What I’ve Learned From Writing #1 Characters

Hi! So a ton of people on Medium make lists on stuff like ways to improve life, what your doing, etc. and since my mojo isn’t really all that because I think that we all should find out for ourselves what we want to do which is unique and different because we are all unique and different, I decided to do my own spin. I don’t think anyone would want to read a super long thing about each topic in one story so I am do each thing in the list story by story. These are things I have learned from writing and observing other people’s writings and books and just my opinion on it and how I set myself up. My key is originality ans I focus a ton on it. Everyone has they’re own style and type of writing, like in art, music, and crafting. So don’t let me stop you! Now that’s over…
Every good character starts with a name. When I am choosing my name I strive it to be unique, like me! But, also the name has to suit the person.
Now the importance of the name really sparks recognition and interest and should when you hear it. For example, Katniss and Prim from the Hunger Games. If you go up to a person who is a fan or aware of the Hunger Games it would be easy to recognize. It’s basically like a trademark to it or a logo. The name also sparks interest in the character itself and a bonus meaning to the name really catches it attention. Katniss= plant= given by father. To put it in simpler ways a name to a character, especially in famous books, is as important as a countries name in the real world. America is literally used as the name to the main character in the Selection series. Just imagine a country or popular book character named Sally or better yet Bobby. So, how to get a good name?
Well over time I really have thought about it and I find searching the internet for it is a great way. The names I got from that are Finch and Sparrow as well as Abigail. Another way is warping a name like Quinn to Quin and now a girl’s name. Or the name Ari I tore off of any name you can think of that’s starts with it. Lastly finding a name that sounds that it suits, which make sure any of them do before you pick one, or an interesting meaning likes Brooke.
Next, is personality. Now, I tend to have an idea when I start writing of the attitudes or mindset of the characters I’m working with but over time things can get a bit confusing. So, especially when plot starts to develop you want an idea of current personalities and future ones. Maybe someone is the sassy or risky one but turns more joyfully caring when things fall apart for Abigail or obedient and order taking to secretive and knowledge craving Quin. These are all things that would not only make the plot easier flow but add more to the characters. Characters need to be more natural have disagreements and conflicts of emotion, like when Katniss had to step up to take her sister’s place or in Heartless when Catherine and her parents disagreed to let her and her friend open a bakery together and wanted her to marry the King instead. These thing really give power to the story allowing for more ways to travel.
Backstory is very important, and the use of it too. The backstory of the character gives importance to the character and the importance of their story. Backstory doesn’t always have to be a moment remembered or sensing with the 5 senses something and remembering or recalling it can be through dreams or thinking or having questions and researching. As well is a common way which is to put it in as the character telling the story. This occurs in the beginning of the first book in the Hunger Games when we hear Katniss’ backstory on who she is, what she has to live through in her life which makes us understand the situation and if that information wasn’t given we would hardly understand anything but also not know who is the victim and we wouldn’t really care about the main characters. Concluding also information at correct times is vital. Give straight information when it’s clear or figured out and let it develop in the readers heads first to extend the mystery or uncertainty.
The next thing that will come time and time again in characters is appearance and for that I have one word… Pinterest. I’m not being paid to say anything about Pinterest but I would say it is a place with a lot of creativity and fandoms. Simply by looking at images you can get inspired to apply it to your character. Remember to record these details and things and find places to slip them into the story, like when the character is looking at themselves in the mirror, needs to distract themselves etc. There are a lot of ways to slip it in every now and then but make sure your audience can picture your characters as clearly as you can.
Contents:
1 Importance of Name
2 How To Find Names
3 Character Personality and Progression
4 Backstory’s Importance and Use
5 Characters Looks
Signing Off: Singum
