Characters are indeed one of the most important elements of story writing. In fantasy, characters need intense concentration. The chemistry of characters has to be good; it has to be intriguing and attention-keeping. The problem is the most noticeable part of a story is also a character – hence we need to avoid clichés since people notice them immediately.
Old writers, having experience are generally better equipped at character-sketching. Young writers, in an attempt to make all characters ‘cool’ leave out necessary flaws and characteristics. Story writing is different than movies – remember that.
The importance of characters is that they carry on the story forward.
Important Traits Of Every Character
Personality – they have to be unique and intriguing. We need to empathize with them, feel for them. Action – this is how they will effect their surroundings. Reactions – this is how the surrounding will effect them.Avoiding Clichéd Characters
Often I find myself asking: Why is the hero always orphaned and slow? Why is the princess always distressful, her motive of being kept in the story just to be rescued or captured? Why is the bearded old man, who knows everything, not open his darn mouth?
People are sick
of old characters appearing in stories over and over again. The best thing; bring mixtures. Just keep one of two of clichéd characters and now introduce it to a new group. Some characters to avoid:
- the orphaned hero.
- the hero related to royalty but has no idea how to use a fork.
- the damsel in distress
- the happy-go-lucky young kid with dark past.
- the anti-social ‘cool guy’
- the amnesiac (especially if it’s a wizard or mage)
- the dwarf in the company for comical purpose
- the stupid and slow but kind-hearted hero
- the half-elf
- the unattainable girl the hero gets at the end.
Bring A Twist To Characters
Yes, you need to twist and turn the normal cliché to become a good sketcher. We need to add fun people, which clash in personality and give that desperately needed captivation to your story.
Twisted characters – a sure hit:
- the flawed hero (big feet, freckles, brawny etc – no more strikingly good-looking people)
- the princess with an attitude problem (what you looking at, weirdo!)
- the daydreamer (these are hilarious
)- the egotistical (I’m better than everyone)
- the suck-up. (Let me go and I’ll kiss that pretty face
)- the strong woman that kicks butts.
- the traitor (I was on your side all along - NOT)
- the fatty fat-butt.
- the nerd (Yes, did you see the gotamal jamaki plant on the way!)
Bring Characters To Life
Bringing a character to life is very important. Just look, would you care about what happened to the Wizarding World if it wasn’t for Harry Potter stuck in there, or little Dobby? Why would we listen to a hundred orcs and humans battle – if not were the miserable hobbits caught between?
No, not by card-board cutouts – by exaggeration. Yes, you heard me, exaggeration is the key to bringing a character to life.
EXAGGERATE – just let it go. If your hero is dumb, make him 2+2 = 22. If you’re character is egotistical, make it really egotistical (Can I hear a Draco Malfoy ) REALISTIC RE/ACTION – this is the lock of the key. You see, the way your character reacts has to be really realistic. I would not jump out on a boat to sail the world! No one would.This is the clash, personality must be exaggerated and interesting. The re/actions must be realistic. For example:
My hero is really stupid and thinks he’s a peacock, but when it comes to leaving his town for killing the Dark Lord on some prophecy, he would simply say “What the hell?
”Having said that: keep in mind the realistic re/actions are in context with the personality. For example: A greedy person when presented with the possibility would outright risk his life for a hoarde of treasure!
Thanks everyone. I hope this helps!
Adding your comment:
I love this! Great column. 
