Recently in my writing classes we have been working on the snowflake method to constructing an outline for our novels. How handy these lessons came, at a time when I would be planning for my novel, for the upcoming [NanoWriMo].
So what I am asking all you Nano's to do, if you chose to do it, is a little exercise that had helped me get to know my characters without taking the creativity out of the whole journey of knowing them. It might work for you, it might not, but I can tell you that is is valuable when it comes down to the crunch of knowing what your character is after, even if only vaguely.
So what I want you guys to do is answer these question, and if you are having trouble, let me know.
Name: ?
Motivation: ?
Goal: ?
Conflict: ?
Epiphany: ?
An easy way to think of this is:
Who are they?
What are they doing?
What do they want to achieve?
What conflicts do they face -External and Internal?
How do they grow? What do they learn? Realize?
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Definitions of each to help you.
[Motivation] Something that motivates; an inducement or incentive.
[Goal] The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
*Notice that the two are not the same. Motivation is the drive. Goal is the destination that you are wanting to get to*
[Conflict] is pretty self-explanatory
[Epiphany] A moment of revelation and insight.
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Rules:
.Stick to the questions given.
.Limit: two sentences per question aside from character's name.
.Don't be to serious about it, but think about your character and let them speak.
.No pre-writes.
.A/N acceptable to explain anything that furthers your characters background.
. If you are having trouble please ask me.
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[EXAMPLE] Eliza Shorts © Blair (2009)
+Name: Eliza 'Beth' Shorts
+Motivation: To honor, and fulfill her duties as a detective.
+Goal: To find Riverman2DF
+Conflict: Her husbands adultery Vs Work [Emotional, Social, Physical]
+Epiphany: When Dylan Riverman2DF confesses to the murder he commit, Eliza realizes what lengths people will go to protect and support the ones they love, and attempts to salvage the scraps of her marriage with her husband Harry.
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So what I am asking all you Nano's to do, if you chose to do it, is a little exercise that had helped me get to know my characters without taking the creativity out of the whole journey of knowing them. It might work for you, it might not, but I can tell you that is is valuable when it comes down to the crunch of knowing what your character is after, even if only vaguely.
So what I want you guys to do is answer these question, and if you are having trouble, let me know.
Name: ?
Motivation: ?
Goal: ?
Conflict: ?
Epiphany: ?
An easy way to think of this is:
Who are they?
What are they doing?
What do they want to achieve?
What conflicts do they face -External and Internal?
How do they grow? What do they learn? Realize?
--------------------------------------------
Definitions of each to help you.
[Motivation] Something that motivates; an inducement or incentive.
[Goal] The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
*Notice that the two are not the same. Motivation is the drive. Goal is the destination that you are wanting to get to*
[Conflict] is pretty self-explanatory
[Epiphany] A moment of revelation and insight.
---------------------------------------------
Rules:
.Stick to the questions given.
.Limit: two sentences per question aside from character's name.
.Don't be to serious about it, but think about your character and let them speak.
.No pre-writes.
.A/N acceptable to explain anything that furthers your characters background.
. If you are having trouble please ask me.
-------------------------------------------
[EXAMPLE] Eliza Shorts © Blair (2009)
+Name: Eliza 'Beth' Shorts
+Motivation: To honor, and fulfill her duties as a detective.
+Goal: To find Riverman2DF
+Conflict: Her husbands adultery Vs Work [Emotional, Social, Physical]
+Epiphany: When Dylan Riverman2DF confesses to the murder he commit, Eliza realizes what lengths people will go to protect and support the ones they love, and attempts to salvage the scraps of her marriage with her husband Harry.
------------------------------------------
Closed for judging
- Closed for judging on October 22
- Rewards: Gold: 300
Preliminary Finalists
As the editor reads entries, favorites are added to this list. (2)-
Name: Kristin White1by Lost in a Dreamstar 100 words, 1 comment, on Oct 6 3:34 PM. In Contest• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Another bio of Mark.• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Entries [5]
1 - 5 of 5
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A character bio of Neveah for PM's contest! She's from my story "Eden's Angel" if anyone's interested...by therenaissancegirl 100 words, on Oct 18 5:03 PM. In Character profile, Fantasy, Hmm, Romance, Spoilers, Summary• Not viewed by judge.
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This character is one of the main characters in my novel Heiress of the Black Blood. 1
• Viewed by judge.
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Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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I'll try, Blairey!
Captain Emo loves you tooooo ♥
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I look forward to it !!!! 
*rolls*
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This looks a little bare compared to the one I've seen.
http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php
The link starts about the same, then encourages much further detail. -
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Well that is actually what I got it off. We are learning the steps. This is one of them. The reason I chose this was because with Nano some people don't want to know everything, just the basics, and if some people wanted to know more. I would have helped them through more steps.
Thanks though.
I do appreciate the comment, but it is my contest, and I don't want to stress people. -
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Didn't mean anything by it, just thought I'd provide a link for anyone who does want to "know everything." Also, your contest reminded me of it, so I thought I'd hunt it down for myself again.
Anyways, good luck.
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Lol! I'm JUST about to start step 3 of the snowflake for this year's NaNo prep. I have to have names first, personally, and I get picky about my peeps' names, but as soon as I know what I'm calling people, I'm entering.
Oh, um. Did you want just one character, multiple characters, don't care? -
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Three, I would say ;3
To me that sounds alright.
Anything more than three...
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Definately bookmarked. I have my characters extensively outlined for my story, but alas, I just don't have time right this second to enter. I'll have something posted to your contest within the week.
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