The Saturday Character Clinic: Does your character have a secret passion that they would like to pursue?
Exploring the Questions that Bring Characters to Life
Characters are memorable only when the author has taken time to consider the whole person. Emotions, flaws, past experiences are important - details matter. While you can’t examine every aspect of a character’s life, each character must be considered carefully before writing your story.
THE SATURDAY CHARACTER CLINIC is dedicated to discovering how thoughtful questions help writers to better understand their character.
THE QUESTION CORNER
Does your character have a secret passion that they would like to pursue?
WHY THIS QUESTION MATTERS?
The question matters because it allows the reader to see behind the walls of the character and into her emotions. A character may act in a particular way, but would choose to act differently. For example, a magical being may act as an assistant to another wizard, but would like to use nature magic to grow crops or magical plants instead. She may need the money, may be trapped by a powerful spell, or be trapped by family duties.
The question also becomes a vehicle for tension and inner growth. The individual’s hidden life may clash with reality, and cause the character to grow emotionally, and to become more mature.
This inner clash, and the description of emotions, makes the character feel more human to the reader, it also deepens the impact of the story.
UNLOCKING THE CHARACTER - QUESTIONS BENEATH THE SURFACE.
Below are some of the basic questions when starting to plot a character. This is not a complete list, but it will start the conversation.
If a character did not have to work. or did not have family obligations, what would she do every day.
What belief makes the character think they should or shouldn’t be doing something different?
Why are they stuck and what would it take to get them to move on to do what they desire?
What kind of emotion does this belief bring?
Do they have any daily habits that hint at their desire?
How are they spiritually connected to this desire?
If they choose to pursue this desire, how will it change them. Will it be better or worse?
POCKET-SIZED WORKOUT- TRY IT YOURSELF
Write a short paragraph describing a character’s secret passion. What will they do to obtain it? Why do they want this?
CHECK IN
Is there a core passion that you would like to achieve? How does this affect your writing?
NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION
What is your character most afraid of and why?
Today, may the sun shine down and warm your soul.
