All About Great Characterisation
Great characterisation is key in storytelling, whether we are writing screenplays or novels. But what specifically makes great characterisation? More importantly, how do we create authentic characters? Characters who feel so real we hate them with a passion, or develop a crush on them. It should be a surprise to no one that creating amazing characters takes skill!
To help you with yours, here’s a round up of what you need to know:
1) 5 Simple Tips for Powerful Character Development
Characters are the soul of your story. Take care in naming them. Think about their backstory. Do they have flaws? Of course, they do. What are they? Click HERE to find out how to create them.
2) 5 Simple Ways You Can Source Great Character Ideas
Where do great characters come from? Memorable characters like Annie Wilkes, LeStat or Ellen Ripley. Click HERE to find out where great character ideas come from.
3) How to Avoid Stereotypes When Writing Diverse Characters
If you’re writing diverse characters (and you should be) you definitely don’t want to fall into the trap of relying on stereotypes. B2W got you covered. Click HERE.
4) Top 7 Writing Tips For Great Characterisation
No one starts off thinking ‘I’m going to write the dullest character ever’. But the sad fact is, some just do not grab the reader when we send them out on submission. To ensure yours does, click HERE.
5) How NOT to Write Female Characters – Grab your free copy!
She boobed down the stairs, titted into the hallway and bosomed into the kitchen, where she tripped over (probably because she couldn’t see part her humongous breasts) and began to cry. Yep, men write women badly BUT newsflash! Women do too. Click here to grab your FREE EBOOK FROM B2W about this, which has some brilliant tips on what *not* to do.
6) How to write better LGBT characters
Ever written an LGBT character? If not, why not? Okay, so if you’re not part of the LGBT community then writing with them in mind is going to feel tricky. It’s not. Click HERE.
7) Everything You Need to Know About Character Archetypes
What’s the difference between a stereotype and an archetype? All you need to know, RIGHT HERE!
8) 7 Characters That Are Nearly Always A Big Mistake
Make everyone in your story count. There are many seemingly insignificant characters who make a HUGE impact. Take Foxface from The Hunger Games … don’t know who that is? You probably know Katniss but the teens went nuts for Foxface who played a tiny part in the book. CLICK HERE and make sure yours aren’t plot devices or space fillers.
9) 5 Quick Questions to Help You Write Awesome Characters
Knowingthe people you’re writing about is a given, right? Wrong! A lot of the time we think we know them and make them do things without really knowing what makes them tick. HERE are 5 questions to ask your characters.
10) Writing Adages Explained: ‘Characters Are What They Do’
You know that old saying: ‘Actions speak louder than words‘? Well, they do! Find out why dialogue is secondary to action, HERE.
What are you waiting for??
I hope you enjoyed this round-up on characterisation. Now, go PEOPLE WATCHING! Not in a creepy way, of course. Don’t follow people and freak them out. Unless you haven’t had your morning coffee/tea and you’re following them into the coffeeshop. In that case, you’re allowed to spy on them from your table in the name of inspiration. ALL writers do it. Ahem.
Good luck!
BIO: Emma Pullar is a writer of dark fiction and children’s books. She dabbles in screenwriting and has won/been shortlisted for several short story/script competitions. You can find Emma on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook or lurking in the shadows, spying on people in the name of inspiration and creativity. Check out her website HERE and follow her as @emmapullar_storyteller on instagram.