Most of you already know that I’m a plot chick. I usually can’t even begin to really focus on character until I get the novel structure down. That’s my process.
Last night during my writing session, I concentrated on character development — specifically my secondary characters. There are three characters in particular that I need to flesh out.
One of the things that I do to get to know my characters better is ask a question and then let each character answer. The answers always surprise me and I always learn something from this exercise.
Here’s one of the questions I asked my characters last night:
Question: What do you think of Prince William and Lady Kate getting engaged?
Character 1 Answer: I really don’t care about Prince William. Or Kate. Why are you asking me all of this stupid celebrity questions? Let’s talk about something of substance — like the teen who died at that party last weekend. Or how the local food bank is running low on supplies and donations. Let’s talk about that!
Character 2 Answer: It’s so romantic. She’s a commoner and he’s a Prince. Did you see that engagement ring? C-A-R-A-T-S! I wonder what kind of wedding dress she’ll wear? I read that he proposed to her in Africa when they went on safari. Princess Kate! A modern fairy tale. I can’t wait to watch the wedding on TV.
Character 3 Answer: Whatever. It only took him like 8 years to propose to her. He asked her to wait and like an idiot she waited. And you know that prenup is going to be iron-clad. At least Kate’s family has millions so if it doesn’t work out, she’ll be fine money-wise. Queen Elizabeth isn’t going to let her near the family jewels. Hopes she likes the paparazzi following her. Goodbye privacy.
For me, this is a good way to get to know my characters better. I may not use any of the answers for the novel, but it will give me a better idea of how these characters will react and interact when I put them in the scene. And also keep them distinct from my protagonist.
How do you develop your characters? Would love to hear about other ideas.
Hah! The Royal wedding is a great question to get characters talking!
My tutor taught me a brilliant way to draw out characters at the beginning. Short version: Imagine the character walking into a room. Describe them first physically. Gender? Hair color? Race? Clothes? Shoes? Hands? If you can’t see them, stop and wait until you can. Then try to see around them. Where are they? What can they hear? Smell? See? Only then do you look inside them: What are they afraid of? What if their secret? I don’t know why, but this starting outward and moving inwards always works really well for me.
Karen, it’s so cool to see how different your character perspectives really are. What a great way to keep yourself on track too. I know there are times when I feel like I might be losing a character’s voice and reading these kinds of answers (or constructing a few more) would be a quick way to get yourself back into the right mindset.
I love, love, love your idea of asking your character something to do with current events! I fill out a personal questionaire for each of my main characters before I start the novel. It helps a lot!
cool idea! Karen
@Anne: Ooh, that sounds like a good exercise — working from the outside in. I’ll have to try that one when I get stuck with a character.
@Andrea: Character #3 had me cracking up with some of her answers. I think she just needs a hug or something. Ha.
@HeatherM: I use a personal questionnaire too but it’s very generic. And I only do it after I finish a draft. I’m character-challenged I guess. :)
@Joanna: You should try it out and see if it works for you.
Great exercise. I’ll be stealing….I mean, using that one later. Unfortunately, I don’t have a great one to add. I usually go for the standard character description– outwardly and inwardly—i.e. each character’s appearance, wants, & obstacles.
But let me just say, your exercise really shows a writer the types of conflicts the characters can have. Maybe not over Prince William and Kate but if this is how those three people see the world, can you imagine them in the same room?
I am terrible at doing the interview exposition process and I totally admire people like you who can do it. I only get to know my characters through revisions. Each layer draws me closer and closer until I know what’s missing and what’s out of character.
I totally laughed though at character #2′s answer. I was a teen girl in Canada when it was Prince Charles and Lady Diana. I’m seeing so many similarities between the press coverage of Edward and Kate, that’s been a total hoot to walk down memory lane. Of course, I was in Canada too so the coverage was even MORE intense. It was all royals all the time, lol.
What a great way to get to know your characters. I follow a whole mish mash of ways from certain character charts to keep asking why of questions until I get down to the emotional truth…etc. Whatever works.
@Latoya: You should definitely steal —uh, try it! :) There is a scene in my novel with Char #1 and Char #3 are in a scene together. That has been fun revising for sure. As you can see, both are VERY opinionated.
@Ali: I’ve actually just started doing these types of exercises because character development is one trait that I have to work hard at during revisions. And I can totally relate to Char #2 because I was all up in the TV when Princess Charles married Lady Diana. I have a feeling it will be the same way with this royal wedding too.
@Laura: I love when you say get down to the “emotional truth” of the characters. This is what we as writers are striving for — finding those inner workings.
I love this idea! It had never occurred to me to ask characters about current events, but it really can tell you so much about them. Thanks for the tip!
That’s such an awesome questions, and I love reading your characters’ responses. It’s a great way to find out more about your characters and letting their voice shine through.
@Anna: You should definitely try it. It’s always fun to see how your characters respond with their answers.
@Emy: Character #3 really gave me some opinionated answers to most of the questions — which has helped me get a little more insight into a scene she’s in. Asking questions sometimes can help.