Writers of fiction know that there are many different things one needs to know to be successful. Of course, writers need discipline, and good editing skills, but would audiences have read or stayed interested in shows like Will & Grace, or stories like the "Rita Heyworth and Shawshank Redemption" without memorable characters like the drunken socialite with the squeaky voice, Karen Walker (Megan Mullaly) or the quiet banker, Andy Dufresne? One of the most important skills a writer can develop is the ability to create believable, interesting, and unique characters. Here are some tips on how to create characters successfully:
Character Believability
The first thing a writer should look at when creating a character is the question of believability. How can a writer make a believable character? There are a couple different things that a writer can focus on to help create a sense of reality for their character. These aspects include developing uniqueness, and voice.
Uniqueness of Characterizations
The first question a writer should ask is: Is the character unique? Does this character look, behave, and sound like another character in another story? If so, why would an author make this choice? Writers want a reader to be invested in a character’s life. If a character from another story is just copy/pasted into a new tale, suddenly, it can cause readers to disconnect from the story because they begin to wonder if this something they have already read. However, it is possible to use a pre-existing character or archetype as a jumping off point.
Using archetypes is something writers, especially fiction writers, have done for ages. These archetypes can be varied in range and scope. (i.e. The Magician, The Sage, The Witch, The Young Hero, etc.). However, good writers use these archetypes as a springboard, they don’t just say, “I have a young adventurer here!” A good writer will play with the archetypes, sometimes combining them, to create the start of a visionary character ripe with conflicts and on the cusp of great adventure.
An archetypal character is a double-edged sword. Archetypes carry preconceived notions, or “baggage” that can influence how a reader sees them. For example, if you use the archetype of “The Fool”, a reader is likely to suspect that other characters will treat “The Fool” with contempt or will laugh at his/her antics but will likely end up treating the readers to some insight about life or, at least, the other characters in the story.
To combat or use this “baggage” effectively, a writer should look at what effects the information will have on the story. Knowing what a character archetype brings to the table allows a writer to toy with his/her readers, by turning expectations on their heads. Maybe the town drunk, wandering in hobo-chic across the downtown streets, suddenly makes his way into the home of a happy, friendly suburban-family, and to the reader’s shock and surprise, the hobo lives there.
Character Voice
Another way in which a writer can create a believable character is by creating an authentic character voice. Voice, however, isn’t just dialogue; it is also about how the character acts and reacts to the situations they are placed in, both internally and externally.
A writer should use internal dialogue, vocabulary choice, and dialects to help create a real voice. Even, the drunken hobo, with a happy suburban family, won’t sound realistic if he talks and thinks like a cynical teenager. However, if instead he sounds like a grizzled old man, who feels guilt for the impact his coke and booze habit is having on his family, then perhaps a reader is more likely to believe in this character’s reality.
Writers looking to build their skills should try experimenting with vocabulary and dialects; what does a sci-fi geek sound like? Do they say things like, “I need to get to the store in five minutes” or “Scotty, I need more power! We’ve got to get to Action Comics by 5pm or they’ll be sold out of the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine!” Writers should always think about what specific words, and reference points a character uses.
Creating Vibrant Realistic Characterizations
Now, writers that have read about how to create unique, realistic characters, are ready to write masterpieces of short literary fiction, right? Well, maybe not, but they have started up the steps of becoming a great writer. Writers should remember:
- Don’t reuse specific characters, or bland characterizations
- Blend archetypes to create unique combinations
- Play off of reader’s expectations
- Create a realistic voice by using specific vocabulary, dialects, and reference points
To continue to boost your skills as a writer look for books on character creation and fiction writing and visit us again for more creative writing tips.
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