Tip Tuesday

I have no clue who this guy is or anything about what he writes, but I stumbled across a quote of his that I thought I might share with you. Ray Bradbury, in Zen in the Art of Writing, stated that “Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.” I love this quote. If plot is only the footprints left behind by our characters, what does that say about the importance of our characters? Our characters are what create or kill our stories. As a result, we need to create characters that are deep and unique. Let your characters be more than just names on a page. Give them feelings, strengths, weaknesses, and character quirks. In this way, you will allow your readers to become emotionally connected with your story and never forget the characters who made it.

One of my characters running toward an incredible destination

My challenge to L.A.R.K. writers and readers this week is to focus more on developing your characters. As your character grows, so will your story. This is an area I'm going to work on too. I'm posting below a list of questions you could ask yourself about your main characters. I looked at some other lists online to help create it. Of course, I know most of us write short stories, and not all these questions would appear that applicable for them, but I encourage you to fill them out anyways, just to see how well you actually know your character. I started filling it out for one of my main characters in Josephine and realized I didn't know my character hardly at all!

Character Questions

General:

1. What is his/her name?
2. Does he/she have a nickname? If so, what is it and how did he/she get it?
3. What is your character's age?
4. Describe how your character looks. Make sure you include stature, complexion, hair and eye color, and any imperfections that make them unique.

Personality:

5. What words could you use to describe your character's personality? Make a list.
6. If you could choose only one word to describe your character, what would it be?
7. Is your character and introvert or extrovert, social or prefer to stay at home?
8. How does your character like to dress?
9. What are his/her favorite types of food? What types does he/she not like?
10. What is his/her favorite color? What color does he/she not like?
11. What sort of things embarrass your character?
12. What are some of your character's quirks or annoying habits? (ex: chewing fingernails, clicking pens, etc.)
13. Does your character have any phobias? If so, what are they? What is his/her greatest fear?
14. What are your character's pet peeves? (ex: nails on chalkboard) In other words, what annoys your character?
15. What is your character's love language? Highlight one or two: Words of affirmation, Acts of service, Gifts, Physical Touch, Quality Time
16. Is your character more optimistic or pessimistic?
17. Is your person a detail person or is he/she more concerned about the overall picture?
18. What is he/she passionate about? What are his/her strongest beliefs?
19. What is most important to your character?
20. What does your character think of his/herself? Is there anything about him/herself he/she would like to change?

In Action:

21. What does your character do for a living? What is his/her job? (if he/she has one)
22. What are some of his/her interests and hobbies? What does he/she love doing?
23. What does your character hate doing?
24. What are your character's strengths? (In other words, what is your character good at?)
25. What are your character's weaknesses? (What is your character not good at?)
26. What are your character's deepest wishes or desires?
27. What does his/her normal day look like?

Family, Friends, and Foe:

28. What, in general, do other people in your story think of your character?
29. Describe your character's family.
30. With whom in her family does he/she get along well with? With whom does she not?
31. Describe your character's friends.
32. Who are your character's enemies or who does he/she not like?
33. Who is your character closest to?

Environment:

34. Where does your character call “home”? Describe it.
35. Describe the town or city or wherever it is he/she lives. Name the places he/she likes and the places he/she avoids.

Anything else you would like to add?