Making imaginary people believable.
In most stories, characters are essential. Frodo Baggins in 'The Lord of the Rings', Dorian Gray in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', Scout Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird, Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series... All cleverly crafted to make them seem life like, you could almost believe they were real.
So how does Rowling come up with such magical characters as Harry Potter? How does CS Lewis make Aslan the talking lion come to life in the room beside you?
So how does Rowling come up with such magical characters as Harry Potter? How does CS Lewis make Aslan the talking lion come to life in the room beside you?
A few favourite characters and techniques.
Harry James Potter is one of the best known characters of the Twenty-First Century. But what makes him so brilliant?
1. A tagline. 'The Boy Who Lived' gives Harry an air of mystery - you want to read on and find out more about this guy. 2. A unique Characteristic. His scar attracts everyones attention and has it's own story - The story that allowed Rowling to write 7 brilliant books. 3. He's always got something else! In every book, you learn something more about Harry. he can speak to snakes, he's a horcrux... (Oops, sorry if you haven't read the end!) 4. He's likeable. If Harry Potter had turned out to be a grumpy old sod with no friends, you might have put the books down after number one. Harry has a close group of friends, and when people turn against him, the reader knows something which will make you feel sorry for him. The young Telmarine Prince Caspian in C.S. Lewis' 'The Chronicals of Narnia' is dashing, handsome and an alround saviour of Narnia. but how did Lewis manage to bring such a wonderful boy into our heads?
1. He believes. Even when his Uncle Miraz tells him that the stories of Narnia are absolute tommyrot, Caspian still believes. He is awestruck when he finally meets some real Narnians. 2. You feel sorry for him. Poor Caspian has to run away when his Uncle Miraz gives birth to an heir, and orders his men to have Caspian Killed. |
What can We Do?
How does your character relate to things, animals and other people?
Take a horse for example. Horses mean different things to different people. Obviously, if your character is an animal, this could be tricky, but it still applies. Take a horse for example...
Take a horse for example. Horses mean different things to different people. Obviously, if your character is an animal, this could be tricky, but it still applies. Take a horse for example...
- A young girl could see a horse as her beautiful steed, taking her to the palace. Aboard that horse, she could be a princess, Robin Hood's Maid Marian, anything she wants.
- To a boy, His horse could be Bucephalus (Alexander the Great's horse), He could be a stallion, carrying young Prince Arthur to Camelot, an outcast's escape route.
- To a soldier (Let us say your writing was set in medieval times) Or a knight, a horse life. Without his horse to carry him, a knight could be killed in battle or captured as a prisoner.
- Kings (Back to the medieval theme) might see their horse as an object, something that makes their life easier. The servants will make sure it's always where he needs it, he needn't worry about it.
Names are important. With so many to choose from, picking one for your character can be tricky. Think about the following things when choosing a name for your characters.
- The current world situation. If you want your character to be liked, don't name him after someone on the news nobody likes! Maybe name them after a famous celebrity?
- their personality. People who are high achievers (Or 'nerds' as you may prefer) generally don't have names like 'Vicky' or 'Roxy', they often prefer 'Victoria' or 'Roxanne'. People from lower class or those who don't work so hard may prefer the latter two names. (Remember - these are just examples of useful stereotypes. I don't mean to offend people named 'Roxy' or 'Vicky'!)
- Where they/ their family come from. Different countries have names more common than they may be in others. If they are welsh, 'Gwen' or 'Owen' are good. Look up 'names from (Insert country here)' if you have difficulties!
Describe in detail! Does John have 'Raven black hair', or 'jet black hair'. These both bring up different images up. the former being a more blue, the latter a dark black.
Bring your character to life through what readers will see in their heads. every now and then add in something else. gradually build up a detailed picture of them: their hair, their skin, their height, the little scar on their left arm, the fact that one of their eyes is bright pink! Whatever you imagine your character to be like, tell your readers.
A distinguishing feature can allow readers to relate to them. Scars are useful. Describe where it is. you don't always have to mention how they got it, the reader only needs to know this if it is useful to the plotline, otherwise, leave it as a mystery for them.
What kind of things do they like? Jack likes Sci-Fi and is obsessed with 'Star Trek', but maybe Myles prefers historical documentries and collects bits of crayfish. It's your character, they can be a surreal as you like! Try writing a profile, stating things like favourite foods and films, Favourite colour, collections, obsessions, odd habits.... that sort of thing.