Happy Friday! It’s very suddenly fall and I hope you’re enjoying.
This week in my SVA class, we worked on really getting to know your main character well. Over the years, I’ve found a fast and efficient way to approach the task. When creating a character, here are the three things to ask yourself.
Who are they like? Do they remind you of someone you know? Perhaps he or she was inspired by an actor living or dead, someone you saw on the street, or a character from a book? Whatever your source is, find a photograph or painting that gives you a feeling about the character.
Then set a timer for 10 minutes and write yourself a letter from them about the story they will be starring in. So, one of my new characters might “write,” “Dear Marilyn, I’m happy to be the star of your new show. Here are a few details that you might want to know. I’m six feet tall, work out and my father abandoned my family right after I was born. My boss, the local Capo is a father figure to me, although he doesn’t always play fair.” And so on.
Put it away and then review it later. I often find a choice detail that really informs the work.
Second, find their laugh. By discovering their laugh, you’ll will find out what kind of sense of humor they have. What a character finds funny is sure way to elevate your scene work.
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Write down a joke and write about their reaction.
Third, find out how they feel about food and what they eat. I have found that this information is important when doing the character bio because every choice reveals so much history and taste and belief systems.
For example, what can we learn from someone who eats grits as opposed to hash browns for breakfast? Set a timer and write about what your main character eats in a day. Then research where two or three of the foods come from. You’ll find out where the character comes from and about his early family situation.
To recap, these three questions will jumpstart developing a great character.
Here’s to your successful writing,
Professor Marilyn Horowitz
