Writing Tips:
Part 3: Characters
Section B: The Hero/Heroine (also called the Protagonist)
Please remember that this article is slightly biased. My opinions are not the complete truth and some authors/readers may disagree with some of the things I write. Everything I write comes from experience in writing and reading things online and in books.
Sorry for not writing in a long time, I've been busy on Tuesdays with Taekwondo and writing classes and all, so I've decided to do this post on Wednesdays instead.
I've already went over characters in my last post, but here I will go deeper.
The Hero/Heroine figure in a story is, for the most part, the main character of the story. Sometimes the main character is the side character, a bystander, or even the villain but most of the time the Hero/Heroine and main character are one and the same. In this post when I refer to the main character I will be speaking about the hero/heroine.
In many ways, your main character is the most important figure in your story and so, they are sometimes the hardest to craft. What do they look like? What are their names? What are they like; are they genuinely nice, do they have a darker nature or are the even a mix of both? What is their gender and age? How do they fit into the story and how do they solve the problems that come to them?
There are different types of hero/heroine's to work with. There are the reluctant type who take on their responsibilities with great trepidation and there are the eager type who jump for the chance at adventure and glory(though a lot of the time they come to realize that adventure and glory isn't all it's cracked out to be). There is also the cocky action hero, and the modest humble hero who just does what they feel is right. There are many types of hero/heroine's to choose from and which ever you choose will help determine and shape your story.
It is important to realize that on your first try, that more likely than not, your main character isn't going to be the way you want them to be. And that's okay; your character will grow from the page and into you and your readers the longer you work with her/him. Main characters are always a joy to write; and even though sometimes we writers may worry that they aren't life-like, or three-dimensional enough, the hero/heroine will eventually pull through on their own(that is, if you stay with the same character and story).
Another thing to remember is that some of the time, after you've worked with your character enough to know them inside and out, they will take the story in a different direction or they will be drawn to a certain person in the story that you hadn't planned for before hand(I know this has happened to me...a lot).
Hero/Heroine do's and don't's
The MOST important thing to remember while creating your main character and how they deal with their situation is to make sure you know what to NOT do.
The number one thing to never do it make your character too perfect. This is what is called in the writing world a "Mary Sue" or a "Gary Stu". Sometimes as authors we want our characters to be the best since, half the time, this person is based on who we are and who we wish to be. It's very tempting for early authors to do this(I will admit to having done this when I first started) and since it's a common pitfall it's important to be on the lookout for this when re-reading your work.
Common traits of a Mary Sue/Gary Stu are perfect looks, having almost prodigious abilities, having an abundance of cliche and or stereotypical traits(such as red hair = hothead or blond hair = airhead), or absolutely no flaws.
Remember, characters are people and, like people, they should have flaws. They don't have to be huge, but the character should at least be like people you see around you. Your main character can be pretty/handsome and they can be good at what are learning to or already doing but don't go overboard on perfection; that way, the character won't be as easy to relate to for readers and won't seem like an actual person.
Also, please remember that your characters personality should reflect their personality. A person growing up in a crappy, abusive background they most likely isn't going to be some innocent, happy-go-lucky individual; though of course if you wanted to have him/her be that way in a twisted sort of way, it could make for an interesting story. But for the most part, try to understand where this person you have created is coming from, do research on things you don't fully understand or have never experienced.
Another thing I have noticed in several books is that sometimes the main character, especially if it's a girl, won't be directly involved in the action, especially if it has to do with a battle/fight. In my personal opinion, the main character, regardless of their gender, should be directly involved in the action; but then, that's just my take on it :)
Hero/Heroine's I enjoy and think are really good examples of well developed main characters.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Harry Potter
Luke Skywalker
Frodo Baggins
Same Gamgee(I know, he's more of a side-kick character, but to me, he's a hero)
Gregor (from The Underland Chronicles)
Siri Tachi
Katniss Everdeen
Sabriel
Lirael
Anakin Skywalker(before he goes all evil, that is)
Percy Jackson
Todd Hewitt
Viola Eade
Ender Wiggins
Tally (from the Uglies series)
Ella(from Ella Enchanted)
Enna (from Enna Burning)
Princess Addie (from The Two Princesses of Bamarre)
Melinda Sordino (from Speak)
Jessie (from Running out of Time)
Maximum Ride
And of course, I really enjoy my main character :)
Who are some of your favorite heroes/heroines?
