A Real Character

Sometimes when I’m telling stories I wish I had a fun character thought up already for a quick cameo. Someone memorable, who stands out from the rest, but doesn’t require a lot of back story or fleshing out. In case you, like me, wish you had that available, here’s a list of a few character types that would make great short-lived heroes.

Constantly uses non sequiturs or improper antecedents
Has a large vocabulary, but can’t say the words, or mixes up what means what
Fidgets with whatever is nearest
Giggles nervously at inappropriate times
Extremely thick accent
Has a patois of the local language or uses local slang that is entirely unfamiliar
Extremely clumsy
Can hear something you can’t, and talks to it
Likes animals way more than people
Up-talker
Close talker
Can’t breathe with their mouth closed/really bad cold
Complete know-it-all/ says everything as if it’s conclusive
Mimics the other characters unconsciously
Unreliable “yes” man
Doesn’t speak where action will suffice
Indecisive without direction
Extreme risk taker
Very religious
Conspiracy theorist

 

In book-related news, the first beta reader came back with the first four chapters and said that it might be my strongest start yet, and that she got misty-eyed! Score! Now just to finish the damn thing. Everyone please send me fast-writing thoughts. Or if you see me loitering on Facebook, tell me to get my ass back to work. Thanks!!