Fatal Fantasy

Writing 101: Character Development

   A crucial part of every tale are the ones living it. That's why it is important to have a deep, meaningful cast. Many beginners tend to ignore the people of the story, which is, without a doubt, a horrible decision. Therefore, continue reading for the best advice I can give on character development.

        I, personally, am every connected to my characters, no matter the flaws they have, the mistakes they make, and the people they are. You're aware as a writer that you're just a bystander, and all the events unfolding are going to have tragedies in their midst. Each and every character is vital to the puzzle that the tale is. There are a number of major rules novices tend to break when it comes to connecting characters to plot. These include creating a fictional you, making the protagonist too perfect, and basic human flaws that are ignored.
 

I share this fault with many other writers. That is, I tend to put myself into the novel, either through "coincidental" joint qualities, similar environments and general emotions and feelings. This is normal, of course. We always seek for someone to identify to and writing let's you create that someone. However, it limits the story. No matter how hard you try, you are not a Demigod, a wizard or Divergent. You are you. Let your characters be them.

One thing even best-selling authors do is make their characters far too perfect. Admit it, as a reader, you've always hated how all the main protagonists were utterly gorgeous and mentally and financially stable... for the most part. The romances always seemed to happen in the snap of a finger and no one once doubted why. Popular YA books such as the Hunger Games and Divergent  are successful by having realistic people --give or take. For that, I tip my hat to both Collins and Roth.

The following problem is related to perfect characters. When your main character is a completely unexposed child with absolutely no experience in any fields... she can't just magically have the ability to shoot a gun or speak in Latin. Keep in mind that the people in your story are people. Remember that a person's past can make them who they are and can affect them in the present, but it does not define them. Don't give a character a tortured past and not make them weary or suspicious. However, do not make them so paranoid that the story cannot continue. It sounds confusing, but when put into practice, it will get easier. Also, there are great people in this world, but rarely does a reincarnated da Vinci walk into the room. Unless you have a very factual person, don't make them recite facts you yourself had just looked up on the internet to support the plot.

        I have been writing this story since I began my journey into literature at age eight. Its face has changed many times, the plot morphed into a new entity every couple years, but there is one thing that has never changed-- my characters. They have gone from vague possibilities to solid life forms in my mind. This is how I've done it. I've given my characters the room to develop, I've related their flaws with their advantages, and their past with their present. Before I began to write down the details, I imagined myself meeting one of them; shaking their hands and making a first impression. This person seemed slightly aloof, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Another one looked dominant and powerful, but also like something was troubling her. This way, you see how they present themselves and you also see how they really are. You're left questioning what made the boy so sad, what was worrying the girl?

        That is why I've established my own little chart for your character development. Before you begin filling this out for your own characters, first figure out what time in the story-line you are writing for. A character can change a lot in a couple pages. Make sure not to include major events that have yet to happen or relationships that haven't started. Understand that your antagonists are people, too. Do not have a villain whose only job is to stop the hero. That is a Disney fantasy. The dark truth is, every antagonist was once a protagonist, so and so. Do I have to mention Voldemort? Sure, he was technically always a dark wizard, but he could've still been saved. Well, forward to the chart.
     

Name:

Age:

Classification: If there is anything supernatural, military, scientific or paranormal in your story.

Talents:

Features: 

Most Valued Qualities:

Least Valued Qualities: 

Relatives: 

Relationships: Romances, enemies, etc....

Role In Story: Protagonist, antagonist, neutral, supporting character....

Background: How their life has been up until now.

Personal Conflict: What makes this character who they are? Why do they do the things they do?

Conflicts with Others: 

Notable: 

        If you are someone who doesn't like to analyze your characters so much, just wants them to be, don't worry. As long as you have a character's background and conflicts down --and stick to it-- you'll be fine

        Well, here concludes this article of Writing 101. Keep tuned for more similar to this. Next time, I'll be sharing stories and inspirations from writers just like you!

Ari

Why not read...?
The Crow and the Butterfly (Black Butler story)
by Pahneeah
Sebastian returns to London with Ciel. They run into a vampire with a strange lust, craving and an offer. Will Sebastian and Ciel be brought to their knees? Or will someone face near death to the hands of a vampire?