Last week, we looked briefly at ways that one might prepare for "life" during NaNoWriMo. This week, we'll look at characterization.
I realize that relatively few of us are sitting down looking at a blank sheet with no ideas, but if you need some help building a novel, there are lot of places to start. Today we'll start looking at that.
Specifically, novel development from "A Character with a problem," standpoint.
Far be it from me to dissuade you from filling out your 40-page characterization questionnaire. If that's your jam, and you're having fun doing it that way, more power to you.
I'm going to suggest a few formulas that will get you from a blank space to a dynamic somebody for all of those characters you're currently scratching your head about.
1. Something very simple you can use in just a few minutes: Three positive traits and a negative trait.
You can make a spreadsheet to roll these randomly (I know, I've done it).You can ask a friend to do it for you (And I've done that, too).You can ask each of four friends to suggest one piece (Sounds like a great exercise for a write-in).
2. You can develop a character using a Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator Test.
Taking the MBTI on behalf of your characters is a tried-and-true method of nailing down personality traits. These are all over the internet and are not hard to find. Let me know if you have a favorite online test to share.
3. You can use the "Hogwarts" Formula:
Name
Hogwarts House
What makes them special
Role in Story
For Example (from the first book):
Neville Longbottom. Hogwarts House. Bullied. Gives Harry opportunities to show virtue, and he challenges Harry when he's about to break the rules in a potentially costly way.
These are just the ones that I've come up with off the top of my head. If you've got a characterization method that has served you well in a pinch, come over to the Discord and share it!
As a reminder, send an e-mail to redstickwrimos (at) gmail.com for an invitation to the Discord server!
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