Essence Of Character Seven Steps To Creating Characters That Write Themselves
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
Essence of Character: Seven Steps to Creating Characters That Write Themselves
Summary:
Crafting believable characters requires time and discipline. Developing genuine individuals without imposing personal biases is challenging yet crucial?"often distinguishing successful novels or screenplays from those that remain unseen. Building characters before they enter your story eases the writing process, creating works that captivate agents, publishers, producers, and readers alike.Article Body:
Creating authentic characters demands dedication and practice. As a development executive with LA Film Lab Entertainment, I’ve devised a framework to help you craft rich, complex characters. This involves: 1) identifying their desires, 2) understanding their fears, 3) detailing their past, 4) describing their behavior, 5) elevating their stakes, 6) allowing them independence, and 7) letting them play. Engaging deeply with these steps will foster characters that reflect real life.1. Identify Desire Essences
Discover the core motivators that drive your characters' actions?"these "Desire Essences" differentiate and define them. Examples include the desire to be intellectually brilliant, socially famous, or deeply loved.2. Understand Fear Essences
Every desire is shadowed by a fear of not achieving it. These "Fear Essences" can drive behavior just as strongly. Examples include fear of being ordinary, rejected, or exposed.3. Detail Backstory
Character behavior stems from past experiences imprinted like DNA. Your characters should be influenced by these backstories, though unaware of them. Specific details bring these stories to life.Example:
Instead of stating, "Rachel is a pretty girl who thinks she’s unattractive," provide detailed moments: On graduation day, her father’s inappropriate behavior at her party causes her to flee, humiliated, impacting her future interactions and fears.
4. Describe Current Behavior
Based on essences and backstories, determine character behaviors. For instance, a character who fears public humiliation might always wear a belt after past embarrassing experiences.5. Elevate the Stakes
Emotions are extreme; don't shy away from high stakes. Whether it’s saving a home or finding a critical item, let your characters’ fears and desires lead them to extreme actions.6. Allow Independence
Though you're the writer, avoid meddling. Let characters make decisions based on their established traits. If you’re unsure of their actions, revisit their essences and stakes for clarity.7. Let Them Play
Once developed, let your characters interact naturally. Like new students meeting for the first time, the possibilities are endless. Well-crafted characters will drive the narrative themselves.Conclusion
Follow these steps to create richer characters. Consider their history and genetics. Just as in real life, their behavior is sculpted by experiences and DNA. Address components like ethnicity, religion, and major life events. Write desire and fear essences for each main character, refining until ten of each resonate deeply.Develop Backstory:
Create definitive moments that establish these essences, leading to a detailed half-page write-up for each instance.
Label Current Behavior:
Based on essences and past, sketch ten behaviors for each character.
Raise the Stakes:
List potential stress changes in their lives.
Interaction:
Place characters together, modulate their stress levels, and observe the outcomes. This will reveal their depth and authenticity.
By integrating these strategies, your characters will come to life, driving your narrative with genuine depth and intrigue.
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