Creating Characters of a Race, Creed, Nationality or Color Other Than Your Own

[Jim]

Most novels include a large cast of characters. They often represent a variety of races, creeds, nationalities and colors. Professional authors usually possess the necessary technical writing and narrating skills, along with sufficient knowledge of the subject, to create diverse characters that are believable and realistic.

To create and adequately portray diverse characters, one must first perform adequate research. There are books and periodicals that describe in intricate detail specific cultures, religions, histories, languages and traditions of every conceivable origin. Most peoples' social circle includes a diverse group of individuals.

If skilled authors expend the necessary time and effort to access the abundant material available and engage in intelligent conversations and interviews with relatives, friends and acquaintances representative of the particular aspects they wish to bestow upon a specific character, the end result will be believable, accurately portrayed and interesting. If they don't, it won't.

[Mary]

Such excellent advice and comments.