Comments on: Ten Questions to Ask Your Characters

By: Arthur

Arthur — Sun, 22 May 2022 00:13:52 +0000

Excellent guide.I hope new writers find it and keep a copy! Been writing film, TV and now a novel, since 1975. Knowing these things is how characters take over the story at some point and you're off and running.

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Tue, 03 May 2022 04:11:18 +0000

I try to build this information as part of the character as I write. Thanks for the extra insight.

denise

By: Ritu

Ritu — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 21:45:38 +0000

In reply to sam. Hahaha.

By: Miffie Seideman

Miffie Seideman — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 20:33:17 +0000

I always need to know what my MC regrets most sorry in life.Then I know how he will respond to situations I thrust him into, and what I need him to do to overcome the scene, and why he will fail. Such good discussion, Eldred! Thank you for this post!

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 18:00:58 +0000

Do you know I have never interviewed my characters? This is kind of a fun exercise! I usually sit down and kind of let the words move through me, then I edit and refine on that.

But I could use this for those times when I get stuck. I'll be sure to make a template of this so I can use it at those times. Thank you!

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 15:21:25 +0000

Great questions, Bob!
I tend to use fear, family, and talent but I think I'll start using some of the others you suggested as well.
I love the knife-juggling pic! You don't mix in the bowling balls do you?

By: Eldred Bird

Eldred Bird — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:10:36 +0000

In reply to sam. My characters often lead me astray in the interview process as well. It's all part of the discovery process. When I get down to the actual writing, they like to throw in twists and drop roadblocks in front of me. Just part of the fun of being a writer!

By: sam

sam — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 18:33:56 +0000

My character lied to me. we had a nice sit down and talked. Much about his past and hopes and all the stuff you referred too. Thing was once I began to spill out the story he twisted. His accomplishments were false and his abilities skewed. His fears did not stop him and new ones blocked his way.
i discover characters in the story. Every time I try to presume the gremlins come out. Same goes for outlines and worlds, ah well. best just write.

By: Eldred Bird

Eldred Bird — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:14:41 +0000

In reply to deleyna. I get into arguments with my characters as well, especially when I'm trying to make them do something they don't like.

By: Eldred Bird

Eldred Bird — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:13:13 +0000

In reply to Lynette M Burrows. Thanks, Lynette. That's a great questing. I'm going to add that to my list!