Developing characters

[Michelle]

This is actually a really complex question. For me, the easiest thing is to think of them not as characters who serve a function in the book, but as people. I try to steer clear of stereotypes. Theron is a good example of that. He's bad, but he's not ugly. Goodness isn't always beautiful. I read a lot about writing, and some books make fun of stereotyped characters, and I would find myself saying, "Oh, I have a character like that. I'd better fix it."

When creating a cast of characters, James Frey recommends that you have each character write a short autobiography. If you have to get into someone's head, they develop on a larger scale and feel more real.

If you feel that you struggle with character, my number one suggestion is to by a book about developing good characters and work through the exercises it gives you. You will get the hang of it and it will begin to come easier to you.

Thank you for posting here, Aly. I love answering your questions. Feel free to contact if you want to discuss this more.

[Chris]

Michelle wrote: "For me, the easiest thing is to think of them not as characters who serve a function in the book, but as people."

That's wonderful Michelle! They really are people. The events that happen in a book really did happen - somewhere, someplace, sometime (maybe we can't ever physically go there and meet them, but...). The author is just the one with the inside scoop to tell us about it:-)