How to write characters face’s effectively & simply
A detailed face never comes as easily as I want it. I decide that a character is going to be important enough to give them creative details. Beyond what they wear, how they walk, I want to know what the person’s face looks like my character. Do they see them on a “good” day? Even if you already know how to describe a person’s face. Here’s a refresher with some tips to make it less difficult.
#1) Use poetry
One of my favorite things about poetic language is the arm’s- length view it takes on describing objects. It is not a couch with green covers. It is a worn-out couch, with a green reminiscent of a spring grove. These little details make for describing faces. Instead of a person has two eyes, the eyes are worn out from being up all night with small children. The green comment can stand, but it is a one-two punch because it gives both exposition, and composition in a short period of time.
#2) Use Resting Bitch Face
I have got an emotional face, people can read it like a book. No pun intended, they tell me it’s a lousy poker face. But what happens with most people, myself included is that our mouths, eyes, and face will react. :0 then return to its normal self. What I see often is that a person will be described with anger written on their faces. But 3 chapters later, there is no redux of this expression, are they mean eyeing everyone? Probably not, and if they are it is going to come with consequences.
#3) Avoid Cliches
Every face is different, mostly — I am looking at you twins — — but mostly faces don’t react in the same way to the same problem. A person sneezing might let out two sneezes while another five sneezes.
An interesting side-note: Sneezing is actually something that is taught by your surroundings How loud & how many times is completely independent of your surroundings.
Cliches are not a no-go danger zone, but more caution, like a stoplight. Look both ways before you think about using one. Too much risk and you will get flattened by someone who has done it better. Don’t use them at all, and you will spend hours trying to find another way to cross the street.
#4) Stick to the basics
As people, we have been describing faces, since we were children. These foundation elements never leave, so here is a quick refresher. The shape of the face (long, round, lean, hollow, scarred, moles, and freckles), complexion, mouth, nose, eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes, ears, and hair. I notice all these things in an instant when I see a face in real life, or through a photograph, but on paper, I may only get a single element. This starves my brain of what I crave and details!
All done! Now it’s time for you to get out there, and start re-writing, or writing simple facial expressions and describe your character's features.
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