A Ranter's Advice on Writing a Story

BASICS: Characters

How many times have you read a novel and pretended that you were the main character?  I would say if not in every book you read, then at least a good chunk of it.  The characters in a story, whether they are major, minor, protagonists or antagonists, are the reason we read it in the first place.

We compare ourselves to these fictional beings.  Therefore, having a character that is completely flawless in all aspects of life is impossible.  Oh the hundreds of stories on Wattpad itself!  YOU NEED TO LET THEM BE RELATEABLE.  Let me give you an example.

Sarah is beautiful, no scratch that, she's gorgeous.  She has a family that seems to have descended from Heaven itself.  And not to mention the best friends who nearly worship her.  All her clothes are designer's and there's not a soul that could hate her.

Who here has read a story with a similar character?  Alright, another example then.

Austin has abs, serious actual six-pack abs.  He's on the senior football, basketball, and soccer team.  He's had a straight A average since first grade and has all the girls going for him.  And of course his family has descended with Sarah's as well.

Characters like these may exist in real life, but I have yet to meet anyone even close to perfect.  If you have characters like these, add a few flaws here and there.  Maybe Sarah, from above, doesn't get along so well with her saintly family.  Or maybe Austin s failing because all his attention is on sports.

Make them relatable.  Anyone leave assignments to the last minute?  So does Austin, not always but quite frequently.  Who here feels guilty about something they say or do?  Does it come back and buzz like a fly in your face?  Well Sarah's argument with her mother didn't go so well either.

Having characters that are a 100% opposite isn't the best way to go either.  Huh?  Yes, you added flaws so that your characters aren't perfect, but don't be the evil author.  Don't make your characters the bad luck magnet.  Bad things happen and they will,  not only your characters but to you too.  Let something good happen too.  Here's an example.

Linda is upset about her parents divorce.  She knows things won't be the same again.  They'll never go bowling together or out for ice cream.  Her grades are dropping because of this and she's been having terrible headaches.  BUT her best friend is there for her.  She makes sure that Linda has her mind is relaxed.

Although Linda's situation is negative, there is one positive in it.  Her best friend is her beacon of light.  Don't leave your characters in the dark without any light and don't put them in the spotlight without the darkness.