#writemore

[nauticalnotions]

The Art of Character Development: How to Breathe Life into Your Fiction

Welcome, Fellow Writers!

Are you ready to breathe life into your characters and have them leap from the page into the hearts of your readers? Good! Developing characters is one of the greatest enjoyments for writing fiction. So let's get started on this great journey of discovery!

1. Get to Know Your Characters

Before you write convincing characters, you need to really know them. Think of your characters as human beings with past histories, dreams, and flaws. Here are some ways to get to know them better:

Backstory:

What in their past has made them who they are?

Did they have a happy childhood?

Were there any traumatizing events?

This will often determine motivations and actions.

For example, if your character has been brought up in an orphanage, they may have trust issues or perhaps independence.

Personality Traits:

Are they introverted or extroverted, pessimistic or optimistic?

Knowing their core personality will help project what their actions and reactions would be like in a given set of circumstances.

Perhaps your protagonist, Emma, is an extroverted optimist who lights up a room with brightness, even in dire situations.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

Nobody is perfect, and your characters shouldn't be either.

Make the characters more human by giving them something both admirable and a flaw that rounds them out.

Emma can be wonderfully brave but very impulsive, leading her sometimes to heroism and other times to disastrous folly.

2. Establish Clear Goals and Motivation:

Characters need goals for the plot to have direction and motivations to explain why they pursue those goals. Ask yourself:

What do they want?

Their wants vary from saving the world to searching for love to achieving personal redemption.

Emily, a draftsman, aches to be a famous explorer, a dream her long-dead father never attained.

Why do they want it?

This can be found in their backstory and personality.

Perhaps Emma's father was an explorer who went missing on a wild search, and now she feels a deep need to carry on his legacy and find out what happened to him.

3. Show People, Activities, and Scenery

Dynamic characters tend to rebuild and alter throughout the story. This is often based on life's complications and conflicts. Here's how to effectively outline your character growth:

Conflict:

Put your characters in situations that push them as far as possible.

These challenges force them to make uncomfortable choices and face their flaws.

For example, Emma has to decide whether to save a friend, testing her bravery and impulsiveness.

Reactions:

Show how your characters react to these challenges.

Do they rise to the occasion, or do they struggle and fail? Both outcomes can lead to growth.

Emma might fail to save her friend due to her impulsive nature, marking a turning point for her.

Introspection:

Allow these moments of introspection to your characters.

They allow readers to understand the change in them.

Emma could sit near a bonfire and reflect on her father's legacy and how to become a better leader.

4. Cultivate Relationships

People's relationships with others often define their personality. It might be a friendship bond, family attachment, or enmity; all reveal different dimensions of personality and contribute to character development. Consider:

Allies and Friends:

Allies and friends usually have your best interest at heart, but sometimes they could work in opposition to you.

How would they impact your protagonist's decisions and developments over time?

Emma's best friend, Leo, might argue with a lot of her decisions, making her more thoughtful.

Opponents and Antagonists:

An antagonist challenges the characters, putting them in situations where growth comes from unexpected places.

A realistic rival for Emma could be a highly skilled but ruthless explorer who pushes Emma to reconsider her methods.

Love Interests:

Romantic relationships show vulnerability and may drive change.

Falling in love with a local guide might teach Emma the importance of patience and planning.

5. Use Dialogue Effectively

Dialogue is a great way to develop a character. It reveals personality, conveys emotions, and shows growth. Consider:

Voice:

Each character should have a distinct voice corresponding to their background, personality, and state of mind.

Emma might use exuberant, adventurous language while Leo might be cautious and thoughtful.

Subtext:

Sometimes the unspoken part holds more meaning than what is said.

Use subtext to add depth to your dialogue.

For instance, when Emma says, "I don't need help," it could mean she's afraid of showing weakness.

Conflict and Resolution:

Show characters responding to conflict through dialogue and illustrate how interactions escalate.

Emma and Leo can argue about the best way forward, expressing their viewpoints and eventually finding a resolution.

6. Show, Don't Tell

Instead of telling readers about a character's trait, show it through actions, dialogue, and inner thoughts. For instance:

Telling: John was brave.

Showing: John entered the dark alley; his heart was pounding, but his will remained unflinching.

