character

Character – Something to Try

by Matthew McGuinness on

Character-based plotting workout …

1) Take a secondary character from any novel you like. Imagine that the events of the novel never happened to them. What is the biggest challenge imaginable for that character? What would be required to give them an emotional response so big that it would carry them, and the reader, through the challenge?

2) Using the character and situation you just imagined, create a sequence of 3 major events that would advance or hinder their progress in overcoming the challenge?

Characterisation Thoughts

by Matthew McGuinness on

Three things make for a compelling secondary character.

Firstly, we have to have a reasonably detailed account of their appearance and habits. But beware. It’s no good just piling up quirks and random characteristics. Everything that we find out has to make them a better foil for your novel’s main character.

Secondly, we need some insight into their back story. Exercise your ingenuity to come up with indirect methods of exposition though.

Thirdly, the character needs contradictions and tensions in their life. Use this sparingly, as a bunch of highly conflicted characters can give the reader overwhelm.