters did they have? Who do they remind you of? Where are they living now? Why did they move there? What part do they play in the story? By asking these and other questions, you will be able to flush out the initial idea into a complete and complex character.
Technique # 2: Start with a Problem
Many new writers make the mistake of starting their characters with a name and physical description. In actuality, this is the last component. Instead, start with a problem for the character to solve. How would your character deal with a divorce, or a death of a loved one? How your character handles life’s ups and downs can go a long way to helping you create a believable character.
Technique # 3: Learn to Empathize with Your Character
In a very real sense, your characters are a part of who you are. They are your creation, a reflection of how you feel, and aspects of your personality. Even the antagonists that you create have an aspect of your psyche within them. Therefore, it is important to empathize with your character. Look at their motivation, and understand their back-story. A young mother-to-be makes the hard decision to divorce her new husband. Why? What happened in her life that caused her to make such a drastic decision? By understanding what motivation your character has, the author can have an easier time bringing out the details.
These are just a few of the many techniques that you can use to create well-defined, memorable characters in your next story. Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments below!
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