Some novels begin with a plot. Others begin with a character. But all novels require creating characters.
Where do these fictional characters come from? How does a writer find these characters?
Asking For Trouble
Even some famous authors like Hemmingway got into trouble by using their friends, acquaintances and enemies as characters in their novels. If they were lucky, they just had to find new friends. Unlucky writers ended up being sued.
Having written this, I do base my characters on people I know, have read about or seen. But, I don’t use the people exactly. Instead I look at some trait or traits these people have and build a character around them, one that is not the original person.
Creating Characters Exercise
Next time you are out and about, look at the people around you. These people are strangers. You know nothing about them, really.
Pick out one. What do you think this person is like? Do they work? Invent a personality for this person. How would this person fit into a story or novel?
What’s In a Name?
I hate finding names for my characters most of the time. Now and then a character just has a name, but this isn’t usually the case.
Usually, the name search takes time and persistence. There are online lists. Books, telephone books, old school annuals are all places to look.
Several factors need consideration. One is the time frame of the novel. Names change in popularity or even existence over the years. Nova is not a possibility for an eighteenth century novel.
Plus, the name needs to be one the writer is comfortable with. I tend to like two and three syllable names. There’s no real reason, but I am happier with characters with names of these lengths.
Names Can Change
No matter how detailed a writer is creating characters, things including names can change as the plot evolves. New traits will emerge in the characters. They will become like people you know well.
A great compliment was paid me talking with a woman about Life’s Rules. I was describing Stephanie, my main character. The woman thought she was a real person, someone she wanted to meet.
Creating characters is important for a writer and compliments like this one make the effort worth while.
