"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
