Characterization 4 Fiction Writers

On one of my favorite eloops, we're sharing creative writing tips, and perhaps my own thoughts my help someone? I hope. ☺

 

The balance of characters is essential, who plays what part in the whole piece.

 

Here is how an over balance can be used by the creative writer: in the film The Unforgiven, Burt Lancaster and Aubrey Hepburn star. In movies, Hepburn is often matched with much stronger older men. This emphasizes their strength, a comparison, and perhaps makes her look more feminine/fragile.

 

But in The Unforgiven, a part that Lancaster plays much stronger male lead, and Hepburn a quieter co-star, a nice turnaround or twist, would be the development of Hepburn, into a much stronger component.

 

Character turnarounds, or flaws that either get larger and more compelling, or show themselves as a strength, is one of the best techniques or TWISTS a creative fiction writer can use.

 

To me an outline of the character, their motivation, their weaknesses, also defines what clothing they would wear, upscale/casual Etc. And that includes jewelry. Their background, is another element, but just as important. What drives characters, what is their turning points, etc. is the most interesting element of writing to me.

 

The character mix also frames the leading characters, the protagonists/antagonists. The minor characters, revolving in and out of this story, weaving if you will, shows they are opinion of the leading characters.

 

An animal can also be a minor character, framing any of the characters. What is the animal’s reaction to the specific character?

 

Another character element, is what touches that character applies to what object. For instance, does his finger outline her photograph? Is that a treasuring movement? Or if he sees himself in the mirror, what does he see? This is much like Michael Jackson's The Man in the Mirror song.

 

There are many resources, for understanding characterization, including horoscope signs.

 

Three things stand out to me, as a fiction writer, that is the theme of the story, the mood, and the character mix. And anyone of these can change during the writing. And sometimes you just have to go with it....