7. Ensure Consistency and Believability

Make sure your characters act within the line of their personalities and motivations. If they do something that feels unnatural, believe there are reasons for the change. This makes the development of the characters organic and reliable. If Emma becomes reserved, note the experiences that lead to the change.

8. Reflect Real Human Experience

Great characters reflect the complexity of real human experience. They have doubts, make mistakes, and aren't always likable. This complexity makes them richer and more engaging. Perhaps Emma makes a selfish decision that puts her team at risk, creating tension and growth.

9. Foils and Contrasts

Foils are characters set against your main character, highlighting their traits and growth. By setting a character with opposite traits next to the protagonist, you highlight their development. Zara's ruthlessness can highlight Emma's growing sense of responsibility and ethics.

10. Be Flexible

Sometimes your characters develop in unexpected ways. Allow this evolution and let your characters tell you who they are. This elasticity can lead to more authentic and surprising growth. If Emma's journey shifts from being an explorer to a leader, embrace it!

[winter-unseelie]

I think im going to try "writing time friday"

the freewrite company has interested me for quite some time, and i do long for one of their typewriters.

I know i struggle to write frequently, big surprise, I know, seeing my very lacking post history. I think this could possibly help.

Either way, I'm going to attempt. Anyone here can pop in and bully me into posting/actually writing for the weekly prompts. I'm going to try to post them here i think :)

This is but one small step in gaining the confidence to publish a novel.

[prowritingkit]

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[lovelybarnes]

POSTING TOMORROW

[starstrikeer]

osamu as your roommate

snacks he made for u while u studies

'hungry?' osamu placed a small plate decorated with little flowers and foxes, one you had painted when you went out painting ceramics with osamu. on top were some of favourite fruits neatly chopped. you hadn't even heard him walk into your room, taking your headphones off leaving it to rest around your neck you mumbled a 'thank you'.

'ye really shouldn't overwork yerself, and not eat.' osamu stood by your desk, arms crossed leaning against the wall, lookin down on you. the warm lighting in your room making him look sweeter than ever.

without thinking about it, words came out of your mouth, 'i just needed to get this done, then i would've gotten something to eat.'

'ye say that all the time.' a knowing look splayed across his face.

roommate osamu wouldn't care if u found it embarrassing

'osamu' 7:43pm

'yeah?'

'nvm'

'really'

'its embarrassing nvm'

'js say it'

a minute went by without a response from you, so osamu was about to switch tabs, back to the recipe he was reading.

'can you get me a pad from my bedside table last drawer'

'yep'

'which one?'

'with the stars please'

when you leave the bathroom after staring at yourself in the mirror convincing yourself it's nothing to be embarrassed about, it really isn't. right.

'ya know you can keep yer stuff in the bathroom, saves ya trouble?'

whenever osamus twin came for a visit

a knock disturbed you and your music, walking over to the door to see who it is a sudden yell took you off guard.

'SAMUUU!! IT'S ME. TSUMU!' your hand pulled back from the handle. then you remembered what osamu said.

'my twin brother atsumu will come over fer a while, i won't be here till..' he paused, taking a moment to think. 'mm, ill probly get home some time after he gets here.' he glanced at the cat clock on your wall then back to you.

'so yeah. twas' a pretty crazy game.' atsumu finished his story, hopefully he hadn't noticed how you zoned out completely. listening to osamu's stories were way easier to you.

'by the way, nice place ye got goin' on, bit different from my last visit.' atsumu continued the conversation.

'oh yeah, i try. osamu likes to help too.' thinking about some of the decoration around your shared apartment with him.

'ya know, samu always mentions you.' atsumu commented. 'really?' the conversation was getting interesting.

'yeah, never fails, every conversation. you'd think he'd do a better job at hiding it.' he muttered the last bit. seemingly just loud enough for you to get a grasp of.

when osamu got back, you couldn't help but think back to what atsumu said. maybe you'd figure out what that meant the more time you spent with osamu.

ty for reading! not proofread soz for any mistakes, ill def writemore forthis trope i love it sm. lmk what u think and leave any tips in the comments!

[kacchanbaby]

thekinda night i justwanna stay under my covers n never come out. i wanna read a good agere kacchan fic.. n writemore n go sleep :[ dont wnna talk.

