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For me, the process of getting to know my characters happens over time. It starts with their conception: usually while brainstorming for main and major characters, or occasionally spontaneous existence for minor characters. Usually at this stage I know only the basics about the characters: generally personality traits or circumstances that are a significant part of who they are and sometimes a few physical characteristics. For those spontaneous minor character cases, at this stage I usually know even less about them.
From there I try to think less about general characteristics (i.e.: hair color) and more about what it is that makes them unique. I look for personality quirks, unusual physical markers and flaws. I want to know their secrets—things that I might not necessarily reveal to the readers, but will help me understand them better. Memories, fears, dreams, weaknesses—I want to know it all, regardless of whether or not I plan to actually use the information explicitly in my WIP.
This is where character profiles can become extraordinarily useful. While I admit I don't use them as often as I could (and probably should), profiles and character sheets are a great way to keep track of and organize information about your characters—from the basics to the nuances of their personalities and backgrounds. For a particularly thorough character worksheet, check out this post from Martina Boone.
With or without a character profile, after the building blocks of the character are completed, I tend to find that much of the rest is discovered while writing the story. Everything from unexpected quirks and fears, unplanned tendencies and mannerisms and favorite words often reveal themselves as the characters progress through the story. Pre-planned aspects of my characters sometimes disappear, while new ones develop. This process continues well beyond the final draft—characters often continue to surprise me during second and third drafts and even later revisions.
So while that's the gist of my character development process, I'd like to hear from you: how do you get to know your characters? Do you use worksheets or is your process more organic? I'd love to hear your experience.
I learn most about my characters during the writing phase. Sure I may go in with a notion of who this person is, but 9 times out of 10 they flip that into something totally different. My characters tend to be very strong willed lol, and sometimes they refuse to let me tell the story any way but their way. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it when characters snatch the reins away and take over--that's when I really know they've developed into their own personalities and they start to feel the most real to me. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm actually working on a post about this right now! Will have to link back to this ...
ReplyDeletePlease do!
ReplyDeleteI really like that idea of writing their backgrounds from their POV. I might have to try that out. :)
ReplyDeletemine starts with brainstorming too. I do mind maps for each of the major characters. Then, before I start writing the actual story, I write out each of these character's back stories from their point of view. Sometimes I know a good bit of what this is. Other times, like the one I wrote today, I only know a few general details and it develops as I write. These are basically free writing, just whatever comes into my head about the character. I let them tell me their story.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way, I need to know all the details, their past, what their worst fears/greatest hopes are, what they like/dislike, their hobbies and quirks. It's a lot of fun and probably the best part of the writing process. Some characters don't become realized until they hit the page, but discovery is part of the rush.
ReplyDeletePlease do!
ReplyDeleteI only plan as much as is necessary for the plot. Such as my next novel being about a person with no superpowers growing up in a world where everyone has superpowers. How would she be? The rest will come out as I write, but I have both Buffy the Vamp Slayer and Rapunzel from Tangled in mind as inspirations. I think she'll surprise me a lot though. My characters usually do.
ReplyDeleteI began my WiP with one protagonist and before I knew it, her younger sister appeared. Ever since then, their personalities and quirks have resulted from their incessant banter as I've written their story.
ReplyDeleteI also use character maps (http://wp.me/p29Dfn-31) to get a glimpse of how characters are connected to each other. If characters are independent of others (cutout characters), then I question why they are there and if they are actually needed. This doesn't let me "get to know them" but is a good way of keeping tabs on who is in the story and what their contribution is.
I absolutely agree, Margaret! It definitely helps to know about your characters going in, but sometimes they don't make themselves known until you're in the thick of writing. :)
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that you choose other pre-existing characters as inspiration. Neat idea!
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty fascinating how some characters spontaneously make themselves known while you're writing. I've had siblings and best friends as well as other minor characters appear this way. Interesting point about character maps--you certainly don't want a character who is unnecessary to weigh down your plot, so I imagine that's a great way of ensuring that every character has a purpose.
ReplyDeleteAt first I find out just by writing the story. Then at about 2/3 of the way through, the writing process is hard and I have to get out pen and paper and draft an outline. When I do this, I often create my own character profiles and fill them out. It can help me finish the story and sometimes I discover things about my characters that don't need to fit in the book but give me perspective on how they might change more over time, or it gives me a hint of how I could tweak their character and individualize them more. I always know my main characters really well, but the supporting characters usually need this procedure.
ReplyDeleteWell my stories are often inspired by similar ideas, so it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI could see that.
ReplyDeleteSupporting characters tend to get neglected when it comes to understanding them. It mostly goes without saying that we need to know a lot of detail about our main characters, but those less important characters are sometimes forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI’d never understood how some people could start a story not
ReplyDeleteknowing everything about their character. How do I know they won’t disturb my
carefully crafted plot, for crying out loud?! But then, that’s a big part of
the magic, and part of why I’ve been struggling with crafting likable
characters lately (most likely). I just wrote a short story, and the character
emerged completely different than I envisioned her. What a lovely surprise!
I think it's a fantastic surprise when a character turns out different than originally planned. In those cases we have to remember not to force our preconceived ideas onto them and just let them do their thing. Fighting it will just result in a character that feels forced and stilted, but letting it go often results in a much more dynamic and interesting character than originally planned.
ReplyDeleteI've known my "friends" (I don't call them "characters") for a long time - as far back as junior high - and I'd just let things come to me. Something as random as watching someone on the train, on tv, or listening to music would get me to think, "Oh, THAT'S (such and such)." Let the information come to you.
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting! I've also found that sometimes, ideas can come to you pretty near out of the blue. Thanks for sharing, Jeffrey!
ReplyDelete