Comments on: Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 1- Background

By: How Characters’ Hobbies and Interests Affect the Narrative |

How Characters’ Hobbies and Interests Affect the Narrative | — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:29:29 +0000

[…] impact on the plot involves all their traits. It's important to understand how their background, personality, flaws, and strengths influence the plot and move the story […]

By: Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:55:34 +0000

Thanks for this, Ellen! I've been focusing on getting one character's backstory together lately and realizing I don't know him well enough yet!

By: Denise

Denise — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:15:52 +0000

How the background impacts the motivation or holds back the character as the story unfolds.

By: Steve Bowers

Steve Bowers — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 03:35:36 +0000

I find this information very useful for character building. My protagonist is a homeless war vet with PTSD.
A veteran myself, I would like to covey his traumatic experiences within my book.

By: Ellen L. Buikema

Ellen L. Buikema — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 00:03:38 +0000

In reply to Kris. Hi Kris! I watched Fargo and loved or loathed the characters, depending, which is a good thing! I'll see about finding the series. Sounds worthwhile. Glad you enjoyed the post!

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:21:26 +0000

Recently, I watched season 5 of the Coen Brothers' Fargo and the main character, Dot comes to mind.

She has the tenacity to fight through crazy family situations (albiet made up, even though the series claims that all events are 'true'.)

From averting the power-hungry ex, Roy Tilman or out-witting the cursed hitman, Ole Munch. She focuses on maintaining a simple family life, going to great lengths and somewhat far-fetched battles to keep her life at status quo.

Very indepth post on what influences a character, how they act and how they think.

Thanks, Ellen!

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:47:31 +0000

In reply to Lynette M Burrows. Thank you, Lynette! The ability to gradually unfold characters' personalities, quirks and all, is a wonderful talent. The characters of the sisters in Little Women were well developed.

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:39:36 +0000

In reply to Cygnet A Brown. Hi Cygnet, Character interviews are a fantastic way to get to know your characters. Thank you for mentioning it! I know a writer who takes her characters "out to lunch" as a type of interview.

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:36:44 +0000

In reply to V.M. Sang. Great! I'm glad you've found the post useful.

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:35:38 +0000

In reply to Terry Odell. Hi Terry, Thank you for the character mentions. I'm not familiar with this series and am always on the lookout for interesting reads.