Writers and book reviewers talk about voice, developing a voice, or a novel or short story having an authentic voice. Editors look for voice in what they accept for publication. A writer develops his or her own voice through writing, writing and writing some more.
But beyond an author’s own voice, the viewpoint character has a voice as well.
Point of View and Narrative Voice
When using a first person or limited third-person point of view, the narration in fiction is limited to what that characters knows or sees. But the narrative itself is in the viewpoint character’s own voice – his tone, his word choices, his attitude.
Here are some exercises to get you into your character’s head. As you write, let the character’s slang, idioms, prejudices and attitudes come through.
Character Voice Writing Exercise #1
Freewrite the internal thought of your viewpoint character. What does he or she think about when:
- Getting up in the morning.
- Getting ready to meet a friend.
- After an argument with spouse or significant other.
- Doing a mindless chore, like vacuuming.
- Driving in rush hour traffic.
Character Voice Writing Exercise #2
Create a dialogue situation with a quiet friend, one who nods and unh-huhs instead of speaking a lot. Have your viewpoint character discuss:
- What his or her goals and dreams are.
- If he or she will achieve them, and how.
- If not, why not? What character traits keep him or her from going after the dream? Why do situational obstacles become insurmountable?
Character Voice Writing Exercise #3
Send your viewpoint character to the mall with a quiet friend. Let him or her describe what they like or dislike, and why, while window shopping, browsing through a bookstore, trying out the latest electronics, etc.
Character Voice Writing Exercise #4
Coop your character up in a room alone: a bedroom, a conference room, a doctor’s exam room. Is he or she frustrated? Antsy? Bored? Nervous? Scared? Write his or her thoughts when stuck there for an hour.
Extra Creative Writing Exercise
Now that you have discovered your character’s voice, write a short scene for your story. Keep the narrative and description consistent with that voice.
The more you get into your viewpoint character's head, and let his or her self come through in the narrative, the more authentic your story will be.
For additional fiction writing exercises, read Descriptive Writing Exercises and Creating Characters that Live.
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