Make Characters More Realistic

Brainstorm all the qualities, weaknesses, quirks and relationships your character has. This will help you to create a more convincing persona.
For example:

STACEY
Sporty, vegetarian, stubborn, persuasive, likes to get her own way, considerate, is in love with Billy, hates cheese.

BILLY
Head of the football club, is Joanna's brother, likes to hang out with Stacey, athletic, usually calm, accident-prone, loves pickles.

Comments for Make Characters More Realistic

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Nov 09, 2009
 Draw 'em...If you're the artsy type, anyway
by: Anonymous

I will take months drawing and redrawing my characters in a sketchbook dedicated to them (Don't believe I do this before I begin writing...Because I would have no idea what they should look like). I try to imagine them before me and envision what expressions they would wear, how they might stand, and their clothing and hairstyles. I find their surroundings are also very important, as well as anything they are holding or interacting with.
I will myself to really feel who they are. Drawing them out helps me to imagine scenes better. I feel as though I have really "created" them. I can see my little pieces of artwork and say that they could really exist; that they are believable.
This does, however, sometimes get to me, especially when I feel I haven't done them justice. Once I do have it right, though, it helps me understand the characters better...Although maybe its just me...Or perhaps I only draw them to take a break from writing... :D Anyway hope I helped...But really...don't go insane if this doesn't work for you.
Dec 28, 2008
 Building Characters
by: Audrey

Some writers cut out characters from magazines or catalogs to help them think of the physical characteristics as well.

Audrey

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