How to Help Readers See Characters Clearly
Three Easy Strategies to Bring Story People to Life
Sep 8, 2009
Most writers past the 'beginner' stage have heard all too often that they should 'show' rather than 'tell'. While this is usually sound advice, some authors battle to understand just what this means. However, there are some simple strategies that writers can use to show what their characters are like, without having to resort to dull explanations.
Contrast Different Characters' Thoughts and Actions
At some point in their lives, most people have been in the situation of having to smile and exchange small talk with someone they can't stand. Writers can call upon this memory to create a nice contrast between what characters are thinking versus what they are actually saying or doing.
For example, a character called Bianca says "Mary, how lovely to see you again! You must tell me all about what you've been up to!" Meanwhile, Bianca is involuntarily glancing at her watch, or desperately wondering how she can cut the conversation short, or shifting impatiently from one foot to another while Mary responds. (This shows readers how the character really feels about Mary, rather than telling them.)
Show a Character's Reaction to Stress
Some people react to stress by panicking or becoming aggressive. Others become quiet and show a steely resolve that often surprises others. By putting two characters in the same stressful situation, and showing their different reactions, writers can easily reveal their characters' true personalities. (This is a ploy often used by romance novelists, when the author allows the heroine suddenly to see the charming but shallow rogue for what he really is in comparison to the hero.) A handy way to show how two characters react to the same situation is to do a separate character interview with each one about what happened.
Show a Character's Personality Through Clothes and Possessions
It's natural to make judgements about people based on the way they dress, the cars they drive, the shoes they wear and the 'toys' they own. Visualise a character who typically wears a faded pair of sweat pants, a paint-spattered singlet, and old sneakers. This person drives a twenty-year-old rustbucket with bald tyres. What judgements might others make about this person?
Writers who want to show a certain type of character need to consider carefully every aspect of that person's life: clothes, usual mode of transport, hairstyle, dwelling, hygiene and possessions. A good way for any writer to develop a cast of characters (and hone observation skills) is to head for the nearest mall with a notebook in hand. They should look at the types of cars and the people who drive them; note details of clothes, shoes, and handbags. It's also a good idea to take a closer look at the way people walk; their general posture, appearance and energy levels... and to see if this 'fits' with the message being sent by their clothes and car.
It's useful to have a record of what has been observed. That, and the writer's memory, will ensure that readers really can 'see' those characters - and they won't appear to be made of cardboard!
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