I think the way I deal with characters is crazy, but it is the only way I have ever been able to create believable and unique characters. It also makes the writing process slow for me.
I think of my characters as real people. I will figure out a complete personality profile for any character. The more important the character is the more extensive the profile.
I work up their history, family, childhood, their physical characteristics and abilities, their mental processes including their general ideas of life, and their emotional make-up. I try to make a character that I can give 15-25 labels to.
After I make this character as much of a person as I feel I need, then I write the story. As the story move along, the characters are placed in various situations. How would this person react to this situation? What would they do? That is how the story will progress.
I think my characters are realistic and easy to empathize with is because I make them as real as possible then make the story fit them and not make the characters fit the story.
I know it sounds strange , but I talk with my characters (mentally, not out loud) and let them tell me what they will do. I think it is because I grew up playing role playing games. (Yes D&D was a big part of that. I actually played with the creators of the game. The Gygaxs. Name dropping can be fun.)
Does anyone else do characters this way?
I have to say, this is an interesting thread. I enjoyed reading everyone's answers.
I have not posted a story I did not like. I have worked on a couple of dozen things that never panned out, but I would not post them. Maybe someday I might think of a way to make them worthwhile.
I am super critical of my own writing. I keep changing it again and again trying to get it just right, but at some point I have to stop when I'm not making helpful changes. It is common for me to do 5-10 rewrites of a piece before I submit it.
Even then I still notice every single little bit that I feel is not just right. A word grouping, phasing, or word choice that I feel could be better. Organizing the story's flow and pace, especially in my Sci-Fi stories.
I often find it difficult to go back and read some of my work because I see the possible potential I did not quite reach.
I think my stories are good and a few very good, but I have not written the story yet that everything fell into place. A story that people read and go WOW. I may never, but I think I can if I keep getting better.
The people on Stories Space have made me such a much better writer with their advise and examples. I look at my earliest few stories compared to what I do now, and I can only thank all my friends for their help and support.
You would never bite me, so I will hug you and push you forward.
A great tongue in cheek comedy 'Airplane' (1980)
"Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in 80's movies? I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life."
A big hug and a night of dancing.
There are a few people in my heart, but lately one has been on my mind all the time.
I would like to do them both at once. I have seen bungee jumping from balloons. If I have to choice balloon.
swimming pool or hot tub?
Oh, I am lost and found myself here. Think I will stay a while and rest.
There is nothing funny about her, only lovely. Unless of course you count the fact that she actually is a living Barbie doll.
Seen my spinach back here matey?
A language with the words capable of properly praising Larry has not been written. All I can do is to make a feeble attempt to write what a steadfast and caring friend he has been.
Katie Perry - Wide Awake
and I'm falling cloud nine
My admiration and applause. I just read his latest, 'Life.' It was great!
Underground, so to speak. Deep in the mountains. I can live there awhile and see what happens. So if you want to live come with me, but it will cost you one 'Payday' candy bar. (I love those things)
For one month, would you be more willing to give up your hearing, or your ability to speak?
I do not know if it is really that nice a thing, but she is one of my favorite people. I wish I could see how her life turns out.
Mostly confused and horny.
What is your favorite sweets to eat?
Do acronyms count as one word?
1454
The press of Johannes Gutenberg produces the first printed documents bearing a date in this year.
Yes. I have a few presented to me during my time in the navy. My favorite was the US flag presented to me at my retirement. It came with a personal note from the CNO and President.
Would you like to be famous and why?
Neither. I'd rather have a cat.
potatoes or stuffing?
Road to Perdition (2002)
LS: So. You got your reward and you're just leaving, then?
HS: That's right, yeah. Got some old debts I gotta pay off with this stuff. Even if I didn't, you don't think I'd be fool enough to stick around here, do you? Why don't you come with us? You're pretty good in a fight. We could use you.
LS: Come on. Why don't you take a look around. You know what's about to happen, what they're up against. They could use a good pilot like you, you're turning your back on them.
HS: What good is a reward if you ain't around to use it?
Megamind (2010)
To Roxanne when she asks if he's going to give up. Then he says, "I'm going home."
D: Find your inner compass. Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.
H: What the hell are you sayin'?
D: It's a haiku.
H: Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!
