This week’s video encourages
writers to take advantage of the limitations of fictional characters in a way
that will cement them in readers’ memories.
Video Transcript:
Most of the time, we exert ourselves to make our characters as deep and
dimensional as we can. Because the best characters are usually those who are
complex and even dichotomous, we’re always wanting to create characters who
demonstrate all the contradictory intricacy of real-life humans. But, despite
our best efforts, we’re never going to be able to pull this off. If for no
other reason than because of the space and time limitations of a story, our
characters are always going to be far less multifaceted than are real people.
Actually, when you come right down to it, we have no choice but to simplify our
characters, since if we tried to present all the contradictions of a real human
being, our readers would end up bewildered.
In recognizing this limitation, we can actually use it to
strengthen our characters and, more importantly, strengthen our readers’
perception of them. Today, I want you to do something really far out and think
about your character. (I know, I know, that’s a big stretch for all of you writer types). But what I want you to
think about is how you would define that character if you had to limit your
definition to just one word.
Of course, this one word is not going to cover all the bases
when it comes to this character. A well-drawn character will always offer more
than just one dimension. But, usually, we can narrow him down to one particular
trait that sums up the essence of his personality. Heathcliff is vengeful, Han Solo
is sarcastic, Scarlett O’Hara is conniving. If you’re familiar with these
characters, then you know there’s a whole lot more to them than just this. But
these are the traits that largely define these characters, and because their
authors concentrated on these traits until they became larger than life, these
are the traits for which we remember these characters. These are the traits
that make them memorable. And who
among us doesn’t want to create a character that is just as enduring?
Tell me your opinion: What one word best defines your character?
Related Posts: Why Character Stereotypes Are a Good Thing
Story by K.M. Weiland
Tags: Characters , Feature
My current hero is complex in a variety of ways but not enough to confuse the reader hopefully. I would say the trait that defines him is "brave," even though he can be afraid of what he's facing at the time. He still stands his ground no matter what.
Bravery is intrinsic to good characters. He can be many horrible or unworthy things, but if he doesn't have a streak of bravery - a survivor's soul - readers probably won't find him worth their time or interest. So that's a good word to be defined by!
I created my protagonist by using a character definition questionnaire. I answered the questions based upon me. When finished, I read what I had written. My reaction was: "What a miserable person."
One word definition of my protagonist: Less.
(Recently, at a fast food restaurant, when the nice person behind the counter asked for my name to put on the order, I said, "Les." She would not accept the name because she did not think it was a real name.)
Names come in all shapes and sizes these days! I actually used "Les" as a nickname for a character in A Man Called Outlaw, although she was a woman.
One word: lonely.
I was actually a little surprised to find myself writing this, because she didn't start out that way.
Amazing how characters start evolving the better we get to know them.
Interesting challenge, to describe your protag with just one word. Damn hard to do! :) I'd say the word that best describes my heroine is "determined". But a very close second would be "stubborn." Thanks for making me do some brain gymnastics about it, K.M. :D
Honorable. Though not perfect. ;)
@Vero: Determined and stubborn are both good, since they offer flip sides of the same thing. Instant built-in strength and weakness!
@Melissa: I'm a sucker for honorable, imperfect characters. ;)
I've been trying to develop "an elevator pitch" for my novel in anticipation of a conference. This is a good way to think about the character part. Alas, I think going from "handicapped math genius" to "concientious" may not be an exciting shift, even though Jinxx's primary concern is being a good (and Godly) person. Oh, the struggles of brevity!
The trouble with the one-word exercise is that are so many one words that could describe the character (handicapped, mathematician, genius, conscientious). They're all equally true, but usually it's in the ones that describe the character's inner state that really get to the heart of things.
Jute and Fina Jinn? Magical applies to both, but then they are twins.
Heroine = frozen. Hero = compromised.
@Joan: Great names!
@Incy: "Frozen" would be a good one for one of my recent heroines as well.
Tough one! I think the hero of my WiP is more 'idealistic' than anything else. His idealism affects his every decision: who to kiss and whose life to save.
Idealism offers a lot of story possibilities. You can take it one way and have the world sober up that idealism, or take it the other and have the idealism become a light within the world.