Character development

[DiminutiveDame]

Howdy,
I'm interested to know how other writers develop a character, main or otherwise. Do you let them grow and develop through a story? Do you simply write down facts about them and use that as a source when writing?
It might seem silly but I am rather curious and would like some advise about exploring characters more and ways in which I could do that.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

For stories of length, with a number of character, I develop a character sheet for them.

In others stories where there are limited characters, I have them defined in my head.

 

[oggbashan]

It depends.

Some of my characters emerge full-grown, some develop as I start writing, some are cardboard cut-outs until the story is almost complete.

For the cardboard cut-outs, I don't even know whether the name they start with will be appropriate. When the story is in the first edit, I might use Find and Replace to change the name to one that suits the character better.

I do not use a character sheet in any form unless I am writing a sequel to a story I wrote years earlier. If I do, it is just a series of short notes based on the earlier chapter/story as an aide-memoire to avoid constantly referring back.

What works for me wouldn't necessarily work for another.

But it is too easy to get distracted by the mechanics and lose the plot - literally.

 

[sr71plt]

I may have some idea of a character element before writing, but mostly they develop (to the extent they need to) as the story spins out, being mentioned where they are relevant to the storyline. That way there's nothing extraneous hanging out that irrelevant to the storyline and I don't have any favorite character elements that I have to use a hammer on to make them fit in the story.

 

[Aynmair]

I may have some idea of a character element before writing, but mostly they develop (to the extent they need to) as the story spins out, being mentioned where they are relevant to the storyline. That way there's nothing extraneous hanging out that irrelevant to the storyline and I don't have any favorite character elements that I have to use a hammer on to make them fit in the story.

In answer to one of my questions on a very similar topic (I believe I asked about whether sr71plt writes out his plot before starting), sr71plt mentioned that he sometimes has very barebones notes on a particular character/setting when he starts out a story. I found this idea very useful, and used it myself (and thus thought to add it to his earlier answer). I found it particularly nice because this approach does not keep you from starting a story until you have the perfect plot/perfect character, etc.

I don't know about others, but half the battle for me is to start (clearly not a problem for many on Lit). Anything that makes starting harder increases the chance that the story will never get written.

 

[Hypoxia]

Many many of my characters are real people or are based on such, and writing of their development is pretty easy -- just follow the trail of breadcrumbs. Of course I use cardboard cutouts also, or let a cutout in one episode develop into a rounded person later. Some characters are just natural-born spear-carriers, just there to fill-in the crowd scenes and mutter, "rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb..."

 

[oggbashan]

Many many of my characters are real people or are based on such, and writing of their development is pretty easy -- just follow the trail of breadcrumbs. Of course I use cardboard cutouts also, or let a cutout in one episode develop into a rounded person later. Some characters are just natural-born spear-carriers, just there to fill-in the crowd scenes and mutter, "rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb..."

What upsets many of my plot designs are characters that refuse to remain spear-carriers, and want more lines than "rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb...".

Sometimes I have to write them a story of their own to satisfy them.

 

[AMoveableBeast]

What upsets many of my plot designs are characters that refuse to remain spear-carriers, and want more lines than "rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb...".

Sometimes I have to write them a story of their own to satisfy them.

Speaking as a character myself, I'm not personally satisfied without at least four "rhubarbs" worth of dialogue. What can I say? Mama taught me not to settle.

 

[Hypoxia]

What upsets many of my plot designs are characters that refuse to remain spear-carriers, and want more lines than "rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb...".

Sometimes I have to write them a story of their own to satisfy them.

Yes, they ARE snippy tarts sometimes. I'm dealing with that right now. A spear-carrier in my second BOOK OF RUTH episode clawed her way to a major role in the third episode (which I've halfway written) -- and brought her MILF step-mother along, heh heh -- but will unexpectedly be a tragic nexus too. Impaled on her own spear, as it were.