Have a good rest of your night and May the Force be with you! :)
Actor, Writer, Jedi, Singer,
You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you
Showing posts with label Writing Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing Tips. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Writing Tips: Part 3: Section A
Writing Tips
Part 3: Characters
Section A: How to create and develop a character.
While your working on your basic plot-outline you should also have some idea who the story is going to revolve around. Who is the main character, who do are their friends/allies? Who is the person who stands in their way and whom they despise?
Creating and develop a character can seem a daunting task for early writers; I know that back when I first started that was something I always worried about. Right now, however, you shouldn't worry too much since you have a lot of time to refine your character and change them(which will happen). Right now you just want to make a sketch about your major characters- what do they look like, what are they interested in, what is their personality like, what they hate, what they fear, etc. One thing I've done in the past was to answer a list of random questions, such as you might find on Facebook, a blog owner's 'about me', a forum, etc. What you put here may not apply to how your character eventually turns out but for now, this should help you get the basic idea of what they're like down.
Developing a character takes time and lots of practice at writing, so don't expect your character to be this amazing, wonderful creation just yet(this will come along on it's own course). To help develop your characters, you can base them off yourselves or someone you know. This will help if you can't think of what you wan't them to be like(I based the main character in my series off of me). Reading also always helps; you can't be a good writer without having read quite a lot of different books(movies and t.v shows can also be helpful). Look at your favorite character from your favorite story- what makes them likable and easy to relate to? By looking at what others have done, you can begin to understand how creating a character works and how to find your own voice in writing. :)
Till next time where I shall discuss in depth about different roles in a novel. Have a good rest of your night and May the Force be with you! :)
Part 3: Characters
Section A: How to create and develop a character.
While your working on your basic plot-outline you should also have some idea who the story is going to revolve around. Who is the main character, who do are their friends/allies? Who is the person who stands in their way and whom they despise?
Creating and develop a character can seem a daunting task for early writers; I know that back when I first started that was something I always worried about. Right now, however, you shouldn't worry too much since you have a lot of time to refine your character and change them(which will happen). Right now you just want to make a sketch about your major characters- what do they look like, what are they interested in, what is their personality like, what they hate, what they fear, etc. One thing I've done in the past was to answer a list of random questions, such as you might find on Facebook, a blog owner's 'about me', a forum, etc. What you put here may not apply to how your character eventually turns out but for now, this should help you get the basic idea of what they're like down.
Developing a character takes time and lots of practice at writing, so don't expect your character to be this amazing, wonderful creation just yet(this will come along on it's own course). To help develop your characters, you can base them off yourselves or someone you know. This will help if you can't think of what you wan't them to be like(I based the main character in my series off of me). Reading also always helps; you can't be a good writer without having read quite a lot of different books(movies and t.v shows can also be helpful). Look at your favorite character from your favorite story- what makes them likable and easy to relate to? By looking at what others have done, you can begin to understand how creating a character works and how to find your own voice in writing. :)
Till next time where I shall discuss in depth about different roles in a novel. Have a good rest of your night and May the Force be with you! :)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Writing Tips: Part 2: Section B
Writing Tips
Part 2: Plot and/or idea
Section B: What a plot is and plot structure
Warning: What I say will be, on some topics, slightly biased. I will try not to be but all writers see things differently so some people may agree with me and some may not.
Today I will be talking about what a plot is and how to craft one.
A plot is basically 'What Happens in a Story.' It's what the bulk of a book; the plot can be about a huge interplanetary war or it could be about someone moving to a new school- there are so many possibilities to explore. And remember that sometimes figuring out the perfect plot can take years to figure out; your story will change many times as you mature and as you think of new ideas and discard old ones.
