REAL PEOPLE
Characterization
Have you ever finished reading a novel & felt a letdown,
as if you just lost your best friend?
If the answer is yes, then that author did a great job with characterization.
Usually what we take away from a story is a character.
The way they look, speak, & view the world are crucial.
When you begin to plot your storyline,
you may not know your characters well.
A good way to become acquainted is via a detailed character sketch.
This can be done by keeping a notebook & pen handy.
Whenever you encounter an interesting character
in the real world, jot down whatever makes him special.
It's amazing how many distinctive personalities,
bizarre behaviors & haunting one-liners you can stumble upon
during a random afternoon at the mall.
Notice things like mannerisms, hairstyles, bad habits,
& how folks chew their food - you get the idea.
When you have time, fit some of those personality pieces together,
& create believable, multi-dimensional individuals.
Now when you need something original,
glance through your pages, & the perfect composite will be there.
By the time you complete your in-depth sketches,
you may feel that you know more about your characters
than you will ever reveal.
However, the difference in your story will blow you away.
Both your characters & your plot will gain intricacy & intensity.
For instance, have you ever met someone & thought you had him pegged
until discovering an additional dimension to his personality?
I met a quiet, seemingly conservative man at church -
a C.P.A. who always wore a three-piece suit.
I visualized him holed up in his den on weekends,
wolfing down glazed donuts & coffee,
taking care not to drop crumbs on his silk robe
while reading political nonfiction.
I was knocked out when he told me he was an avid scuba diver,
as well as a competitive snow skier. Wow!
There was more to him than I expected.
I believe that would be true for all of us,
& so it should be for the individuals we create in our stories.
Your protagonist will reveal what she's made of
as she struggles through life's difficulties.
Make her three-dimensional,
so your reader can see her various ways of dealing with pain, confrontation, loss, etc.
Your main character must exhibit good points & sub-par qualities,
like real humans do.
Have fun with your characters & their quirks.
Hopefully, when your readers finish your book,
they will feel like they just lost their best friend.
That is the best compliment an author can receive.