Novels - Your Character
This contest is for anyone that either has a completed novel, or who is currently writing one.
The focus of this contest is on one of the most important components of a story - the main characters. Whether as a protagonist or antagonist, characters are what your plot revolves around. How they interact with other characters and their environment is what fuels the cycle of conflict and goal achievement. Without characters, there is no story.
How well do you know your favourite characters? Are they real to you? How much do you know about their habits, personality and appearance?
The purpose of this contest is to encourage you - the writer - to better understand your characters. By doing so, it will provide opportunites to further improve your story.
An entry for this contest shall be in the following format:
First section: Character Profile
1. First Name
2. Last Name (if any)
3. Age
4. Gender
5. Species (for the sci-fi/fantasy genres)
6. Bodily Appearance (Eyes, hair, shape, distinctive marks, etc)
7. Origin (A little bit about what makes your character who they are)
8. Love Interest/s
9. Likes & Dislikes
10: Virtues
11. Vices
12. Ambition/Desire
13. Conflict
14. Vocation/Calling
15. Additional Notes
Second section: A sample scene (100 - 400 words)
This will be a fresh write of a scene containing your character and would detail how they interact with other characters and their environment. Brownie points for putting the character into a scene different to that which he/she would normally face in your novel. For instance, say your character belongs to a fantasy novel - put them in an ordinary day-to-day situation - like a shopping centre. I'm not looking for comic value - rather how well your character reacts in character - based on their profile. You should also add enough detail for me to 'see' your character as you do.
Third Section: A link to your story
Full html link eg: http://storywrite.com/story/123456
This can either be a link to a chapter that you think best portrays your character, or a link to the list the story belongs in.
RULES :
1. All entries to be of the above format. Any entries with different format or missing sections will be DQ'd. I will warn you first.
2. No prewrites . Sorry - this contest is rather specific, I doubt you would have a prewrite that fits.
3. Characters must already be in existence in a story created prior entering this contest. The story must be in existence either on Storywrite or another website - such as Deviant Art. The story must be novel length or with the intention of being novel length.
***For those people that have stories on paper , I am allowing a 3-day 'grace' period (starting from when you start on your profile) for you to stop procrastinating , pull your finger out and lodge the start of your story.***
4. Characters must come from stories that are considered novels. That is they are chaptered, OR , if single length, contain greater than 4000 words.
5. All genres and ratings accepted.
6. Adequate standards of grammer/punctuation/spelling must be adhered to. Sticky caps and netspeak are unacceptable. Swearing to be used appropriately and kept at a minimum.
7. NO fanfiction, poetry, short stories, rants, sermons etc - original stories only.
8. You must be either the full author of the story OR a listed collaborator.
9. I have opened for multiple entries. That being said, please limit your entries to two per novel/story - the antogonist and the protagonist. Kudos for using a character from another novel or story.
***Any entry not following these rules will be DQ'd.***
Depending on the quality of entries received, points value may rise.
The contest will be judged on the originality of the character, how well you know them, and how well they stay in-character in their interactions compared with your profile of them.
So... what are you waiting for? Get writing!
***Update 2nd August: I am keeping this contest open and changed a few rules to allow those with newer stories to enter - I think character profiling is important for everyone - and not just for a contest to win points. Everyone that enters is eligible for a trophy - as long as the entry meets the requirements set out above.***
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on September 20, 2008
- Rewards: Gold: 500, Silver: 250, Bronze: 150, Honorable mention: 27 people
- Final notes: Thank you all for entering the contest - I hope that by doing so, you all learn valuable things about your character's personality, motivations and goals.
Congratulations to everyone - but especially the top three. These characters are very well developed, original and unique.
HMs are in no particular order - but they are all well-deserved.
Contest Winners
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A bio of Morrigan Ironink. It's possible there's a spoiler or two in here, but I tried my best to keep it clean.by IrishYndina 2800 words, 4 comments, on Jun 14 9:43 PM 2008. In Bio, Fantasy, Fiction, Novel-in-progress
Gold trophy winner
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by Tiger-Lily 1200 words, 15 comments, on Jun 11 5:09 PM 2008. In Fiction, First person, Horror, Humor, Romance, Young adult
Silver trophy winner
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1 / First Section2 / 1. Howling Silence / 2. Swallows-the-Lost / 3. Irrelevant / not applicable. / 4. Neuter. When not consciously mimickinby intoothandclaw 1600 words, 6 comments, on Jun 25 2:44 AM 2008. In Dark, Death, Horror, Murder, Spiritual, Weird
Bronze trophy winner
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by Wheelsgr 800 words, 3 comments, on Jun 3 6:32 PM 2008. In Science fiction, Thriller, Young adult
Honorable mention
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1 / First section: Character Profile2 / 1.Joseph(Joe) / 2.Farley / 3.44 / 4.Male / 5.Human / 6.Six feet, developing a paunch, big, blue eyby Andy Stephenson 600 words, 10 comments, on Jun 3 7:09 AM 2008. In , Fantasy, Fiction, Other Honorable mention
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by mathgeek2313 800 words, 1 comment, on Jun 3 3:43 PM 2008. In Fantasy, Fiction, Other, Third person, Vampires, Young adult Honorable mention
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by Adelaide Blood 1100 words, 1 comment, on Jun 3 4:15 PM 2008. In Fantasy, Fiction, Life, Love, Novel, Other, Romance, Young adult Honorable mention
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_Character Profile_1 / 1. Name: Thorn / 2. Last Name: N / A (due to her mother's position, she never really had one) / 3. Age: Mid / Late 3• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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My entry into a character development contest.by WritersEffigy 400 words, 4 comments, on Jun 4 6:53 PM 2008. In Contest, Fantasy Honorable mention
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First section: Character Profile1 / First Name: Joshua (Josh)2 / Last Name: Hasting3 / Age: 118 (looks 19)4 /• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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A overview of my main character.• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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1. Honor (Middle name Isabel-Grace)1 / 2. Denallie 2 / 3. Seventeen 3 / 4. Female4 / 5. Guarded Angel, wh• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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1 / I will type the rest in a little while• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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First Name: Sera1 / Age: 70, appears 17. 2 / Gender: Female3 / Species: Angel4 / Bodily Appearance: Seraby DuchessAura of Brie 400 words, 4 comments, on Jun 26 2:35 AM 2008. In Character, Contest entry Honorable mention
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- Error: Unable to find finalist item 187304, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 192462, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 193856, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
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First section: Character Profile 1
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by RunningFromReality 500 words, 9 comments, on Aug 20 10:35 PM 2008. In , Contest, Fantasy, Fiction, First person, Romance, Young adult Honorable mention
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by RunningFromReality 500 words, 2 comments, on Aug 21 3:03 PM 2008. In Contest, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, First person, Love, Young adult Honorable mention
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Ok, just a small glimpse at the inside life of Ethan.