It's FUN when walk-on bit players start chewing the scenery. Just hope they're all potty-trained.

 

[trace_ekies]

I'm in the process of re-using a character I created several years ago, (he was the 1st person narrator), complete with his original setting and even a bit of the old story. In the current one though he's a minor player. He was an interesting character, (IMO), and giving him a cameo in the current story seems to add flavor.

 

[DiminutiveDame]

Thanks guys.

I've never really thought about character development or much structure before, which makes me think maybe I should be working on it.
Usually if I have an idea I just run with it, assuming I like it.

I guess wanting to expand and learn is different from being brave enough to just get on and do it, trying different strategies.

I appreciate all the advice ^^.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

People are what they do. Its all you need to know about personality and character.

 

[Hypoxia]

I guess wanting to expand and learn is different from being brave enough to just get on and do it, trying different strategies.

Remember the truth about strategies: No battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy. Plan whatever you want, but if your characters come alive in your storytelling, they'll just do whatever the fuck THEY want. Murder may be your only option.

People are what they do. Its all you need to know about personality and character.

Surprisingly, I agree. Characters can only blather just so much. Their actions reveal them.

 

[_Lynn_]

In answer to one of my questions on a very similar topic (I believe I asked about whether sr71plt writes out his plot before starting), sr71plt mentioned that he sometimes has very barebones notes on a particular character/setting when he starts out a story. I found this idea very useful, and used it myself (and thus thought to add it to his earlier answer). I found it particularly nice because this approach does not keep you from starting a story until you have the perfect plot/perfect character, etc.

I don't know about others, but half the battle for me is to start (clearly not a problem for many on Lit). Anything that makes starting harder increases the chance that the story will never get written.

About the only thing I make notes on is age, names, locations . . . things I want to keep straight throughout the story. That's easier than having to go back later to check for accuracy.

 

[DiminutiveDame]

People are what they do. Its all you need to know about personality and character.

I agree actually, thank you.

Maybe I'm over thinking it too. Possibly looking at the characters too much and not the plot development, which is something else I don't and never have had a solid plan for.

 

[JKendallDane]

Plan whatever you want, but if your characters come alive in your storytelling, they'll just do whatever the fuck THEY want. Murder may be your only option.

I'm still trying to decide whether it is a good thing or not when a story starts writing itself and plot twists just seem to appear from nowhere on the screen.

Closely following is that rather strange feeling that comes over you as wonder when you stopped being the author and became little more than a secretary for your main characters.

At least they aren't issuing me orders to get them coffee and sandwiches when we take breaks...well not yet anyway!

 

[Hypoxia]

About the only thing I make notes on is age, names, locations . . . things I want to keep straight throughout the story. That's easier than having to go back later to check for accuracy.

I build a chronology for my longer-duration tales (a generation or more) mostly to maintain continuity of ages and events. I left those timelines in at the end of each BRIDE OF KONG chapter.

I'm still trying to decide whether it is a good thing or not when a story starts writing itself and plot twists just seem to appear from nowhere on the screen.

It's a good thing. Writing proceeds much faster and easier when the characters do most all the work. I just have to clean up after them.

At least they aren't issuing me orders to get them coffee and sandwiches when we take breaks...well not yet anyway!

Then you haven't really set them free. Some of mine demand specific bottles of wine. No, the '99 Rochioli chardonnay, not the '98 -- Jenna Ives was quite insistent on that.

You'll know you've lost control when the characters start complaining about what you (the 'author') require of them. Chet Ives was pissed when he had to deliver breakfast to Aunty Jenna and her lover.

(The Ives' appear in THAT'S MY GIRL.)

 

[Bramblethorn]

It depends on the story and what role I have in mind for the character. If they're only intended as minor supporting cast I'll make it up as I go, and usually that works fine (though for my biggest story here I accidentally reused several character names, which isn't ideal).

