Add Depth to Stories by Interviewing Characters
How to Write a Book That Readers Can't Put Down
Sep 26, 2009
The well-known character bio can certainly provide an author with the basics, but it can be like scanning a police mug file. What can writers do to get to know their characters more intimately? There are several strategies writers can use to dig deeper into their characters' lives and personalities, but one of the most effective is the character interview. This writing activity helps to flesh out not only heroes and villains, but the minor players as well. It often provides authors with a 'light bulb moment' when it comes to character motivation.
After doing a character interview, authors who have been staring at the computer wondering what to write can find enough material to keep them going for days or weeks. Writer's block will be a thing of the past.
Different Types of Character Interviews
The character interview can take several forms. Here are a few examples:
- Interview the villain about what motivates him. (e.g. Why did you murder X? Why have you sworn revenge on this particular man/family/group of people? What made you decide to run this scam?)
- Interview the heroine about what drives her. (e.g. Why is it so important to you to switch jobs? Why do you want to move to a different city? What is it about X that draws you to him? How did you become estranged from your sister?)
- Interview characters about a specific aspect of their lives. (e.g. What was the most significant event you can remember from your childhood? What are your political beliefs? Do you have a deep, dark secret? What is one thing that you have done that you would prefer others not to know about? What do you think would be the perfect lifestyle? How quickly can you make decisions?)
The character interview can, of course, also be written as a police interview of a suspect for a mystery or crime novel. Most of this can be pasted directly into the relevant scene.
How to Lay Out the Character Interview
The basic format of the character interview is simply to put the author's question on one line, then start the character's response on the next. As the interview proceeds, writers usually find that they can picture the actions and body language of the character, and also inflections of speech. It's handy to note these details in the interview script as well, because they come in handy when writing scenes; readers will be able to see your characters more clearly.
For example:
Me: What is one thing that you have done that you would prefer others not to know about?
Character: [Silence for several seconds.] I don't know that I'm ready to talk about that. [Looks away from interviewer.]
Me: Can you just tell me... was it embarrassing? Or maybe something illegal?
Character: I don't want this to get out. I really don't want anyone EVER to know. [Signs of stress. Voice remains calm but can detect underlying anxiety.]
Me: It's just between you and me. Can you tell me how long ago it was?
Character: It was when I was at high school. Isn't that when lots of kids do stuff they regret? Sure was in my case. [Shifts in chair and meets interviewer's eyes briefly before looking away again.]
Many writers are surprised at just how far a character interview takes them. It can lead to new insights into the character, or take the story down completely unexpected paths. It can also have a beneficial effect on dialogue, because the character tends to reveal personality in the answers.
Authors who have been struggling to identify with their characters can find, after doing a character interview, that it becomes a pleasure to sit at the computer and write about them. After all, there's no better way to get to know people than to spend extra time talking to them!
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