[falsegrey]

Okay actual ask who the fuck is Plight?

the lampligter from oneshot ilike him alot he is verypretty ithink :3 also oneshot is a verycool game and heis a cool character

iwoudlf writemore but itsd like 5 34am lmao

[monathealternate]

plzz writemore agere fics,, urs are so sweet and i luved reading the sprout one ^w^

IM SO HAPPYYY THANK YOU SO MUCH😭❤️

[yourbusinesspoint]

#WordCounter #WritingTools #ContentCreation #StayProductive #WriteMore #WordCountTracker #WritersLife #ContentWriter #WritingGoals #ProductivityTools

[duhthewriter]

Write a little more. Worry a little less. Be a bit more grateful. Be a bit less disconnected. Take the picture if you’re feeling yourself. 📸 🪞 📿 👓 ☕��� ✌🏼 #readmore #writemore #smile https://www.instagram.com/p/CqOvTDeuhDG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[nauticalnotions]

Understanding Character Motivation

What is Character Motivation? Character motivation is the driving force behind every action a character takes. It is the reason behind their decisions and behaviors in various situations, propelling them toward their goals, through conflicts, or around obstacles. Without strong motivation, characters may appear flat or their actions arbitrary.

Why Important? Strong motivations enliven characters for the reader, clarifying their actions and making their decisions relatable. This understanding fosters a believable journey through the plot and fuels the conflicts that make stories compelling.

Kinds of Motivations

Internal vs. External Motivations

Internal Motivations: These motivations are personal and intrinsic to the character, such as desires, fears, beliefs, or emotional deficits. Examples include a desire for acceptance, proving oneself, or overcoming a personal fear.

External Motivations: These motivations arise from external forces that compel the character into action, like societal pressures or environmental challenges. Examples include quests for treasure, missions to save someone, or escaping danger.

Positive vs. Negative Motivations

Positive Motivations: Motivations stemming from positive desires like love, ambition, or justice. Characters with these motivations are driven to achieve beneficial or noble outcomes.

Negative Motivations: Driven by negative impulses such as fear, revenge, or greed, these motivations typically focus on avoiding adverse outcomes.

Craft Compelling Motivations

Know Your Characters

Backstory: Characters should have rich, detailed backgrounds that inform their current desires and fears based on past experiences.

Personality: Personality traits (optimistic, pessimistic, brave, cautious) significantly influence what motivates a character.

Set Clear Objectives

Specific and Measurable: Goals should be concrete, such as opening a bakery in their hometown, rather than vague ambitions like "being happy."

Achievable: Ensure the goals are realistic within the story’s context, challenging yet possible to attain.

Establish Stakes

What are the consequences if the character fails to achieve their objective? High stakes increase motivation, whether these are personal losses or broader dangers.

Show Growth and Change

Changing Motivations: As the story progresses, a character's motivations might evolve, reflecting their dynamic nature.

Internal Conflict: Characters may experience conflict when their motivations clash with their beliefs or values, adding depth and complexity.

Examples of Motives

Classic Motives in Literature and Film

Revenge: In 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' Edmond Dantès seeks vengeance against those who wronged him.

Love: In 'Romeo and Juliet,' the love between the protagonists highlights the futility of family feuds.

Novel Example of Survival: In "The Hunger Games," Katniss Everdeen fights to protect her family and survive against all odds.

Different Motivations

Redemption: A former villain seeks redemption for past deeds.

Curiosity: An explorer driven by the need to discover new worlds.

Legacy: An artist wants to create works that will outlive their own mortality.

Writing Tips on Motivations

Show, Don't Tell: Demonstrate motivations through actions, dialogue, and internal monologue rather than exposition.

Internal Consistency: Ensure that motivations established at the start align with actions throughout the story to avoid frustrating readers.

Make It Personal: Personal stakes engage readers more deeply than abstract ones.

Avoid Clichés: Add unique twists to classic motives to keep them fresh and engaging.

Test Motivations Against Obstacles: Challenge your characters’ motivations through trials to reveal their true nature and create tension.

