Characters and Characterisation

[Debz]

Originally Posted By: Jaine

This is my biggest stumblingblock as a writer. I'm always impatient to start a new story and so don't take the time to build strong character backgrounds. This means that I draw a 'thumbnail' of the character and fill in details as I write. This almost always leads to unpredictable and mercurial characters and makes plotting from them nigh-on impossible. End result: the story stalls.

Anybody got any helpful hints?

[Debz]

Originally Posted By: Debz

Ooh, tough question. I'm perhaps not the best to be answering this, but here goes.

My methods are quite the reverse to yours, hunny - I build a character, construct a story then either see how the two might fit together or set up events to test the character within and up to their limits. I usually have a wealth of characters half completed and waiting in the wings which i can build up and insert into a given situation. Thats how come fanfiction is an "easy" prospect to dabble in - half the work is done because the character already exists so you only have to expand certain aspects of them.

Now then - you come up with the story but the characterisation runs away with you? I guess the "thumbnail" method IS a good place to begin, but perhaps you could try just putting the story on hold for a moment and just put together a short set of requirements you have from your character - slightly expand the thumbnail before you begin writing.

Perhaps you could make it like a list of traits and abilities which they have, things they will and won't, can and can't do but then keep the list to hand and try not to deviate from them. They can change, of course, but their basic reactions to whatever comes their way, shouldn't. Does that make any sense?

I'd use one of my own characters as an example, but I'm struggling to choose one. Jaine, may I get back to you on this one when I have more time? If, of course, someone else doesn't come up with a better way of helping your predicament beforehand.

Sadly, tonight I have to get myself to bed - work in the morning. *wrinkles nose*
But I'll have a think over how I can help.
Chat to ya soon!
Debz.