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Today’s Writing Tip

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Have you ever read a story where the characters were entirely flat? So boring you knew they couldn’t possibly be real? These are called “cardboard characters” which refers to those who have no personality.

Usually this won’t be a problem for your protagonist. There are exceptions, of course, such as when your story is so plot driven that the people populating it are simply moving it along. Even when this is the case, it’s important to make them real and relatable.

For your main characters, make sure they have likes, dislikes, and opinions so they act like real people. Let them come alive. Unique gestures and mannerisms help as well as a distinct appearance. Walk-ons or minor characters can be made to stand out in that manner as well.

They say good-looking people are less memorable because their faces are symmetrical. Think about those you remember, either in fiction or real life. Giving distinguishing features to your characters can make them more memorable as well.

Today’s Writing Tip

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A chapter outline can be a useful tool, but don’t feel as if it’s engraved in stone. When you start forcing your characters to do your bidding instead of what they want to do, the reader will sense this disparity. Giving your character free rein often brings great plot twists.

When you find that your character wants to do something different than you’d planned, this is an excellent sign that you’ve created a credible one. Cardboard characters are like puppets and will do exactly what you tell them to do, but they also won’t be convincing individuals. No real person is 100% predictable and your characters shouldn’t be, either. If he or she gets himself into more trouble, it contributes to your story, especially when you also allow him or her to find a way out.

I think it’s a lot of fun when a character is in a self-imposed bind that I have no clue how to solve. That’s when I just let him or her figure it out. If I don’t know how it’s going to turn out, it should add to the suspense, assuming the reader won’t know, either.

Today’s Writing Tip

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“Cardboard characters” are those that have no personality. Make sure yours have likes, dislikes, and opinions so they act like real people. If necessary, keep a list of each character’s physical and personality traits on file if they’re not vivid enough in your mind without it. Readers notice if your hero’s eyes are blue on one page and green on another. Same goes for that couch or car! Never underestimate how astute your readers may be! Otherwise you’re likely to find out when they give you a lousy review.