Book of Prompts

introduction of a character

How you introduce a character really matters to the reader and story.

Hi. My name is Mary Smith. I'm 16 years old and have black hair, brown eyes.

Every time I see this I immediately no longer want to read the story. For me personally this sort of introduction to a story and character is really off putting.

Here's how I would have done it.

A strong willed that's how Doctor Ellie described me to my mum. She hates me because I won't sit in her office, pouring out my woes and issues. “Mary,” she sighs, every time I tell her “I'm fine,”.

And I am fine, it's the rest of the world that seems to have an issue with me. I dyed my light brown hair black and wanted to get red coloured contact lenses, two days later I was sent to therapy.

Is it perfect no but it gives a lot more about the character than just random facts.