WRITING & FINISHING A NOVEL #4

In this step by step process, so far we've looked at three tips for you to write and finish a novel. Now we come to Tip Number Four.

INTERVIEW YOUR CHARACTERS

Of all the tips, this one may be the most fun. This is where you find out who's going to populate your novel and what they are really like. If you've done step three, write an outline, then you already should have a decent idea of the major players vying for attention.

I'm not dogmatic about how deep you take the information on your cast, but I strongly advise you at least rough in a decent sketch of each main character. In your quest to complete your novel, you don't want to hit a rough patch and stop simply because you didn't know your characters.

Here are nine things to consider in understanding your characters.

1. What is their name?
Unlike real life, the character's name in a story does carry weight and symbolism. Sometimes their name is the antithesis of their true personality. The name you choose says volumes.

2. What is their personality?
An introvert will react to a situation completely different than an extrovert. Find out how your character is hardwired and you will know how they will act.

3. What is their cultural identity?
This covers a broad swath of sensibilities, everything from physical appearance and ethnic heritage to tastes in food and potential global connections. 

4. What is their family history?
While similar to cultural identity above, this focuses more on how a character grew up. What was their relationship with their parents and siblings? Was it a matriarchal family? Was it troubled or peaceful? Did the family carry collective secrets?

5. What is their biggest dream?
This will tell you what the character is pursuing and what motivates them. Make this big. Most of us don't have little dreams.

6. What is their biggest secret?
This will tell you what your character reacts to or wants to avoid. This can be something that has been stifled for years.

7. In the story what is their driving motivation?
This one, while similar to five and six above, is plot specific and gives us the character's forward motion within the context of the story. For instance, your character's biggest dream may be to retire to the beaches of St. Croix, but their immediate driving motivation within the story is to get a job and get back on their feet. This is often differentiated by the immediacy of the need/dream.

8. What is their relationship to the other characters?
Human relationships are dynamic. We often tailor our body language, word selection, tone of voice, etc. depending on whom we are interacting with. Characters are no different. Find the conduits and barriers between your characters.

9. What are their core values?
Each person has a worldview and a set of rules for how they live life. What is your character's? Even "I have no rules" is a rule. Discover how a character's valuations impact their interactions.

Answering these questions will open up your character and make them come alive. And having this information will take you one step closer to completing your novel!

I've prepared a PDF Character Information Sheet that I will freely send anyone who sends an opt-in to my newsletter/email list here. 

Click here to see Tip Number One.
Click here to see Tip Number Two.
Click here to see Tip Number Three.

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