Character choices

Character choices

A Lesson by Novelist
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How to choose the right character personalities to fit your story.

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   Having good characters might not seem like an important part in adding voice to your story, but it is! Readers can sense the person behind the words, and the more, the better. You can base some of your characters off of people you know. Anyway, here are the major steps to creating good characters that fit with your story:
  1) DO NOT! I repeat, DO NOT begin with the name! The name should be based on the character's personality, not the other way around.
  2) Make your character match your story theme. For example, you wouldn't want to have a shy, bashful character becoming the hero of the story.Exactly, basically, you just have to use common sense for this one.
  3) Every character needs a personality. Set up/explain the fundamentals of your character(s) in the beginning, and you will have part of the foundation for a great story (see more in later lessons)!
  4)Also, you will need to describe the physical appearance, but only if necessary.
  5)Once you have explained the personality, THEN decide on a name!
  6)Continuing from the personality, you can base your character(s) on yourself, people you know, or the way you wish you were! This is a great base to start on, and it gives readers a sense of what you are like.
So, basically, get in your characters head, and give them personality, something special about them! Thanks, more soon!


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Comments

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Posted 12 Years Ago


I've changed the character's names numerous times after I got to 'know' him better. It went from Montoya, to Darius, and now it's Aidan.

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Posted 13 Years Ago


I feel bad now. I always name my characters first, then I develop their personalities and histories.

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Posted 13 Years Ago


Weaver, lol, I just read that, and I guess it doesn't make a whole lot of sense! (btw, I'm Novelist) I should of worded it better, but I'm not sure what I mean't when I was writing that! Oops!

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Posted 13 Years Ago


"you wouldn't want to have a shy, bashful character becoming the hero of the story" - Why not? This would be a character who has to change in order to do whatever is necessary - who has to overcome that shyness to become the hero - and that kind of character growth makes for a good story.

"it gives readers a sense of what you are like" - If readers are basing their assessments of me on what they see in my characters, are they ever confused! :) I'm human - honest!
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Adding voice to your writing


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Added on April 20, 2011
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Novelist
Novelist

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About
I am young (not telling age) and have just began to write, but I would really enjoy some constructive criticism on my work. :) Will begin posting soon.
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