 Romance/Love: September 18, 2024 Issue [#12748] |
This week: Traits of a Character Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Romance/Love Newsletter by Dawn
A glance at the traits of characters, considering what elements can be shown to give them personality. |
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When it comes to romance, characters are at the forefront. Without the main character and the love, well then there wouldn't be much of a story. Which means when writing a romance story that one should probably take some time to consider the characters. The question is: do you take the time to consider specific traits before writing, during the process or is it something that just develops as the story unfolds?
For plotters, it's a little easier. There are many character sheets available and many of the questions are geared towards showcasing aspects that help to make the character believable or interesting. Some might be on the basic side, but other questionnaires for characters will move beyond appearance to get into personality elements and even flaws. And it's helpful to know certain details. We want to know what the character wants out of life, their hopes and dreams. We even want to know things they enjoy or even if they like their job or not. Having those details planned out, ahead of time, might be helpful in writing, if you don't mix up which trait goes to the character. And be careful on names too. I even mess those up sometimes when I"m working on more than one story at a time. Oops.
They don't have to just be positive characteristics either. While we do like to know what people are good at, what makes them pleasant and likable for the reader. But if that's all we get, it's a little boring. What flaw can help make the character seem more realistic and relatable? That depends on the story. Is the character too cocky? Maybe they are shy and thus have a hard time relating to someone who is super talkative. Do they have something they think is a flaw but the lover interest finds appealing? There are many options in order to whether or not something is even considered a flaw.
Which brings us to the point that what may be positive for one character, could be a flaw for another. It's all a matter of perspective.
I was listening to an audiobook recently where there is a quirky side character who befriends the guy that is terrible at understanding social cues. She is funny but in a deadpan kind of way, calling the guy a baby unicorn and speaking in ways where it was hard to tell if she was being serious or sarcastic. The way she interacted with the main character was really what helped to sell and develop both. Characters help in how they interact with each other to showcase the personality developments. This is one aspect that you can either get through preparation or something that can come out of a writing by the seat of your pants style. Either way, having characters interact is a good way to showcase their traits in a way that is a little more natural.
Doesn't matter if you need to plan these features out or if you just write them as it happens in a story, there is a basic element here to remember... Write. |
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Do you consider specific traits for your main character and their love interest?
Romance writing prompt: Take a trope and do the opposite. Example: Instead of having a marriage of convenience, write a story about a divorce of convenience. Close proximity - distance makes dating possible. Or try having a story where no one believes the couple are dating, instead of the fake relationship. Google tropes and see if any catch your attention.
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