. Contest write! Enjoy everyone 
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Sylvia Stattor is calculated to be 26 Earth years old and is from a distant planet called Armava.
by angellove 1200 words, 3 comments, on Sep 1 6:30 PM 2008. In Character sketch, Noguest, Science fiction, Spiritual, Supernatural Honorable mention
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by Surreal Rhapsody 800 words, 4 comments, on Sep 6 5:13 PM 2008. In Character, Contest Honorable mention
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Taint Wilberson - Character Profile- Contest Entryby Prodigious.Mirth 900 words, 2 comments, on Sep 8 12:58 AM 2008. In Taint wilberson - character pro Honorable mention
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Entries [30]
Add a comment
Comments
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Hmm.
You really set a challenge here. I'll have to try it
. I may be 
. I'll get started on this shortly.
Andy -
You make some of the best contests, I swear. Now I just need to decide which character from which novel...hm... Only one entry per person?
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So far - only one per author. Though if I don't get many entries, I will open for multiple entries.
As for my contests - I like to put some thought into them - make them worth more then trophies and points. -
Have now opened for multiple entries - see rules for more information.
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Good to know! Now the limiting factor becomes available time...
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Well - that shouldn't be much of a problem.
I typically leave my contests open for at least four weeks. You can expect this one to stay open for about 4-6.
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I agree with Irish, this is an awesome idea. I know exactly which smartass I'm putting in here. The only problem is I don't really know what he looks like...I guess this would be a good time to figure it out.
I hope you get a lot of great entries.
Jack -
ok i have a question i have a character i have been perfecting her since the start of the school year but i haven't put her the story-novel thing up yet am i still allowed to enter
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I would suggest that you use the entry format as a writing exercise - this contest is not about winning points, but rather about helping writers better understand their characters.
A character profile is a must-have for anyone writing a novel. You will find that the sample scene will help you with the inspiration to finally start your story. Put the profile/scene into new story and IM me the link - I'd be more than happy to read and give you feedback.
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Is it okay that my story isn't finished yet. I have the plot/summary but not the whole story yet.
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It doesn't matter if your story is incomplete - you just need to have had at least the first couple of chapters posted on Storywrite. Or if you haven't posted yet, have the intention of doing so within 3 days of posting your character profile.
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Even though I have no patience to sit down and write a novel, I still think this contest is a really good contest. Brilliant idea.
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So I don't have much written in my novel, but it is started and I want to enter and get some feed back. Is that ok if I only really have a chapter and a half?
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That's fine - if you are able to provide a link to your story, that will be sufficient.
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Awesome.
I am definately entering! -
*loosens her collar a bit* How strict are you going to be on the whole 100 to 400 word scene bit? I could force mine to be only 400 words, but then it wouldn't really sound like my writing style...
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The 100-400 is just an approximate guideline. If you need more than 400 words to adequately present a scene, be my guest.
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*is relieved* Thanks! I'll try to keep it reasonable.
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Do you plan on doing anymore contests like this? I have only recently started my novel so I only have one chapter so you wouldn't know my character yet really.
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This contest has been adjusted for people like you - as a good way of finding out about your lead character. All eligible entries will receive a medal.
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.. NO! It closed for judging as I was typing! *dies*
I wish I had been able to do this one sooner. x.x Oh well... *sigh* -
I think "Josh Hasting" Should win! ^^
~star -
What the French Toast?!
I thought this was still open.
Oh well I'm going to finish my 'entry' and add it to the list of missed opportunities.
great contest idea
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Have re-opened for that entry Jack.
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I really want to do this contest, But none of my stuff (at least current stuff) is on SW
Why do we have to give a link to the rest of our
stories... to prove we didn't just make them up on the spot? -
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I don't mind if the stories are not on Storywrite - in fact they could be listed on another site such as Writing.com or DeviantArt. As long as they do exist somewhere.
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Just a question...
I am writing a novel... but its not on SW, its on another website...
Could I still enter??
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See my comment above - as long as the story exists somewhere, I don't mind. Feel free to enter - just provide a link to where the story is.
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This might be just the right thing I need to get my writing back on track - I shall book mark and see what I can get done today !!!
If not I love this contest and your effort for making it shine !! it is unique and I love these contest that make you think on many levels.
well done Blondie !!!
Blair ^.^ -
Thank You!
Thanks for the honorable mention and points. I appreciate them. I hope you like Joseph Farley.
Andy -
Thanks for hosting such great contests! You always put so much thought and work into them, and we who enter appreciate that greatly. Thanks!
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