Once you have your main idea, you need to figure out how the story will flow- how will it flow, what will happen at the beginning and end, what will happen at the end. If you are a new author or you are starting a new series, figuring out how your story will go can be hard to figure out. Luckily, there is a formula that should help you get started on your plot structure. Also, plot structure varries with what you are writing- like whether your are writing a single book or a series novels.
The first part of the plot graph is exposition- in other words, the beginning. The beginning of a story should set up the major character(s) and how they live prior to the story. Stories can begin in many ways- some begin slowly and introduce you to the characters and others plunge head-first into the action. Both techniques work; it depends on what sort of story you want to write. Remember, your beginning should intrigue the reader but don't worry about that too much- the most important thing for know is to figure out how you want to begin the story.
Once you have established your characters and their situation, your begin what is called 'Rising Action.' Rising Action is the build up to the main point of the entire story- most of the story is rising action in all actuality and it is important to spend just the right amount of time here- try not to add too much filler or gloss over things too much.
The next part of a plot is the climax-which is the epitome of the novel. The climax is what the story has been building towards the whole time. Climaxes can be very hard to write and can be different depending on whether or not your writing a stand alone or a series. If you are writing a stand alone novel this climax should be the biggest part of the story and it should resolve the conflict. When writing a series, however, the climax can be big, but it shouldn't completely end the conflict; especially if you want to continue with the same thread throughout the whole story.
The last part of a story is the 'Resolution.' The resolution is where everything comes to together, the action winds down, and the characters start learning to live with the changes that have taken place. If your story is just one book than make sure you tie up any loose ends and bring the story to a close. However, if it is a series, leave an opening for the next book or end with a cliffhanger (unless it is the last book in the series, then you can just finish it..unless you are going to continue with the characters in another series >:D)
So that is all for now. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Till next time!
May the Force be with you!
Shena Tokala(Maegen).
Part 2: Plot and/or idea
Section B: What a plot is and plot structure
Warning: What I say will be, on some topics, slightly biased. I will try not to be but all writers see things differently so some people may agree with me and some may not.
Today I will be talking about what a plot is and how to craft one.
A plot is basically 'What Happens in a Story.' It's what the bulk of a book; the plot can be about a huge interplanetary war or it could be about someone moving to a new school- there are so many possibilities to explore. And remember that sometimes figuring out the perfect plot can take years to figure out; your story will change many times as you mature and as you think of new ideas and discard old ones.
Once you have your main idea, you need to figure out how the story will flow- how will it flow, what will happen at the beginning and end, what will happen at the end. If you are a new author or you are starting a new series, figuring out how your story will go can be hard to figure out. Luckily, there is a formula that should help you get started on your plot structure. Also, plot structure varries with what you are writing- like whether your are writing a single book or a series novels.
The first part of the plot graph is exposition- in other words, the beginning. The beginning of a story should set up the major character(s) and how they live prior to the story. Stories can begin in many ways- some begin slowly and introduce you to the characters and others plunge head-first into the action. Both techniques work; it depends on what sort of story you want to write. Remember, your beginning should intrigue the reader but don't worry about that too much- the most important thing for know is to figure out how you want to begin the story.
Once you have established your characters and their situation, your begin what is called 'Rising Action.' Rising Action is the build up to the main point of the entire story- most of the story is rising action in all actuality and it is important to spend just the right amount of time here- try not to add too much filler or gloss over things too much.
The next part of a plot is the climax-which is the epitome of the novel. The climax is what the story has been building towards the whole time. Climaxes can be very hard to write and can be different depending on whether or not your writing a stand alone or a series. If you are writing a stand alone novel this climax should be the biggest part of the story and it should resolve the conflict. When writing a series, however, the climax can be big, but it shouldn't completely end the conflict; especially if you want to continue with the same thread throughout the whole story.
The last part of a story is the 'Resolution.' The resolution is where everything comes to together, the action winds down, and the characters start learning to live with the changes that have taken place. If your story is just one book than make sure you tie up any loose ends and bring the story to a close. However, if it is a series, leave an opening for the next book or end with a cliffhanger (unless it is the last book in the series, then you can just finish it..unless you are going to continue with the characters in another series >:D)
So that is all for now. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Till next time!
May the Force be with you!
Shena Tokala(Maegen).
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