Mr. & Mrs. Character

Mr. and Mrs. Character,

Characters have always been my favorite aspect of writing. I create stories for my characters rather than characters for my stories. That’s just my style though.

But whatever your style, here are a few ways to build your characters.

            Establish the basics. What’s he look like, where does she live, is he good or bad? Cast your characters. Think, “If this were a movie, who would play my character?”

Different celebrities are great, but they aren’t the only sources. I do a lot of people watching, and sometimes there’s just that one guy that looks like he just walked out of your world. Even other characters could inspire what your character looks like.

     It’s important to be able to visualize your peeps, but you shouldn’t describe every one of their features in your story. Essentially, unless there’s something important about them, it doesn’t matter what color the eyes are. I’ve read so many books where there was an extensive description given, but by the middle of the book I had my own image for the characters. Be careful not to use the mirror cliché. We don’t need to see your character seeing himself through a piece of glass.

This guy is an inspiration to me.

    Get to know them. You should know your characters better than they know themselves. Their deepest secrets, their petty wishes, what they do on their down time…what they want for lunch. If you don’t have a connection with your character, then you’re not really done.

Two of my original characters, Mr. Kabuto & Char.

     Quirks, addictions, and occupations—connect with your character. Your characters are special. Take time to make them so. What sets your villain apart from every other thug on the street? Perhaps she has a kid, or he’s trying to quit drinking. Maybe your character’s completely unnatural, cold, calculated, and depressed but their favorite musician is Michael Jackson or Taylor Swift.

Sometimes, the protagonist isn’t likeable in the beginning. Your readers will grow to like him…if they stick around. What might win them over quickly? Something surprisingly admirable–they tip extra. Something relatable–they miss their sister. Or they share a pet peeve with the masses–they don’t like when people smack their gum. Little things like that draw readers in and make it all that much easier to relate to your character, even if they’re not really likeable. On the other hand, your character might be too good to be true. Give them flaws. Every person struggles with something, be it drugs, rage, eating habits, depression, or self-image. Everyone has problems. Know the inside scoop.

Music is one way that I understand my characters best. #Playlists #Teenwriters Share on X

     Music is one way that I understand my characters best. When I’m writing a character or brainstorming what s/he is like, I listen to music that creates a certain mood. For lighthearted characters I listen to lighthearted music; same goes with angry or sad characters. Making custom playlists for certain characters helps to give you an inside look at how it feels to be them. I’m always looking for new music, and I have several playlists for general characters. I’m not bragging, but they’re there for the follow. It’s on Spotify. My Playlists I recommend for writing are:

1. Why Can’t I Dream About Food
2. Fantasy & SciFi
3. Explore the Grey Forest
4. Lupivils
5. Child of Light
6. Transistor
7. (And for all you Zelda fans) Zelda

     Characters are amazing and downright cool! Have fun dreaming them up, and make a new friend.

     This is how I see things through my lenses. Comment below and tell me what you see. Be it music or character ideas. Whatevs.

     Thanks to my bro for taking that picture of me. Also special thanks to me for drawing that other picture. Stay classy, folks.