Conclusion

Character motivation is central to your story, initiating plot developments and enriching your characters. By deeply understanding and portraying these motivations, you can engage readers effectively and integrate these elements seamlessly into your narrative. Enjoy the creative process of developing your characters!

[ohiowriter]

🍁🍂 See all of our titles @ www.mondaycreekpublishing.com #storyteller #writer #writing #author #writingcommunity  #reader  #books #ebooks #ohiowriter #ohioauthors  #writerslife #writers  #writeitdown #authorlife #writersofig #writemore #writeyourstory #write #writerscommunity #authorcommunity #writinglife #publisher #booklover #bookworm #booklovers (at Monday Creek Publishing) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVcio_yL2lH/?utm_medium=tumblr

[writernova]

The Other Worlds (A Glimpse Beyond The Ink, and Motivation To Write!)

I’d like to share an idea I’ve had for a while now-- an idea centered around what may be beyond us. I’m not necessarily in an existential crisis or anything, but this concept fascinates me. A concept that, at it’s heart, may come from a love of reading and indulging in the most vivid of daydreams. A concept that opened like the door of a book, and lead me down quite the rabbit hole.

I think there’s other worlds, realities of sorts, beyond ours. And I believe we can reach them by simply closing our eyes and letting ourselves get lost in a world that may be fictitious to us here-- fictitious to our residence in this realm alongside our physicality.

Have you ever envisioned people and scenarios that may be impossible from where we are in existence as of now? From original characters, to a whole series of novels from an author of sorts? I think these people and places aren’t real, only if you take into consideration of this physical world we’ve ever been in. 

However, if you consider that you have experienced and seen what isn’t here, be it by daydream or letting yourself follow ink on a page, then surely, it must exist somewhere, right? Just because it isn’t in one pocket of the universe, doesn’t mean it isn’t existing. In an easier-to-digest idea regarding proximity, we could consider something as familiar as our oceans on this Earth. You’ve probably never been to the ocean floor, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is still there whether you’ve seen and been there personally, or not.

I think this whole saying, “Perception is Reality,” can be true. What you envision in reading, even the most fantastical of literary works, exists somewhere. Just not here, not on this Earth. Furthermore, I think this makes the most wonderful thing about the writing craft is sharing what you have access to by your own wits and will of creativity. And you can make another world become practically alive in this one, just by your words alone.

Every book you’ve ever opened, and every story you’ve ever read, is a glimpse into a world, filled with numerous people-- or creatures-- or beings of some sort, as well as these wonderous settings, that came from the mind of another person in this world. I truly think imagination is a bridge built by the mind that allows you to travel beyond your physical self, and at it’s base, the strength of this bridge stands on your shoulders alone. Imagining, dreaming, and daydreaming-- or anything with the mind really, is such a private and personal aspect of our lives. 

In restatement, I firmly believe everything about this concept makes the writing craft so intriguing, so endearing, and so fulfilling. Writing is a way to share with others your worlds that you’ve seen and love beyond here. Your characters and worldbuilding-- this all exists to you. And at the end of the day, it is your choice as a writer to bring others to see and meet what you have. Your desire to write out these “fictitious” stories and have them appear to exist in the minds of others-- that’s powerful.

So from one writer to another, keep writing, yeah?

-WriterNova (Blog Post On July 26, 2021.)

[aahuizing]

Writing Tip

[tenthfloorghost]

Writers Writing Things

🌸 What We Are 🌸

A discord group for writers of all skill levels to find community and help each other grow  🌿 

We are open to all writers over the age of 18. The only requirements for the group are that each member must participate by contributing at least one submission per month, and participating in one workshop or critique per month. 

There are also a number of regular optional group events including readings, group prompts, casual voice chats, and more. These are encouraged (they are fun!) but not required.

Please feel free to join us: https://discord.gg/FveUkB9 

[duhthewriter]

I wish I was home writing with this view. I love the flicker of a candle. I love the pen as it touches paper. I love the click of fingers on a keyboard. 🍂🍁🍃☕️🕯🎃 #travel #worklife #desklife #lifegoeson #fall #fallvibes #candle #pumpkin #sweaterweather #readmore #writemore #writersofinstagram #writer #fiction #romance #spicy #spicetok #booktok #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CVDQnmZAOUO/?utm_medium=tumblr