We are all characters
“Just because you are a character doesn’t mean that you have character” The Wolf in Pulp Fiction
Character has two main definitions:
1- the mental and moral qualities that make a person unique.
2- a person in a work of literature.
Chances are you came here because you already have some glimpse of the 2nd in mind and likely have some aspects of the 1st picked out which need development.
Working with character and/or characterization comes up across genres; however, if you have a character (or character traits) on the brain, you are likely preparing to write fiction. Whether you plan to write a short story or dream of penning the next blockbuster novel, having an intriguing character is a great way to start your storytelling adventures.
Where do you find your characters?
Let me tell you a story.
At one point in my writing life, I wrote a lot of book reviews. One author requested a review of their self-published memoir. Instead of a traditional review, I found myself instead prompted to use it as a teaching moment of sorts because what stood out most to me about their memoir was that the best parts involved the author’s descriptions of their office job. The rest of the memoir, the more self-help kind of mantra work, felt forced.
So what could they have done with this information? Here are some questions/considerations:
What job does your character have? Dream of having?
Does your character have a job you have or had? (Yes, there is a reason that writing what you know is a cliche!)
Can you find or write a job posting for your character’s job (or career aspiration)?
Is the whole point of your character that they don’t want a job?
Want to think about character from a different angle? Here are some character/storytelling venues that are bit non-traditional:
What does it mean to develop a customer persona in business (or a learner persona in education).
What is data storytelling?
What other ways is narrative used outside of a traditional story?
Turn to the following pages depending on where you are in character development:
12 - Do you like working with visuals? Maybe you want to draw some actual pictures of your character? Artistic skill will not be judged!
13 - Do you want to “roll” your character’s traits? (Dice not required!)
14 - Do you need to root around in the “Junk” drawer for some ideas about your character?