Today, I would like to talk about characterization and how we as writers can make our characters seem more real. As writers, we usually know what stories we want to tell but sometimes we have trouble making the characters seem realistic. So, if you are having this form of writer's block, then this is the post for you.
First of all, you need to understand the setting and background of your story. If you are telling a story about the South in the 1800s then chances are your characters need to be black or white and need to be connected to slavery in some way shape or form. Why? Because most of the Southern population at that time was black or white and was involved in slavery as slaves, masters, overseers, or slave auctioners. If you want to be different, you could use a Native American perspective to tell a story of the South in the 1800s that is not normally told.
Returning to my main point, characterization is key to a great story. If the characters are unbelievable or if people can't relate to them then the appeal of the story will be nonexistent. Another good way to write strong characters, is to use people around you as inspiration. If you have interesting people in your life, such as, the drama queen, the liar, or the crazy, alcoholic uncle then create characters similar to them and adapt them to the situations happening in your story.
Movies can also help create great characters. Movies are a visual medium that give you a chance to see the characters and interpret how they look and behave. Use these characters as models for yours. If you don't like something they did or said, then change it in your story.
Characters are the essence of a good story because they are what keeps the story moving. Therefore, it is important that they be complete and believable so that the story has foundation and room to expound upon. Characters must be so real that people talk about them like they exist. For instance, my friend and I love the book, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston because of Janie's (the main character)love interest, Teacake. We are always jokingly saying, "Where's My Teacake at?"
Characters are the life of the story so remember, When the Page Comes to Life...so do you.
First of all, you need to understand the setting and background of your story. If you are telling a story about the South in the 1800s then chances are your characters need to be black or white and need to be connected to slavery in some way shape or form. Why? Because most of the Southern population at that time was black or white and was involved in slavery as slaves, masters, overseers, or slave auctioners. If you want to be different, you could use a Native American perspective to tell a story of the South in the 1800s that is not normally told.
Returning to my main point, characterization is key to a great story. If the characters are unbelievable or if people can't relate to them then the appeal of the story will be nonexistent. Another good way to write strong characters, is to use people around you as inspiration. If you have interesting people in your life, such as, the drama queen, the liar, or the crazy, alcoholic uncle then create characters similar to them and adapt them to the situations happening in your story.
Movies can also help create great characters. Movies are a visual medium that give you a chance to see the characters and interpret how they look and behave. Use these characters as models for yours. If you don't like something they did or said, then change it in your story.
Characters are the essence of a good story because they are what keeps the story moving. Therefore, it is important that they be complete and believable so that the story has foundation and room to expound upon. Characters must be so real that people talk about them like they exist. For instance, my friend and I love the book, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston because of Janie's (the main character)love interest, Teacake. We are always jokingly saying, "Where's My Teacake at?"
Characters are the life of the story so remember, When the Page Comes to Life...so do you.
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