Rule #6-Putting Yourself in the Right Environment: Character Building

Putting yourself in the right environment is key, and as you do so, you should be focusing on what aspect of your storytelling you're trying to address. It all has to happen to someone, right? Let's start off by taking a look at character development. 

Having trouble coming up with good, realistic characters? Here's the best advice I can give you: Don't be blind to the people that have made an appearance in your life. The tense woman in front of you at the grocery store whose items don't seem to belong together. The vengeful ex. The cute guy who relieves you at work. The frazzled teacher who arrives to class looking like she's been running from a bear (or something even more sinister). Real people can inspire relatable characters.

Why not develop fake personalities for these memorable people? You aren't likely to know all of their life stories, and even if you do, reinventing them can be great fun. Combine some traits from two or three different people you've encountered or observed. It's even better if you can catch them in the act of conversation or convince them to allow you to record them talking or interacting with others.

Non-fiction writers can put themselves in the environment about which they'll be writing to gain multiple perspectives.  Another idea is to conduct interviews of people who will either be referenced in the work itself, or who hold occupations or viewpoints that will be described. In fact, interviewing is a great idea for all types of writers. It is one of the best sources of primary information and as such is often an integral part of the character creation process.

Your job as a writer is to bring your characters to life. That means considering them as one might consider a real person. You won't reveal everything about his or her personality or appearance at once, but knowing more details than you might wind up revealing increases the odds that you'll create characters who seem genuine, well-rounded, worth getting to know. Again, non-fiction writers are not exempt. Knowing your subject is one thing. Defining it (or he or she) in stunning detail is another. Gather enough information that you can paint a picture with your words and you will engage your audience.

Take a look at the following chart and record relevant information for each of your characters. Don't worry if there are blanks right now. Character creation is a process. Your characters and their tendencies will reveal themselves to you. Some of them are just a little more slow to open up. I know you can relate.

Think of how complicated people are. How what they've been through comes to define them. How long-held assumptions sometimes have to be questioned. Think of how relationships form and go terribly wrong. Think of how chaotic life is sometimes. A good character will know challenges, whether they be imposed by a harsh environment, criticism from others, the character's own self.

Next up: Putting Yourself in the Right Environment: Setting