"How to Make Your Characters Memorable" by Joan Y. Edwards
Will Readers Remember Your Character Tomorrow? Why? What is it about them that is so memorable? Why do you remember certain people you've met in your lifetime? I think these are the same reasons people remember characters. You remember people because of something they did for you or the way you felt when you were with them. You remember people because of their ability to do things you would like to do. You remember them because of the risk and sacrifice they took to reach a goal. You remember people you would like to know better.
As a writer, you want readers, editors, and agents to want to know your characters better. As a matter of fact, you want them obsessed with the desire to know your characters better. Make your readers yearn with every part of their being to have.a copy of your book to find out more about this character. Put your characters in a situations and give them traits that make readers addicted to them.. Entice readers into your books with your memorable characters. How do you do that?
1. Give him one really big flaw:
A big nose like Jimmy Durante
Very short like the seven little dwarfs
No tact like Mr. Hart, the Boss in 9 to 5
2. Make him do something surprising, perhaps the opposite of what you'd expect:
Run for President when he is disorganized and panics under stress
Save someone from drowning when he cannot swim
Apply for a job to clean houses when his house is a dump.
3. Make his clothing or apparel stand out:
Like the old raincoat that Columbo wore
Like the books, Fancy Nancy or Pinkilicious.
The Hulk, Superman, Spiderman, Star Wars Storm Troopers
4. Make his mode of transportation stand out:
Old car
Taxi
Tractor
5. Give reasons for readers to care about him:
"Uh oh! Now he's in really big trouble."
"Will he make it?"
"I know just how he feels."
If you add these dimensions to your main character, readers will remember him in their hearts forever. He will be unforgettable to your readers. You can count on it.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Enjoyed the post. Great characters make great books!
ReplyDeleteDear Janet,
DeleteThanks for writing. I am glad you enjoyed my post. You are right. Great characters make great books.
Never Give Up
Joan
Your post is timely for me, Joan. I'm struggling with a character that's not as likeable as she needs to be in the beginning. I realize I need to jump on #2 & have her do something opposed to her problem of food addiction like maybe teach an exercise class. Ha! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDear Janet,
DeleteThanks for writing. I am glad that this post was very timely for you. Making your character have a surprising good trait mixed in with the flaws is a great idea, I think. It would be fun to read a excerpt from your manuscript.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Joan,
ReplyDeleteGreat tips on improving characterization. Thanks for another great resource.
Dear Linda,
DeleteThank you for writing. I am excited that you think my post contains great tips for improving characterization.
Great tips, Joan! It's all in the details! Thank you for pointing out specific ways we can creatively make our characters memorable.
ReplyDeleteDear Suzanne,
DeleteThanks for writing. I am happy that you thought these raw great tips. You are right. It is all in the details.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Great tips, Joan! It's all in the details! Thank you for pointing out specific ways we can creatively make our characters memorable.
ReplyDeleteDear Suzanne,
DeleteThanks for writing. You are right. The details writers give make the characters memorable.
NeverGive Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Great ideas.. It motivates me a lot what to do in writing..
ReplyDeletebusiness credibility
Dear Maricor,
DeleteThanks for writing. I am delighted that this post helped you see what to doinwriting.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Joan, great tips. I love your examples. I loved Columbo!
ReplyDelete