Five answers. Now, what was the question?
The ingenious post by Barbara Poelle at the Hey, There’s A Dead Guy in the Living Room prompted this idea. Although I don’t write mysteries or thrillers, I took the advice she gave to an author — to write 20 character traits of her main character that were either demonstrated, or not, in her manuscript. I can see how this serves as a reminder to the essence of a character, because just like with real people, sometimes we take those closest to us for granted. And maybe, just maybe, you’ve forgotten some intricacies of that one person whose story you tell. After all, how much closer can you get to someone than when they live in your head?
If anyone else has suggested this, perhaps I wasn’t paying attention (that happens sometimes and timing is everything).
I didn’t do 20. It’s Sunday morning. Not enough coffee for that.
Here are five traits of my MC.
1. She twirls a ring on her finger.
2. She always makes her bed.
3. She lights candles, usually lavender.
4. She loves kids, hers and everyone else’s.
5. Her home is a gathering place.
I forgot about the bed-making thing. In chaos it’s the one thing she can always do. I certainly do not understand that, but it’s what she does. As for me? I make my bed before I get in it at night. I know it makes no sense, but my daughter does that too, so at least the genes are consistent.
Share your five in the comments or…just think it through and remind yourself of some details you may have forgotten.
Hi Amy,
I saw this linked at Janet’s – and it’s the first time I’ve seen this exercise, too! I have to think on it a bit…
1. He likes to laugh, even when it’s at himself
2. He’ll lie when he has to, but he tries to make up for it in some way
3. When he forgets his keys, he gets in through the old milk door in the back (he’s fourteen at the start – don’t try this at home if you happen to have an old milk door that’s not bricked over)
4. He’s very intelligent, but most of his friends don’t realize exactly how far ahead he is.
5. If he’s not smoking, he shoves his hands in his pockets because he never knows quite what to do with them.
Merry,
#3 is my favorite. Great imagery. Also it made me think more about characteristics of my own characters, because of your details. Thanks!!
Amy
Hi Amy,
1) She is very old on the outside but very young on the inside
2) She is known as much for her social life as she is for her personality
3) She travels quite a bit
4) She lives near the sea
5) She has a great many odd hobbies
Val,
#4 — oh, that alone says a lot about someone. Is this your current WIP? Can’t wait to read.
Amy
Excellent exercise! I’ll be thinking on this one.
What a great exercise. I need to do this with my manuscript, especially since I’m in the editing phase. Thanks, Amy! (And thanks for your wonderful comment on my blog the other day.
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ooh! I love this! This is what I do when i’m working on a new character in a play… I come up with all the subtle quirks that the writer never imagined, but make her so much more real for me and the audience. What a great idea to use it for your book too!
I saw her post yesterday and think it’s such good advice. I made a note to figure out a few quirks for my MC, but I haven’t done it yet…
Yep, it’s my book. Almost finished and soon to Lulu. I’m think I’ve developed nitpickyitis aka I can’t let my book baby go out in the big bad world. Oh well, time and sales will tell I guess.
Hi Amy. It’s been awhile since I’ve been over here, but I’m back! I love this idea. I might have to try it as I plan my next novel. Great suggestion.
I am not a writer, but I can SO relate to making the bed. I cant go out of the house without my bed being made. I think this could be my obsessive-compulsive thing. If the bed isnt made by 9am, throws off my entire day. Every Saturday, change the linens, fluff the down mattress cover. …and why did I have to give all this detail???
I like your MC already.