Sunday, April 3, 2011

A-Z Blog Challenge: C

Today for the A-Z challenge, C stands for character.

When we think of the characters, how many of us think of the people in the story?  Simply those that the play a part in the book?  As in, “an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)”.

When I write, I look try to take it deeper.  I like the definition, “the inherent complex of attributes that determines a person’s moral and ethical actions and reactions”.  What makes them who they are, moves them to act the way they do…what makes them tick?  If you give your characters character, they take on life. 

Take time to get to know their personalities, traits, quirks.  For example, Cole is the main character in my book Cornerstone Deep.  He’s moody, hates the tick of a clock, loves butter, and is an eternal romantic when it comes to Mianna.  Since I wanted him to have these quirks and qualities, I gave him a background that would round him into the person he is in the story.  I shaped him, sketching out a back story for him even though it doesn’t appear in the book.  I believe doing this gives him depth and rounds him as a person. 

My favorite quote from the book is something he spoke, and pretty much sums up his outlook.  “My life is a mirage of endless time.  But you, in this moment, engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul.”  (Yeah, it doesn’t have anything to do with butter…but hey).


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11 comments:

Anonymous said...

"loves Butter"? What a great character!
(maybe you can take out the word identification requirement for comments, makes it easier for the blog challenge)

septembermom said...

Love that quote. This is a great one for "C" today. You're so right about fully understanding a character in and out when you're putting the character on the page.

Geekgirly said...

But hey...the fact that he likes butter instead of margarine speaks volumes!

Charlene A. Wilson said...

I'm so glad butter appeals you guys. :P Lol. And thanks, Septembermom. I'm glad you like the quote. :)

Anastasia V. Pergakis said...

Butter on cake even! Gross. Oh well, to each their own I guess. I was just informed by one of my characters that he likes chocolate covered grasshoppers -- REAL grasshoppers. Guess which one? LOL

Ella said...

Great idea; butter huh...then he is a lovable guy!

Charlene A. Wilson said...

Oh, Ana, you remembered. Lol. I'm so glad you loved the book. And that character has to be Derac. Survivalist that he is. ;)

Cole makes some bad decisions, Ella. But he can definately be loveable!

Cathy said...

For me writing is only about character, and personality traits/styles are what I'm featuring in my A to Z challenge posts. Nice to meet and to follow another writer, especially one who is also very interested in characters.

Charlene A. Wilson said...

Thank you so much, Deirdra! That's so sweet! :D

It's great to meet you, Catherine. Thanks for following. I'll be dropping by and checking out your blog as well. :)

C R Ward said...

Cole sounds like an intriguing character. I really love his quote. :-)

Lilac said...

I love that quote too! And that scene was so romantic and sad. I just love Cole. :D