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The articles in this section aim to provide writers, particularly new writers, with an insight into the world of fiction writing.
Motivation
Using proverb based themes for story ideas - Part One
Using proverb based themes for story ideas - Part Two
Backup Your Writing for Free Online
Plot: The Fiction Writer's Itinerary
Choosing and Describing a Perfect Setting
Characterisation
Learn to be quiet
Delving into your past
Regaining your writing confidence
Using inclusive language in writing
Copyright: Where To Find Information
Critiquing guidelines
Anti-Virus Tip for Writers
All Rights Remain With the Author: Fact or Fiction?
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How do you create characters anyway? It's an often asked question and there are many ways to answer it - believe me, I've heard most of the answers! The easiest way I know of creating characters is to write their biographies. 'Huh?' you say, 'how can I write their biographies if I don't know them?' Allow me to demonstrate.
Start by giving the character an image. Try asking yourself easy questions to begin with such as: is it a female or a male or an alien? what is the hair colour? what colour eyes? what nationality? how old is the character? You're doing well aren't you? An image is coming to you right? Excellent! Now move on to more interesting character attributes. Think about the character's position in the family, e.g., first born, middle child or baby of the family, how many brothers and sisters? what did the parents do? what school did the character attend? what is the character's temperament? what subjects and sports did the character excel at or crash in? You're getting the hang of this, congratulations! Now let's go deeper. What does your character do? perhaps study? maybe work? maybe your character is on the death bed? what about your character's relationships? Okay, you're almost done. What are your character's goals and what problems are going to transpire in achieving those goals?
Okay, so the above exercise doesn't give everything about the character, at least you have something substantial to work with. That was the point. For each main character, try to write a one page biography. For less important characters, a paragraph might be enough. Try it and see how you go (smile).
© Justin O'Leary 1998
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