Pack Principles & Help Center

Introducing Characters

When beginning your book, surely you'd like your readers to go crazy about how well thought out it is. This chapter should help you build memorable characters that will have them wanting more and you can do this with 6 fundamental points:

1 • Backstories

Start the first chapter with a backstory or include one that will give your readers a brief background of your main character's life. This should allow more understanding and also get your readers to emphasize with them in case of tragic circumstances.

But be careful not to dump everything at once as this might ruin the book for them. Rather provide a flashback or simple paragraph on relevant issues along the way and maybe, to end with a bang-reveal something big that no one saw coming; that might assist with those who plan to write a sequel.

2 • Common Actions

Readers should be able to tell which character is which by knowing how they move, act and speak. When introducing a person, make sure to give them unique characteristics. Here are some examples:

- rubbing of the neck or biting nails when nervous

- shifting weight from foot to foot when excited

- speaks very briefly or quietly

Now people should know who you're describing without having to say their name. It's not necessary but it could make your characters more intriguing and help separate them from others.

3 • Direct Intros

We've seen so many books that start with: "Hi. I'm Alex and I'm part of the Stone River Pack. I like to yada yada yada, my hair is bleh."

There's nothing wrong with it as its the author's decision on how they start their book but for new writers-try to avoid that. You want your readers to connect with your character, not read through a whole trivia about them before they're called downstairs for breakfast. As Duffy says: go against the grain.

Instead of trying to force everything about them into the very beginning, why not subtly drop details about them as your write. For example:

"Last night was a blast. My friend, Lydia, managed to drag me to a shifter party after I swore I wouldn't attend any teenage raves. I mean, get drunk off my a** and pass out at 4am only to wake up with a pounding headache and no memory of what happened? Um, I'd rather stay home, sit back and enjoy reading about Gideon Cross..."

"I tuck my chestnut brown hair behind my ear before stepping forward. You'd expect me to cower when standing among the most powerful wolves of the west borders but no, I hold my head up high with Alpha Logan's 6'2" body pressed up against my 5'5" frame."

In these two paragraphs -that will most likely be spread within the first 2-5 chapters- we find out about Alex's dislikes, hobbies, hair color, strength and height without putting such information as some kind of list.

4 • Introduce A Main Character Through Another

Nothing says you can't bring in one of your mains by having another character talk of them. This gives a sense of suspense and curiousness which has your readers sitting at the edge of their seats, waiting to meet them officially-especially if its someone you've stated in your description. Like... An Alpha that your main girl will somehow stumble upon:

"I've heard of Alpha Logan plenty of times. I was told he's a ruthless wolf with no emotions or remorse for the things he's done but I also hear that he's extremely good-looking and charming despite his unpleasant nature."

And then we have him showing up a few chapters later but see, the readers already anticipated him and his personality, that's when your start unraveling his other traits that they might not have expected or have him develop them as you go. By the end of the book, he's now a caring Alpha who can be hard on people but loves deeply. Remember though, keep it realistic.

5 • Distinctive Physical Descriptions

Make sure you describe your characters in way that allow your readers to have a perfect image of them in their minds. In these descriptions, include:

- the way they dress

- physical appearance

- their 'tells' or how they move

"She steps out of the shadows, eyes squinted and her hands balled into little fists. The wind laps at her torn, blue sundress and twigs crunch under her bare feet. Her heart-shaped face is covered in dirt and remnants of leaves yet she still looks incredibly gorgeous. She shivers and then wraps her arms around herself. I growl. Cold. She's cold. Warm her up. Hold her. My wolf's thoughts echo through my mind and I respond to them by stalking toward her, jacket off and ready to drape it over her shoulders before gently cradling her."

Quick question: How many of you could tell it was a guy -or in this case, Alpha Logan- speaking?

What we're trying to say here is that when describing, don't tell; show.

6 • Grasping Intros

How about you start your story right when your main is stuck between life changing moments. Sure, it might confuse people but that won't matter because you plan on writing an explanation as you go along.

- they might be moving to a new pack

- could be a rogue attack that changes them forever

- maybe they're kidnapped and find themselves kept captive

Whichever, whatever, the point is to try and bring your readers some action right at the start of the book that will have them stick around for more. Just remember to talk about your character's past life and don't rush your book, especially since you've skipped to an intense moment.

VOCAB

We'll choose words and advise you to use at least 2 of them the next time you write. Think of it as an assignment and feel free to send us links to where they've been used 😄

► Entreat: ask or request earnestly

"Now, please get off of me." She entreats, meeting his gaze.

► Fathom: come to understand

He treated me like I meant nothing but when they told him to set me free, he found the idea hard to fathom.

► Ratify: approve and express assent, responsibility or obligation

Their mating was ratified by the elders quite easily.

► Wistful: showing pensive sadness

Alex stared at him, her eyes wistful and body slumped over.

► Austere: severely simple

The shirt she wore today was austere.

►Foster: promote the growth of

Alpha Logan was told to foster his pack or else they'd strip him of his title.

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If you need assistance, please contact any one of the team members 🙂

*Alex, Lydia and Logan were created solely for the purpose of this chapter. If they resemble any other character, it's completely coincidental.