For major characters I'll usually sketch out a very brief bio: birth year, major life events, that sort of thing, so I don't have readers asking "why is Bob going to college at twelve?" Beyond that I'm usually content to keep it in my head and improvise where needed.

 

[HeyAll]

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I like writing stories where an average person struggles with a moral dilemma. Obviously since this is a sex site, and we're writing dirty stories, the dilemma is sexual.

The character goes about her normal everyday routine, then she's hit with something that's the opposite of her. Then she struggles with it. That's the fun of a story.

So I guess there is "growth" in my stories.

ie, a shy girl who needs money decides to take a job walking around nude at an upscale party.

The girl starts off shy, but she struggles with her identity, and by the end, her character becomes more developed.

 

[AMoveableBeast]

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I like writing stories where an average person struggles with a moral dilemma. Obviously since this is a sex site, and we're writing dirty stories, the dilemma is sexual.

The character goes about her normal everyday routine, then she's hit with something that's the opposite of her. Then she struggles with it. That's the fun of a story.

So I guess there is "growth" in my stories.

ie, a shy girl who needs money decides to take a job walking around nude at an upscale party.

The girl starts off shy, but she struggles with her identity, and by the end, her character becomes more developed.

I live for stories such as these.

 

[JaxRhapsody]

Characters in long stories(unless they are bullheaded and even then) should learn and grow as the fictional peoplethey are. Take Rayne Falls for example, by the end, he had no choice but to grow. Vinny on thee other hand was just stuxk in his was. Yes, it's my story, I habe no shame. I try to lay out all of my characterss, if only so I don't forget their names, lol. Some of it is pointless for the reader to know about; such as what Raynes dick size is or Sydnis bra size.

Right now the hardest thing is keeping the timeline in order. All my stories take place in the same city, therefor some of them do cross paths. There is an order of which they take place.

What's the point of a plot if at least your main character doesn't learn or grow from what happens to them?

 

[sunandshadow]

For a standard screenplay, novella, or novel with a happy ending, I give the main character a problem (character flaw) at the beginning that gets solved by the end. Solving this problem isn't usually the actual climax of the story, it's the thing that has to happen before the climax to get the main character to full strength to face the climax. Usually the second-most-important character is the one who pushes the main character to get their problem resolved.

 

[_Lynn_]

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I like writing stories where an average person struggles with a moral dilemma. Obviously since this is a sex site, and we're writing dirty stories, the dilemma is sexual.

The character goes about her normal everyday routine, then she's hit with something that's the opposite of her. Then she struggles with it. That's the fun of a story.

So I guess there is "growth" in my stories.

ie, a shy girl who needs money decides to take a job walking around nude at an upscale party.

The girl starts off shy, but she struggles with her identity, and by the end, her character becomes more developed.

My characters struggle. They make mistakes. I like adding unexpected scenes. Maggie's Gift is the first example I can think of right now that has an ending few saw coming. And although they aren't posted anywhere, I enjoy writing stories that have children as a main character, like in Stranger in the Park, which was a FAWC entry.

 

[Weird Harold]

I agree actually, thank you.

Maybe I'm over thinking it too. Possibly looking at the characters too much and not the plot development, which is something else I don't and never have had a solid plan for.

One point to remember:

Just because you, the author, know something about a character does not mean you have to tell the reader(s).

In other words, no matter how detailed your character sheet is for a character, only include what is relevant to the story. It may help you to know that john doe was raised by his reclusive grandfather, but if that doesn't affect john's action or reactions, the reader doesn't need to know about it.

 

[MSTarot]

I'm not sure how to answer this one.

If just seems to happen. I will start with a more or less generic name and the mood I'm in maybe something I have in the way of an idea will come together and before long I've got the character.

Then, as the story goes along, I add bits and pieces more to him, that I really have no idea what significance they will play, then those little things become all important and help drive the story.

Best answer I can give you. This is a "just happens as it happens" thing for me.

MST