Writing Suggestions

[la_samtyr]

Found this and thought I'd share. The article is under the cut if you're interested or if the link doesn't work properly.

The 12 Most Basic Character Building Blocks

http://writerswrite.posterous.com/the-12-most-basic-character-building-blocks

Everybody remembers Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird.

Why?

He was a well-rounded character with an established background. His attitudes, morals, and ethics were clear. His emotions, motivations, and reactions were measured by his occupation and his family. His body language, mannerisms, and manners reinforced his character. He was consistent. We cared deeply for him.

These are the 12 crucial things you need to consider when you create a character’s personality. Use them as a check-list for creating your characters.

The List:

Background
Attitudes
Outlooks
Feelings
Reactions
Ethics
Morals
Body language
Manners
Mannerisms
Motivations
Emotions

::makes note::

Comments

[passionscowboys.livejournal.com]

I love these writing tips - thanks for posting!

[samtyr.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! :)

[spiced-wine.livejournal.com]

I would say I have covered those with Vanimórë over the years. I think when it comes down to it, writing a character, whether they're Mortal or Elves or Aliens, (and whether they would be classed as 'good' or 'evil' or more likely can act like all people, their actions sometimes honourable and laudable, sometimes not!) you still have to write them as if they're real, and then those character building blocks become second nature, because in our head they are a real person. As a reader that is what makes me care for any character, and the deeper the author delves into all of them, the more real they become.

[samtyr.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I agree. And Van is certainly one of the 'fullest' characters I have ever known.

[spiced-wine.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank-you so much. I have been writing him a long time, so I hope he reads as fully developed.

[oloriel.livejournal.com]

Good list! Not sure that "Ethic" and "Morals" or "Attitudes" and "Outlooks" couldn't be lumped together (making it 10, rather than 12 blocks), but other than that... yeah, very useful.

Now the most difficult part, of course, is to have all these things in mind, but not to dump everything on the reader at once!

[samtyr.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, it's a real challenge to get all of these parts in without overwhelming the story at any one point.

[chaotic-binky.livejournal.com]

Even if not all the criteria will be used in a story the completed list will influence what is written. I like this list - thank you :D

[samtyr.livejournal.com]

Very true. I'm really glad you like this list. :)