The Three Layers of Complex Characters
Note: This is an online version of a writing workshop currently in progress: Learning, Then Burning (Or at Least Overturning) the Writing Rule Book. You can sign up here to receive notes from this class as they become available.
The Three Layers of a Complex Character
Top Layer – Potentially Protective
This layer is socially acceptable but superficial – and often somewhat transparent. Characters (and real people) hold onto it to the degree they (and we) need to, some more tightly than others. But it’s usually at least somewhat obvious that there is something underneath. For example – a character may constantly wear brand name clothes and talk about taking expensive vacations, but there is a sense they are hiding some insecurity.
Middle Layer – Potentially Defective
The second layer consists of traits a character is trying to conceal with the top layer. They are usually less socially acceptable, and often less noble than the top layer. For the character above, this layer would be the layer that is a gold digger or social climber who uses people in their efforts to seem wealthy.
Inner layer – Undeniably Human
Underneath the other two layers, however, is a human core. Characters (and people) bury this level deeply, because rejection at this level really hurts. But it’s this human core that is the most universal. If we can see the human core of a character, we will understand and care for them. If a character can find and learn to accept their own human core, they will acheive inner peace to the degree it’s possible. For the character above, this means we learn why he or she is so afraid of seeming poor. Maybe they grew up in a situation where their needs weren’t met or they were bullied for being the badly dressed kid at school. Maybe they are desperate for their own kids not to have the same experience. No, don’t you feel like a big ol’ meanie for jumping to conclusions?
Writing Assignment:
Take a character you want to write about. Perhaps the one you sketched out in the first part of this lesson.
Write a character sketch that addresses each of these three levels.
Writing tip:
Each of these levels can be widened or narrowed to make a character more or less sympathetic. Want to make us care for your character? Show us a lot of that human core. Want to keep them unlikeable? Focus on the defective layer and its superficial coverup.
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This is an online version of a writing workshop by Roxanna Elden, author of See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers. (And hopefully some other books, soon.)
You can sign up here to receive notes from this class as they become available.
