Finding Your Fictional Character

Finding a fictional character

Readers want characters who are recognizable; most similar to themselves.

Where to find a fictional character:
• From your own personality (autobiographical)
• From your own family, friends, acquaintances, peers, neighborhood (biographical)
• From psychology textbooks
• From astrology charts and columns
• From mythology or legends
• From the Bible
• From other stories you read, or novels you read
• From other media
• From your imagination

Most writers fuse autobiographical with biographical sources to create a fusion of character “traits” or what is essentially “characterization.”

Characterization: How do I show character in a story?

• Summarize history or background, or describe physical or mental traits (character/self-portrait)
o Why use it? It develops character quickly all at once, allowing the writer to move on to the plot, setting, conflict, etc.
o Beware:
 this sort of thing leads to telling, not showing
 you are essentially asking the reader to wait to continue or go further with the plot, conflict, dialogue, or other elements that move a story along
 It can slow the pace of your story down
• Repeat an action or habit (including what they say or dialogue)
o Why use it? Allows reader to understand what a character normally does in a given situation; particularly useful if your character will soon do something “out of character.” Helps develop theme & dialogue moves plot
o Beware:
 The habit or action should be essential to the motivation of the character, a plot point, or reveal setting, symbol, or conflict
• Describe appearance
o Why use it? When you describe appearance, you suggest characterization to your reader through recognizable symbols
o Beware:
 As “action/habit” above
• Describe a scene
o Why use it? Moves the plot, conflict, etc. along quickly; sets your character in motion without needing to summarize or generalize.
• Combination of all methods