Real People In Fiction
By Diane E. Robertson
Have you ever finished reading a novel and felt a letdown, as if you just lost your best friend? If the answer is yes, then that author did a great job with characterization. Usually what we take away from a story is a character. The way they look, speak and view the world are crucial to the development of your story.
When you begin to plot your storyline, you may not know your characters well. A good technique to develop them is to create a detailed character sketch. This can be done by keeping a notebook and pen handy. Whenever you encounter an interesting character type, jot down whatever makes them distinctive.
It’s amazing how many unique personalities, bizarre behaviors and haunting one-liners one may encounter during a random afternoon at the mall. Notice things like people’s mannerisms, their hairstyles, bad habits, and how they chew their food – you get the idea. When you have time, fit some of those personality pieces together, and create believable, multi-dimensional individuals.
Now when you need something original, you can glance through your pages, and the perfect composite will be there. By the time you complete your in-depth sketches, you may feel that you know more about your characters than you will ever reveal. However, the difference in your story will amaze you. Both your characters and your plot will gain texture and depth.
For instance, have you ever met someone in real life and thought you had him pegged until you learned that he had an additional dimension to his personality? That has happened to me. I met a quiet, seemingly conservative man at church. He was a C.P.A. who wore a three-piece suit. I visualized him holed up in his den every weekend, eating glazed donuts and reading political nonfiction.
I was blown away when he told me he was an avid scuba diver, as well as a competitive snow skier. Wow! There was more to him than I expected. I believe that would be true for all of us, and so it should be for the individuals we create in our stories.
Your protagonist will reveal what she’s made of as she struggles through difficulties. Make her three-dimensional, so both her flaws and endearing qualities come through – just like real humans. Walk readers through her emotions. They want to sweat along with her.
Whether your character is financially broke or broken-hearted, let the reader feel the pain, and that means feelings. What does that look like? Was the character able to eat? Sleep? Did old addictions tempt her?
As your characters come alive to you, listen to them talk. Arrange dialogue so each character sounds unique, yet real. As you go along, ask yourself: Am I giving my readers the opportunity to know my character via dialogue, emotions, and conflict? Put yourself inside your protagonist. How does his personality affect the way the story evolves? Why is he doing whatever he’s doing? Does it add to the plot? Is the ending believable? Does he solve his own conflict?
Have fun with your characters, and their ups and downs. Hopefully, when your readers finish your book, they will feel like they just lost their best friend. That is the best compliment an author can receive.
Diane E. Robertson is a writer, editor, ghostwriter, creative writing instructor and workshop leader who lives in Bradenton, FL. She has published more than 200 stories and magazine articles, and written four books. REAL PEOPLE is excerpted from her new book, ADVENTURES IN WRITING: The Little Book of Inspiration, Encouragement & Creative Writing Tips. To purchase the book, visit www.freelancewritingbydiane.com