There are several resources the writer can access to find character traits--they are essentially everywhere. One can use an autobiographical or biographical approach, or in the perfect world the “ideal” method, one entirely based on imagination. In the autobiographical approach, the character the writer is certainly most familiar with are the pieces of his or her own life that can be transformed into a believable character, who relates to other characters. Perhaps the narrator as character is taken from the author’s self, attitude, beliefs, sense or humor---what ever trait what will work best with the remainder character or characters should be highlighted.
In the biographical approach, one can use pieces of several real life characters to create a fictional one. One could even play out the drama in another’s life to create the conflict essential to any well written piece of fiction. Writer William Sloan has been quoted as saying, “Tell me about me. I want to be more alive. Give me me.”
The more perfect or aptly called “ideal” method of developing character traits is based solely on imagination, or pure intellectual creation, not familiar autobiographical or biological traits. The ideal character needs to have a passion that is accurately reflected by the author so much so that the reader needs to believe that character is real.
What is Conflict and Where Does it Come From
The trait of a fictional character that stands apart from an ordinary character trait is the piece that will create the conflict. For example, the jilted woman, who has always had a sense of entitlement, might find that sleeping with her best friend’s husband, just may be the cure for her recent embarrassment of having been ditched by her young boyfriend. Her trait, in this case her sense of what entitlement is taken to an extreme and turns "fatal" in a sense that it will clearly put an end to the relationship with her best friend, the one person she probably could have relied upon in her time of need. Conflicting flaws of character build the way to plot.
Creating Your Character, Step by Step
Creating fictional characters requires some organization and thought. The writer may have what he thinks is a great idea for a character, but until he puts some “meat on the bones” if you will, it will be merely that; an idea. Writer’s Digest suggests creating a characterization chart which should include the following:
- Physical traits; body type, hair, eye, facial features, dress, posture, mannerisms
- Personal history that may influence motivation such as: education, religion, family, early childhood experiences, profession, marital status, habits, health
- Inner Person features: distinctive personality traits, self-image, dreams, fears, sense of humor, ethical standards, and attitudes
Other character details could include hobbies, favorite foods, colors, books, music and art. Key to character development is giving a particular character traits that will fit into the intended role of that character in the story.
Portraying a Character
In his book Fiction Writer’s Workshop, author Josip Novakovich sets forth six ways in which a character can be portrayed in a piece of fiction. These include summarizing a character's traits, outright, by showing a character's repeated action or habits; by way of direct or indirect (narrator) self-portrait, by using a character’s appearance, through a scene, or by a combination of any of these methods. As each character is revealed to the reader in whatever method is chosen, the writer may come to realize that portraying a character could take up most of the story.
Building characters in fiction writing requires more technique and planning than the novice writer might imagine. Characters need to be dimensional and complex, not flat and stereotypical. Observing self, and others can provides keys to character development. The reader needs to be drawn into the characters through expections and familiarity.
