 For Authors: August 24, 2011 Issue [#4572] |
  For Authors
This week: Play with your characters Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Library Class!  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
Authors steep themselves in their characters. For the author, that person is real.
But has this been conveyed to the reader? Here are some games that might help you test this out. |
| ASIN: 1542722411 |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99
|
|
Hi!
Thinking of some of my favourite literary characters over the years, I realise that one of the reasons that they're so dear to me is that their personality traits are clearly drawn; I feel I know them personally.
Often, though the characters are complex and deep, their main characteristics can be summed up in a few words or phrases.
Take some of Wodehouse's creations. Jeeves solves Bertie Wooster's problems, discretely and completely, and usually extracts 'payment' in some form or other. Lord Emsworth is absent-minded and loves his pig. Psmith has a superior air about him, and nothing can rattle the man.
Take Anne, from Anne of Green Gables. She's well meaning but gets into scrapes all the time. Take Hermione Granger, from Harry Potter. She has the answers, she cares deeply for her friends and the causes close to her, and she's only willing to break the rules when there is a very good reason to do so.
So - memorable characters can be created with a few carefully selected characteristics that stick. And how do you know whether you've achieved this? Here are a couple of games that may just help.
Yes instead of No and vice-versa
Once you've written the story or chapter with your character making a particular choice, try re-writing it with the character making the opposite choice. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, try a scenario where Harry doesn't go to the Department of Mysteries to save Sirius. It won't work. Harry's character is so strong - he has a 'saving people thing' and won't let you write on with the opposite choice. Try that with your characters, too. If you feel uncomfortable with them making the opposite choice, then the character is created strongly enough.
Equal and opposite reaction
Once you've tried with choices, try it with spontaneous reactions.
Try letting Wodehouse's Psmith show that something has moved him beyond his usual calm. Won't work. He gets hold of himself so quickly, he never shows he's deeply moved emotionally. Similarly, your character's spontaneous reactions should be so ingrained, they cannot be imagined to react any other way.
You could try making other changes - like in appearance. Harry Potter without the glasses. Willy Wonka in a t-shirt. Psmith without the monocle. In speech patterns, in mannerisms ... try re-writing with changes in these aspects of your character, and, hopefully, your character is so strong, this'll make you uncomfortable!
Thanks for listening! 
Sonali |
An interesting new group!
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1793141 by Not Available. |
By our authors!
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1847577 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1801416 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1803596 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1803585 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1799912 by Not Available. |
Please add to my in-and-out!
A thought-provoking poll!
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1753466 by Not Available. |
Some all-time favourites!
Please welcome our Newbies!
Oh, and - here's some purposely bad writing! 
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1803207 by Not Available. |
M.Harris  says - Thanks for posting my really bad writing "My Friend That Repairs Cables" I like Manuel. He is very easy going. |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: 0996254145 |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 12.95
|
|
Thanks to those who responded to "For Authors Newsletter (February 10, 2010)" !
NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth 
Awesome! I loved how you created the story w/ those in and out responses. thank you fro sharing such a creative and inspirational idea with us. now, if i can take that inspiration and run with it...
Briar Rose
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." Pride and Prejudice
"O for a Muse of Fire that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention..." Henry V
Those are two of the best first lines ever.
Vivian 
Interesting concept and result.
|
| ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
