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Back to the Basics Writing Workshop 10/16/2006 9:03:36 AM
Characterization--introduction
Hello Gentle Readers!
I thought that for a change of pace, I'd start doing mini-workshops on the basics of writing. One of my favorite jobs as a writer is getting the chance to create new characters, so I thought a good place to start would be taking a closer look at characters and characterization.
Characterization is one of the key elements in developing good fiction. One definition I have is from the Wekipedia Encyclopedia online which states:
“Characterization can involve developing a variety of aspects of a character, such as appearance, age, gender, educational level, vocation or occupation, financial status, marital status, social status, hobbies, religious beliefs, ambitions, motivations, etc., …the psychological makeup of a fully developed storybook character involves fears, emotions, backstory, issues, beliefs, practices, desires, and intentions. Often these can be shown through the actions and language of the character, rather than by telling the reader directly."
In essays or novels, characterization is character development, which helps to establish the theme in our stories.
Characterization can be presented either directly or indirectly: Direct characterization takes place when the author literally tells the audience what a character is like. In indirect characterization, the audience must deduce for themselves what the character is like through the character's thoughts, actions, speech, looks and interaction with other characters.”
It is important for the reader to identify with our characters. They must be sympathetic and believable or we risk losing the reader’ s interest. One way of making a reader sympathetic to the hero is to use an example of an emotion that is common to us all. Fear, dread, anxiety.
In other words, characters are the tools through which we tell our story. In order to attract our readers and to keep them turning pages of our novels, it's important to create full, multifacited individuals that are both exciting and believable. Our hero and heroine must be smart and sympathetic. The writer must also create unique individuals who are easily identifiable to the reader and who are far from cardboard stereotypes that are often found in fiction.
Think for a minute of the character Sam Spade. In writing this fascinating character, Dashiell Hammett brilliantly created the quintessential popular fiction hero. A hard boiled detective, Spade was the sort of character that set the mold for generations of crime novels. Our job as writers is to capture that same spirit with our own heros without copying the character type. This is not an easy task, by the way. Now, consider of all the action adventure films you've seen in your lifetime and how many Sam Spade clones take center stage in them.
Okay, since this is a 'workshop,' and if you're interested, here's a little work for you. List 25 of your favorite characters. They can be from books, movies, television, or even video games. Once you've made your list, write 5 things about each one of them that make them stand out in your mind. Why are you attracted to them? Is it their appearance? Their arrogance? Their strength of character? Do you like them? Hate them? Want to be them? You get the picture.
Now, you don't have to, but if you'd like the chance to share your observations with the group, you can email me and I'll pick a few of the posts I get to include in a future blog. At the end of the Characterization workshop, I'll pick one participant and give them a free copy of one of my books!
Next time, we'll take a look a character types and begin work on a very popular tool among writers--the character worksheet. Once we have that tool in place, we'll finish the workshop on characterization by examining the components that help us to shape our characters.
I hope this helps those of you who have taken on the challenge of becoming a writer. Also, if any of you have any ideas or requests for future blog workshops, (blogshops?) drop me a line.
You can write to me at: www.pamlabud.pamlabud.com. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you! Happy Reading (and Writing)! Take care, Pam.
P.S. Oh, if you get the chance, check out my other website, www.pamlabud.com. I just had it totally revamped! It's way cool. Cheers! P.
